Blue56
07-14-2005, 09:24 PM
Leiter (http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050714&content_id=1130752&vkey=news_fla&fext=.jsp&c_id=fla)
PHILADELPHIA -- Al Leiter, one of the most reliable left-handed pitchers in the league for the past decade, had his second stint with the Marlins come to an end on Thursday.
Leiter, who signed as a free agent last December, was designated for assignment. The Marlins have 10 days to either trade or release the veteran, who never got rolling in the first half.
The 39-year-old was expected to provide leadership to a relatively young rotation while offering big-game experience.
"He's a real pro and a good guy," manager Jack McKeon said. "He feels probably as bad as anybody. He's an all-around class guy, and I think we all hate to see him go."
While Leiter provided insights to a talented staff that includes Dontrelle Willis, Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett, the veteran left-hander never got into a pitching groove. From the beginning of Spring Training through 17 games with the Marlins (including 16 starts), Leiter lacked consistency.
Also on Thursday, the Marlins selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas from Double-A Carolina. Vargas, a second-round draft pick in 2004, is scheduled to make his Major League debut on Monday, when he gets the start at Arizona.
After suffering a loss to the Cubs on Sunday at Dolphins Stadium, Leiter's record fell to 3-7 while his ERA rose to 6.64. Falling behind batters was a constant problem, as evident by the fact Leiter walked 60 batters in 80 innings, while giving up 88 hits.
Cutting ties with a savvy veteran was a difficult task for the Marlins, who were anticipating big things from a consistent winner. Leiter had a string of winning at least 10 games in 10 straight seasons, including a 10-8 record and 3.21 ERA for the Mets last year.
Sunday's setback started the process of the front office examining what to do with Leiter. On Wednesday, general manager Larry Beinfest notified Leiter that he wanted to meet with the veteran left-hander. Leiter was with his family. Last Friday, Lori Leiter gave birth to the couple's fourth child, a girl.
While informed of the team's decision on the phone, Leiter met later in the day Wednesday with Beinfest at a restaurant near his Weston home.
"We spent a good amount of time together, talking about everything," Beinfest said. "We talked about the disappointment and how things went. Everybody wished it would have went better."
The Marlins opened their second half on Thursday against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Leiter was not available for comment.
It's unclear if Leiter will decide to retire or weigh options of playing for another team.
Beinfest said he will work with Leiter and his agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, regarding the pitcher's next step. If he has an interest in being traded to a specific team, the team will work toward that end.
The Marlins also will discuss if there is a position in the organization for the left-hander.
"Obviously, we think very highly of Al," Beinfest said. "I need to sit down with [team president David Samson and team owner Jeffrey Loria], and Al needs to have some time to think about this whole thing and work through the process. I think it's too early right now. The way we think about Al has not changed at all. He's got a lot of talent. He can do a lot of different things. He's very professional."
Even before Leiter signed a one-year deal worth $8 million with the Marlins, he was leaning toward this being his final season.
Should Leiter have thrown his last pitch in the Major Leagues, he has a career awaiting him in broadcasting, if he chooses.
Beckett, who hadn't spoken with Leiter since the decision, feels Leiter's pitching days are over.
PHILADELPHIA -- Al Leiter, one of the most reliable left-handed pitchers in the league for the past decade, had his second stint with the Marlins come to an end on Thursday.
Leiter, who signed as a free agent last December, was designated for assignment. The Marlins have 10 days to either trade or release the veteran, who never got rolling in the first half.
The 39-year-old was expected to provide leadership to a relatively young rotation while offering big-game experience.
"He's a real pro and a good guy," manager Jack McKeon said. "He feels probably as bad as anybody. He's an all-around class guy, and I think we all hate to see him go."
While Leiter provided insights to a talented staff that includes Dontrelle Willis, Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett, the veteran left-hander never got into a pitching groove. From the beginning of Spring Training through 17 games with the Marlins (including 16 starts), Leiter lacked consistency.
Also on Thursday, the Marlins selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas from Double-A Carolina. Vargas, a second-round draft pick in 2004, is scheduled to make his Major League debut on Monday, when he gets the start at Arizona.
After suffering a loss to the Cubs on Sunday at Dolphins Stadium, Leiter's record fell to 3-7 while his ERA rose to 6.64. Falling behind batters was a constant problem, as evident by the fact Leiter walked 60 batters in 80 innings, while giving up 88 hits.
Cutting ties with a savvy veteran was a difficult task for the Marlins, who were anticipating big things from a consistent winner. Leiter had a string of winning at least 10 games in 10 straight seasons, including a 10-8 record and 3.21 ERA for the Mets last year.
Sunday's setback started the process of the front office examining what to do with Leiter. On Wednesday, general manager Larry Beinfest notified Leiter that he wanted to meet with the veteran left-hander. Leiter was with his family. Last Friday, Lori Leiter gave birth to the couple's fourth child, a girl.
While informed of the team's decision on the phone, Leiter met later in the day Wednesday with Beinfest at a restaurant near his Weston home.
"We spent a good amount of time together, talking about everything," Beinfest said. "We talked about the disappointment and how things went. Everybody wished it would have went better."
The Marlins opened their second half on Thursday against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Leiter was not available for comment.
It's unclear if Leiter will decide to retire or weigh options of playing for another team.
Beinfest said he will work with Leiter and his agents, Alan and Randy Hendricks, regarding the pitcher's next step. If he has an interest in being traded to a specific team, the team will work toward that end.
The Marlins also will discuss if there is a position in the organization for the left-hander.
"Obviously, we think very highly of Al," Beinfest said. "I need to sit down with [team president David Samson and team owner Jeffrey Loria], and Al needs to have some time to think about this whole thing and work through the process. I think it's too early right now. The way we think about Al has not changed at all. He's got a lot of talent. He can do a lot of different things. He's very professional."
Even before Leiter signed a one-year deal worth $8 million with the Marlins, he was leaning toward this being his final season.
Should Leiter have thrown his last pitch in the Major Leagues, he has a career awaiting him in broadcasting, if he chooses.
Beckett, who hadn't spoken with Leiter since the decision, feels Leiter's pitching days are over.