Miami Marlins Still Pursuing Pitching Depth

Despite boasting a large group of starting pitching prospects in the minor leagues, the Marlins continued their chorus of chasing after starting pitching this offseason to Joe Frisaro, an MLB blogger for the Miami Marlins. It seems counterproductive to spend all of these draft picks on pitching depth, only to turn around and pursue more pitching through trades (Jarred Cosart) and free agency, but that is the path that the Marlins have chosen.

“Until Jose does return, we want to make our pitching staff as strong as can be,” Hill said. “This past season, I think you saw a rotation that started off very well with a healthy Jose. When Jose went down, we had difficulty filling out a productive five-man rotation.”

It seems like the Marlins are doing their best to prove the saying that you can never have enough pitching. Unfortunately, I don’t agree with this approach. There is little reason to not offer Justin Nicolino or Andrew Heaney a roster spot this upcoming year. One of them would be a capable fill in until Jose Fernandez returns to the Marlins, likely around the All-Star break.

That would provide the Fish with a rotation of Henderson Alvarez, Nathan Eovaldi, Jarred Cosart, Heaney, and Tom Koehler, who more than acquired himself as a 5th starter this past season. That is a rotation that could keep you in the hunt for the first half of 2015 with a mediocre lineup. It is not necessary to add another starter. Who would you remove when Fernandez rejoined the team?

The only scenario that makes any sense is if the Marlins are seriously considering moving Eovaldi to the bullpen. There are positives and negatives to that potential move, and I am not going to get into them now, but it would provide some interesting scenarios. Other than an Eovaldi move to the bullpen, it would be a poor choice to add another starter through free agency this year. Instead, use that money to improve the right side of the infield, or lock up Gold Glove winner Christian Yelich to a long-term deal.

Those are my thoughts, what do you think? Let me know in the comments below!