Marlins GM Larry Beinfest did not sit back during the final week of spring training. A sequence of transactions brought several new players to the Florida sun in 2009. They are expected to fill up the roster with backup roles.

Ronny Paulino appears to head into the season as the second string catcher. He was sent from Philadelphia to San Fransisco and the on to the Fish during the same day, the Marlins giving up pitcher Hector Correa to the Giants in return. He brings a decent bat (.278 career BA) and experience of four seasons in the majors. John Baker will get the nod as the #1 backstop, but Paulino appears to offer a serviceable replacement on days of rest. Correa was not planned to be part of the Marlins rotation.

The second aquisition was pitcher Hayden Penn from Baltimore. Penn showed some promise in the minor leagues, but has not been very successful in his stints with the Orioles. The Marlins appear to be taking a chance that he will regain his stride
while in Florida. They parted with Robert Andino, who was slated to a backup role in the infield. You’re not going to get much playing time when you’re competing with Hanley Ramirez…

Beinfest then brought utility man Ross Gload back to the team that originally drafted him. Gload has bounced around the majors including stops with the Cubs, Rockies, White Sox and Royals. His career batting average stands at .287 . He offers mainly a left handed bat off the bench and can backup at several positions. The Royals will receieve a player to be named later in the deal.

None of the deals involved a player expected to make a major immediate impact for the team. However, they kind of trimmed the team and made it slightly more competitive in select situations over the season. Let’s get ready for Opening Day Monday!!