Marlins Trade Rumors

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."
Hanley likely to return on Thursday
"Chances are improving that Hanley Ramirez will be back in the starting lineup soon. It just may be another day. Ramirez's sore right hand kept him out of the series finale with the Mets on Wednesday afternoon, but Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez puts the odds at 80 percent that the All-Star shortstop will return on Thursday night, when they open a four-game series with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. "I'd say it's 80-20 for tomorrow," Gonzalez said of Ramirez being back for the first game in Chicago. In the first inning on Monday at Citi Field, Ramirez absorbed a 94 mph John Maine fastball on the side of his right hand, just above the wrist. Ramirez was immediately taken out of that game, and he ..."
Marlins interested in Rockies' reliever Morillo
"The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! may not be done tinkering with their bullpen. According to a baseball source, the Marlins are among the teams pursuing Rockies right-hander Juan Morillo, 25. The Rockies designated Morillo for assignment Friday when they added Matt Belisle. Out of minor league options, Morillo made the Opening Day roster but he did not appear in any games. He has accumulated just 8 2/3 innings worth of major league experience since his 2006 debut, but Morillo can boast a big arm. A native of the Dominican Republic, Morillo touched 100 miles per hour three times last season according to Baseball Info Solutions. His fastball generally sits in the mid- to upper-90s. ..."
Elbow soreness puts VandenHurk on DL
"The Netherlands' second-round run was among the best World Baseball Classic storylines. In exchange for his contribution, right-hander Rick VandenHurk may have have sacrificed a healthy start to the regular season. Saturday, the Marlins placed VandenHurk on the disabled list with inflammation on the outer portion of his elbow. VandenHurk began feeling discomfort after he returned from the Classic and it got worse after a March 28 appearance against the Mets. VandenHurk, who had a repeat MRI Friday, has been on no-throw status for five days. He was scheduled to visit the doctor Saturday and expected to begin a throwing program in the next few days. "I've had elbow trouble before," said ..."
Carroll may be left out in end
"Statistically, it's a no-brainer. Brett Carroll has performed better than the two remaining reserve outfielder candidates in Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! camp. No one need tell Carroll that batting averages aren't the only numbers that matter. "[Getting cut] would definitely be a tough pill to swallow, but that's how this game is," said Carroll, who's batting .412 with a 1.046 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 34 Grapefruit League at-bats. "It's a game of numbers, and sometimes it's not your time." Everything Carroll has done says it is his time. In addition to going 2 for 3 as a pinch-hitter, he's again demonstrated arguably the organization's best outfield arm. A natural right ..."
Red Sox still desire Hanley Ramirez
"The news that the Red Sox attempted to reacquire shortstop Hanley Ramirez from the Florida Marlins during the offseason apparently was news to the player. According to multiple sources, the Red Sox approached Florida last November to see if they could put together a package of young players and prospects to land Ramirez, whom they dealt in a multi-player swap in November of 2005 to land right-hander Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell. "When was that?" Ramirez quizzically asked yesterday. "Nobody told me anything about that. But what can I say? It's a business. Anything can happen, I guess." In response to the Red Sox' inquiry, the Marlins reportedly were interested in a package ..."
Marlins and Pudge Rodriguez talk, but reunion is a longshot
"Although agent Scott Boras has had discussions with the Marlins about free-agent catcher Pudge Rodriguez, a reunion in South Florida does not look likely. "Obviously, the issue is playing time,'' Boras said Tuesday, adding he also is talking to teams that might be willing to give Rodriguez, 37, a bigger role than the Marlins are offering. Two months ago, Marlins President David Samson put at "zero" the chances of the team making a serious run at Rodriguez unless he accepted a base salary. The Marlins are offering a six-figure contract that would be laden with performance incentives. Boras said "economics" also would determine where Rodriguez lands. "But to get to the first step with the ..."
Florida Marlins pitcher Scott Proctor to see doctor about elbow pain
"Right-handed reliever Scott Proctor, who has been shut down because of pain resulting from scar tissue, is scheduled to see a doctor Sunday. Proctor, 32, hasn't pitched since he threw in an intrasquad game Monday, and had been on a long-toss conditioning program. ''I've been on a throwing program the last two days. I got through it, and took [Saturday] off. I'll see the doctor [Sunday] and will get put on some sort of throwing program,'' Proctor said. Proctor had elbow surgery (torn flexor) in October, and the Marlins aren't surprised he is going through some discomfort. ''I had an MRI when I got my physical [in mid-February]. There is nothing structurally wrong,'' Proctor said. ``That's ..."
Proctor rolls with setback
"Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! right-hander Scott Proctor figured he'd have to go through something like this. The surprise was it didn't happen sooner. The breakup of scar tissue produced sufficient discomfort to slow Proctor last week. Proctor, who the Marlins signed to a free-agent deal in January, underwent elbow surgery in October to repair a partially torn flexor tendon. Saturday, Proctor reiterated pitching coach Mark Wiley's belief that this would not jeopardize the reliever's readiness for Opening Day. "I'm not concerned at all," Proctor said. "It's upsetting right now because I want these guys to see me on the mound, but we still have a month. As many times as they run us ..."
Andino trade still an option
"That he made it through the offseason as a Marlin surprised infielder Robert Andino. That he ultimately reported to Jupiter for spring training didn't give him reason to feel any more settled. Andino, the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!' 2002 second-round pick out of Miami Southridge, has been the organization's middle infield security blanket. It could get ripped off now that Andino is out of options. If Andino does not make the 25-man roster, he would have to clear waivers to remain in the system. Forecasting the waiver process is at best speculative, but there's a decent chance a team light on able-gloved middle infielders would take a chance on Andino. If the Marlins don't ..."
Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez likely will bat third in lineup
"Manager Fredi Gonzalez often has said that Hanley Ramirez was destined to bat third, handing over his leadoff role for a run-producing spot closer to the heart of the order. That day, apparently, has arrived. Ramirez told two reporters Saturday that he expects to be batting third this season. ''I've got to change my approach now,'' Ramirez said. ``Me, [ Dan] Uggla and [ Jorge] Cantu, we've got to drive in runs.'' Assuming Ramirez drops to third in the order, Cameron Maybin would become the leading candidate to hit leadoff, with Emilio Bonifacio considered another possibility for that spot. Ramirez has perviously batted third, but the results haven't been so glowing. Ramirez hit 33 home ..."
Pudge a Possibility for Marlins, but Only at Sale Price
"A John Baker-Mike Rabelo catching tandem is becoming an increasingly realistic scenario for the Marlins. That said, a source who has spoken with their front office said Pudge Rodriguez remains a possibility at the right price. The Marlins have just about reached their payroll budget and are prepared to open camp a week from Saturday with their current inventory. The only free agent they'll consider adding at this point is Rodriguez to platoon with the left-handed hitting Baker. The question is Rodriguez's willingness to accept a six-figure base salary and modest incentive package. The source said even though owner Jeffrey Loria is on board with a Rodriguez reunion, it would have to happen ..."
Big-name players not an option for Florida Marlins
"Several big-name players remain unsigned -- including Ivan Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and Bobby Abreu -- but the Marlins said Saturday they are not in a position to offer any free agent more than the $400,000 minimum. ''It's highly unlikely that we would be signing any more additional players to any contract above the minimum salary because we are at our budget,'' team president David Samson said at the team's annual Fanfest at Dolphin Stadium. Rodriguez has told associates he would like to play for the Marlins again, but owner Jeffrey Loria likely would need to change his mind and offer more than the minimum for that to happen. Marlins executives publicly have said a return by Rodriguez is ..."
Marlins considering bringing back Pudge Rodriguez
"One of Ivan Rodriguez's former teams may be considering signing the 37-year-old catcher. Relax, Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor fans. It's not the Tigers. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Marlins are pondering a Pudge return. But, it'll have to be for around $1 million. In 2003, Pudge was the backstop for the World Series champion Marlins. The next season, he signed with Detroit. The move would probably bump another ex-Tiger, Mike Rabelo, off the major league roster. He was Pudge's backup in 2007."
Uggla not likely to be traded
"The Marlins never say never when it comes to player movement, but trading All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla isn't an option any time soon. "Everyone is on the trading block, but some players are more likely than others to get traded and I would certainly put him in the less-likely (category) as we speak today," Marlins President David Samson said Wednesday. Uggla, who made $417,000 last season, will get a huge raise next month when an arbitrator decides to award him the $5.35 million he has asked for or the $4.4 million the Marlins have offered. On Tuesday, after the Marlins failed to reach an agreement with Uggla, his agent raised the issue of Uggla's future with the team. "If I were a ..."
Cantu and Hermida sign; four arbitration-eligible Marlins remain
"The Marlins have pared down a lengthy list of arbitration eligible players, but it appears they're headed for hearings with some if not all of the remaining four. Jorge Cantu and Jeremy Hermida were the lone Marlins who came to terms Monday on one-year deals. Cantu will earn $3.5 million and Hermida will get $2.25 million with the possibility of another $50,000 in performance bonuses. Alfredo Amezaga, Ricky Nolasco, Cody Ross and Dan Uggla have yet to reach accords on 2008 contracts. Per club policy, if agreements are not in place before the two sides submit figures at noon today, negotiations cease and the Marlins move forward with hearings. According to multiple baseball sources, as of ..."
Marlins have interest in ex-Brave star Jones
"If Andruw Jones doesn't return to the Atlanta Braves, he might find a landing spot in South Florida. According to a baseball source, the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! have conducted internal discussions about Jones, who the Dodgers released Thursday after restructuring the remaining $21.1 million owed him on a two-year, $36.2 million deal. Jones could be had for the $400,000 league minimum, but it's doubtful the Braves, Marlins or any other team would offer the major league contract Jones is seeking. Asked during a radio interview Thursday with 790 the Zone in Atlanta whether he would consider a minor league deal from the Braves, Jones said: "No, probably not." He may have to ..."
Pirates reach out to Martinez
"The Pirates have had contact with Pedro Martinez, one of the most prominent names among free-agent pitchers, and would be interested if the price is right. But talks solely have been exploratory to this point. Martinez, 37, has been limited to 48 starts the past three seasons because of injury. He went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA for the New York Mets last season. He is believed to be seeking a $7 million salary, a figure above what the Pirates would be willing to pay, and has told reporters that he would prefer to return to the Mets -- who first will seek other options -- but is open to signing anywhere. Other teams known to have expressed interest are the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins. ..."
Source: Pedro to Marlins rumor untrue
"Don't look for Pedro Martinez to sign with the Marlins anytime soon. A baseball source who has spoken with the front office said a report the Marlins were in early negotiations with the three-time Cy Young winner was bogus. A hamstring injury slowed Martinez last season, contributing to his ineffectiveness in 20 starts for the Mets. He went 5-6 with 5.61 ERA, 44 walks and 87 strikeouts in 109 innings. In addition, Martinez, 37, damaged his rotator cuff in 2006 and made just five starts in 2007, which he mostly spent rehabbing from the surgery. That the Marlins didn't pursue Carl Pavano aggressively may be an indication they don't want to guarantee a rotation spot to a pitcher trying to ..."
Florida Marlins likely to sign Scott Proctor
"The Marlins are expected to sign former Dodgers right-hander Scott Proctor to bolster a bullpen that has lost several veterans. Proctor agreed to a one-year contract for $750,000, with another $250,000 in incentives, according to an industry source. But the deal is contingent on Proctor passing a physical, and he had elbow problems last season. Proctor missed two months with elbow tendinitis in 2008 and underwent successful surgery in October to repair a tear in the flexor tendon. He is expected to be ready by spring training. Proctor, who turns 32 on Friday, was 2-0 with a 6.05 ERA in 41 games for the Dodgers last season. He allowed 65 base-runners (41 hits, 24 walks) in 38 2/3 innings ..."
Tigers might be close to signing catcher Treanor
"The Tigers aren't commenting, but it appears that one of their long-time considerations as backup catcher, Matt Treanor, could be joining the team sometime this week. Treanor, 32, was released by the Florida Marlins last week. He had surgery in October for a sports hernia but is expected to be fully recovered by the start of spring training. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Treanor is a right-hand batter but a weak hitter (.237 career average, eight home runs in five big-league seasons). His defensive skills are the reason the Tigers would be interested in having him backup new starting catcher Gerald Laird. Treanor is considered a superb glove man who would provide the Tigers an extra measure of ..."
