Should the Marlins Take a Look at Denard Span?
ByIf the Marlins still insist that they aren’t out of it, then it would appear that a move would be in order. Maybe not to support the “buyer” tag, but at least to upgrade on what’s already in stock with the Fish. If one thing’s for sure, Chris Coghlan, even when healthy, is a bad player. And even with the nice showing of Emilio Bonifacio — who’s still trying to remain afloat with his .376 BABIP — the Marlins are in definite need of some integral changes.
Lately, we’ve been accustomed to seeing many surprising rumors come our way. Some crazy ones, and some not. But the Denard Span-Drew Storen talks are probably classified in the crazy situation, and even so most do not think that trade will happen. The question I’ve been wondering is why it’s the Nationals who are reluctant to make this trade. Drew Storen is a slightly above average reliever, replaceable and doesn’t feature strikeout stuff. But as Jon Morosi explains, to sweeten the deal the Nats might send someone like Roger Bernadina to Minnesota, who isn’t very good either.
Indications seem to display a willingness from the Twins brass to trade Span, who’s been hurt this year and has found his seat warmly occupied by Ben Revere, who in all honesty isn’t very good. The Marlins would make a ton of sense for Span, and if the Twins actually are considering Storen and a few other pieces for Span, the Marlins can easily top that offer.
Of course, it would have to make sense from the Marlins perspective. Sure, Span’s dealt with concussion problems of late and has been battling his way back from Rochester for a few weeks now. When healthy, he’s one of the best center fielders in baseball. UZR has him as THE best, and offensively he’s well above average, as his .340 career wOBA would suggest.
The Marlins have some tradeable pieces, and moreso have the flexibility to do so. It seems as though one of the more egotistical yet understandable approaches of the Marlins brass is the appearance of the team heading in to the new ballpark. Well, Denard Span is sure a “sexy” player. Basically, if the Twins are actually considering the Nationals offer, it wouldn’t cost much more to acquire Span. At least realistically, that is. Sure, the Nationals are definitely low-balling the Twins here, but Span could probably had for not a ton more.
I’m not going to speculate on names and what not, but despite having a pretty bad farm system, the Marlins do have some pieces to trade. Guys like Brad Hand, Jhan Marinez, Chad James, Rob Rasmussen, Bryan Petersen, Matt Dominguez and Jose Ceda could be dangled, even though they are all likely to not generate much value. But then on the other side of the coin you have Christian Yelich who could be traded as PTBNL, there’s Emilio Bonifacio who could be a useful trade chip before potnetial regression and let’s not forget our good friends Leo Nunez, Ricky Nolasco and even Anibal Sanchez. You’re telling me you wouldn’t trade Ricky Nolasco and Rasmussen for Denard Span?
The Twins shouldn’t trade Span, but if they officially make him available the Marlins should definitely hop on that train. Coghlan has been awful and Emilio won’t be this solid all year. In fact, I’m certain of it.
