Marlins Trade Rumors

"Apparently, the Marlins' front office was so overwhelmed with questions about Jacque Jones that it felt compelled to issue a blanket no-comment through the media relations staff. That was somewhat peculiar, because rarely do the Marlins confirm or deny interest in anybody. The Jones speculation is predictable, considering less than a year ago the Marlins had a deal in place to acquire the left-handed hitting outfielder from the Cubs. Jones later was traded to the Tigers, and Monday he was designated for assignment after starting the season 13 for 79 (.165) with a homer and five RBI."

"The Marlins are genuinely unsure if they'll do a long-term deal with Hanley Ramirez and are in no rush to decide. He's eligible for arbitration the next three offseasons and free agency after 2011."

"David Wells' agent called the Marlins, but Florida has shown no interest in any of the veteran free agent starting pitchers (Wells, Jeff Weaver, Byung-Hyun Kim). If the Marlins make a rotation change, they have options: Ex-Rays starter Doug Waechter (who's now in Florida's bullpen), plus several top Double A prospects are pitching well (including Chris Volstad)."

"Ramirez and Uggla are two of 14 Marlins eligible for arbitration following this season. Even before that will approach the July 31 trade deadline. So this season is when the front-office cabinet, led by Loria and president Larry Beinfest, will decide how the new plan, new team and new era will play out even before the new stadium sees the ceremonial golden spade."

"Castillo entered spring training vying for the starting third base job with Jorge Cantu, but indications are he is in more direct competition with Jason Wood for the final roster spot. The Marlins reportedly have placed Castillo on waivers, but that's not necessarily a precursor to his release. The Marlins might be testing trade interest, such as the White Sox did with Juan Uribe recently before pulling him back."

"Jose Castillo thinks he has given the Marlins this spring what they told him they wanted when he signed in December - solid defense at third base. That's why he was surprised that the Marlins placed him on waivers, a move that could lead to his departure just nine days before the season starts."

"Ramirez was being sincere because he knows his payday is coming. After this season, he becomes eligible for arbitration for the first of three straight years (2009-11). After the 2011 season, he becomes a free agent."

"When asked if the team could lock up young stars like shortstop Hanley Ramirez for the long term, Loria said: "We're going to look at that going forward. But we are challenged until we get into that new stadium.''"

"Not a good answer as it relates to shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who had hoped to cash in sooner rather than later. A season shy of arbitration eligibility, Ramirez stands to make another modest salary relative to his career numbers."

"The Marlins conceivably could pluck another affordable, veteran arm for rotation depth from a list of remaining free agents that includes Bartolo Colon, Josh Fogg, Shawn Chacon, Tony Armas, Jeff Weaver and Odalis Perez. Beinfest termed the rotation as 'totally open,' but added that he believes the Marlins possess enough quality and quantity pitching to find five worthy starters by Opening Day."

"The Marlins moved toward adding a veteran presence to their young team by reaching a preliminary agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract with outfielder Luis Gonzalez. Gonzalez, 40, who must pass a physical for the deal to be completed, is entering his 19th season."

"And while anything can happen and situations change by the day, at the moment the odd man out appears to be Wes Helms... Here's a look at the (short) list of clubs that might be in the mood to add a third baseman before Opening Day..."

" We hear Dan Lozano, South Florida resident Mike Piazza's agent, told the Marlins the former All-Star catcher would welcome finishing his career here. But the Marlins (content with Mike Rabelo/Matt Treanor) have shown no interest, largely because of defense."

"The Marlins are in discussions with veteran left fielder Luis Gonzalez about potentially joining the team, his agent said Thursday. Gonzalez, 40, would provide a solid veteran backup to left fielder Josh Willingham and first baseman Mike Jacobs, and could step in if either player is injured."

"At 40, Luis Gonzalez is still younger than Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, but he is older than two of the coaches, Bo Porter and Andy Fox. That hasn't stopped the Marlins from investigating whether Gonzalez might be a fit on the 2008 club. A free agent after his lone season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Tampa-born Gonzalez would provide corner outfield and first base depth."

"As the Red Sox approach spring training - with or without Johan Santana - here is something worth arguing against the deal: Some time in the next few years, perhaps, the Sox may be faced with the reality of replacing David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez - or both - and there is little indication that the Sox have a hitter the caliber of either in their organization... If history holds to form - and if the Florida Marlins continue to trade away their best players as free agency approaches - might not Hanley Ramirez be available by trade eventually?"

"Even after signing Jose Castillo on Christmas Eve, the Marlins may not be done giving themselves third base options. Former Tampa Rays second baseman Jorge Cantu looks like the next addition. Steve Canter, Cantu's Los Angeles-based agent, said Wednesday the two sides were "pretty far along" on a deal."

