The Phillies didn’t have many bright spots in 2012, but outfielder Juan Pierre was one of them.
Pierre was brought in during Spring Training as a non-roster invite, and wasn’t promised a spot on the team. However the veteran was able to play his way onto the Opening Day roster, and spent the majority of the year as the team’s starting left fielder. He was also one of the team’s leaders in the clubhouse.The Phillies had hoped to re-sign Pierre, but the free-agent has agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins.
Pierre hit .307 with ten doubles, six triples, and one home run. He drove in 25, and also stole 37 bases. He’ll join a Miami team that just several days ago held a firesale that sent almost all of their star talent up north to the Toronto Blue Jays in a move that will save the franchise over $150 million.
As effective as Pierre was for the Phillies a year ago, there would have been some risk in bringing him back. At age 35, there’s no guarantee that he would have been able to remain as productive as he was in 2012. The team also has a limited amount of payroll available to them, and with guys like Nate Schierholtz, John Mayberry Jr., and Darin Ruf already on the team they simply couldn’t afford to match the $1.6 million offer that Pierre received from the Marlins.
Good for Juan who should see plenty of playing time on the rebuilt Marlins
Good move for him for a player that just wants to play and good move for the Marlins to get an experienced lead-off hitter to help set the Table up for them
as they rebuild for the future..
Well he is a nice player and good for him to keep getting paid. He will play in front of 4000 fans a night lose over 100 games. Will be surrounded by kids, he will show them what it means to be a major leaguer. Good move by that team, like hiring a player coach
Pierre is a Pro and just doesn’t fit into the Phil’s plan
I think Phil’s end up with one of the Upton’s as their big off-season move
They need a right-hand batter in that 3 or 5 hole
I can see a Rollins, Utley,Upton’s, Howard, Ruiz type of top line-up which could be effective if they are healthy and motivated and have combo
Of Mayberry then a Ruf/Scherholtz platoon and 3B Fransden bringing up the rear of the batting line-up
The Marlins aren’t rebuilding, they’re robbing the city of Miami