Miami Marlins RTD 3/28: Ozuna, Ichiro,

Marlins fine replacing Carter Capps in house, or do they need to make a move?  

Sean Millerick: Yes, they do.  But sadly, I can’t imagine what it would be.  A.J. Ramos is solid, reliable, consistent….and not scary.  Capps could terrify a lineup; his unique delivery actually made his pitches look faster than they were, and he was usually throwing 100mph.  To contend, they’ll need another piece, and getting one will be cheaper in March than July.

Eddie Noy: Assuming Capps doesn’t pull a Pat Venditte and starts pitching with his other arm… still no, they certainly do not need to look outside. Relief pitching is the ultimate fungible asset in baseball (maybe glove only, middle infielders). Any number of spent starters can be remolded into serviceable relievers. So why spend money, you otherwise refuse to spend, when any number of guys can throw 45 pitches a week? Barraclough, Ellington, Wittgren were all optioned recently, call a couple up and see who gets hot in April. Remember kids: Closing is not a skill and Closer is not a position, it’s a role. One that has a shorter history than the DH.   

Eric Quiñones: The Marlins need to make a move and find a proven closer. They’ve experimented with guys in the past, like last season when they tried Aj Ramos as a closer and it didn’t quite work out. He was inconsistent as a closer and blew a few saves for the Fish. I don’t know who would be an option in house. I think they need to make a move and find a proven closer that can get the job done consistently night in and night out.  

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