"We hear the Marlins are considering free agent Dallas McPherson (the ex-Angel) and continue exploring trades, too, in their search for a third baseman."

"Scott Rolen, Wes Helms and Abraham Nunez were just a few of the names on a wish list posted in the Marlins' suite at the Gaylord Opryland hotel, a rough draft of candidates Florida might target to replace third baseman Miguel Cabrera."

"Don't look for them to make offers to free agent third basemen such as Pedro Feliz (too expensive), Russell Branyan (strikes out too often) or Jeff Cirillo (too old). They could take a look at Abraham Nuñez, who is a better fielder than hitter, or Mike Lamb."

"The Los Angeles Dodgers and centerfielder Andruw Jones agreed to a two-year, $36.2 million contract, but that doesn't mean the market has shrunk considerably for Aaron Rowand or made him more affordable. Rowand's agent, Craig Landis, said Jones' deal did not affect Rowand's situation with the Phillies... The Florida Marlins have talked with the Phillies about acquiring Helms. A trade is a possibility, but nothing is imminent... Rumors involving Baltimore Orioles lefthander Erik Bedard and a trade with the Phillies are completely false."

"According to a major-league source, the Rockies have deals in place to trade Jamey Carroll and Clint Barmes if they sign a free-agent second baseman, namely Tadahito Iguchi. St. Louis, Florida and Cleveland are considered the potential destinations for Carroll and Barmes. O'Dowd wouldn't rule out offering a two-year deal to Iguchi, making them a serious suitor. "

"The shipping of Miguel Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers could open up a potential trade avenue to move Jamey Carroll to the Marlins. There are many in the Marlins' organization who like Carroll. He could man second base if Dan Uggla is shifted to third. There's nothing percolating yet, but it represents a possibility as the Rockies try to clear their second-base logjam."

"Sources familiar with discussions between the Tigers and Florida Marlins offered conflicting reports today on a possible trade involving Tigers prospects Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller in exchange for the Marlins' powerful third baseman, Miguel Cabrera, and left-hand pitcher Dontrelle Willis."

"Miguel Cabrera wants to return to the Marlins, but if he gets traded he hopes it's to the Chicago White Sox, according to one of his closest friends - White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen."

"At least five teams have had discussions with the Marlins about Cabrera, and Guillen's White Sox are believed to be one of them, though the Los Angeles Angels still remain the favorites to pull off the trade. Guillen said Cabrera would prefer to remain a Marlin, but wouldn't mind joining Guillen on the White Sox."

"With the White Sox apparently jumping back into the Miguel Cabrera trade talks, third base has become a merry-go-round hot topic at baseball's winter meetings. Assuming Josh Fields would go to Florida in return for Cabrera, the Sox still have Joe Crede, who will demand a good return if his surgically repaired back is healthy. And no team needs two All-Star-type third basemen."

"Concerns about Miguel Cabrera's work ethic and weight have raised questions about whether the Angels should send four top young players, including second baseman Howie Kendrick and catcher Jeff Mathis, to Florida in a deal for the third baseman. But Cabrera, one of the hottest commodities on the trading floor of baseball's winter meetings, is making a significant effort to address those issues, having recently begun a rigorous winter workout and nutritional program in Davie, Fla."

"The Angels and Dodgers are the frontrunners to acquire Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera. But neither had a representative at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for this week's Winter Meetings until mid-afternoon Monday when the Angels contingent could be seen checking in at the front desk."

"With Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand asking for substantially larger contracts than the Dodgers are willing to offer them, General Manager Ned Colletti said Monday night that the representatives of the two free-agent center fielders would have to contact him to resume negotiations... Among the potential trades the Dodgers are expected to explore this week are those with the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Joe Blanton or Dan Haren. The Dodgers have asked about Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana and Baltimore Orioles left-hander Erik Bedard, but consider the asking prices to be excessive."

"The Dodgers still would like either Andruw Jones or Aaron Rowand to be their opening day center fielder, but have yet to make offers to the free agents upon learning that both are seeking more money and longer term contracts than the team is currently willing to give. That makes adding a power hitter in the form of Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera by trade less likely given that the Dodgers are seeking to create enough outfield depth to make such a deal feasible."

"If the Mets didn't have what it took to trade for Johan Santana, they might not have what it takes to trade for Baltimore's ace left-hander, Erik Bedard, either... The Mets also have been in contact with the Oakland A's, who are shopping starting pitchers Dan Haren and Joe Blanton. While they have tried to engage the Marlins about Dontrelle Willis, the Astros about Roy Oswalt and the Brewers about Ben Sheets, they have been told that those pitchers are not available."

"Florida left-hander Dontrelle Willis is often the subject of rumors, as is San Francisco right-hander Tim Lincecum. The Reds have the prospects to get someone like Willis or Lincecum. But would they be willing to give them up?"

