Seeking some depth for a relatively inexperienced bullpen, the Florida Marlins have invited Mike MacDougal to spring training:
Marlins Add Mike MacDougal To Bullpen
The Florida Marlins bolstered their bullpen Thursday by agreeing to a contract with former Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal. Agent Rex Gary said MacDougal, a right-hander, will sign a minor-league contract with an invitation to Marlins spring training. Pitchers and catchers report Friday.
If MacDougal makes the team, he'll earn a salary of $700k. Ordinarily this wouldn't be newsworthy, but MacDougal has saved 70 games over the course of his career, and though the Marlins intend to begin the season with Leo Nunez serving as closer, last year Nunez allowed 13 home runs in 68.2 innings, and closers who allow a lot of fly balls are closers lacking much in the way of job security. Should Nunez falter, then MacDougal - should he make the team - could emerge as the favorite to step into the role, on account of his prior experience.
MacDougal, for his part, is not a particularly good pitcher, and over his last three seasons and 129 appearances, he’s issued 83 walks and generated only 85 strikeouts. Though blessed with a fastball that scrapes the high-90s, he’s never been able to throw many strikes, which time and time again has proven to be his undoing. However, what’s kept MacDougal in the league - aside from his arm - is his ability to keep the ball on the ground, which gives him one advantage over Nunez. With a career groundball rate of 58%, MacDougal isn’t prone to the longball. He’s shaky, and he walks a ton of batters, but by keeping the ball out of the air, he’s frequently able to squeeze his way out of self-created jams.
According to Ken Rosenthal, MacDougal will initially serve as the setup man if he makes the team. If he fails to break camp, he is free to request his release.
See More:
