Bendix, Marlins Expected to Have a Quiet Offseason

Peter Bendix arrived at the Winter Meetings, an environment familiar to him. This year’s meetings had a different feel for new Marlins' president of baseball operations. He entered this week’s meeting just a month after leaving Tampa. It’s the first time he’s left an organization in his professional MLB career. He spent 14 years with the Rays, where he started as an intern. 

Bendix has one goal this offseason: getting to know the Miami Marlins. 

For Bendix, this year’s Winter Meetings meant he could meet with players and the front office under one roof for the first time since his hiring. He has mentioned several times that he was going to enjoy the opportunity to meet the staff and use it as a team bonding activityIn an interview with MLB Network Radio's Power Alley, Bendix said he will learn about the organization, the stats, and each player's strengths. In doing so, he stated he has to create his own opinion on the players, and at this point, he doesn’t feel comfortable giving away pieces. 

While adapting to his new team, Bendix did mention that the Marlins needed a shortstop. Historically, Bendix has chosen a defensive forward shortstop rather than a slugger. There might be a free agent signing soon for a veteran shortstop. Bendix visions a balanced and well-rounded lineup on both sides of the lineup - defensively and offensively. In an interview with Kyle Sielaff of Marlins Radio on the Marlins Instagram, he mentions having that balance of a group of baseball players who can score runs and save runs. Ideally, he wants players with a good wRC (weighted runs created) and a DRS (defensive runs saved). He also states that DRS is equally important, if not more important, than runs created. To his credit, an error can prolong an inning and increase pitches thrown on top of the run(s) scored by the opposition. The Marlins ranked in the bottom at DRS in the outfield position.

During his tenure with the Rays, Bendix and Rays Manager Kevin Cash had established a great relationship with the understanding of the stats behind their lineup and pitching decisions. The Rays and the newly appointed assistant GM of the Marlins, Gabe Kapler had tremendous success using an opener. When asked about using an opener or a specific pitching matchup during the season, Bendix stated, “It depends on Skip and Stott ; it depends on how they would like to deploy our players.” He added that there needs to be a conversation with the field staff to see how they want to utilize the players. Bendix also said he will not go in and tell managers this is how they have to play. He wants the message to come from the managers and work collectively on the best way to win a game.