Give Beinfest Points for This Move

No one saw this one coming.

The Marlins allegedly almost reeled in Padres closer Heath Bell, but that never came to fruition, so the Marlins instead acquired Nick Johnson from the Nationals.

Talk about a surprise move. The Marlins were doing good with Jorge Cantu on offense and defense this season, and the thought was the team was happy with Cantu at first.

As good as Cantu performed at first base, Larry Beinfest should be commended for making an upgrade offensively in Johnson.

The Marlins needed someone to protect Hanley Ramirez, and they needed a hitter that was going to improve their hitting with runners in scoring position.

Johnson does both things, so that's why it's a good move.

He takes good at-bats, and he hits for power, which is what the Marlins have been craving. Plus, he plays good defense and provides leadership.

What's not to like?

Cantu's playing time will not be affected since he will be the everyday player at third base. As for Emilio Bonifacio, Fredi Gonzalez will figure out how to get playing time for him, and it looks like he will be an outfielder when he gets his limited playing time.

Bonifacio has done an okay job this year, but this is about a team making the playoffs. The Marlins can't afford to wait for Bonifacio to figure it out how to be consistent as a hitter at least for this year so the Marlins are taking another route.

When the Marlins have an opportunity to go get a playoff spot, they should seize the opportunity by doing whatever it takes to improve.

This certainly sent a message to the players who played hard all year that management and ownership are as committed to winning as them.

The Marlins could have done more, but it's hard to make two deals let alone one. The thought was the Marlins would stand pat and go compete with this roster presently constituted, and it wouldn't have been a bad thing.

To get a player like Johnson should improve the team's odds of making the playoffs.

The Marlins players should definitely be excited about this acquisition.

It would have been easy for the Marlins to do nothing, but it was nice to see them show that they are serious about the postseason.