Rockies Have “Mild” Interest in Dan Haren; Drew Stubbs A Possible Return?

The Marlins have yet to find a taker for Dan Haren, but some surprising teams are starting to show interest. According to Jon Morosi of FOX SPORTS, the Colorado Rockies have “mild interest” in trading for starting pitcher Dan Haren. The Giants were also said to be involved in discussions but Morosi also tweeted that the Giants active dialogue with the Marlins has ended.

It is getting old and rather irritating that Haren desires to pitch for a west coast team that also has a spring training in Arizona. Coors Field would not be welcoming to Haren, as he is known as a fly ball pitcher. Nevertheless, that is something Haren will have to deal with if dealt there. Haren needs to realize that no one wants his salary for his services. He is an innings eater but he is not a pitcher worth $10 million. If he does get traded to Colorado, he will be definitely closer to home than if he were to stay in Miami. Now with the Giants off the table, there is not really any west coast team that wants Haren. Only the Athletics are left however they seem to like their young options in their rotation.

What can the Marlins get in return? It is widely known that the Marlins are in need of a 4th outfielder. Miami is in search of a man who can play all three outfield spots, especially having the ability to play center field at Marlins Park. The Rockies have an interesting candidate in Drew Stubbs. Stubbs really only plays center field but some suggest he can play all three spots. Stubbs had a good season last year with Colorado. He hit .289 with 15 HR and 43 RBI’s in 132 games. He also stole 20 bases which can provide speed which is something the Marlins lacked much of last season. Stubbs’ OBP was at .339 while slugging .482. Stubbs also hit lefties very well last season, posting a .328 average against them. Since he did play in Coors field the numbers are hard to evaluate. He hit only .211 on the road with 3 homers and 10 RBI’S.

However, when Stubbs was in Cincinnati, he was a pretty solid player not including his last year there in 2012.

The Rockies have apparently received multiple calls on Stubbs over the past week and if I were the Marlins, I would give them a call. Haren is an issue the Marlins do not need right now, and they could solve another task on their to-do list by acquiring Stubbs. The Marlins have more important things to worry about than Dan Haren. They have to deal with their arbitration players and get back to contract extension conversations with their young stars. If they can’t trade Haren, forget him. Let him retire and use the money elsewhere.

Next: Marlins Sign Catcher Arturo Rodriguez