Martín Prado

[Eye Black]

According to MLB Trade Rumors: "With the team set to be sold at some point in the near future, the Marlins appear to be lining up for some significant moves at the deadline. As Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports, the Fish appear to be targeting a few organizations in particular as they look to shop their biggest contracts. Marlins scouts are taking a hard look at the systems of the Yankees, Red Sox, Brewers, Rockies, and Cubs, per the report."

 

I am definitely in the "stay the course" camp, and I certainly don't want to get in a bidding war for a 33 year old 3B with the Red Sox, but I wonder if Martín Prado would serve as a much better version of the Hernan Perez role for the second half of the season? It would be the rich-man's version of the Jerry Hairston move from 2011. Based on splits Prado would serve as an upgrade at 3B versus LHPs as compared to Travis Shaw. He also has the versiatility to play 2B as well as the corner OF spots. He is signed through 2019, making $11.5 million this year and owed $28.5 million over the following two years. Eating the salary might keep the prospect cost down some, but I guess the Brewers would need to believe they had a longer term role for him or they would have to look to move him in the off-season. I also recognize that the fact Prado just recently came back from a hamstring injury isn't ideal, but might also be something that keeps his trade value down slightly. Admittedly, I haven't looked up to see what no trade protection Prado may carry. Thoughts on whether adding another impact bat in Prado down the stretch could be worth it, as well as the likely cost in prospects?

[MrTPlush]

Unless you are picking up the entire contract or something I imagine some team(probably the Red Sox) would view him as a starter and overbid us. It would be a nice add, but our bench is pretty good right now and not that big of a need. I would bet the bullpen would be a major focus. Maybe even a starter if Guerra/Davies can't string something together here quick.

[igor67]

The downside of cycling guys through the bench to find ones that work is that it does make it tough to find meaningful upgrades there. Prado might be in the correct type of role over Perez. On the other hand it means taking ABs away from younger guys to an older player. I'm not opposed to that, but it is something of a cost. Villar is the spot that we could benefit more by upgrading, June for him was very good but July so far has been not good again. That said the other parts I like. Finding a veteran on contract for 2 years in a role that is flexible with a hefty salary. That's probably a sweet spot for us improving with out spending a lot of prospect.

[Humans Need Water]

Prado is a better hitter but overall I don't think it makes sense to give anyone up when Perez has performed in his role and has been a part of this team's culture and makeup for a bit now combined with Sogard being great in the IF too (also a lefty). Sogard, Aguilar, Perez, Vogt (and Bandy earlier) have been very good so I don't think we should target a bench player. And Shaw should not be platooned.

 

1-2 pen arms seems to be the biggest need (I personally would target 2 arms if they plan on keeping 8 in the pen). I can see Broxton traded, either by himself or packaged with 1-2 prospects. Brinson up in CF playing every day with Phillips up a month later (Sept call up). The more notable prospects I would use as trade bait are Cordell, Diplan, Ponce, Gatewood, Harrison (and Cooper). Throw Lara in the back-end of a deal too.

 

I'm not opposed to trading Ray or Clark, only because there are so many starting caliber OF in front of them who can be just as good if not better, but I'm definitely not convinced now is the time to do that. Right now they're learning and working on their games. Once that flip switches they'll be more valuable players and in the upper minors - we have the time to allow that to happen - plus we'll have a much better idea a year from now on the OF situation in MLB with Brinson/Phillips as well as Ray/Clark.