Marlins Trade Rumors

Marlins extend offer to Ross Gload
"The Marlins have extended an offer to Ross Gload, their top left-handed hitter off the bench last season when he led the majors in pinch hits. The offer is thought to be similar to the one received last year by Wes Helms, who agreed to a two-year deal for $1.9 million. Gload said toward he end of the season that he would prefer to remain with the Marlins, especially if he could work out a deal early in the free agency process, thus relieving him of any uncertainty.The Marlins' exclusive negotiating window with Gload closes at midnight Friday, at which point any team can start discussing financial terms with the free agent. The Marlins, as expected, declined to pick up a $2.6 million club ..."
Uggla trade talk "pretty hot and heavy"
"We're hearing that the Marlins' Dan Uggla trade talk with the Giants and Rangers got "pretty hot and heavy" at the GM meetings, according to one baseball man. Florida has told other clubs that if it doesn't get what it wants, it will keep Uggla and deal someone else from its pool of arbitration-eligible players -- a group that includes Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross, Alfredo Amezaga and Ricky Nolasco. But Uggla still looms as the runaway winner of all Most Likely To Be An Ex-Marlin contests."
Marlins could make splash in free-agent pool
"The free-agency floodgates will swing open on Friday, and though the Marlins consistently sport one of the lowest payrolls in the Majors, they can factor in, too. Florida had the least amount of money committed to its roster last year, and the front office has stressed that payroll will continue to match revenue until the club moves into its new stadium at the beginning of the 2012 season. That means, of course, that the Marlins will not be in the running for such top free-agent prizes as John Lackey, Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. But that doesn't mean they can't use the free-agent market to get over the hump and into the playoffs for the first time since '03. At midnight ET on Friday, the ..."
Marlins ready to deal
"Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu or Matt Lindstrom: The Marlins are looking to trade some pieces to clear space on their already microscopic payroll, and in addition to Uggla (Giants or Orioles) and perhaps Cantu, they are said to be fielding inquiries on the reliever Lindstrom, as well."
Interest in Uggla ... at third base
"The two teams showing the most interest in Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla would move him to third base. The Giants and Orioles are the clubs in strongest pursuit of Uggla, according to major-league sources. The Red Sox also have inquired, envisioning Uggla as a potential replacement for free agent Jason Bay in left field. Uggla, 29, projects to earn approximately $8 million in arbitration. But in four major-league seasons, he has averaged 30 homers and 90 RBIs. For the Giants, he would represent a more affordable addition than Bay or Matt Holliday. The Giants would play Uggla at third, Edgar Renteria at shortstop, Freddy Sanchez at second and Pablo Sandoval at first. If Uggla went to the ..."
Teams asking about Marlins' Matt Lindstrom and Jorge Cantu; Uggla likely to be dealt
"We hear the Marlins have been getting trade inquiries about Matt Lindstrom and are considering dealing him. One Marlins official said Leo Nuñez seems better-suited to close games. The Marlins lean toward keeping Jorge Cantu (who has drawn interest) but would consider an extraordinary offer. Dan Uggla remains likely to be dealt."
Free-agent market thin at first base
"Last year, the first-base class of free agents had a first-class front-runner in Mark Teixeira. This time around, it's more of a contender-by-committee situation, with talent available but no Type A headliner to pull in anything close to what Big Tex commanded on his joyride to the Bronx. Carlos Delgado was on the "A Team" a few years back, but after hip surgery and a down year in New York, he's Type B and a possible question mark in the areas of mobility and bat speed at the age of 37 (38 in late June). And speaking of question marks, Nick Johnson, another attractive free-agent option because of his high on-base percentage (career .402), just can't seem to stay healthy for a full ..."
Marlins prepare for roster changes at GM meetings
"Expect the Marlins to be busy this winter. The general managers meetings start today in Chicago where the front office will explore options for trading some its 11 arbitration players. Whether any deals get done remains to be seen but the Marlins already made a move last week when RF Jeremy Hermida was traded to Boston. Indications are 2B Dan Uggla will get traded by the winter meetings next month and that RF Cody Ross will be back next year. I've heard different ideas about Jorge Cantu, with a 50-50 split on whether he will be back I say he returns but who knows?"
Ex-Marlin Jeremy Hermida reeled in by Red Sox
"The Red Sox made what general manager Theo Epstein called a "value trade" in acquiring 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins in exchange for left-handers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez yesterday. The 11th overall pick in 2002, Hermida's abilities have yet to develop to the Marlins' expectations. In addition, there was the potential for his $2.25 million salary in 2009 to increase in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The Red Sox, meanwhile, feel this could be Hermida's time and place. "Hermida's the kind of player who hasn't fulfilled his potential yet," Epstein said. "We acquired him for a reasonable cost to see if he can fulfill his potential for us. There's a ..."
Court rejects Braman's Florida Marlins stadium appeal
"Auto tycoon Norman Braman's Quixotic struggle to stop local leaders from investing hundreds of millions of public dollars in a stadium for the Florida Marlins might have gasped its last breath on Wednesday. With a single-word opinion -- ``affirmed'' -- the Third District Court of Appeal upheld a lower-court judge's decision last year that shot down all seven claims in Braman's suit. ``Today's ruling ensures that we will continue to move forward in a positive direction, creating opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors,'' Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the stadium's chief political backer, said after the ruling. Among other things, Braman wanted to force a referendum ..."
Marlins' manager Fredi Gonzalez safe; pitching, infield coaches out
"Turns out Florida Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! manager Fredi Gonzalez performed well enough to keep his job. The same can't be said for pitching coach Mark Wiley and infield coach Andy Fox. Tuesday, the Marlins announced neither Wiley nor Fox would return to their positions. The others - bench coach Carlos Tosca, hitting coach Jim Presley, third base/outfield coach Bo Porter, bullpen coach Steve Foster and bullpen coordinator Pierre Arsenault - have been offered contracts for 2010. Though Gonzalez signed an extension that takes him through 2011, the Marlins left him in limbo at season's end. Late Saturday, a report surfaced they had discussions with Bobby Valentine about a job, ..."
Sources: Marlins keeping Gonzalez
"Fredi Gonzalez will return as the Florida Marlins manager in 2010, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. An announcement from the team was expected later Tuesday. Gonzalez's job was considered in jeopardy because owner Jeffrey Loria was upset that the Marlins failed to make the playoffs, although they finished 12 games above .500 with the smallest payroll in baseball. Loria met with organization officials Monday in New York to discuss the status of Gonzalez and his coaching staff. Earlier this week, sources said Bobby Valentine had been in communication with the Marlins and other teams as he pursues a possible return to managing in the major leagues. Gonzalez, who is under ..."
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez's job could be in jeopardy
"Asked about the Marlins finishing the season with the third-best record in franchise history, manager Fredi Gonzalez said Sunday: "You know what - 87 wins, in this division, that's not too shabby." But it might not be enough for him to keep his job because owner Jeffrey Loria was angry that his club didn't make the playoffs. The front office declined Sunday to confirm that Gonzalez would return in 2010. He is under contract for two more seasons. "You get judged on wins and losses and not making the playoffs," Gonzalez said after a season-ending, 7-6 loss to Philadelphia. "We'll know more by the end of the week, I guess." Bobby Valentine, who formerly managed the New York Mets and Texas ..."
Sources: Valentine, Marlins talking
"At a time when Bobby Valentine has begun the process of talking with teams about a possible return as a manager in Major League Baseball, sources said he is in communication with the Florida Marlins about a possible position with that team -- less than eight months after Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez received a two-year extension. Gonzalez, 45, has managed the Marlins the last two seasons after replacing Joe Girardi, and Florida has contended in both years. Gonzalez was named The Sporting News Manager of the Year in 2008. Gonzalez agreed to a two-year extension with the Marlins in spring training, and he is signed through the 2011 season. However, there has been concern on the coaching ..."
