Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
What is an MLB Trade Deadline without the Miami Marlins poking its head into all the fun?
This time, the Marlins are actually doing something that makes sense. The team is starting to gauge interest in outfielder Juan Pierre and third baseman Placido Polanco. Both are players the Marlins signed prior to the start of the season, hoping to turn back the clock and provide some veteran experience to a young ball club managed by Mike Redmond.
However, Pierre has only played in 74 games and with the recent call-ups of Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick, there is no reason why Pierre should be on the roster. He would even be better off getting designated for assignment or put on waivers once the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline passes. Pierre is batting a measly .242/.284/.297 with eight RBIs, but he does have 19 stolen bases.
Polanco was the Marlins’ starting third baseman before Ed Lucas joined the team. Lucas is hitting better than Polanco, and trading the veteran at this point only puts him out of his misery along with Pierre. Both veteran players should be quality bench players for contenders and not wasting their time with the last-place Marlins in a backup role.
It’s unclear sure who would bite on Pierre, but the Detroit Tigers could add Polanco and he could help them coming off the bench or if someone gets injured. The Tigers are fighting for an AL Central title with the Cleveland Indians, and any help at this point would be great.
Ryan Gaydos is a MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Read more about Miami Marlins rumors here.
