Andrew Miller Rumors

Jason Churchill of espn.com evaluates the defining characteristics of the 2009 MLB Draft in his latest posting.

1. Stephen Strasburg is arguably the easiest #1 draft pick in the draft's history.  In 2008 the Rays debated between Buster Posey and Tim Beckham before settling on Beckham.  The Royals took Luke Hochevar over Andrew Miller and Tim Lincecum, all of which were options.  Arizona liked Alex Gordon, but went with Justin Upton instead.  The only question about Strasburg is how much to pay him.
2. Unlike in 2008 when the draft was dominated by bats, the 2009 draft, at least the first round, will be dominated by pitching.  From the college ranks, Kyle Gibson, James Paxton, Alex White and Mike Leake join Tanner Scheppers and Aaron Crow as Top 20 talent.  Shelby Miller, Jacob Turner, Zach Wheeler, Matt Purke and Tyler Matzek are all high school pitchers who are not expected to get out of the Top 15.  Even after the first round Rex Brothers, Kyle Heckathorn, Mike Minor and Eric Arnett provide value while Matt Hobgood, Chad James and Tyler Skaggs are all in first round discussions.
3. Parity through the first three rounds: "There's not much difference between the 25th pick and the 75th pick," said one National League club's scouting coordinator. 

Way back on August 26th, Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinal wrote an article about the decisions the Marlins have to make with so many of their young players due for raises in arbitration. We covered it here, linking to Mike's insightful article to give credit.

Yesterday, Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post, wrote an obviously similar article (which you can find here) a little more than a week after Berardino's article. Not only was the topic of the article almost identical, much of Capozzi's language is very similar, if not identical.

The similarities go beyond just figures. Take a look for yourself:

1. Berardino writes:

[Kevin] Gregg figures to land in the $4.5 million range, which makes him a likely trade candidate as the Marlins make room for understudy Matt Lindstrom, who won't be eligible for arbitration for at least another year.

Capozzi writes:

Gregg could be in line for about $4 million, despite his recent struggles. But the team might try to trade him, too, and give Matt Lindstrom a shot at the closer's role.

2. Berardino writes:

Lefty Scott Olsen ($2.6 million projected) could wind up making a bit more than [Ricky] Nolasco based on his durability during the two-year period that will be evaluated.

Capozzi writes:

...and Olsen, whose durability could net him $2.5 million.

3. Berardino writes:

Josh Johnson, making a successful return from Tommy John surgery, should experience a more modest pay increase, but he still should reach seven figures for the first time.

Capozzi writes:

Right-hander Josh Johnson could get $1 million through arbitration

4. Berardino writes:

Current Marlins under team control for next season include franchise shortstop Hanley Ramirez ($5.5 million); starters Andrew Miller ($1.575 million), Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad...Sanchez and Volstad should make close to $400,000...Olsen would be a logical trade candidate in that scenario.

Capozzi writes:

Three starting pitchers are under team control next year: left-hander Andrew Miller ($1.57 million) and right-handers Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad (each projected to get around $400,000)...That means Olsen could be trade bait.

5. Berardino writes:

Five Marlins can become free agents: reserve outfielder Luis Gonzalez, infielder Wes Helms, backup catcher Paul Lo Duca and lefties Arthur Rhodes and Mark Hendrickson.

Capozzi writes:

Then there are five Marlins who can become free agents: reserve outfielder Luis Gonzalez, backup catcher Paul Lo Duca, infielder Wes Helms, and lefties Arthur Rhodes and Mark Hendrickson.

6. Berardino writes:

[Mike] Jacobs, whose salary could approach $2.5 million off an overall disappointing year, is a trade candidate as the Marlins seek to improve their defense while balancing their books. Corner infielder Jorge Cantu, a second-time arbitration qualifier, is a candidate to replace Jacobs at first, but only if his salary doesn't rise too quickly off this comeback season. If Cantu moves off third, that could open the door for Triple-A third baseman Dallas McPherson, who leads the minors with 40 homers.

Capozzi writes:

The team could move Cantu to first base and give Dallas McPherson a shot at third base, making Jacobs expendable.