’Fins fire Flaherty
DeGuglielmo hired to replace coach of the offensive line
Dave DeGuglielmo works with tackle Zach Sterup at practice Thursday in
The Miami Dolphins fired Pat Flaherty on Monday, a day after the former offensive line coach expressed disappointment with the performance of his unit, and replaced him with Dave DeGuglielmo, who is beginning his third stint with the Dolphins as an coach.
Following Sunday’s training camp practice, which was Miami’s second session in pads, Flaherty, a 19-year coaching veteran who joined coach Brian Flores’ staff this summer after spending two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, said only left tackle Laremy Tunsil had locked up a assistant starting spot based on the first week of camp.
“The offensive line has come out here, and just like other positions, there have been some times where we’ve had some real positives, and then there are times we want more consistency,” said offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea. “That’s true of all positions.”
Flaherty expressed concern about the performance of his entire unit, Daniel Kilgore’s play at center, and pointed out that Michael Deiter, the Dolphins’ 2019 third-round pick, has a long way to go before he’s ready to become a starter.
It’s unclear whether Flaherty’s criticism of the Dolphins offensive line, which is being rebuilt following the departure of Ja’Wuan James and Ted Larsen as free agents in the offseason,
ship took over in September 2017, the Marlins’ had the 29th rated minor league system, per Baseball America. Since then, Miami has improved to No. 10.
While Miami’s group of expiring contracts are obvious trade candidates, the team has a number of intriguing pitching assets who could become available — if the price is right.
Trevor Richards, who started 20 games before being moved to the bullpen this weekend, could be an enticing option for teams. The 26-year-old righthander has shown plenty of promise in his young major league career and has 51⁄2 years of club control.
In addition, 29-year-old reliever Nick Anderson has impressed during his rookie season, posting the sixthbest strikeout rate among National League relievers. Hill indicated it would require a significant return for the Marlins to part ways with their controllable young assets.
Despite the Marlins making just one move so far, that could easily change in the next two days. Unlike previous years, July 31 will be the hard deadline to acquire players via trade. In the past, teams could deal players up until Aug. 31 if they cleared waivers.
“It will continue to increase as we get closer to Wednesday, Hill said. “We’re a deadline-oriented industry and the deadline sort of forces the hands of organizations looking to change the complexions of their teams.
“This is the only opportunity any team is going to have before the end of the season to add talent and I think from everyone’s standpoint, whether you’re in it or not, you’re looking to do what you can to help your organization.”
Last season, the Marlins made two deadline day trades, sending reliever Brad Ziegler to the Arizona Dimaondbacks and outfielder Cameron Maybin to the Seattle Mariners. In return, Miami acquired a pair of prospects — RHP Tommy Eveld and second baseman Bryson Brigman — and $250K of international bonus pool money. During the waiver period, the Marlins traded first baseman Justin Bour to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitching prospect McKenzie Mills.