The Marlins hope to win a playoff spot next season on the strength of their rotation. That's why the team's early focus this winter has been to bolster its bullpen.
After trading for right-handed reliever Leo Nunez, the team claimed left-hander Dan Meyer off waivers from the Oakland A's at the start of the general managers meetings. "We're going to try him as a reliever," said Larry Beinfest, Florida's baseball operations president. "Our reports are we think he can pitch out of the (bullpen)."
The Marlins have watched Meyer, 27, since he was a top prospect with Atlanta. They are not discouraged that he went 0-4 with a 7.48 ERA in 11 appearances (four starts) for Oakland this year.
At the very least, the acquisition of Meyer gives the Marlins another left-handed option in the bullpen. Lefties Taylor Tankersley and Renyel Pinto both struggled this year. Both will compete for relief spots next spring with Meyers and left-hander Aaron Thompson.
Although Thompson and Meyer have started, Beinfest said they also would compete for a long-man spot in the bullpen along with right-hander Rick VandenHurk. VandenHurk opened the 2008 season in the Marlins rotation before he struggled and was demoted.
