Chen!

The Miami Marlins are closing in on a deal with LHP Wei-Yin Chen. The deal appears to be a 5 year deal, with a 6th year vesting option. Chen will receive about $80 Mil over the 5 years, plus about $16 mil if the option vests......which means that his deal will be very close to the $100 mil threshold that he was looking for. Chen gets an Opt-Out after 2 years with the deal. The move will cost Miami a draft pick, but their 1st pick is protected, so it will be a second round pick that is forfeited. The Deal IS pending a physical, of course.......

Chen offers a serious upgrade to a rotation that has Jose Fernandez at the front (at least for now), but has questionable talent after that. Cosart, Koehler, Conley & Phelps have been decent, but are unquestionably NOT a dominant rotation by any means. Edwin Jackson was just signed also, but I believe his place will be in long relief, or as a 6th starter if needed.

Chen's career has been pretty consistent over his previous 4 years in Baltimore. He typically pitches about 180-190 innings, gets just under a strikeout per inning (0.8), had a 153/41 K/BB rate last season, and he historically pitches into the 6th inning, each time he takes the mound. He brings a 1.22 WHIP and a 3.34 ERA to Miami's enormous stadium, which should only help those numbers.

Look Out NL East!!!!!......The Fish are "On The Move"......and they very well could become contenders if they all stay put, and stay healthy!

From the Dugout.......
Ken Barr