Inbox: Could Miami add more to ‘pen, have Phelps start?

The Marlins have been busy recently, landing free-agent relievers Junichi Tazawa and Brad Ziegler in their quest to build a “super bullpen.”

What else might lie ahead for Miami? Here are some answers to questions from the Inbox:

@JoeFrisaro do you think the Marlins may still try to add another pen guy? Maybe have Phelps in rotation? Would love Feliz or Blanton

— Heat Nation (@heatnationtalk) December 21, 2016

@JoeFrisaro do you think the Marlins may still try to add another pen guy? Maybe have Phelps in rotation? Would love Feliz or Blanton

I wouldn’t rule out another veteran reliever, especially if the market drops on someone who could provide depth. I would be surprised if the Marlins opted to use David Phelps in the rotation, because they’re already on record saying he impacts more games being in the bullpen. Considering their plan has been to build a “super bullpen,” I’m sure Phelps’ role has been discussed since October. Plus, they may have already reached out to the 30-year-old, who is going through the arbitration process. The Marlins owe it to him to give an indication of what they have planned.

Not that Phelps couldn’t be a factor in the rotation, but the key is how to best maximize the right-hander. If he is out of the bullpen, it weakens. I know Neftali Feliz would be a replacement, but Phelps already has raised his game with Miami. After being injured in 2015, Phelps was healthy in ’16, and his fastball velocity picked up. Per Statcast™, his four-seam fastball averaged 94.37 mph. In ’15, when he mostly started, his fastball average was 90.2 mph.

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@JoeFrisaro any rumblings if the #Marlins are looking at Fister or Ross??

— Richie U (@305_Richie) December 21, 2016

@JoeFrisaro any rumblings if the #Marlins are looking at Fister or Ross??

From what I’ve gathered, I don’t believe there is strong interest in Doug Fister. As for Tyson Ross, there is a shoulder concern, which is why the Padres non-tendered him. That’s not to say the Marlins wouldn’t take a chance on Ross, but their objective this offseason has been to focus on …

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