It appears the Marlins are going to lose out on James Shields despite making a strong effort to sign the free agent starter. Now the club’s focus looks to be shifting to a different type of late-offseason addition.
MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro reports that the Fish “have touched base” with Scott Boras, the agent for veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod remains available here in February despite posting a cool 3.04 ERA, 0.985 WHIP, and 73/18 K/BB ratio in 68 innings last season as the Brewers’ closer. He tallied 44 saves in 49 opportunities and led the majors in games finished with 66.
Milwaukee has maintained interest in re-signing Rodriguez, but the two sides haven’t been able to work out a deal yet. He’d probably close again if he does wind up returning to the Brewers.
In Miami, he’d presumably work as a setup man in front of Steve Cishek.
