Marlins Invite More To Spring Training

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Juan Rodriguez, Marlins’ beat writer for the Sun Sentinel, is reporting that the Marlins have extended two more invitations to their Spring Training camp in February. One of those players was Henry Rodriguez, whom they just signed to a minor league deal.

Henry Rodriguez (26) is a right-handed relief pitcher from Venezuela. He has pitched for the Nationals, Athletics, and Cubs over his 5 year career in the big leagues. He has a career ERA of 4.24 to go along with 150 strikeouts in 148.2 innings pitched.

Rodriguez throws hard, and while with the Cubs, some in the organization believed that he could possibly attain a closer role in the future. Rodriguez’s eventual undoing was his lack of control. He walked nearly one out of every 6 batters faced, something that will need to improve if he want’s to stick in the major leagues.

This is a player that certainly has talent, and it is not a bad idea for Miami to take a chance on a guy with that much potential. I believe that he will find himself in AAA New Orleans unless the Miami bullpen faces a multitude of injuries. If he is able to improve, he might be a player that would be shopped at the deadline for a prospect.

The Marlins also invited second baseman Avery Romero to camp. Romero, a converted shortstop, was drafted in the third round of the 2012 draft by Miami. Ideally, Romero would be the second coming of Dan Uggla. The Marlins envisioned a strong second baseman with a great arm who could provide some power from the keystone position. In Romero’s short minor league career, that has not been the case. Keep in mind though, Romero is still only 20-years-old, and certainly has some room to grow. This will be a big year for Romero. If he is able to take the next step and start to demonstrate glimpses of potential power, he could have Marlins’ fans salivating in the years to come.

What are your expectations for these players? Are you excited about the signings that the Marlins have made this offseason? Let us know in the comments below!