Nelson free to move on
"Thirty minutes after Friday's midnight deadline to tender contracts to unsigned players, Joe Nelson thought about picking up the phone and admitting he made a mistake. He was a free agent now, an enviable position considering the work he did for the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! in 2008. Yet Nelson struggled with abandoning a situation that allowed him to take his kids to school and commute to work. A West Palm Beach resident, Nelson was the lone Marlin who was not offered a contract. The two sides wanted to continue the relationship into 2008, but could not agree on Nelson's worth. The gap in guaranteed money likely was no more than $200,000. "It's a double-edged sword," said ..."
Nelson non-tendered, but hasn't ruled out return
"Thirty minutes after Friday's midnight deadline to tender contracts to unsigned players, Joe Nelson thought about picking up the phone and admitting he made a mistake. He was a free agent now, an enviable position considering the work he did for the Marlins in 2008. Yet Nelson struggled with abandoning a situation that allowed him to take his kids to school and commute to work. A West Palm Beach resident, Nelson was the lone Marlin who was non-tendered. The two sides wanted to continue the relationship into 2008, but could not agree on Nelson's worth. Nelson wasn't seeking a seven-figure salary, so the gap in guaranteed money likely was no more than $200,000, if that. "It's a double-edged ..."
Joe Nelson won't be back with Florida Marlins
"Joe Nelson was one of the Marlins' most successful relievers last season. But Nelson, a gritty 34-year-old right-hander, won't be returning in 2009. The Marlins decided not to tender a contract to Nelson, who was one of 10 remaining players eligible for salary arbitration. Nelson appeared in 59 games in relief for the Marlins last season, going 3-1 with a 2.00 ERA. Nelson earned the win in the season finale on Sept. 28 over the Mets, the last game played at Shea Stadium."
No deal results in Treanor's release
"The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! didn't have many concrete objectives at these winter meetings, but one of them was to find a new home for catcher Matt Treanor. They came close to completing a trade, President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest said, but when that fell through they opted to release an arbitration-eligible player who had spent a dozen seasons in the organization. "He did a good job for us," Beinfest said as the meetings concluded Thursday. "I spoke to him [Wednesday] night. He was emotional and upset, understandably, but he'll be fine. He'll get a job, and he'll be OK." Treanor postponed surgery to repair a sports hernia until the season ended, but his services ..."
Nelson lone Marlin not tendered a contract
"With less than 10 minutes remaining before the midnight deadline, the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! on Friday announced they tendered contracts to all of their unsigned players with the exception of right-hander Joe Nelson. General Manager Michael Hill and Doug Schaer, Nelson's Los Angeles-based agent, had one final conversation at 11:50 p.m., but could not come to terms. Nelson is believed to have been seeking an $800,000-$900,000 deal. The Marlins increased their original offer, but balked at Nelson's asking price. "Ultimately they made what was certainly a reasonable offer," Schaer said. "You can imagine the difference between what they offered and what Nellie wanted in the ..."
Marlins looking to deal shortstop Robert Andino to Pirates
"The Marlins could be reaching into their surplus of infielders to add depth to their catching corp. According to a baseball source, the Marlins have offered shortstop Robert Andino to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The other end of the deal is believed to be catcher Ronny Paulino, but that's unclear so far this morning. The Marlins have long liked Paulino, who would give Florida a right-handed hitting catcher to go with lefty hitter John Baker. Andino, a Miami native, is regarded as a talented defensive shortstop drafted in the second round in 2002. But he is out of options, meaning Florida must keep him on the roster. Alfredo Amezaga is the main backup infielder. The other spot could go to ..."
Pirates, Marlins discuss shortstop prospect
"The Pirates and Florida are discussing a deal that would bring shortstop prospect Robert Andino to Pittsburgh. It is not known who might go the other way, but the Marlins long have liked catcher Ronny Paulino, who is on the block. Andino, 24, batted .206, two home runs, nine RBIs in 44 games for the Marlins last season."
Andino to Pittsburgh?
"The Marlins could be reaching into their surplus of infielders to add depth to their catching corp. According to a baseball source, the Marlins have offered shortstop Robert Andino to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The other end of the deal is believed to be catcher Ronny Paulino, but that’s unclear so far this morning. The Marlins have long liked Paulino, who would give Florida a right-handed hitting catcher to go with lefty hitter John Baker. Andino, a Miami native, is regarded as a talented defensive shortstop drafted in the second round in 2002. But he is out of options, meaning Florida must keep him on the roster. Alfredo Amezaga is the main backup infielder. The other spot could go to ..."
