The Marlins are wrapping up their brief pursuit of free agent reliever Rafael Soriano, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports on Twitter. Miami was said to be exploring the addition of Soriano to shore up the team’s problematic closing situation, but has apparently decided to take another route.
Given the short-lived (but reportedly serious) dalliance between the sides, it would appear that the obvious initial match did not ultimately result in an ability to gain traction on terms. The most recent report indicated that Miami’s interest was contingent on achieving a low price on the veteran.
That makes sense: after all, the team has serviceable internal options, can still hope for a return to form for Steve Cishek, and will always have a chance to pursue a trade if it remains in contention over the summer. Miami has been said from the time it moved Cishek out of the 9th inning to be open to numerous alternatives, and now figures to take its time in sorting out the back of the pen.
Melvin Mendoza, Jr.
Well that deescalated quickly
Dan Z
Soriano must be asking for a lot of money
BadBJay
when the fish found out he doesn’t work on Sundays…
MAC
What the hell is going on with him? I know he had a bad 2nd half but he still had an effective year. You would think that some team would’ve signed him for bullpen help by now. Is he asking for too much?
MAC
How much money is he asking for that he’s not signed yet? This is insane…
Mikenmn
One always wonders when it comes to a Boras client–was he asking for Robertson money and length, Miller money, or just an eight-figure “pillow” prorated for his time off.
Melvin Mendoza, Jr.
Is he a Boras client? b-ref doesn’t have him listed as one but also warns that its agent information may be shoddy
Mikenmn
there was a mlbtr post over the weekend, with Cafardo quoting Boras about Soriano interest
stymeedone
Gee, it’s only May. Why should Boras drop the price? It’s not like Soriano is old and has only a limited time left to pitch in baseball. Oh, wait….
frankiet91175
There aren’t any other teams knocking down the door either to sign him. Boras over values a lot of his clients. Look at Stephen Drew.
stymeedone
Do I have to?
Bill 21
Someone should file a complaint against Scott Boras for holding back Rafael Soriano, and damaging his earning capability in the major leagues.
Melvin Mendoza, Jr.
Nobody is forcing Soriano to be represented by him, or anyone
Bill 21
The original comment was constructed to be humorous.
But since you took it seriously, let’s look at it that way; The fact that “nobody is forcing Soriano to be represented by him, or anyone” hardly reduces Scott Boras’ responsibility.
If you took your car to a mechanic, and he charged you $800 for his services, but damaged your car, would the Small Claims Court Judge say: “Mr Melvin, nobody is forcing you to use this mechanic, or anyone else.”
Vandals Took The Handles
Last year Boras had 2 clients that didn’t go to spring training, signing signing after the season began – Morales and Drew. Neither did well – one was a DH and one was an inf. We can say that perhaps their timing was off not facing major league pitching. This is a pitcher so we’ll see how he goes.
Most, if not all, contending teams leave money in their budget to pick up veteran players during the season. Were I a contending GM, I’d want to see how a guy is pitching against major league hitters that year, before spending my money. I’d much rather give up a prospect and pay a salary, then spend the same amount on a pitcher that did not end the 2014 season well, and has not pitched against competition in 2015. The prospect is worth minimizing the risk.
4ester
They need to target Papelbon. One of Austin Dean/Isael Soto and Michael Mader for Papelbon and $8 million. Marlins are rich in outfielders, need to trade from a strength to address a weakness.
Solomon Crowe
or not trade anyone and use AJ Ramos.
4ester
That too, Ramos keeps getting better and better every year and he’s at the point in his career that they may want to put him into the role and see how he responds.
DavidL
Papelbon only has $10 million and some change left on his contract. Since you’re asking the Phillies to pay most of the contract you could at least offer players the Phillies might actually want. I doubt any of them interest the Phillies.
GoFish
Good. Ramos will be just fine in the role (I hope).
bobbleheadguru
Great use of the word “dalliance”.