The Marlins are almost done with setting up their 25-man roster for 2011. The only thing the Marlins need is a left-handed bat off their bench. The Marlins are trying to sign someone via free agency to fill that void but an in-house fix shouldn’t be ruled out. John Baker could fill that role. Baker is currently coming back from Tommy John surgery that he had last season. Apparently, recovering from the surgery will not prevent him from handling the bat by the start of the 2011 campaign. Despite Baker being a viable option off the bench, I feel that it is important to have someone who can also play the field. Therefore, the Marlins should probably continue their efforts to sign a left-handed bat that can play the outfield and/or first base. There are a few names that have been mentioned such as Jason Giambi, Ryan Church, and Mark Kotsay. Let’s talk about these names.
Jason Giambi would be an interesting choice. Giambi, a first baseman, spent the entire 2010 season with the Rockies. He was used primarily as a pinch hitter with occasional starts at first base. Giambi hit six home runs and drove in 35 runs. If the Marlins were to sign the veteran to come off the bench, he would probably be limited to just that. I don’t see the Marlins using Giambi as a late inning defensive replacement. Although he is not horrible on the field, the Marlins have better choices to backup Gaby Sanchez at first base. I would prefer the Marlins to sign someone who is more versatile on the field.
Ryan Church can be an option. Church has played for the Expos/Nationals, the Mets, Braves, Pirates, and Diamondbacks. He has suffered a couple of concussions in his career and has not been able to put things together since. What I like about Church is that he is a plus defender in the outfield. In addition to his defensive abilities, I believe his production at the plate will improve from last season where he hit .201, 5 HR, 25 RBI in 106 games. There is a risk however of Ryan Church becoming the Mike Lamb of 2010 for the Marlins. Lamb signed a minor league contract with the Fish last season and was not productive as the Marlins left-handed bat off the bench.
The choice that makes the most sense for the Marlins is actually a former Marlin. Mark Kotsay played with the Marlins from 1997-2000. After his stint with the Marlins, he played in San Diego, Oakland, Atlanta, Boston, and the last two seasons in Chicago with the White Sox. As a White Sox last season, Kotsay played both at first base and in the outfield. This type of versatility is what the Marlins need on their roster. In addition to the versatility you are also getting an experienced player who has played in South Florida.
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