Florida Marlins Release Renyel Pinto, Sign Armando Benitez

I really don’t get some of the moves the Florida Marlins make sometimes. For instance, they just released LHP Renyel Pinto and signed Armando Benitez to a minor league contract. Really?

Benitez is back with the Marlins

How could the Marlins possibly think Benitez is better for their organization than Pinto? I really can’t comprehend the thinking.

Pinto is a 27-year-old, serviceable left-handed reliever who has a fastball around 90 mph. This year he had a 2.70 ERA and struck out 16 in 16.2 IP. Does he walk too many batters? Sure he does. He has nine in those 16.2 IP.

But I am confident in saying that the Marlins could have worked with Pinto to correct his issues. At 27, there is still plenty of time to get better.

Benitez on the other hand can’t be helped. He is 37-years-old and hasn’t pitched in the majors since he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008. He hasn’t posted an ERA under three since 2004 with these same Marlins.

I actually saw Benitez pitch last year as a member of the Newark Bears. He was making the glove pop that night, but I really don’t see it happening at the major league level.

I am sorry, but I just don’t see how the Marlins can view Benitez more valuable to their franchise than Pinto. It just doesn’t make sense.

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