Florida Marlins Trade Rumors

Sources: Marlins Have Made No Offer to Russell Branyan
"The Marlins are "kicking the tires" on a number of left-handed hitters for a bench role, and Russell Branyan is one of them. But, contrary to a published report, two sources said the Marlins have NOT made an offer for the free agent first baseman. "Not true," said one person close to the player. Another source confirmed that, saying the Marlins have merely contacted Branyan's agent, as they have done with more than a few players, to gauge the situation. But no deal was ever offered."
McClung, Marlins close to Minors deal
"Another veteran reliever may be headed to Spring Training with the Marlins. According to a league source, Seth McClung is near an agreement on a Minor League contract with Florida with an invitation to Spring Training. The Marlins have not confirmed any negotiations. McClung, who will turn 30 on Sunday, has been with the Brewers since 2007. The right-hander appeared in 41 games for Milwaukee last year and posted an ERA of 4.94. The right-hander broke in with the Rays in 2003, and he has 177 Major League games of experience. The Marlins have repeatedly stated that they are looking to beef up their bullpen with proven arms."
Rockies in running for reliever Gregg
"Reliever Kevin Gregg has narrowed his choices to the Rockies and the Florida Marlins. "I am not overly optimistic, but we have a chance," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said Monday. "Our job would be as a setup guy." That is the hang-up for Gregg, who wants to be a closer. He likes the idea of spring training in Arizona, where he lives. And he likes the Rockies' chances of reaching the playoffs. But the Rockies have a proven closer. In Florida, Leo Nuñez is not nearly as entrenched. Gregg could compete for the spot. By signing Melvin Mora, the Rockies' primary utility target all winter, for $1.275 million, rather than Orlando Cabrera, Orlando Hudson or Felipe Lopez, the Rockies had ..."
Marlins reiterate payroll compliance
"The Marlins, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association issued a joint statement Tuesday saying they had reached an agreement on the team's "continued compliance" in the use of revenue-sharing money in accordance with the Basic Agreement. The Basic Agreement requires clubs to use their revenue-sharing receipts to improve on-field performance, and the Marlins said they will continue to fully comply, and according to the statement, will increase payroll annually as they look to their new stadium opening in 2012. "The Marlins have consistently made every effort to put the best product on the field, and our record supports the fact that we have ..."
Chapman probably not gonna be a Marlin
"Internally, the Marlins have all but conceded defeat in the bidding battle for Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman. That doesn't mean they've ruled out altogether the possibility of signing the young hurler. But the belief is he'll likely end up elsewhere. There's little to no activity on the Dan Uggla trade front, increasing the chances he'll still be with the club in spring training, if not opening day. But I'm hearing that even if they're unsuccessful in moving Uggla, they have no intention of dealing Jorge Cantu to save money. The Marlins value Cantu for his quiet leadership in the clubhouse and as a cleanup hitter behind Hanley Ramirez."
Florida Marlins: "Still in the game" for Chapman; Uggla to stay put?
"The Marlins apparently are giving free agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman something to think about. According to an American League source following the situation, the Marlins are "still in the game" and are believed to have increased their initial $13 million offer in hopes of landing the hard-throwing Chapman. Chapman told one associate he expects to sign within the next three or four days. If the Marlins do somehow lure Chapman, it probably won't be with the most lucrative deal. They're counting on Chapman's comfort level in South Florida bridging the gap."
Don't like Braves roster, with Uggla in their sights, just wait
"Some Braves fans are restless, perhaps understandably so. Watching this offseason roster construction process -- they traded Javy Vazquez for Melky Cabrera? -- can be like watching sausage being made. Not as appetizing as the end result. Florida's Dan Uggla, a .257 hitter who has at least 27 home runs in the last four seasons, could fit the Braves' budget and plans. Florida's Dan Uggla, a .257 hitter who has at least 27 home runs in the last four seasons, could fit the Braves' budget and plans. Oh, and you know what they say these days about the Braves' roster: If you don't like it, don't worry. It'll change soon. Anyway, so much for coasting into the holidays for Braves general manager ..."