Florida Marlins OF Cody Ross' pain worsens on wrist
"Cody Ross wore nothing more than a large adhesive bandage on his left wrist, but the slow way he moved it Sunday offered all the explanation as to his availability -- not just for Sunday but perhaps longer in the Marlins' playoff chase. ``It's hard for me to turn my hand over,'' Ross said a couple hours before Florida's 4-0 loss, rotating his swollen wrist from palm down to palm up. Though X-rays showed no break from the John Maine fastball that caromed off Ross' wrist Saturday evening, the swelling was more painful after a night's sleep. ``Obviously it's day-to-day,'' Ross said. ``We'll just see how it goes. I think Hanley [Ramirez] had the same kind, and it kept him out for a while.'' ..."
At least 3 NL teams interested in Penny
"As Brad Penny, who was told by Boston Red Sox officials Wednesday night that he is being released, is being moved through waivers, at least three NL contenders -- the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Florida Marlins -- have expressed interest in the veteran right-hander, sources said. Those teams and any interested AL teams probably won't want to claim Penny off waivers, because the cost of Penny as short-term hire would be enormous. Penny is still owed about $1 million in salary for the rest of this season, and he has $500,000 in bonuses as he reaches 160 innings, 170 innings, 180 innings and then 190 innings. Penny has thrown 131 2/3 innings this season, which means that if he ..."
Penny should attract NL interest
"Right-hander Brad Penny, released by the Red Sox on Wednesday night, could be a very popular man once he clears waivers on Monday. No team figures to claim Penny, who is owed more than $1 million by the Red Sox and is 28 1/3 innings away from cashing the first in a series of $500,000 incentives. However, once Penny is officially released, he will be available for a pro-rated portion of the minimum salary — the approximate price of a September call-up. Penny, 31, requested his release with the idea of joining a contender and building his value before he enters the free-agent market this off- season. His logical next step would be to return to the National League, where he had spent his ..."
Florida Marlins' Nick Johnson likely headed to disabled list
"The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! placed first baseman Nick Johnson on the disabled list after Tuesday night's game because of a strained right hamstring that won't heal as fast as he or the team would like. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the move had to have been made by today in order to make it retroactive to Aug. 16. "There's a little bit of improvement there, but I don't know if it's enough to keep putting us in a position where we play short," Gonzalez said. The Marlins will likely call up a position player to replace him, possibly Brett Carroll. Johnson said he stopped jogging Tuesday after feeling discomfort. "It was better than the last time I ran, but then I tried to get ..."
A. Sanchez to start Friday
"The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! added one Sanchez on Tuesday and a second is on the way. Corner infielder Gaby Sanchez is back with the team, taking the roster spot of right-hander Rick VandenHurk, who the Marlins optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Friday, Anibal Sanchez is expected to start the series opener in Atlanta. Monday, Sanchez threw three perfect innings and completed his scheduled 50-pitch rehab outing for Double-A Jacksonville, allowing two runs on one hit with a walk and five strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. Because Sanchez exited after 49 pitches, he is available to start on short rest. The Marlins opted to give Chris Volstad an extra day and slotted him Saturday against ..."
Red Sox officially release former Cy Young winner
"John Smoltz has been released by the Red Sox, a major league source told FOXSports.com. The move is not a surprise, since his contract was designated for assignment on Aug. 7. Smoltz will clear unconditional release waivers on Wednesday, at which point he will be free to discuss a new contract with any team. The Dodgers, Marlins, Cardinals and Rangers have interest, sources have told FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. Smoltz, 42, does not intend to retire and is open to joining clubs as a starter or reliever, a source told Rosenthal over the weekend. The Red Sox are now obligated to pay the remainder of the one-year, $5.5 million contract Smoltz signed in the offseason."
Marlins get Nats' Johnson
"The Marlins have acquired first baseman Nick Johnson for the Nationals for Class AA left-hander Aaron Thompson, according to a major-league source. The Nationals will pay the approximately $1.8 million remaining on Johnson's salary. Johnson is a free agent at the end of the season."
