MLB Rumors: Miami Marlins Not Trading Pitching?

Mar 3, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (33) throws against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, the big rumor surrounding the Miami Marlins was that the team was in active talks to trade Jacob Turner. That report however was quickly shot down by Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel.

"Don’t put too much stock in a national report that the Marlins are actively shopping starter Jacob Turner. According to a National League front office source, the Marlins told him Turner is not available.His team in need of starting pitching, the source specifically asked about Turner earlier this week. The Marlins made it clear Turner would open the season in the rotation."

Not only are the Marlins not considering trade Turner, who is just 23, at this point, they are not looking to trade any of their pitching depth at this point, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com:

"Teams are calling the Marlins regarding their surplus pitching, and the responses they are getting are: “Not interested.”It’s taken a few years of shrewd drafting, and some trades, to position the organization with an abundance of talented arms at the big league and Minor League levels.If possible, the club would like to keep every single arm that is under club control."

The Marlins are sitting in an envious situation. But their pitching depth is something that the team is not going to take fore-granted. A quick glance at the other teams in their division shows the Marlins that pitching depth can quickly be watered down. Just ask the Atlanta Braves.

Jacob Turner is now penciled in to be the Marlins fourth starter. Brad Hand and Tom Koehler are both competing for the fifth starter role. Both have pitched similarly well during the spring, each posting a 0.75 ERA.

Indications show that the Marlins are likely to hand the last rotation spot to Koehler with Hand serving as the second lefty out of the bullpen for the Marlins. Koehler could still be optioned to Triple-A, but Hand is out of options and has to make the team to have a chance to stay with the Marlins.

Though the Marlins are not interested in trading their starters for lineup help, continued problems with performance or injuries and the pitching in the minors continuing to excel could put the Marlins in a situation where they have to make a move to improve their major league lineup.