Uggla to Braves? Now that's creative thinking
"To find a bat, the Braves probably will need to be creative. Trading for Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla and sticking him in left field would qualify as such a move. The Braves have talked to the Marlins about Uggla, but one source describes the Atlanta interest as only "mild." A trade for the Yankees' Nick Swisher or the signing of free-agent left fielder Johnny Damon might be preferable to the Braves. The Yankees still could trade Swisher if they wish to obtain Damon or another outfielder. Damon, meanwhile, lives in Orlando, the site of the Braves' spring training home. Before trading for Uggla, the Braves might want assurances that he would be willing to play left field. Another ..."
Marlins make offer for Chapman
"When Aroldis Chapman worked out for Major League teams last Tuesday in Houston, a representative from the Marlins was on hand. The club certainly was impressed with what it saw in the left-handed Cuban defector. According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins have made a five-year offer worth $13 million for the hard-throwing lefty. A standout on the Cuban World Baseball Classic squad, Chapman's fastball has been clocked as high as 102 mph."
Josh Johnson is one ace who isn't going anywhere -- for now
"Roy Halladay is headed to Philadelphia, Cliff Lee to Seattle and John Lackey to Boston in a flurry of deals involving some of baseball's top pitchers. But Marlins ace Josh Johnson isn't going anywhere. At least not this year. Johnson could well be on the trading block next winter, unless his agent and the Marlins jump-start their stalled negotiations for a multi-year contract. If 2010 ends up being Johnson's last year in South Florida, Marlins fans can indirectly blame Kansas City ace Zack Greinke, the American League Cy Young award winner. It is the four-year, $38 million contract the Royals gave Greinke last January that Johnson's agent is using to guide his negotiations with the ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Meetings over; trade talks likely are not
"When the checkered flag was waved at baseball's winter meetings Thursday, Dan Uggla still belonged to the Marlins, Matt Lindstrom didn't and the club returned home with more work to do before spring training. ``There's still some stuff simmering,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. ``My guess is people will take a little timeout now, fly home, wait for the tender date Saturday, and then go on from there and reengage next week. There's still going to be a lot of action.'' The Marlins made one trade during the annual meetings, dealing Lindstrom to the Houston Astros for a pair of minor-leaguers and a player to be named, who turned out to be Jorge Jimenez, a ..."
Marlins Trying Hard To Deal Uggla
"When the checkered flag was waved at baseball's winter meetings Thursday, Dan Uggla still belonged to the Marlins, Matt Lindstrom didn't and the club returned home with more work to do before spring training. ``There's still some stuff simmering,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. ``My guess is people will take a little timeout now, fly home, wait for the tender date Saturday, and then go on from there and reengage next week. There's still going to be a lot of action.'' The Marlins made one trade during the annual meetings, dealing Lindstrom to the Houston Astros for a pair of minor-leaguers and a player to be named, who turned out to be Jorge Jimenez, a ..."
Marlins trade pitcher Matt Lindstrom for 2 minor-leaguers
"It didn't take long to discover the Marlins made a shrewd move when they traded for Matt Lindstrom in 2006. The reliever, who came armed with a 100-mph fastball, was an instant contributor out of the bullpen. But it's going to take much longer to establish a final verdict on the Marlins' decision to trade away Lindstrom, which they did Wednesday when they dealt him to the Houston Astros. In return, the Marlins received a pair of low-rung minor leaguers who are years from reaching the majors. ``We reached down a little bit,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations after announcing the team's first transaction of the winter meetings. ``But we liked the top end on ..."
Source: Lindstrom-to-Astros trade near completion
"Marlins reliever Matt Lindstrom is on the verge of being traded to the Houston Astros, according to a major-league soruce. The teams are exchanging medical information. The deal, first reported by the Palm Beach Post, gives the Astros a replacement for a LaTroy Hawkins, who signed earlier Wednesday with the Brewers. Lindstrom also gives the Astros another option to replace closer Jose Valverde, who is not expected to be back."
