Austin Kearns spent 2012 with the Miami Marlins and hit .245 with four home runs and 16 RBI. Kearns was used primarily as a right-handed bat off the bench. According to the Miami Herald Kearns will re-sign with the Marlins on a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Kearns is expected to provide depth for the Marlins at first base and as a corner outfielder. Logan Morrison who is recovering from right knee surgery for the Marlins, isn’t expected to be 100% heading into spring training. The team has a need at first base and bringing back free-agent first baseman Carlos Lee is not an option. Kearns could provide some insurance in the event Morrison is not ready for the start of the season. Kearns, 32, made the Marlins as a non-roster invitee last season. Kearns hit .245/.366/.367 in 175 plate appearances. For his career, he is a .254/.351/.415 hitter with 121 home runs over 11 seasons, and has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and the Marlins.
More Miami Marlins News: The Marlins are among several teams interested in signing free agent reliever Matt Capps. Capps missed nearly half the season with a rotator cuff injury last year with the Minnesota Twins. Capps saved 14 games and pitch to an ERA of 3.6 8/20 9 1/3 innings of work.
