A.J. Puk, Ryan Weathers trades were Kim Ng heists

[Ely Sussman]

The Offishial Show—Episode #215

The Marlins could potentially have an elite starting rotation in 2024, thanks in part to a pair of under-the-radar trades made the previous year by the previous GM.

With A.J. Puk and Ryan Weathers excelling this spring in the competition for Miami Marlins rotation spots, Ely Sussman revisits the trades that brought them here in the first place. Former Marlins general manager Kim Ng gave up very little for the talented lefties who could wind up having a massive impact on the team in the post-Ng era.

Days prior to the beginning of 2023 spring training, Ng acquired Puk from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for outfielder JJ Bleday. Weathers arrived from the San Diego Padres on trade deadline day, with the Fish sending away pending free agent Garrett Cooper and reliever Sean Reynolds.

Thanks to SuperSub Stanley J Makowski for inspiring this episode.

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[Slacker Mills]

In fairness to Bleday, he's outperforming every Marlin hitter this spring.

[Ely Sussman]

41 minutes ago, Slacker Mills said:

In fairness to Bleday, he's outperforming every Marlin hitter this spring.

He was performing great in his first few real games with the A's last season as well. Didn't last.

I do believe he will have a lengthy professional career as a part-time/platoon guy.

[Chad Turner]

"Spring stats matter!" - Lewis Brinson

I liked Bleday but was nervous when we drafted him after one big college season.  It's such a crap shoot though.  I wondered if we gave up on him a little early, but numbers rarely lie.  The hit tool is not there. 30% K rate in the pros and the big time power hasn't showed yet.  I bet our quad-A guy Myers outperforms him again.  That guy makes contact.  

[Brock Beauchamp]

How do Marlins fans feel in general about Ng's tenure? I know the farm system was in bad shape but it seems like she made several good trades. The Arraez/Lopez deal worked out for everybody.

[Chad Turner]

I thought she did a really good job.  She was offered to stay, but would have worked under Bendix, and she opted out.  Sherman wanted to go in an analytics-driven direction with a big front office who would improve our draft and minor leagues.  Basically the low budget Tampa model.  I feel like Sherman has our best interests in mind, as did Ng.  It may be telling that she doesn't have another job yet, but I think it's a shame.  Jeter was the problem.  He forced the Avi signing and the Jazz/Gallen trade, was inexperienced in management, and did not focus on the minors, the draft, or the fan experience.  

[Stanley J Makowski]

Completely agree, Chad, especially about Jeter. A disaster during his stay. Tried to make himself look good with immediate gains that simply didn't work out. Ng would have worked out in my opinion, as will this new regime. I do find fault in their lack of producing any positive news for the fan base for month upon month this off season. Rather than seek another Soler clone, I would like to see Edwards at 2B, Arraez at 1B and Bell at DH.  Then emphasize speed with much running to make up for the power deficit. I'll take my chances with this pitching staff for this is a team that wins with pitching rather than "power". As for Bleday, I got the impression that he thought that his sh.t didn't stink.