Mike

Neu

Neu, the reliever acquired from Oakland in the Mark Redman deal, will spend time in the majors this year if healthy.

It’s looking like the A’s will keep Neu, a Rule 5 pick from the Reds. They’re likely to return Buddy Hernandez to the Braves and Rontrez Johnson to the Rangers.

Neu had been the only player yet to appear for the A’s. He has no value.

Neu, acquired a year ago in the Mark Redman trade with Oakland, made just one appearance in the majors with the Marlins. He still has a chance to have a career as a reliever, but 2004 was a setback.

Neu was the only player here with even the slightest chance of making the Marlins, and he would have needed to be lights out right from day one. Neu, Cave and Hutchinson might be relief candidates later in the season. Olsen, the team’s top pitchng prospect, also might be a factor before year’s end.

Most managers will give their pitchers one freebie during the spring. Neu is still a good bet to land a bullpen spot if he can avoid any additional poor outings.

Neu allowed five earned runs in nine innings this spring, but all of them came in one two-inning appearance. He’ll be back before long. Sanders, who last pitched in the majors in 1999, struck out six while giving up two runs in five innings this spring, so he’s at least put himself into position for a callup at some poing.

It’s hard to believe the Marlins couldn’t do better than this for a pitcher who was so solid last season. Neu, who spent 2003 in the majors because he was a Rule 5 pick, is a decent reliever without much upside. He’ll probably have a spot in Florida’s pen. To replace Redman, the team likely will sign a cheap fifth starter and just hope that he can be adequate until A.J. Burnett returns.

Neu came to Florida in the Mark Redman trade and will have a spot in the Florida rotation.

Neu had allowed four runs in six innings since returning from an elbow injury two weeks ago. The Marlins will use him in middle relief.