Marlins 2014 Trade Grades: Logan Morrison for Carter Capps

In addition to our annual review of the Marlins players that are currently on the roster, we are also going to take a look back at the trades that the Marlins made before and during the season. We will look at the parameters of the trade, and then offer our grade on them based on a few factors.

The first criteria that we are going to look at is player performance. We will compare stats between the traded parties looking at what the production was that was traded and received.

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The second criteria will be value. This can include current and future value. For instance, if we were grading a hypothetical trade in which Christian Yelich was traded for Yadier Molina, we would likely reach a consensus that next year that would be better for the Marlins, but in 3 years, we may regret that trade, and unless Molina helped the Marlins reach the World Series, it may be ultimately be a negative.

The third criteria will be re-execution. That simply means, if either side called today to “trade back” the players that were in the trade, would anyone say no, and who would it be?

Of course we will be looking at these trades from a Marlins perspective, so if the Marlins have a surplus of pitching, and they deal from that surplus, then that will be viewed as more favorable than a getting back someone that may not be the best fit.

The first trade we are going to look at is Carter Capps for Logan Morrison.

Capps for Lomo:B-

Thinking back to the offseason, there was a time that seemed very tense for the Marlins. Rumors had been swirling that Miami was interested in signing Garrett Jones to play first base, but they already had a supposedly healthy LoMo at that position. In fact, many wanted to give Morrison a shot at the position since he was healthy for the first time in years.

The tricky part was if the Marlins signed Jones prior to a trade, they would immediately lose any leverage that they had in dealing Morrison. They would practically have to give him away, but if they traded him first and didn’t get Jones, they would be without a first baseman.

The Marlins executed the balancing act and got their man in Jones while getting a decent bullpen arm who projected to be a potential closer. So how did each player perform this season?

To the surprise of nobody, Morrison against spent a large amount of the season on the disabled list. 2014 marked the 3rd consecutive year that LoMo was unable to play in 100 games in a season. His WAR was 1.0, roughly translating to a 1.5 WAR if he had been healthy all year. He slashed .262/.315/.420.

It was nice to see Morrison’s power stroke return as he seemed to benefit from getting out of Marlins Park by hitting 11 home runs, 38 RBI’s, and scoring 41 runs.

It seems like this is the player that Morrison is, and will be for the foreseeable future. Someone who is consistently injured, and provides just below replacement value when he is healthy.

Sep 20, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Carter Capps (22) throws against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Marlins Ballpark. The Nations won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Capps joined the Marlins after a season with the Seattle Mariners in which he struggled to find a rythym. Some thought that the big right hander just needed a change of scenery.

In a surprise move, the Marlins started Capps in the minor leagues before a midseason call-up. The call-up would be short lived after a shoulder injury sidelined Capps a month later. During that time he surrendered 4 runs in 12 innings. When he returned in September he allowed 2 runs in  8 innings before a disastrous final appearance in which he gave up 3 runs while recording only 1 out.

Overall Capps posted a 3.98 ERA, although his 2.35 FIP indicate that he was a little unlucky. He didn’t record a decision and only logged 1 hold, but he did manage to strike out 25 batters in 20.1 innings.

By bringing in Capps, I wouldn’t say that the Marlins were exactly filling a position of need, not that they were really looking to. They are obviously playing for a couple of years down the road, and Carter should fit well into those plans. This move allows Miami to move on from A.J. Ramos or Steve Cishek should either player become too expensive.

I would say that this season was a bit of a disappointment for Capps, although his numbers do speak to some promise in the future. Ultimately, I believe that Miami would be the first club to say no if offered a do-over on the trade. For that reason, along with the fact that Miami has Capps under contract at a better price for longer, I would say that Miami won this trade.

What do you think about the grade? What grade would you give? Let us know in the comments below!