The Marlins have a promising one-two punch in Jose Fernandez and Wei-Yin Chen-the latter signed a five-year deal Tuesday, as reported to Buster Olney of ESPN-but the team is looking to fill the remaining spots.
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In 2005, China’s center Yao Ming (姚明) signed a five-year US$75 million contract with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Chen certainly represents an upgrade for a rotation hoping to get a full year out of young ace Jose Fernandez. Chen did, however, turn down a qualifying offer from the O’s, so he is attached to draft-pick compensation.
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The deal also contains an opt-out clause after the second year, meaning Chen can have a relatively short or an extended stay in Miami based on a variety of factors. Doug Fister provides an affordable and effective option for this role if the Marlins decide to go that route. Chen drew interest from multiple clubs this winter, including the Royals and Yankees, but will head south on a deal that will pay him the same amount that Mike Leake got from the Cardinals last month. But with the Marlins opening their pocket book (no truth to the rumor that dust and bats came flying out) the need to make that sort of trade is diminished. He also struck out 153 while walking only 41. He posted a career-low 3.34 ERA, career-best 124 ERA+, and his K/9, BB/9 and HR/9 rates were all right around his career average. Chen has also been tough on left-handed hitters. Last season, Chen gave up 28 long balls, sixth-most in the AL. After several solid seasons with Baltimore, Chen scores a major paycheck and brings productive pitching to Miami one of the Marlins main goals for the offseason. He struggled though during his final season in Cuba, going 5-12 with a 6.10 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 36 relief outings (62 innings). If a player is asking for a top-market guarantee and isn’t willing to commit to my team for the duration of that deal, I wouldn’t want him on my team.
