Marlins Trade Targets

With the trade deadline looming, here's a quick look at some of the players the Marlins have been targeting for acquisition:

Catchers:

-Gerald Laird, TEX: Decent bat, above-average defensively. Having a very good year offensively, but above career averages. Texas has four catchers in-house, so you have to expect them to move at least one. They're rumored to want two good pitching prospects. Several teams inquiring. Odds of happening: 5-1

-Ramon Hernandez, BAL: Had a pretty terrible year at the plate but has gotten hot recently. Big contract that Baltimore would have to eat part of. Not very much chatter about this one, but Baltimore would want a few good arms in return. Odds: 6-1

-Bengie Molina, SF: Average bat, slightly below average defense, decent arm. Slow. Probably a moderate asking price, as Brian Sabean is not the sharpest of GMs. Another big contract though. He'd be a moderate upgrade. Odds: 5-1

-Ryan Doumit, PIT: Very solid hitter, below-average defense. He's young and under team control for a while, so it's very doubtful that Pittsburgh would let him go. They would have to be bowled over by an offer, and the Marlins have made it clear they won't give up much. Odds: 10-1

-Pudge Rodriguez, DET: Trade to Yankees puts this longshot rumor to rest. Contract would have been cost-prohibitive. Odds (before NYY trade): 15-1

-Miguel Olivo, Gregg Zaun, Josh Bard, Paul Lo Duca: No, no, no, and no. Please God no. None are upgrades. Just don't do it. Odds: 20-1

Lefty Relievers:

-Arthur Rhodes, SEA: Fish were rumored to be very close to a deal on Rhodes, but apparently the teams aren't close. Rhodes is an old, old journeyman who's been around since '91, but he's having a decent year. Nice upgrade for later inning use. Definitely the most likely of the deals for a lefty. Odds: 3-1

-Brian Fuentes, COL: Marlins are out of the running for this one. Price just too high. Odds: 25-1

-George Sherrill, BAL: See Fuentes, Brian. Odds: 25-1

-Eddie Guardado, TEX: Could be part of a deal with Texas for Laird. Former closer, having a pretty good season by Texas standards. He'd be a nice setup man. Odds: 5-1

-Jack Taschner, Will Ohman, John Grabow: All would be average pickups. Odds: 6-1

The Longest of Longshots:

-Manny Ramirez, BOS: Marlins were in talks with Boston about moving Jeremy Hermida and pitching prospect Jeff Allison for Manny. It's actually a decent trade for both sides, especially since Boston would pick up most of Manny's salary. He'd be a rental for the rest of the season for sure, but boy would he be a good one. As far as Hermida goes, it's time to fish or cut bait with him, and I'd be ready to move him. He just hasn't shown the potential he was supposed to. Ultimately, there's no way Boston moves Manny this season. His bat and .933 OPS is simply irreplaceable in the middle of that lineup. But it's fun to talk about. Odds: 50-1