With just over a month left in the regular season, the Miami Marlins' front office is still thinking about winning now. MLB.com's Joe Frisaro asked President of Baseball Operations Mike Hill several questions pertinent to a Marlins playoff run.
The Marlins are refusing to think about 2015.
Miami's front office is still in 'win now' mode with the squad sitting five games out of a wild card spot with exactly 30 games left to play. The Marlins will be playing meaningful baseball in September, but that may not last long.
After a promising homestand, the Marlins lost two of three to both the Rockies and Angels and will head to Atlanta before taking on the Mets at home. Miami's goal was to improve as a team, and a young core, even without Jose Fernandez, has appeared to progress.
MLB.com's Joe Frisaro discussed the organization's approach for the rest of the season with President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill, who answered several key questions.
Would the Marlins consider a last minute trade?
Considering the Marlins didn't put together a deal they liked until the final minutes of the non-waiver trade deadline, it is unlikely the team will look to add to the roster with players not currently in the organization.
"If there was an area that we felt like we could add, we'd look into it," Hill said. "Obviously, we're always looking for ways to improve our roster. But I would say, what you see is what you get, and hopefully we can get some guys healthy."
Nathan Eovaldi has struggled, and Miami's rotation could use a boost, but the Marlins have internal options such as Anthony DeSclafani or Brian Flynn if a starter is needed.
Offensively, things have been notably quiet for Casey McGehee at third base and Jarrod Saltalamacchia (with the exception of the last week and a half) behind the plate. The return of Derek Dietrich and addition of a few bats may help the Marlins throughout September.
Is bullpen depth necessary?
With Bryan Morris going down on Tuesday night in Los Angeles but not being placed on the disabled list, the Marlins are short an arm in the bullpen.
Both Dan Jennings and Carter Capps are expected to return, which will make Miami's bullpen significantly deeper and likely more effective.
"We hope they will be nice adds for a September run," Hill said.
DeSclafani and Arquimedes Caminero could both see time out of Miami's bullpen moving forward.
Will Andrew Heaney be promoted?
Miami's top pitching prospect, after being promoted and initially struggling through his first several starts, could be slotted into the rotation.
Heaney has posted a 3.84 ERA and 3.62 FIP in 77 and a third innings with Triple-A New Orleans and figures to be a part of the Marlins' rotation in 2015.
The Marlins have taken a cautious appraoch with regard to Heaney, and rightfully will not promote him unless he has a defined role.
"It's going to depend on what we think his usage is going to be," Hill said. "If we don't see an opportunity for him to pitch and get what he needs to help his continued development, then it might be a case where we just start him on his offseason program and get him bigger and stronger and have him ready for go for Spring Training."
How many callups can be expected?
The Marlins don't want to call a player up just for the sake of doing so. J.T. Realmuto and several relievers could be added as soon as Monday.
"It will be nice to have some extra bodies here," Hill said.