03-22-2007, 12:01 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Greenville, N.C.
Posts: 176
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Benitez, Julio eyed in deal
Quote:
JUPITER, Fla. -- Pursuing trade options for a closer remains a real possibility for the Marlins.
Sources continue to say the team has interest in veterans Armando Benitez and Jorge Julio. Of the two, Benitez is regarded as the deal that could most likely get done.
MLB.com has learned the Marlins are high on the D-backs' Julio, but talks hit a snag recently over how much of the right-hander's $3.6 million contract Florida would pick up.
Because of the money holdup regarding Julio, Benitez is believed to be the more realistic trade choice.
In 2004, Benitez set a Marlins' season record with 47 saves in his lone season with Florida.
After that season, the veteran signed a three-year contract with the Giants. Benitez has battled through injuries the past few years, but he's getting back into shape. Recently, his fastball was clocked at 92 mph.
If the Marlins don't swing a trade for a veteran reliever with closer experience by Opening Day, the team is prepared to find a closer from within its organization.
Matt Lindstrom is regarded as the frontrunner, although Henry Owens is making a push. Kevin Gregg has 125 games of big-league experience, and he may end up factoring into the mix.
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The Official Site of the Florida Marlins: Florida Marlins' News
Good to see that they're making an attempt to land a veteran reliever before opening day.
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