Marlins expected to move outfielders around
"Third baseman Jorge Cantu might not be the only player changing positions next season if the Marlins decide to send him across the diamond to first. The Marlins' game of musical positions also could include outfielder Jeremy Hermida. One insider said there was better than a 75 percent chance Hermida will move from right field to left, with Cody Ross going to right, in the continued effort to improve the team defensively. The belief is that the more athletic Ross has greater range and gets to balls quicker than Hermida, with one result being fewer runners taking the extra base -- either from first to third or second to home -- on base hits. Although a final decision hasn't been made, ..."
Hermida draws trade interest
"Key Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! decisionmakers remain split on whether to trade Jeremy Hermida now or give the former first-rounder another season to realize his vast potential. "Somewhat of a disappointment" is how one National League official described the enigmatic right fielder at these winter meetings. Judging from Larry Beinfest's comments Tuesday, the man with the deciding vote in the Marlins' suite at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is willing to remain patient. "It's there," said Beinfest, the team's president of baseball operations. "Everybody's confident it's there. It just needs to happen and happen consistently." That has been a problem for Hermida, who doesn't turn 25 ..."
John Baker likely to start at catcher for Marlins
"Never mind that he has played a total of 61 big-league games in his career. John Baker said he deserves a shot to be the Marlins' starting catcher in 2008. "I want to be the guy. I want to be the starting guy,'' he said Monday from his home in the San Francisco area, where he started baseball drills last week. "I think I got my foot in the door the right way last year.'' Apparently, the Marlins' front office agrees. Although Florida will continue searching for an experienced catcher who bats right-handed, the team is prepared to give the starting job to Baker, a left-handed-hitting journeyman who batted .299 with five home runs and 32 RBI after a July call-up. "Experience is great and it ..."
Crowded field to vie for third-base job
"I Don't Know was the third baseman in the famous Abbott and Costello slapstick act. It's the same for the Marlins, who are looking at no fewer than four candidates to play the hot corner in 2009. ''I don't think you can really guess what they're going to do as far as their plans,'' said one of the contenders, Dallas McPherson, who was on hand for the start of the winter meetings to pick up his award for hitting the most home runs in the minors last season. ``It looks like it's going to be a competition at the corners in the spring.'' Jorge Cantu won a similar battle last spring, winning the job over McPherson and Jose Castillo. But Cantu's status with the club remains uncertain. The ..."
Marlins will keep middle infield intact
"The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! may yet deal Jeremy Hermida to the Rays, but you can disregard those national Web site rumors that had them interested in receiving slick-fielding shortstop Jason Bartlett in return. That would almost certainly require moving Hanley Ramirez off the only position he has played in his three major league seasons, and Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest made clear Monday that his franchise player is staying put. "We believe he can play short," Beinfest said from his suite at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, site of the Winter Meetings. "He really made strides at shortstop. Could he play the outfield? Absolutely. I think he could do ..."
Dan Uggla hopes to return to Marlins
"Even after watching the Marlins trade away four of his teammates this off-season, Dan Uggla insists he's not wondering if he'll be next. "I don't worry about any of that stuff,'' the Marlins' All-Star second baseman said Sunday. First baseman Mike Jacobs, left fielder Josh Willingham and pitchers Scott Olsen and Kevin Gregg all were traded in the past two months as part of a cost-saving plan that has helped trim the team's number of arbitration-eligible players from 17 to 11. Of all of the Marlins' remaining arbitration-eligible players, Uggla stands to get the biggest contract - anywhere from $5 million to $6 million - after hitting .260 with 32 home runs and 92 RBI last season. The ..."
Marlins have work to do at winter meetings, but won't be pursuing big-name talent
"Here's a look at the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!' interests this week as well as the situation with some of the big-name free-agents on the market: Hitting the ground running The Winter Meetings open Monday in Las Vegas, but the Marlins' reshaping has long since begun. President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest and his staff already have traded Mike Jacobs, Josh Willingham, Scott Olsen and Kevin Gregg in moves designed to control payroll while improving team speed, defense and the bullpen, and decrease strikeouts and home run reliance. What's ahead Don't look for the Marlins execs at the slots. Before Friday's non-tender deadline, the Marlins have to find a taker for ..."
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