Perhaps the most interesting subplot of last month’s Marlins-Dodgers deal centered around Dee Gordon was the inclusion of Dan Haren. Haren previously had made it known that he had no desire to pitch for a team that wasn’t on the west coast, and would retire if he was traded.
Well, the Dodgers traded him to Miami, and there was some uncertainty about whether or not Haren would join the Marlins, or if he would request a trade back west, or if he would simply retire and leave his $10 million salary on the table. We don’t know whether or not the Marlins will trade him or if he’ll retire, but one thing appears certain – Haren won’t pitch for Miami in 2015. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro has the details.
Dan Haren has informed the Marlins that his preference remains to pitch out West, and for a team that has Spring Training in Arizona. The 34-year-old California native had been weighing his options sinced he was traded to Miami from the Dodgers on Dec. 10.
If Miami cannot work out a trade, it is not clear yet if the 12-year big league veteran will retire.
Frisaro also noted that nine of the ten teams in MLB’s western divisions train in Arizona, with the Houston Astros serving as the lone exception. He also notes that it’s unclear whether or not Haren would be willing to pitch or a central division club (Reds, Indians, Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Brewers) that holds Spring Training in Arizona.
Let me guess – Haren’s gonna get traded to the Padres, isn’t he? San Diego fits his criteria, has been in the market for some starting pitching, and Petco Park would likely be perfect for his fly ball heavy approach. It just seems like an ideal fit, and both teams have been incredibly active this offseason.
[MLB.com]
