The Marlins have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for free agent Juan Uribe in recent days, but Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald hears that the club continues to look at other options to play third base:
While McGehee has enjoyed success since his move overseas, his agent told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca back in October that his client would consider a return to MLB if the right opportunity came along. As for Betemit, a knee injury limited him to just six games with the Orioles this past season before he was designated for assignment in September, but he owns an .819 career OPS against right-handed pitchers. His defense could be an issue, though. Both players would be low-cost alternatives to Uribe, who is coming off arguably the best season of his 13-year major league career.
Seeking a third baseman, the Marlins are intrigued by free agent Casey McGehee, 31, who played in Japan this year and led his team to a championship by hitting .298 with 28 homers and 93 RBI.
He hit .217 with nine homers and 41 RBI for the Pirates and Yankees in 2012 but drove in 104 runs in 2010 and 67 in 2011. Wilson Betemit (.261, 12 homers in 2012, injured in 2013) also has been discussed as an option.
The Marlins want a third baseman with versatility, and McGehee and Betemit can play multiple positions.
While McGehee has enjoyed success since his move overseas, his agent told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca back in October that his client would consider a return to MLB if the right opportunity came along. As for Betemit, a knee injury limited him to just six games with the Orioles this past season before he was designated for assignment in September, but he owns an .819 career OPS against right-handed pitchers. His defense could be an issue, though. Both players would be low-cost alternatives to Uribe, who is coming off arguably the best season of his 13-year major league career.