Florida Marlins close to sending Matt Lindstrom to the Astros?
"Hard-throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom might be the first arbitration Marlin to be traded at the winter meetings, and the destination could be Houston. Although the Marlins haven't had any success trading 2B Dan Uggla, a source with one National League team said the Marlins are close to sending Lindstrom to the Astros. The Marlins would get prospects in return. Stay tuned, though, since the Marlins have been "close" to other deals earlier this week that failed to materialize."
O's like landscape at third; Millwood talks continue
"While the Orioles exchange proposals with the Texas Rangers about veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood, they continue to search for their next third baseman. The Orioles have talked with the Florida Marlins about Dan Uggla, but at this point, the Marlins' asking price of at least two pitching prospects is too high. They are one of several teams that have talked with the San Diego Padres about Kevin Kouzmanoff, a 28-year-old who has averaged 20 home runs and 82 RBIs the past three seasons. The Padres are looking for young pitching in return. Kouzmanoff, who is arbitration-eligible, is an appealing option to the Orioles because of his power and his ability to move to first when top position ..."
Florida's Dan Uggla not Giants' top choice
"The Giants are looking to add thump to their lineup, but not if it leads to more clanks in their infield. So they haven't amplified efforts to acquire Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, who might be the surest run-producing infielder available via trade or free agency. Instead, club and industry sources said the Giants are hoping to sign one from among the following pool of infielders: first baseman Nick Johnson, third baseman Adrian Beltre and versatile Mark DeRosa. They would play DeRosa at third, allowing Freddy Sanchez to remain at second. One other possibility, second baseman Orlando Hudson, brings enough defensive upside that it might be worth moving Sanchez to third and ..."
Marlins talking Lindstrom with 5-6 teams
"The Marlins have five or six teams interested in trading for closer Matt Lindstrom, and sources say there's still a real chance they could make a deal with one of them by the time the winter meetings end on Thursday. While the Marlins also continue to field offers for second baseman Dan Uggla, the Lindstrom talks seem at this point to be further along."
Multiple teams fishing for Marlins' relievers
"Two key members of the bullpen the past couple seasons appear to have thrown their last pitch for the Florida Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!. The Marlins are fielding offers for right-hander Matt Lindstrom and lefty Renyel Pinto. Both arbitration-eligible for the first time, Lindstrom and Pinto are drawing considerable interest and could be with new clubs before the Winter Meetings adjourn on Thursday. Lindstrom and Pinto each earned a touch more than the $400,000 major league minimum in 2009. The Marlins could save as much as $3 million by dealing them, but they'd also create a void in the relief staff. President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest last week said he is ..."
Uggla, Lindstrom face uncertain future
"Before Major League Baseball representatives reached Indianapolis for the Winter Meetings, the names Dan Uggla and Matt Lindstrom had already surfaced in trade rumors. Expect to read more about both of them as trade speculation will intensify with the Meetings set to open on Monday. Uggla and Lindstrom have been prominent Marlins in recent seasons. With both in line for pay raises in arbitration, they are two players now being shopped. Uggla, a two-time All-Star second baseman, will likely see his salary rise from $5.35 million to about $7 million in his second arbitration year. Lindstrom, a hard-throwing reliever, made $410,000 this past year. The 29-year-old right-hander, however, now is ..."
Lindstrom good as gone in Miami
"Here is one reliever who is virtually certain to be traded at the winter meetings, if not before: Marlins right-hander Matt Lindstrom. Of the six teams to express interest in Lindstrom, three have jumped to the forefront in recent days, according to major-league sources. The Marlins are "close" to trading Lindstorm, one source said, adding that a deal "could happen any day now." Lindstrom, who turns 30 on Feb. 11, is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time. The Marlins are fairly deep in late-inning relievers. Right-handers Leo Nunez, Renyel Pinto and Tim Wood will return, and left-hander Taylor Tankersley is expected back from elbow surgery."
