Fernandez: Boras will be involved in innings plan with Marlins
The Miami Marlins and Jose Fernandez appear headed towards a Matt Harvey-like scenario in 2016.
A little over a week after Marlins team president Dave Samson declared Fernandez's agent, Scott Boras, wouldn't be a part of devising an innings plan for the right-hander next season, Fernandez countered by stating he absolutely intends to have Boras present during meetings.
"We did this last year, with Scott Boras, (president of baseball operations) Mike Hill, (former general manager/manager) Dan Jennings," Fernandez said at a Marlins charity event Friday. "We all talked on the phone, my doctor. (Dr. Lee) Kaplan was aware. We have done this, it's worked perfectly fine. We all agreed. We're all on the same page.
"I do not know what all this is all about, but Scott Boras will be there because he's my agent, and I get to decide who is going to be on my phone calls on my conference. It's that simple."
Samson was previously very clear about Boras' level of involvement in the matter:
"He will not be involved in any discussion as it relates to Jose Fernandez," Samson said. "We will be in touch with the doctors and Jose as we formulate a plan."
Harvey set a precedent this season when he got Boras, who also represents the New York Mets hurler, to engage team brass in discussions surrounding the 180-innings limit doctors suggested following reconstructive elbow surgery. The result was a lessened workload for Harvey in September and in the early rounds of the playoffs. He was then turned loose in late October with a World Series championship at stake.
Fernandez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2014, has been a major topic of discussion this offseason after reports surfaced he has attitude issues. This has led to speculation the 23-year-old hurler could be traded prior to the 2016 season as his relationship with team management sours.
Fernandez, who is under team control for three more seasons, made 11 starts in 2015 as he eased back into action following surgery, posting a 6-1 record with a 2.92 ERA while striking out 79 batters over 64 2/3 innings of work.