Not to Be

At this point in time, we can probably declare the Manny deal dead. There were some interesting iterations between Pittsburgh and Boston, but ultimately a dead just couldn't get done.

In deals that actually got done, but are much less sexy, the Marlins picked up lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes from Seattle. Seattle got minor league pitcher Gaby Hernandez, who was a disaster in Triple-A this year. Gaby is still a decent prospect, so it's a pretty good return for Seattle. Rhodes has been fairly effective this year, with an ERA in the 2's, but in only about 16 innings. He'll be a decent addition to the pen.

Fish are still rumored to be in the market for a catcher, so in the 1.5 hours from now until the deadline, something might get done. Ramon Hernandez seems to be the most likely. Greg Zaun is also likely, but he's not that much of an upgrade. So we'll see what happens. What could have been a blockbuster deadline day will likely be just another snoozefest.

Now back to baseball! After winning a tough 3-game series against the Mets, the Fish welcome the Rockies to town for a 4-game tilt. The Rockies are ridiculously hot right now, so anything can happen. Tonight, Anibal Sanchez, member of the no-hitter club, makes his first start in the Majors since shoulder surgery last year. This is a much-anticipated night and should be a huge boost for the club.

Fish Getting Closer to Manny

While I thought this would never happen, multiple sources are confirming intense talks for the Marlins to acquire Manny Ramirez. Jeremy Hermida seems to be the anchor of the trade, with some other names thrown around. Yesterday, former first round draft pick Jeff Allison was mentioned, and today Mike Stanton's name was thrown out. I have no problem giving up Allison, but that ship has probably sailed. Mike Stanton is probably the most exciting player in our system, and certainly the most athletic. Stanton was being recruited by USC to play football, so that gives you an idea of his physicality. He would be a tough loss, but at this point he's just putting up huge numbers in low A ball. I think Manny is worth it.

Most recently, it has been reported that the talks have turned to three teams, with the Marlins getting Manny, the Pirates getting Hermida, and the BoSox getting Jason Bay.

More updates as they come in.

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