NewsDonnelly, Gload file for free agency
Marlins hold exclusive negotiating rights until Nov. 19
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
11/05/09 9:30 PM EST
MIAMI -- Neither one of them was on the roster when the Marlins opened Spring Training in 2009. Yet, both became big contributors. Now, reliever Brendan Donnelly and first baseman/pinch-hitter Ross Gload will test the market. The two veterans officially filed for free agency on Thursday. In February, Donnelly signed a Minor League contract with the Rangers, but things didn't work out. He caught on with the Astros and pitched in 24 games for their Triple-A Round Rock affiliate. Once again, he was released, and he thought he would explore some chances with teams out west. "I thought I was going in another direction," Donnelly said in a recent interview. "I was heading on I-10 West. I ended up heading on I-10 East." Two days after turning 38, Donnelly was pitching for the Marlins. He made his Florida debut on July 6, and he helped stabilize the bullpen. The Marlins control exclusive negotiating rights with Donnelly and Gload until Nov. 19. If no deal is reached by then, they are free to talk with all 30 clubs. Gload was acquired from the Royals late in Spring Training, and the 33-year-old collected 21 pinch-hits. Gload and Wes Helms combined for 38 such hits, becoming the second pair of teammates since 1900 to have that many. For the St. Louis Browns in 1936, Ed Coleman and Roy Pepper also had 38. Gload had a $2.6 million club option for 2010 that the Marlins didn't pick up. In 125 games, Gload batted .261 with six home runs and 30 RBIs. In 30 games with the Marlins, Donnelly was 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA. He struck out 25 in 25 1/3 innings, while providing a veteran influence to a young bullpen. Donnelly broke in with the Angels in 2002. As a rookie, he experienced being part of a World Series championship team. In 2007, he pitched in 27 games for the Red Sox, who also won the title that year. But Donnelly was injured during the playoffs. He was one of the few players on the Florida roster with postseason experience. "I think it's worked out well for both sides," Donnelly said of pitching for the Marlins this year. "I knew what I could do. They gave me an opportunity, and I needed a place to do it. I think it worked out well for both sides."Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