Marlins up their offer for Johnson
"The Marlins have improved their offer for Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, offering another minor leaguer in addition to Class AAA right-hander Ryan Tucker, according to a major-league source. If the deal is completed, the Nationals would pay part of the approximately $1.8 million remaining on Johnson's contract, another source said. Jorge Cantu would move from first to third base for the Marlins. Third baseman Emilio Bonifacio would take over the injured Alfredo Amezaga's super-utility role. The Marlins earlier made runs at Padres closer Heath Bell and even first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Blue Jays ace right-hander Roy Halladay. In each case, however, club officials considered the ..."
Fishing for Nick Johnson; Bell too pricey
"What would it take to make the Florida Marlins happy come the 4 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline? Booking Nick Johnson on a flight to South Florida. The Washington Nationals' first baseman, Johnson is the Marlins' biggest target as the clock winds down, a source that has spoken with the club confirmed this morning. The Marlins hope to land Johnson and his gaudy .408 on-base percentage, and plug him in the two spot in front of Hanley Ramirez. It seems like an ideal fit on some levels and raises questions on others. For starters, adding Johnson, who turns 31 in September, works financially. He is earning $5.5 million in the final season of a three-year deal and will be eligible for free ..."
Pads reviewing Bell, Gonzalez proposals
"The Padres' front office will meet late Thursday with ownership to review trade proposals for closer Heath Bell and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. General manager Kevin Towers and his staff will be joined at the meeting by Jeff Moorad, the team's vice-chairman and CEO, and Tom Garfinkel, the club president. "We'll talk through the kinds of proposals that have been made," Moorad told FOXSports.com. "We're always open to improving the club going forward. But the two significant players being discussed would require some element of overpaying to pry them loose." At least a dozen teams have expressed interest in Bell, according to one major-league source, while a half-dozen have shown interest ..."
Marlins waiting for answer from Nats
"The Marlins are waiting to hear if the Nationals will accept their offer for first baseman Nick Johnson, according to major-league sources. The proposed deal would send Class AAA right-hander Ryan Tucker to Washington, with the Nationals paying part of the approximately $1.8 million remaining on Johnson's contract. Jorge Cantu would move from first to third base for the Marlins. Third baseman Emilio Bonifacio would take over the injured Alfredo Amezaga's super-utility role. The Marlins earlier made runs at Padres closer Heath Bell and even first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Blue Jays ace right-hander Roy Halladay. In each case, however, club officials considered the acquisition cost to be ..."
Angels, Marlins interested in Bell
"Heath Bell called it the kiss of death. "We just signed a one-year lease on a home in San Diego," the closer said Thursday in the Padres' clubhouse. "Before signing the lease, I didn't give a second thought to the possibility of being traded. But as soon as I signed the lease, I'm thinking, 'Oh, no.' " Bell hasn't been traded yet. But his name moved to the front of the potential trades Padres General Manager Kevin Towers is considering as Friday's 1 p.m. trade deadline approaches. Late Thursday night, both the Los Angeles Angels and Florida Marlins were still talking to the Padres regarding Bell, who has successfully converted 25 of 26 save opportunities this season. But Bell said he ..."
Marlins and Rays in on Bell, Brewers out of Washburn talks
"Just spoke to an official from an NL club who talked about "buyers turning into sellers, and sellers into buyers" over the last 48 hours. The Marlins definitely fall into the latter category; they are reportedly working hard to acquire Heath Bell. The Rays might, as well. The Mariners? It's still unclear precisely what they are. I spoke with an official who knows Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik well, and this official predicted, based on the trade that sent Ian Snell and Jack Wilson to the AL West, that the Mariners would hold onto Jarrod Washburn and keep going for a playoff spot. The Brewers are no longer in on Washburn."
Marlins going after Padres closer Bell
"At trading time, the Marlins often are full of surprises. They sent infielder Miguel Cabrera and left-hander Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers at the 2007 winter meetings. They tried to acquire Manny Ramirez at the non-waiver deadline a year ago. And now, they're after the Padres' All-Star closer, right-hander Heath Bell. The Marlins are one of 10 to 15 teams pursuing Bell, according to major-league sources, and they're deep enough in prospects to pull off such a deal. However, the Padres want one of the Marlins' young starting pitchers, either left-hander Andrew Miller or Sean West, as the centerpiece of a multi-player package. To the Marlins, who traded first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the ..."
