Marlins reliever Kevin Gregg has recovered from knee tendinitis, but he’s still not getting his closer job back from Matt Lindstrom as promised. Gregg sees this as a sign he’ll be traded this winter, and many writers have speculated the same.
Gregg, 30, has a 3.66 ERA in 64 innings this year. He saved 61 games for the Marlins over the past two seasons despite shaky control (4.56 walks per nine innings). He’s throwing harder than ever this year (93.2 mph on average). Gregg will receive a raise upon his $2.5MM salary via arbitration this winter. After ’09 he’ll be a free agent.
Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes are the top free agents with a closer pedigree. Brandon Lyon and Eddie Guardado are other possibilities. Gregg may join Huston Street on the trade market. The Indians intend to add a closer, while the Tigers, Mets, and Cardinals could also be in the market.