"Names being bandied about include Florida's Dontrelle Willis and San Francisco's Tim Lincecum. Both pitchers would command a high price, but it's something the Reds feel they could swing, especially if it were in the crowded outfield, which could be overflowing once baseball's top prospect, Jay Bruce, is ready to roam Great American Ball Park."

"The Marlins will resume conversations with the Angels this week and the Dodgers can still land Cabrera if they give up Loney, Kemp and pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who some consider the game's best left-handed prospect. The deal that would probably get it done with the Angels: second baseman Howie Kendrick, catcher Jeff Mathis and two of the following three pitchers: Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Nick Adenhart."

"The Angels have been in serious trade talks with Florida for slugger Miguel Cabrera. Owner Arte Moreno twice thought he had deals for Cabrera in November, only to have the trades fall apart because the Marlins increased their demands at the last minute. They've also exchanged proposals with Baltimore for slugger Miguel Tejada, and they've expressed interest in Minnesota ace Johan Santana and Orioles ace Erik Bedard."

"The Angels have acknowledged their interest in Cabrera, 24. Owner Arte Moreno said the Angels twice thought they had worked out a deal to land Cabrera only to have the Marlins come back and ask for more to make it happen."

"But now outfielder Matt Kemp and first baseman James Loney are being handed the reins to the club's future. That's why Colletti is reluctant to deal either. Both are sticking points in potential trades for Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana and Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera."

"It seems a long shot that the Pirates will trade Jason Bay at Major League Baseball's four-day Winter Meetings, which begin today at the majestic Opryland Hotel... The Atlanta Braves had pressed hard for Duffy to be included in the Adam LaRoche trade last spring, only to settle for an exchange of prospects."

"Cabrera's future was the hot topic coming out of last month's general managers' meetings, but negotiations between the Marlins and their biggest potential trading partners broke down almost a week ago. The Marlins have maintained contact with five teams most interested in Cabrera - the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and another team. "

"Among the players about whom the Dodgers are known to have engaged in trade talks are Minnesota left-hander Johan Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, and Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera, arguably the most sought-after offensive player known to be on the trading block this winter. With the Oakland A's reportedly letting it be known on Friday that they are willing to trade Dan Haren, the American League's starter in this year's All-Star Game, and possibly Joe Blanton, the Dodgers also are believed to have interest in both of those pitchers. "

"Reagins is likely this week to re-establish discussions with the Florida Marlins about bringing slugging third baseman Miguel Cabrera to Angel Stadium... The Angels also have shown interest in Baltimore Orioles veteran Miguel Tejada, whom they nearly acquired in 2006 for Erick Aybar and Ervin Santana."

" Of course, it figures that the Florida Marlins, holders of the biggest trade prize as far as hitters, Miguel Cabrera -- covet both Kendrick and Mathis and want one or both of them included in a deal that could also involve at least one of the team's young pitchers. However, the difference this time around is that the Angels are more willing to include either in a deal for the 24-year-old third baseman who hit .320 with 34 homers and 119 RBI last season."

"The Cubs would be tempted if they could find an impact player available in a trade this week who meets their need for power or speed. Possibilities would be Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford or Anaheim's Chone Figgins, who could become available if the Angels acquire Miguel Cabrera from Florida."

"Is the Tribe still pursuing Miguel Cabrera? I would give up anyone in our farm system for him. Would Florida take Kelly Shoppach, Franklin Gutierrez, Andy Marte and Adam Miller for Cabrera?"

"The Mets got Brian Schneider, a solid defensive catcher who ranked fourth in the NL in throwing out base-stealers, and Ryan Church, an outfielder who hit .272 with 15 home runs and 70 RBI last season... The Mets have had trade talks with Minnesota about Johan Santana, with Oakland about Dan Haren and Joe Blanton, with Florida about Dontrelle Willis and with Baltimore about Erik Bedard."

"Even after signing back-end Japanese reliever Masa Kobayashi, Shapiro does not feel comfortable with his bullpen. In addition, the Tribe can use another hitter. It is known that he inquired about the availability of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay and Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera."

"The Tigers aren't thought to have been involved in any talks regarding Santana (who could make as much as $25 million a year), and it's not clear how willing they'll be to get involved in talks about other top starters who could be dealt (including Oakland's Dan Haren and Baltimore's Erik Bedard). The other big name on the trade market is Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera. "

"The second baseball executive in two days questioned the Marlins, saying their trade demands for All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera are unrealistic."

"At the top of the Mets' wish list is the Twins' Johan Santana, but the Mets, by refusing to include Jose Reyes, appear to have no shot of assembling a package that can compete with the Yankees and Red Sox... Minaya has contacted the Athletics about Dan Haren and Joe Blanton, as well as the Orioles about Erik Bedard and even the Marlins about Dontrelle Willis (though he appears unavailable). It's hardly a secret whom the other teams want."