Florida Marlins consider impact trades as deadline nears
"Ross Gload never gave the trading deadline a thought when he woke up on the morning of July 31, 2000. He was oblivious to it. He was a minor-league player living on minor-league pay. ``I had bigger things on my mind than if I was going to be traded,'' said Gload, who was in the Marlins' minor-league system at the time. ``I was probably figuring out if I was going to eat Burger King or McDonald's that morning.'' Then the phone rang. The words on the other end said, ``We've traded you.'' Looking back on it nine years later, it's probably fair to say that the Marlins' deadline-day deal with the Chicago Cubs -- Gload and fellow minor-leaguer David Noyce for past-his-prime outfielder Henry ..."
How inclined are O's to trade closer Sherrill?
"The Orioles' acquisition of Padres right-hander Cla Meredith on Sunday is not necessarily a precursor to a trade of left-handed closer George Sherrill. The team already is deep in right-handed relievers, and Meredith, whose ERA since June 2 is 6.06, does not exactly qualify as late-inning "insurance." While a trade of Sherrill looks inevitable — "They will move him; they know he's the best available closer out there," one rival executive says — it is not yet imminent. One general manager interested in Sherrill says the Orioles are "playing the 'don't-have-to-move-him-so-make-us' card" — a characterization the O's do not dispute. "If it's something meaningful coming back, something we don't ..."
I still want to be the Marlins' closer
"Injured reliever Matt Lindstrom has heard and read all the rumors about the Marlins looking for a closer as the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline approaches. His reaction? The Marlins don't need to make a move. "I want to be that guy," he said after throwing 40 pitches off a mound this afternoon. "But I don't think about anything else except getting healthy. When I'm healthy I know what type of pitcher I can be." Out since June 24 with a sprained right elbow, Lindstrom says he's confident he'll return before the middle of August, if not sooner. First, he'll go to Jupiter on Wednesday to throw batting practice against Marlins minor-leaguers in a simulated game. If that goes well, he'll ..."
As Marlins wait to sign Johnson, he's more likely to be gone
"From somewhere on that parcel of flattened land in Little Havana, a 10 1/2 -inch high mound will rise. And from that mound in just more than two seasons, someone will throw the first pitch at the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!' new ballpark. No need for manager Fredi Gonzalez to name his 2012 Opening Day starter just yet, but he would receive no complaints from Marlins fans if he gave Josh Johnson the nod forthwith. Tonight, Johnson is in St. Louis, where he is representing the Marlins along with shortstop Hanley Ramirez at the All-Star Game. While the Marlins last season took care of one franchise player, giving Ramirez a six-year, $70 million contract, Johnson is under their ..."
Rookie West battered again, sent down
"Marlins rookie lefthander Sean West may have to consider changing his name after enduring his second loss on the West Coast swing this week. West, who was cuffed around by the Giants earlier this week, was roughed up again, this time by the resurgent Diamondbacks Saturday night in a 5-1 loss. Arizona has won seven of its last eight, while the Marlins fell to four games back after the first-place Phillies came from behind to beat the Pirates. West (3-4, 4.91) has now given up five runs in each of his last three starts, and has allowed 15 runs on 21 hits with 10 walks in his last 15 innings. Hurt by the hitting and fielding exploits of All-Star Justin Upton (4-for-4 with two runs scored and ..."
Beinfest in a buying mood
"As the All-Star break approaches, president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest made it clear that he's more interested in buying and selling at this point with the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! within striking distance of the first-place Phillies. "There are so many teams in it, it's tough to make trades,'' said Beinfest, regarding the upcoming July 31 trade deadline. "People don't want to take from their team, they want to add it. In terms of your prospects there's a threshold of whether to give or not to give.'' After a hot April and disastrous May, the Marlins were 45-44 before Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. While he didn't specifically address the trade rumors ..."
