Miami Marlins Rumors: Marlins NOT close to signing Jose Valverde

According to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com, the Miami Marlins are on the verge of signing Jose Valverde. Valverde spent the past three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, including 35 saves last season with the Tigers, before imploding and losing the role to Phil Coke.

Jose Valverde is on the verge of signing a 1-year deal with the Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Valverde posted an ERA of 3.78 and an FIP of 3.62. Valverde’s FIP was at a staggering 5.01 though. For his career, Valverde has an ERA/FIP of 3.11/3.53.

No word on what role the Marlins would bring Valverde into, but Steve Cishek is the incumbent closer, and is expected to maintain that role in 2013.

Valverde could be a interesting trade chip for the Marlins if he is able to pitch well in the first half of 2013, especially with his experience as a closer.

It should be noted that Valverde is a Scott Boras client. Boras earlier in the off season said he tells his clients to avoid signing long-term deals with the Marlins, due to their lack of credibility in holding onto to those contracts. Boras also represents free agent center fielder, Micheal Bourn, whom I suggest the Marlins should sign-and-trade.

We will have more details as they come out on the Jose Valverde signing.

11:30 PM Update: Turns out, the rumors of the Valverde signing are FALSE, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald: