Dan Haren to Marlins: I’d like to pitch elsewhere

The Dan Haren saga seems to be unending at this point as another report has surfaced surrounding the right hander. According to multiple reports, Haren has contacted the Marlins and expressed to them that he desires to pitch elsewhere. According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.COM, Haren also conveyed that he would like to pitch for a west coast team, if possible, one that has spring training in Arizona.

The Marlins acquired Haren in a trade at the winter meetings than included the remaining $10 million on his contract, as well as second baseman Dee Gordon, for a prospect package in return to the Dodgers. Haren had expressed his desire to stay in the west coast for the remainder of his career long before any news of a trade to Miami. Once the trade was completed and Haren was called by the Dodgers, Miami was next to speak to Haren. The Marlins advised Haren of a young Marlins team that is on the rise and has many expectations for years to come. Haren told the Marlins he had to talk with his family and he will get back to them. Haren has finally done that and stays his course in not wanting to pitch in Miami and/or far from home.

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Are there any takers? Well looking at the teams on the west coast that have spring training in Arizona, it is not a long list. Angels, Dodgers, Athletics, Giants, and maybe even Arizona. If he wants them to have spring training in Arizona, why not just stay and pitch there. The Angels have expressed that they will not have any trade talks with Miami involving Haren, and the Dodgers traded for him, so that leaves the Athletics and Giants. The Giants are in search of a starting pitcher and are seemingly “out” on James Shields, so that could be a possibility. The Marlins have already been in contact with San Francisco this off-season as they traded McGehee to them for two minor league pitchers. The Athletics have had a busy off-season and are in much need of pitching after losing Jeff Samardzija, Jon Lester, and Jason Hammel. The Marlins could ask for outfielder Craig Gentry in return, as Miami is in search for a fourth outfielder.

It is getting more clearer that Haren has no intentions to pitch in South Florida. If Miami has no buyers, they will let Haren retire and maybe turn to some internal candidates. David Phelps who was recently acquired from the Yankees could be the first man up. Miami will not give up the $10 million that was given to them from the Dodgers, making it harder for a team wanting to acquire him. The Haren saga doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.