Mariners asked about Hermida
"The Mariners asked Florida about outfielder Jeremy Hermida, a major league source said, but it doesn't appear the talks advanced very far. Hermida would provide a left-handed power threat at low cost (roughly $1.125 million between now and the end of the regular season), but his trade value isn't what it once was. Hermida's slugging percentage has declined since 2007, and the Marlins are now starting Brett Carroll regularly against left-handers."
Former Minnesota Twin Luis Ayala agrees to terms with Florida Marlins
"The Marlins agreed to terms with veteran right-handed reliever Luis Ayala, who cleared waivers Thursday after being designated for assignment last week by the Minnesota Twins. Ayala's agent, Joe Longo, said the pitcher would report to New Orleans and join the Triple A club in Omaha, Neb. ''He hasn't pitched in over two weeks, so he'll go down there for maybe three or four outings to make sure everything is working right,'' Longo said. Ayala, 31, has pitched for the Nationals, Mets and Twins during his six major-league seasons. He had appeared in 28 games for the Twins this season, going 1-2 with a 4.18 ERA. ''He knows [Marlins general manager] Michael Hill , and he's played for years with ..."
Fixing Florida
"The Florida Marlins' bullpen is in tatters, in the aftermath of word that Matt Lindstrom may not pitch for many weeks, to go along with injuries to Leo Nunez and Kiko Calero. Sources say that right now, Florida's top priority is to add a proven reliever, and given that most of the bodies lost by the Marlins this season have been right-handers, adding someone like a LaTroy Hawkins or Danys Baez would make some sense. They also will consider Luis Ayala, whom the Twins cut loose and is reportedly being considered by the Pirates. The Marlins' need is acute, and the timing is right: Ricky Nolasco is on a roll right now, and the Marlins moved above .500 for the first time in more than six weeks ..."
10 most likely to be traded - Infielders
"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."
Marlins interested in DeRosa
"Add the Marlins to the long list of teams interested in the Indians' Mark DeRosa. The Marlins would use DeRosa at third base. Their OPS at the position ranks next-to-last in the National League, ahead of only the Reds, who have been without the injured Edwin Encarnacion for much of the season. Since starting the season 16-for-33, Emilio Bonifacio is batting . 207/.262/.240."
Agent sees big bucks ahead for Johnson
"Don't think the New York Yankees weren't watching Josh Johnson with great interest Saturday. Not the befuddled Yankees hitters, who squeezed out a run during the seven innings Johnson was on the hill -- but the big boys upstairs, the Hank Steinbrenners and Brian Cashmans. They know unless the Marlins lock up Johnson before his arbitration years expire after the 2011 season, he probably won't be around to make the Opening Day start for the Marlins when their new ballpark opens in 2012. He'll be gone, either through free agency or via a trade as the Marlins look to recoup value for him. Think the Marlins would offer Johnson a five-year deal totaling $82.5 million, the one Saturday's loser, ..."
Deals that might work for the Mets
"The Mets have been blasted by an injury tsunami during the past month, and players seemingly have dropped by the hour, from Carlos Delgado to Jose Reyes, J.J. Putz to John Maine. Their 15-0 loss to the Yankees on Sunday had some Mets fans calling into talk radio shows in New York, seemingly trying to decide whether to vault off the Whitestone Bridge or the Throgs Neck Bridge. Tough choice. But club executives are a little more circumspect. Although the Phillies look like the better team right now, the Mets theoretically remain one good week from making up a four-game deficit in the National League East, and they figure to be right in the thick of the wild-card race. So although the Mets ..."
Dan Uggla may prove too expensive for Marlins
"The signs have been there. Five home runs in the last 11 games. Three hits Wednesday in Philadelphia. An average that has not dipped below .200 for 10 straight games. Still, even if Dan Uggla continues to emerge from a season-long funk, it might not be enough to keep him in a Florida uniform next season, or even past the July 31 trading deadline if the Marlins determine they cannot contend. The former University of Memphis standout understands that his salary -- he will be eligible for arbitration again this winter -- could make him too costly for the bottom-line-conscious Marlins. "Everybody knows how this organization works," the second baseman said. "They're going to do what's best for ..."
