Sean West optioned to Class AAA
by Tom D'Angelo
The Marlins optioned left-hander Sean West to Class AAA New Orleans today.
West pitched two innings in A games, allowing a hit and walking three, before he walked seven in 1 2/3 innings in a B game Saturday against the Orioles.
“We need him to just pitch, get his control down as we saw last year,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “He’ll be back. There is not question he’ll be back.”
West was 8-6 with a 4.79 ERA in 20 starts as a rookie in 2009. He was among seven candidates for the final three spots in the rotation at the start of spring, although Anibal Sanchez has appeared to grab one of those spots after pitching four scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday.
Gonzalez mentioned Sanchez today in the group with Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco for the rotation. Chris Volstad, Rick VandenHurk and Hayden Penn are vying for two of the final three spots with Clay Hensley putting himself in the running as a dark horse. Andrew Miller’s struggles have pushed him to the back of the competition.
Volstad starts today against the Twins. VandenHurk starts Tuesday in Viera against the Nationals followed by Penn.
The guess is Volstad and VandenHurk win the final two spots, which gives the Marlins an interesting decision to make about Penn, who is out of options. He could serve as an emergency starter and long man in the bullpen or try to trade him. If he is in the bullpen that leaves no room for Burke Badenhop.
Palm Beach PostBadenhop has been the only play of any significance, at least any positive significance, received for Cabrera & Willis. Miller's contract is an MLB contract, so he will be on the roster as Loria keeps all MLB contract on roster rather than sending them down and paying $400K to somebody who might be actually able to contribute. Maybin is still a question mark. The Fish are trying to unload Miller on somebody, but Beinfest can't find a GM more stupid than himself. The Fish would be stupid to send down Badenhop, so that's exactly what they'll do.
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