Results tagged ‘ Marlins ’

Uggla to Cards a long shot

ORLANDO — At a quick glance, the Cardinals might seem to be a perfect landing spot for Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla. St. Louis is looking to upgrade its offense, particularly in the middle infield, and reports have suggested that Florida’s demands in return might not be too high.

The issue, it would seem, would be Uggla’s salary. He made $7.8 million in 2010, and in 2011 he’ll be a third-year arbitration-eligible player coming off his best season — indicating a likely uptick in salary from that ’10 number.
However, a Cardinals source suggested on Monday that the issue is not dollars but the talent cost.
“I would say no at this time,” the source said when asked about a potential fit between the two clubs.
When it was pointed out that the Marlins are reportedly a “motivated seller” who might not demand an excessive return in trade, the source expressed skepticism, saying, “I don’t think we’ve heard the last word on that.”
–Matthew Leach

Renteria would like to finish with STL or FLA

Now that he has put off plans to retire after being named World Series MVP, veteran shortstop Edgar Renteria is looking for new employment. Recently, he told reporters at his native Colombia in Spanish: “I’d like to end my career in St. Louis or Florida [with the Marlins].”

Renteria came up with the Marlins and was a World Series hero for them with the game-winning hit in 1997. After three years in South Florida, he spent the next six seasons as a member of the Cardinals (ironically, he made the last out with them in the 2004 World Series against the Red Sox).

This past season, the 34-year-old Renteria went on the disabled list three separate times, temporarily lost his starting job and was limited to a career-low 72 games, before famously catching fire in the World Series to salvage his season in a big way.

The Giants, as expected, declined their $9.5 million option on him shortly thereafter.

Take away one appearance at first base, and Renteria has spent his entire Major League career at shortstop. But some believe he may be able to play third and/or second base, and perhaps come off the bench in the way Omar Vizquel did with the White Sox, until he became the starting third baseman. If the Marlins trade Dan Uggla, they could look in Renteria’s direction.

– Alden Gonzalez

Padres acquire Maybin, Marlins get relievers in trade

In a move to bolster their offense and defense, the Padres reeled in a big fish on Saturday, trading for Marlins outfielder Cameron Maybin, a former top prospect and first-round Draft pick.

The Marlins, who were seeking bullpen help, received two right-handed relievers, Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica, in the trade.

“We traded two good relievers from our bullpen. But we feel like we have some bullpen depth,” Padres general manager Jed Hoyer said. “We have a number of holes we need to fill. We feel like we filled one of them.”

In parts of four seasons with the Tigers and Marlins, Maybin hit .246 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs in 548 at-bats, roughly the equivalent of a full Major League season for an everyday player.

Maybin fits the mold of the kind of player Hoyer, in his second year as GM, and his staff covets: young, athletic and a player who can play defense, especially in a big ballpark as PETCO Park is

Roundup: Marlins discussing Maybin trade?

The Hot Stove didn’t take the day off just because it’s Saturday. Much of the day’s conversation centered around the Marlins, who are among the teams who are heating things up heading into next week’s GM meetings in Orlando. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro learned that the Marlins may be in serious talks with the Padres regarding outfielder Cameron Maybin. The club has also discussed the former top prospect with the Royals, Frisaro noted on Twitter. Beyond the Marlins, there were plenty of whispers around the league on Saturday. Here’s a rundown: 

- The Cards could pursue free agent Juan Uribe aggressively, ESPN’s Buster Olney suggested on Twitter. Olney highlighted Uribe’s versatility and ability to play third base or shortstop. 
- Atlanta officially outrighted right-hander Kenshin Kawakami to Double-A Mississippi, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster while they continue to search for potential trade possibilities according to multiple media reports. The Braves have quite a bit of money tied up in Kawakami, with roughly $6.7 million left on his contract.
- The Nats have signed right-handed reliever Tim Wood to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training, according to a Tweet from FoxSports.com’s Jon Morosi. Wood appeared in 44 games over the last two seasons with the Marlins, with a 4.32 ERA. 
- Free agent Aubrey Huff has been on the market for a week now and the first basemen figures to be a subject of interest for several teams. As late as Saturday morning though, Huff’s first choice is still to stay with the Giants, his agent told FoxSports.com on Saturday. 
– Bailey Stephens

Marlins talking to Friars about Maybin

MLB.com has learned that the Marlins may be involved in serious discussions with the Padres about a trade involving outfielder Cameron Maybin. 


