In a deal that initially confused some, the Marlins have actually set themselves up for a 2012 championship run. The Marlins Double-A affiliate, the Jacksonville Suns, are now prepared to go for the Southern League championship.
Hanley Ramirez, thought of as one of the most talented and skilled players in the game, was dealt by the Miami Marlins to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the national media focused on what the Marlins major league club would be losing, Marlins GM Michael Hill was actually pulling a fast one.
In return for the MLB All Star Ramirez, the Marlins got not one, but two pitchers with All Star potential. 22 year old right handed pitcher Scott McGough and Nate Eovaldi, also a 22 year old righty, are on their way from LA to Jacksonville. That's right, not Miami, but Jacksonville. Both pitchers will have an immediate impact and future all star potential for the Marlins Double-A affiliate.
McGough, a reliever, posted an average 3.99 ERA, went 3-5, AND had 5 saves for the Dodgers Single-A squad. The Suns think he is ready to contribute in Double-A.
Eovaldi was the real steal of the trade. The flamethrower was 2-2 with a stunningly decent 3.09 ERA for the Dodgers Double-A squad.
With these two assets added to the Suns pitching staff, the club is ecstatic. Right now Jacksonville has a 48-54 record and sits nine games out of the Southern League lead. With McGough and Eovaldi they should start reeling in the leading Montgomery Biscuits immediately.
So while some in the media blast the Marlins for "cheating the fans" and "throwing the season," GM Michael Hill can sit back and smile, knowing that the Suns will prove them all wrong when they take home the Southern League title.
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