The Marlins' search for relievers has led them back to Armando Benitez. They plan to sign the long-time closer and assign him to Triple A, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Spencer notes that Benitez will likely be in uniform for the New Orleans Zephyrs tonight, assuming he passes his physical (Twitter link). It was apparent that the Marlins were looking for relief help, but this agreement is a definite surprise.
Benitez, who saved 47 games for the 2004 Marlins, last pitched in the majors with the Blue Jays in 2008. The Astros signed him last year, but he never appeared in a major league game for Houston. Benitez, now 37, ranks 23rd all-time with 289 career saves. He has closed for the Orioles, Mets, Giants and, of course, the Marlins.
BravosFan91
And the Marlins continue to make wtf moves. One less team in the mix for the NL East.
Devern Hansack
Minor league depth signings by teams typically cripple their chances at making the playoffs.
marlinsfanatic
Armando? Haha love the guy in 2005 but doubt hes going to be effective again. Hope he proves me wrong.
55saveslives
o.O
mookie_and_doc
This guarantees that Bobby V. doesn’t take the managerial gig. He probably still has nightmares about Game 1 of the 2000 World Series.
bigpat
Wow, typical Marlins move. Not sure what signing was better, him or Turnbow? They needed a reliever for two seasons now, why don’t they just go out and get one instead of complaining about it?
ugen64
they’re really good at finding relievers off the scrap heap. Joe Nelson, Leo Nunez, Brian Sanches, Kiko Calero, Brendan Donnelly to name a few…
Nicolas_C
I wouldn’t consider trading Mike Jacobs, who hit like 33 homers the year before, for Nunez picking him up off the scrap heap.
Cameron Nelson
Considering the flop he was for the Royals and Mets, and Nunez’s return, I think the Marlins came out on top on that deal. They mainly just got lucky with that one though.
Nicolas_C
Yea I know, my point though was that it can’t be considered “off the scrap heap” when he was acquired in such a fashion.
retirenutting
Pittsburgh will trade you Evan Meek and Steve Pearce for Logan Morrison. Just sayin.
coolstorybro222
that’s a stupid trade.
coolstorybro222
that’s a stupid trade.
$1846466
He was awesome with the Marlins that one year. It’d be ironic if Bobby V got to coach Armando Benitez again. 10 years ago they were in a WS together (and Benitez gave up that notorious home run). Good for Armando though. Him and Edgardo Alfonzo never want to stop giving up.