Stay tuned for updates on this and all Hot Stove happenings.

Roundup: Lee gets a late-night ring

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Baseball’s biggest spenders showed no hesitation in going after this year’s biggest name on the pitching market. According to multiple reports, the Yankees contacted Cliff Lee‘s agent practically right away once free agency officially began at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.


That the Yankees are targeting Lee, who went 12-9 with a 3.18 ERA between Seattle and Texas and went to the World Series for a second straight season, is no secret. The question is whether they’ll offer enough to woo him away from the American League Champion Rangers, or any other suitors – the Nationals, anyone?


  • The Tigers have agreed to terms with shortstop Jhonny Peralta on a two-year, $11.25 million contract, MLB.com’s Jason Beck reports. The deal is expected to be announced in the next couple days, and comes with a third-year club option and buyout.
  • FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reported late Sunday that Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla rejected a four-year, $48 million offer to keep his talents in South Beach. Potentially a free agent next winter, Uggla is arbitration eligible is this year. Rosenthal writes that Uggla turned down the offer in part because another free agent with similar numbers is likely to command more money: Jayson Werth.
  • As MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote last week was an expected move, reports confirmed Sunday that Boston bench coach DeMarlo Hale is to interview for the Mets’ manager job early this week. Hale, 49, has been with Boston for the last five years.

– Evan Drellich

Would Olivo be a fit in Florida?

The Marlins are looking for a catcher, and Miguel Olivo may soon be on the market.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the Rockies will decline their end of Olivo’s mutual option for next year. The option was worth $2.7 million after the 32-year-old earned $2.5 million this season.

The Rockies will agree to pay a $500,000 buyout, freeing Olivo to explore the free agent market.

The Marlins are exploring catcher options, and there may be a fit with Olivo. At least internally, the team has brought up the possibility of bringing Olivo back to Florida, where he was a regular behind the plate in 2006 and 2007.

For the Rockies in 2010, Olivo appeared in 112 games, and he batted .269 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs.

In 2006 and ’07 with the Marlins, Olivo belted 16 home runs in each season.

Catching is an area of need for Florida.

Ronny Paulino, who is arbitration eligible, was suspended for 50-games for violating MLB’s substance policy, and the team is weighing whether to bring him back.

John Baker underwent Tommy John surgery and he has not been cleared to begin baseball activities. With the uncertainty about when Baker will return, catcher is a primary position the Marlins are seeking to upgrade.

Olivo will at least draw consideration from Florida.

– Joe Frisaro

 

Marlins manager search winding down

With the World Series now completed, the Marlins appear to be days away from making their managerial decision.

Speculation is growing that there are two finalists — Edwin Rodriguez and Bo Porter.

Rodriguez posted a 46-46 record with the Marlins after taking over for Fredi Gonzalez in late June. For the season, Florida was 80-82 — third place in the NL East.

Porter, meanwhile, spent 2010 on the Arizona staff after he was the Marlins third base and outfield coach from 2007-09.

A week ago, Marlins president David Samson said the team expected to make a managerial announcement after the World Series. 

The Marlins will look to pick up the pace on naming a manager to get their offseason rolling. Once their manager is named, the team will look to round out its coaching staff.

Pitching coach Randy St. Claire is currently the only member of the 2010 staff under contract for next year.

Shortly after the season ended, the Marlins pursued Bobby Valentine, who withdrew from consideration a couple of weeks ago.

– Joe Frisaro
 

Roundup: Guillen goes from KC to pennant race

More than two months after acquiring Pat Burrell, the Giants added another power-hitting right-handed bat to help bolster their corner outfield on Friday, when they picked up veteran Jose Guillen from the Royals in exchange for a player to be named later and cash considerations. 

