Fansided Faux Winter Meetings Wrap-Up for Marlin Maniac

Oct 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez (13) scores a run past St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) in the 6th inning during game four of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Free Agent Signings:

Signed 3B Hanley Ramirez to a 6-year $120 million deal; Option for 7th year; NTC:
This option was never on the table for us, until we learned the details of Stanton’s contract. While the 6-year deal is an overpay, he makes $15 million in 2015 and fit into the Marlins plans as a long-term guy to boost the lineup. I was never interested in the Pablo Sandoval sweepstakes and a home run like Hanley felt like more excitable than a Chase Headley signing.

Bringing Hanley home was my goal from the time I realized I could fit him into the budget. He fills a huge hole at third base for the team long-term as well as provides a huge bat that could do well in the same lineup as Stanton.

Signed UT Emilio Bonifacio to a 3-year $10 million deal:

A chance to bring home another former Marlin was not lost upon me. Bonifacio will fill the role that had been occupied by Ed Lucas the past few seasons. He steps in as the fourth outfielder and is an option to start a chunk of games at second.

Another major reason for bringing Boni on board was because of the success the Kansas City Royals in their world series run. Emilio immediately fills that role for the Marlins, as a pinch running extraordinaire.

If the Derek Dietrich and Jeff Baker platoon at second doesn’t pan out, Bonifacio is first in line to receive the majority of the playing time at second base.

Signed C David Ross to 1-year $1.5 million deal:

Ross replaces the vacated roster spot by Jeff Mathis and gives Realmuto a bit of more time to develop in the minor leagues. He makes a little more than Mathis would have had he been kept on the roster. In his two seasons with the Red Sox, Ross was worth a 1.1 WAR compared to Mathis being worth a -.04 WAR. So that extra $0.5 million could become a factor.

Next: Trades (part 2)