Miami Marlins Paul Clemens Analysis

The other reason that we’re seeing a Paul Clemens type, and not some variation of Cosart/Urena/Narveson is that the front office is just looking at him as a placeholder until they make a real roster upgrade in July.  Or more to the point, get a better feel for if they will be buyers or sellers in the midsummer trade marketplace.

The Marlins woke up this morning in second place in the NL East, and securely in possession of one of the National League’s two Wild Card spots. They’re a season best five games over .500, a claim they could last make one day before Jose Fernandez suffered his season ending, Tommy John requiring injury in 2014.  A win tonight requires a trip back to the 2012 standings.  While not necessarily saying a lot, this is probably the best team the Fish have fielded since 2010.  At minimum.

Of course, that could easily change.  If the club falls back behind the pack, and especially if they fall below .500 to stay, then eyes will shift to what is best for the 2017 model.  Those plans will very likely include determining for good and for all if Cosart/Urena/Nicolino are worth counting on.  But whether Miami contends this year or not, none of those three names are ready right now to help consistently at the MLB level.  Letting Nicolino and the rest get their footing in the minors makes all the sense in the world.  Gain some confidence, shutdown some inferior competition, pad those stat lines and work on their craft.

And if Miami is still in the race in late July, you have chips to deal.

That the farm system is bereft of a bevy of commodities is no secret.  The Marlins spent big prospect wise for 2015, and the only move that could be called a success is currently serving out his PED suspension.  Top remaining prospect Tyler Kolek is out for the season with an arm injury.  So the team needs to put some window dressing on their MLB level arms.  Especially in the case of Nicolino; if he can log a month of minor league starts in line with his career numbers at that level, he arguably becomes the best trade chip Michael Hill can place on the table.

Cosart is far more likely to regain control at New Orleans than in Miami, and once he does, probably needs a scenery change anyway; he thinks he’s an MLB starting pitcher, and Marlins brass continues to politely and correctly disagree.  Urena could still have upside, but needs a lot more refining.

Narveson is in the unique spot of being a two-way trade piece. He’s actually been close to excellent over the last month, to the point some team might be willing to role the dice on him as a bullpen option.  My money is on the Marlins brass not wanting to risk making him look unattractive; whether they end up buying or selling, he’s going next month.

So until we know where we stand, we have Paul Clemens.  He’ll keep us in games- until we either move to do a lot better, or start prepping for next season.