Guillen has played right field when he didn’t DH in Kansas City. If he mans right field in the Bay Area, Aubrey Huff could move over to first base, where Travis Ishikawa has been. Guillen is in the final season of a three-year, $36 million contract. 
Here’s more from around the league … 
* So, how much will the intense heat of Texas factor into Cliff Lee‘s desires to resign with the Rangers as a free agent this offseason? Here’s what he had to say … 
That’s an assumption. Somebody is assuming that. I haven’t thought anything about that. I want to play on a good team. I could care less if it’s 100 degrees or 50 degrees. Weather is something you can’t control.
* The Braves have options on their roster, even though Chipper Jones will miss the rest of the season with an ACL tear. Still, Braves general manager Frank Wren said the Braves will continue to look for alternatives at the hot corner, saying … 
I think we’ll get together with our scouts and with Bobby [Cox] over the next few days and just look at players who have come through the waiver wire and just players who may be available to see if they’re difference-makers for us.
* According to those close to Bobby Valentine, the Mariners job would appeal to the former Rangers and Mets skipper, The Seattle Times wrote. Valentine previously interviewed for the Marlins job, but nothing materialized. 
* Dave Stewart, the agent for Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, told The Los Angeles Times perhaps the club would be better off dealing his client. Stewart said he would not formally ask for a trade, but he did say this: “I’m almost to the point — and maybe so are the Dodgers — where I’m that this just isn’t going to work. The Dodgers have gaps on this team, and maybe they could fill them by trading Matt. It could be good for the team, and good for the players.
Kemp is owed $6.95 million for 2011 and will then have one more year of arbitration before becoming a free agent. He was impressive in his return to the lineup on Thursday. 
– Alden Gonzalez

Roundup: Lefty power-hitting 1B, anyone?

He isn’t Adam Dunn or Prince Fielder — don’t give up hope on those guys, either, though — but Carlos Delgado is still out there, without a team, and wants to play. Contending teams are reportedly interested. 

According to FOXSports.com, Delgado — he of 473 career home runs and two hip surgeries since May of 2009 — is drawing interest from the White Sox, while the Mariners, Rockies and Red Sox are possible fits. Of those, Seattle would appear to be a longshot, since the 38-year-old would like to sign with a contending team. 
Delgado’s agent, David Sloane, told FOXSports.com his client has received two Minor League offers and would need a couple of weeks in the Minors to get ready. Delgado wants to play for a team in contention and one that will give him regular playing time, the Web site added. 
Here’s more from around the league … 
* Pedro Martinez, who recently relayed his intention to sit out the 2010 season through his agent, was asked on ESPN’s First Take what it would take for him to come back and pitch this season. This is what he said … 
Right now, it’s going to be hard to do, because I’m really enjoying what I’m doing with my family, and I’m really enjoying helping out the community with my foundation. … The time with my family, I think, is priceless. I’m really enjoying it, and so it’s going to take a lot to bring me out of my house, out of my comfort zone, right now. 
In order for the idle Martinez to be on a postseason roster, he must be picked up before Aug. 31. 
* The Royals designated outfielder Jose Guillen for assignment on Thursday. Guillen was in the last year of a three-year, $36 million contract. Now, Kansas City will have 10 days to trade, release or outright Guillen. Teams like the Giants, Rays, White Sox or Red Sox could be interested. 
* An unknown team has claimed Adam Dunn off waivers from the Nationals, which makes it less likely that the first baseman will be traded, according to FOXSports.com. Washington could now either engage in one-on-one negotiations with that club, or can pull him back. 
* The Mets are open to negotiating a contract extension with shortstop Jose Reyes, according to The New York Daily News. Reyes has a club option for 2011 worth $11 million, but New York is reportedly willing to scrap that for a long-term contract. Negotiations likely won’t be finalized until the end of the season, however. 
* Buck Showalter, the Orioles’ new manager, will earn $1.5 million a year each season through 2013, according to the Twitter account of ESPN’s Buster Olney. 
* Now that the non-waiver Trade Deadline has passed, teams have to first put a player on waivers before trading them. Under that, the Phillies acquired a veteran first baseman in Mike Sweeney from the Mariners — for a player to be named later or cash considerations — the Marlins signed infielder Chad Tracy, and the Pirates claimed a couple of righties in Chris Resop and Chan Ho Park. 
– Alden Gonzalez
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