Infielder deals have yet to be made, but here's one to consider
"It's interesting to see that none of the major infield injuries by contenders has been filled by a trade yet: Cardinals third base (Troy Glaus), Brewers second base (Rickie Weeks), Mets first base (Carlos Delgado) and Rays second base (Akinori Iwamura). The Rays have hit a crisis point because of injuries, a decline in starting pitching and another awful trip to Cleveland. If they do decide to make a trade, one scout suggested that they ought to pry away Freddy Sanchez from the Pirates. Sanchez is exactly the kind of player who fits well in the way Tampa stresses defense and grinding out at-bats. Dan Uggla of Florida, another second baseman who could be available, is not nearly as good a ..."
Around the majors
"Rangers owner Tom Hicks' decision to put a majority stake in the team up for sale should not be shocking in light of all the financial reverses he has suffered within the past few years, and the contracts of Alex Rodriguez, Chan Ho Park and Kevin Millwood are the least of it. Hicks is in the TV business, which has hit the skids, plus he also purchased the Liverpool soccer team and got crushed (like the rest of the country) in the stock market. Hicks tried hard to win, I give him that. • The Giants are denying that they are dangling Matt Cain. But one competing exec said he wouldn't be stunned if they did dangle Cain, considering they have superb ace Tim Lincecum and lots more young ..."
Dan Uggla emerging from slump, but he could prove too expensive for Florida Marlins
"The signs have been there. Five home runs in the last nine games. Three hits Wednesday in Philadelphia. An average that has not dipped below .200 for eight straight games. Still, even if Dan Uggla continues to emerge from a season-long funk, it might not be enough to keep him in a Florida uniform next season, or even past the July 31 trading deadline if the Marlins determine they cannot contend. Uggla himself understands that his salary - he will be eligible for arbitration again this winter - could make him too costly for the bottom-line-conscious Marlins. "Everybody knows how this organization works," the second baseman said. "They're going to do what's best for the organization. ... If ..."
Giants may be interested in trade for Dan Uggla
"The San Francisco Giants have made it known they're in search of a bat, and Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! second baseman Dan Uggla is among the players piquing their interest. According to an industry source, the Giants have made preliminary inquiries about Uggla. The conversations are not believed to have reached the general manager level. The Giants likely are investigating any number of options from Nationals' first baseman Nick Johnson to Indians infielder Mark De Rosa. One thing that makes Uggla attractive is he's not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. The expectation is the Marlins will move Uggla at some point. He's already earning $5.35 million. Team ..."
Marlins pitcher Scott Proctor's season could be over
"Marlins right-hander Scott Proctor hopes he can pitch this summer, but the Jensen Beach resident isn't ruling out the possibility that his season is over. Proctor, out since February with a sore elbow, will visit orthopedic surgeon James Andrews on Monday after feeling intense pain during a bullpen session three days ago. Proctor, 32, has been trying to come back from October surgery to repair a partially torn flexor tendon, but he knows he might need the elbow-ligament replacement procedure known as Tommy John surgery. If that's the case, Proctor might not pitch until at least September 2010. "At this point, nothing would surprise me," he said. He is hoping that his latest discomfort is ..."
Hanley Ramirez wants to play but Marlins will wait a day
"Less than 18 hours after Hanley Ramirez cut short his hitting session in the cage and said things did not go well, he told manager Fredi Gonzalez Friday morning he felt good and wanted to play. Gonzalez was skeptical. "I just to make sure," Gonzalez said. "He went from 10 swings on the tee to feeling real good. That's the competitiveness in him." So Ramirez is not in the Friday's lineup but could be available to pinch-hit."
Nats acquire Kensing from Marlins
"In need of bullpen help, the Nationals acquired right-hander Logan Kensing from the Marlins for Minor League pitcher Kyle Gunderson on Wednesday. The Nationals did not announce when Kensing will join the team, however, he is expected to pitch in the middle to late innings. This season, Kensing pitched in six games for Florida and gave up eight runs in 7 1/3 innings. His best season was in 2008, when he went 3-1 with a 4.23 ERA."