Giants look to add a hitter
"There shouldn't be any question what Giants general manager Brian Sabean needs to find when the checkered flag falls on the winter meetings at the end of this week. A hitter. Probably two. Or at least a few solid leads. It could be a slugging trade target like Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla. It could be a free agent with on-base abilities like first baseman Nick Johnson. But the action is on Sabean to find someone. He might have just received a two-year extension from managing partner Bill Neukom, but fans are restless. The Giants have played two seasons in the post-Barry Bonds era, and Sabean is no closer to building a respectable lineup. Their dynamic pitching staff, fronted by ..."
Beinfest: Marlins to be active at Meetings
"If the Marlins walk away from the Winter Meetings without consummating a deal, it won't be for lack of effort. President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said in a conference call on Thursday that the Marlins will be aggressive trying to get things done at the annual Meetings, which will get under way on Monday in Indianapolis. "We will be active. There is no reason to go there and not do anything," Beinfest said. "You might as well be active and try to improve your club or satisfy whatever goals you're trying to achieve. So we're definitely going to be active, whether that leads to anything is my guess. We have some things that are active right now that we're working on, and we'll ..."
Giants have options for adding offense
"The Giants should feel confident heading into next week's winter meetings. They need to add offense, and they can do so in a number of ways without signing Jason Bay or Matt Holliday ... although that would certainly help. Two of the Giants' starting infielders — Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez — are capable of playing multiple positions: Sandoval first and third; Sanchez second and third. That gives San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean a lot of flexibility. Multiple major league sources indicated Wednesday that free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, free-agent first baseman Nick Johnson and Florida second baseman Dan Uggla are currently high on the Giants' list. Let's look at ..."
Marlins likely a big fish in trade pool
"Working with a tight budget and 11 players eligible for arbitration, Marlins management has a number of tough decisions to make. Some answers may be forthcoming at the annual Winter Meetings, set for next Monday through Thursday in Indianapolis. The marquee name expected to draw the most attention is two-time All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla. With a payroll that projects to be near the $36 million the team had in 2009, Florida will have a hard time retaining the only player in franchise history to belt at least 30 homers in three consecutive years. A couple of names who may be mentioned frequently in trade talks, but who aren't going anywhere, are All-Stars Josh Johnson and Hanley ..."
Marlins stars Johnson, Ramirez staying put
"Florida Marlins general manager Michael Hill told Miami radio station WAXY that ace right-hander Josh Johnson(notes) will be with the team next season. Hill was trying to shoot down rampant rumors that the Marlins would look to trade Johnson this offseason because it had reached an impasse in talks for a long-term contract extentsion. Asked if Johnson would be back in 2010, Hill told hosts Josh Friedman and Craig Mish: "Yes, I can say that with certainty, yes." Johnson can become a free agent after the 2011 season. Johnson's agent, Matt Sosnick, said contract talks broke down over the length of the deal; the Marlins were offering three years and an option, Sosnick said, while he was ..."
GM: Johnson will be back in 2010
"Count on Josh Johnson being a Marlin when the 2010 season opens. As speculation continues, seemingly on a daily basis, as to where Johnson will be next year, Marlins general manager Michael Hill added some clarity during a radio interview. Appearing as a guest on Marlins flagship station 790 The Ticket's "Hot Stove Show" on Saturday, Hill was asked if Johnson would be with the team next season. "Yes, I can say with certainty, yes," Hill said. The Hot Stove Show debuted on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET, and the show is available online at Marlins.com. Hosts Josh Friedman and Craig Mish addressed a number of topics in a lengthy interview with the Marlins' general manager. Johnson's long-term ..."
Red Sox engaged in talks with Marlins for Hanley Ramirez
"The Florida Marlins president obviously has no shame. After finally succeeding in securing a new taxpayer-funded stadium for the Marlins in downtown Miami - supposedly enabling the Marlins to have the financial means to keep their star players - Samson demonstrated he has no intention of doing that when he refused to give his best pitcher, Josh Johnson, a four-year extension. Now it also looks as if Hanley Ramirez won't ever see that new stadium in a Marlins uniform as the Red Sox, who let incumbent Alex Gonzalez go, are reportedly engaged in talks with Florida about reacquiring the All-Star shortstop."
