• Jacobs Almost Traded, Olsen and Gregg On The Market

  • It’s now clear that the Marlins will focus on trading Mike Jacobs, Scott Olsen and Kevin Gregg. In fact, one trade almost happened:

    The Marlins, who had a $22 million payroll in 2008, wanted to deal Jacobs to Kansas City, but the deal died last week because of a medical issue involving the minor-league pitcher that Florida would have received. The Marlins also spoke to Toronto and San Francisco about Jacobs.

    As for Dan Uggla, it looks like the Fish will keep him:

    ”They haven’t put Uggla out there” — though several teams inquired. The Marlins have decided they value Uggla’s power and run production and it ”will take an insanely high offer” to move him, one official said.

    Gaby Sanchez will probably get a chance to win the first base job in the spring but if he falters, expect Jorge Cantu at first and Dallas McPherson at third.

    Also, on other front:

    One official said the Marlins are still mulling whether to trade or keep Jeremy Hermida and/or Josh Willingham (both arbitration-eligible), but Beinfest wouldn’t discuss that. ”There is still a lot of upside to Hermida,” Beinfest said. ”Willingham, hopefully his back will be healthy.” Several teams inquired about Hermida. Beinfest — speaking in general — said there has been “a lot of interest in our players.”

    With Hermida’s underwhelming performance and Willingham’s back, you have to wonder if anyone will offer anything meaningful for either one.

    Photo by Flickr user Literal Salmon
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  • Fredi Named TSN’s NL Manager of the Year

  • Congrats to Fredi Gonzalez for being named the National League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News. This award, not to be confused with the more official BWAA’s award, has been around for over 70 years and has previously been awarded to Joe Girardi. Fredi joins an all Florida sweep as the Tampa Bay “Devil” Rays’ Joe Maddon won the AL award.

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  • Buster Olney Says Marlins May Bring Back Almost Everybody

  • ESPN’s Buster Olney talks about the Marlins:

    • Marlins officials are saying that management is committed to keeping all the players if front office wants to do that.
    • Some players have high value right now — Mike Jacobs and Jeremy Hermida — and can be replaced by others in the organization (such as Gaby Sanchez) so they are likely to be traded for value.
    • Therefore, there is no urgency to trade quality players like Scott Olsen or Dan Uggla, unless someone offers the Marlins a great deal.
    • Ultimately, Olney thinks the Marlins will keep the core of the powerful infield together (good news for Jorge Cantu fans).
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  • Photo by Flickr user afagen

  • Veteran Leadership: Marlins Re-Sign Wes Helms

  • The Florida Marlins are bringing back Wes Helms with a 2-year deal:

    Helms reaffirmed his desire to stay with the team on Friday when he agreed to terms on a two-year, $1.9 million contract. The 32-year-old, who batted .243 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 132 games this past year, will make $950,000 in both 2009 and ’10.

    Wes didn’t put up stellar numbers but was a reliable veteran who has been nothing but a positive influence on the club. The 2-year commitment suggests the Loria and Beinfest are starting to think long-term, not just building small and cheap for 1-year at a time.

    This move happened a couple of day after the Fish outrighted Alejandro De Aza, Lee Gardner, Henry Owens and Doug Waechter to the Minors.

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