But then you realize that something is missing — Florida. Perhaps on the day that the Braman law suit ended, the Marlins have taken the first step to becoming the Miami Marlins.

Coincidence?

Update: Just to add to this theory, the Marlins registered the domain in March.

Update: Story here.

Auto dealer Norman Braman has lost all counts of his lawsuit challenging public funding for a new Florida Marlins stadium.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri Beth Cohen released her final written order on Friday, denying Braman’s request to declare the stadium’s funding plan unconstitutional.

Update: The Sun-Sentinel says that Jose Ceda may actually be a pretty good prospect:

The Marlins got a near major league-ready power arm in return. Entering last season, Baseball America rated Ceda the fourth-best prospect in the Cubs system.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Ceda, who turns 22 in January, did nothing in 2008 to damage his projection as a future late-inning reliever.

He split time between high Class A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee, going a combined 4-3 with a 3.83 ERA, 42 walks, 95 strikeouts and 67 hits allowed in 84 2/3 innings. Ceda was a starter in the Florida State League, but where he excelled was as a reliever in the Southern League.

In 22 appearances for the Smokies, Ceda had a 2.08 ERA with 14 walks, 42 strikeouts and a .234 opponents’ batting average in 30 1/3 innings. Two seasons ago for low Class A Peoria, he held opponents hitless over his final 15 appearances (23 1/3 innings).

You may have forgotten Henry Owens who was the other stud pitcher came to the Marlins in that awesome Vargas trade. While recovering from season ending shoulder surgery, it seems that he failed a drug test. We may still find out more of this later but for now, don’t bet on seeing him in the Majors anytime soon.

Update: Quote from the Sun-Sentinel:

Owens said: “I made a mistake. I apologize. Now I have to deal with the consequences and work hard to get through this situation.”

The Marlins issued the following statement: “We are disappointed that Henry Owens received a positive test, and fully endorse the discipline outlined in the MLB policy. We will continue to work with and educate our players to help prevent any further violations.”

Fun.

About that payroll dump so far:

the Fish have removed roughly $7 million from their books for 2009.

On what we got in return:

In return, they have brought in a cheap young setup man (Leo Nunez), a light-hitting second baseman with Gold Glove potential (Emilio Bonifacio) and a couple of decent low-level prospects who just finished their first full pro seasons (RHP P.J. Dean and IF Jake Smolinski).

What happens to Dan Uggla?

What about Dan Uggla and his $5 million projection? Juan Rodriguez was assured again Monday night — as I have been recently — that the Marlins have made it clear Uggla stays into next season.

What will happen to Bonifacio?

For now, look for Bonifacio to be sent down to Triple-A for a little more seasoning as the speedy switch-hitter in the Luis Castillo mode tries to get his bat going.

And on what to expect:

Something tells me, though, the Marlins aren’t quite done, that there will be an interesting addition or two at the end of this salary-shedding process.

Maybe a veteran catcher to handle all that fine young pitching? (Alas, it WON’T be Pudge Rodriguez, I’ve been told.) Maybe a proven corner outfielder with some sock? Maybe even a one-year closer to take the burden off Matt Lindstrom.

We are quite surprised by this trade because I always assumed the Marlins would get more for Olsen (for some reason we feel like Willingham is a throw-in).

Rosenthal adds:

The addition of Bonifacio will enable the team to move Dan Uggla to third base. Smolinski, 19, is coming off reconstructive knee surgery. He was the Nationals’ second-round pick in the 2007 draft and Dean was their seventh rounder out of New Caney (Texas) High School that same year.

I guess Bonifacio brings speed and defense but he’s still a career .240 hitter so I wonder how the Marlins plan to make up for his offense. Also, if Dan Uggla ends up at third does it mean that Jorge Cantu will end up at first base with Dallas McPherson and Wes Helms coming off the bench?

Whenever the Marlins make a trade that doesn’t seem to make sense, we always close our eyes, take a deep breath and say: “In Larry We Trust”

Update: It’s official.

Update 2: More info on the players we received.

Also moving is Justin Miller, who has joined the San Francisco Giants as a non-roster Spring Training invitee.