Jim Bowden of ESPN reported today that Cody Ross, former Marlins, Giants, and Red Sox outfielder, signed a three-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $26 million. The move further opens up Arizona’s opportunity to trade Justin Upton, who has long been the subject of rumors.
Ross is coming off a solid season with the Red Sox in which he belted 22 homers, and drove in 81 runs.
The Marlins were in the news earlier this week when they signed 37-year-old infielder Placido Polanco to a one-year, $2.75 million contract to play third base during the upcoming season.. The veteran is a .299 career hitter, but only batted .257 last year in 90 games with Philadelphia. He is a former All-Star, who was the 2006 ALCS MVP while with the Tigers. Since 2007, the Marlins have not had a long-lasting third baseman. Jorge Cantu, Emilio Bonifacio, Donnie Murphy, Wes Helms, and Hanley Ramirez have all filled the spot over that span. At 37 years of age, it is not likely that Polanco will produce enough in order to be re-signed for 2014, in which case the Marlins will have to find yet another new third baseman.
Polanco was a fan favorite with the Tigers, and I’m sure it won’t take long for Miami fans to warm up to him. I like Ross, too, who played some minor league ball here in Michigan with the Whitecaps.
-Mike
http://minoringinbaseball.com/
I’m sure the fans will receive Polanco well, but I am primarily concerned that he has little left in the tank. And Ross has been loved on every team he plays for, he’s one of the most enjoyable characters in the game!