Philliedelphia/ Danielle Wilson
Keyword: Might.
The Miami Marlins' owner Jeffrey Loria is onto something brilliant here. After firing Manager Ozzie Guillen after just one horrific season with the new-look Marlins, the Fish had a firesale. On Wednesday, the Blue Jays and Marlins did a bit of swapping, according to sources.
The deal is not settled, but it will more than likely include Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, John Buck, and Emilio Bonifacio. They will shipped up north to the Jays along with $4 million. This is saving the ballclub $150 million of payroll money. From the 2012 Opening Day roster, only two players remain: Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison. In return for those five players, the Marlins received Yunel Escobar, and three prospects.
However, the Marlins are currently shopping outfielder Logan Morrison, a fan favorite among the few left in south Florida. Who better for Phillies than a cheap outfielder that can hit? Should Ruben Amaro, Jr. not want to sign B.J. Upton for financial reasons (avoiding luxury tax), Morrison is the perfect fit.
The current outfielders on the trade block right now will be looking for long-term deals, and they won't come cheap. Shane Victorino is looking for more than two years, B.J. Upton is looking for six or seven, and Melky Cabrera is also looking for six or seven. With big names like that on the market, the Phillies could make a sneaky move by signing the young Morrison.
"LoMo," as his fans call him, missed a big chunk of last season with a knee injury. In 93 games this past season, Morrison posted a line of .230/.308/.399. He collected 68 hits and 36 RBI, mashing 11 homers and 15 doubles.
Logan spent most of his time in the outfield, mainly left. He initially came up to the majors in 2010 as a first baseman, where he has started 21 games overall at that position. The 25 year old could help on the infield corners, as well as the outfield. The Phillies are looking for help in both of those departments. Kevin Frandsen recently signed a one-year deal, and will see a lot of playing time with Freddy Galvis at third base. Ryan Howard will need a back-up should John Mayberry, Jr. be used in the outfield. Mayberry and Morrison go hand in hand.
In 2012 Logan made just $480,000. In other words, he'll come very cheap. A healthy Morrison is a hitting Morrison, and he could be very useful in the Phillies' lineup in 2013.
Considering that Giancarlo Stanton made $480,000 for last season, why can't the Phillies have both?
Posted by: Alek Dean Maskery | November 14, 2012 at 10:21 PM