Marlins Rumors: Greg Dobbs Not a Lock for Roster Spot?

Mar 9, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Greg Dobbs (29) puts the ball in play against the Detroit Tigers at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

For the past three/four seasons, Marlins fans have dealt with a meddlesome owner, one that has gone over the heads of his baseball operations people to sign, trade, or even rescind promotions for players, just because he feels like it. In 2014, it has been reported that he has decided to take a step back from interfering with his front office’s work.

One positive sign that owner Jeffery Loria is not meddling in the Miami Marlins day-to-day baseball affairs: Greg Dobbs is not a lock to make the Marlins final 25-man roster, according to Tom D’Angelo of the Palm Beach Post.

"The infield is muddled with Rafael Furcal’s balky hamstring which is keeping alive the possibility of Derek Dietrich or Donovan Solano starting at second to open the season and Solano and Ed Lucas still in the picture for a backup spot. And Greg Dobbs’ $1.7 million contract does not automatically gain him a spot on the roster."

Dobbs owns a .231/.214/.231 slash line this spring and has just a .302 wOBA for his career, has been on the Marlins roster for the past three seasons. In that span, Dobbs has posted a .267/.310/.366 slash line, good for a .296 wOBA with the team. He has been forced into the starting lineup multiple times due to injuries at first and third base.

While he has been a decent pinch hitter, the main reason for his role on the Marlins has been to “provide leadership.” Now that the Marlins team is full of veteran players, maybe the Marlins feel Dobbs has fulfilled his purpose as a Marlin and it might be time to move on?

This is not the first time we’ve heard the Marlins wanting to cut ties with Dobbs in the past calendar year. During the off-season, the Marlins were rumored to be shopping Dobbs around the league.

If the Marlins do end up letting Dobbs walk, it will be interesting to see how the Marlins fill out their bench.