Agent: Offseason trade for Marlins ace unlikely
"The Marlins do not plan to trade right-hander Josh Johnson this offseason, according to two sources with knowledge of the club's intentions. Johnson's agent, Matt Sosnick, is even more adamant that a deal will not occur. "I'd be less surprised if Elijah showed up at my parents' house this Passover than if they trade him before the start of the season," Sosnick said. In Jewish tradition, a cup of wine is poured on Passover for Elijah the Prophet, whose arrival would herald the coming of the Messiah."
Blue Jays sign SS Alex Gonzalez
"A day after signing shortstop John McDonald, the Toronto Blue Jays have seemingly found their 2010 starter. The Jays announced the signing of Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million on Thursday. The contract also includes a club option for $2.5 million in 2011. The signing of the 32-year old Gonzalez likely spells the end of Marco Scutaro's time in Toronto."
For Mariners, first things first
"Nick Johnson's on-base percentage -- .477 in 35 games with Florida following his trade from Washington -- has made him one of the most popular players on the free-agent market, and the latest to look into him are the Mariners, who will need a first baseman if they are unable to re-sign Russell Branyan, also a free agent. FoxSports.com reports Seattle has also talked to Toronto about a trade for Lyle Overbay, piqued by the Blue Jays' willingness to cover part of his $7 million salary for 2010."
1B Johnson drawing plenty of interest
"Add free agent Nick Johnson to the list of first basemen drawing interest from the Mariners. Johnson, 31, also has heard from the Giants, Mets and even the Yankees, who view him as a potential fallback at designated hitter if they lose both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, major-league sources say. The Mariners, meanwhile, are still talking with their own free-agent first baseman, Russell Branyan, who is coming off a 31-homer season. Johnson is one of several other possibilities for the M's, who have talked about moving Jose Lopez to first, but would prefer to keep him at second. Casey Kotchman could emerge as a Mariners target if, as expected, the Red Sox decline to offer him a contract ..."
Josh Johnson's days with Marlins appear numbered
"As far as agent Matt Sosnick is concerned, the Marlins can add Josh Johnson to their list of burgeoning young talents they could not afford to keep long term. Discussions this week between the Marlins and Sosnick on a multi-year contract for the club's No. 1 starter and one of the premier young arms in the game went no where. Johnson wanted four guaranteed years. The Marlins would not budge off three with an option. Sosnick warned the Marlins if they didn't sign his client this offseason, Johnson would elect free agency when eligible after 2011. "No one's getting any kind of a discount now," said Sosnick, who also represents Ricky Nolasco. "This was the last chance for a team to get a ..."
Agent: No long-term deal for Josh Johnson
"There will be no long-term contract for Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson. Not this year. And probably not ever. So said the All-Star pitcher's agent Friday. ``The Marlins sort of knew it was now or never,'' said Matt Sosnick after talks broke down over the length of the contract. Johnson wanted a four-year deal. Sosnick said the Marlins were only willing to offer three. Without a multiyear contract in place, the Marlins might be forced to trade Johnson after the 2010 season -- if not before -- in order to recoup value for him. ``I don't know if things are totally done, hopefully not. But it is one of those business things in baseball that you kinda don't want to have to go through,'' he said. ..."
Johnson wanted four-year deal
"There will be no long-term contract for pitcher Josh Johnson with the Florida Marlins this winter, his agent said Friday. Agent Matt Sosnick told ESPN.com that negotiations between the Marlins and Johnson have reached an "impasse," and Johnson expects to play under a one-year deal in 2010. Johnson will be eligible for free agency after the 2011 season, and a failure to reach agreement on a multiyear contract would probably force the Marlins to explore a trade before then. "Based on our conversations, there's no chance of doing a long-term deal with the Marlins," Sosnick said. "We made it clear that it was going to be this year or it wasn't going to happen. It was now or never. And the ..."
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 ..."