Cabrera Still Being Shopped

Miguel Cabrera, who Marlins fans hoped to be the face of the franchise for a long time, is still being shopped around.

Those who want to see him stay can continue to pray; those who want to land him on their team must also continue to prey. And the bidding is getting intense.

The Marlins front office, charged with some of the most difficult challenges of any of their peers, continue to fight the good fight and try to get as much talent in return for Cabrera. It seems the Angels and Dodgers are ponying up quite a bit to bid for Cabrera's rights. Stay tuned as the Marlins continue shopping around for Cabrera.

On the positive side, if there be one, the Marlins could land an immediate surplus of young hitting talent - they have needs at center field, and third base. It might help the Marlins in a few more years contend again - theoretically with a new stadium in place.

Torrealba Still Available

Hot stove time, and the Marlins are involved in a couple scenarios.

One of them is catcher Yorvit Torrealba. The Mets were expected to sign the free agent ex-Rockie catcher, but the deal, apparently fell apart. At this time, it is unclear why the deal fell apart but speculation includes, but certainly isn't limited to, a failed physical as a possibility. If that is the case, the Marlins are better off staying away. Still, the need for a catcher is critical with the Marlins.

Cabrera Leaving? ARod Returning?

Right now, we should be asking ourselves, is it really in the best interest of the Florida Marlins to trade Miguel Cabrera? How is the franchise with the lowest turnout and impending stadium issues going to communicate that it is here for the long haul?

By trading Cabrera?

The obvious answer is no. But if the scenario is painted correctly, perhaps not - let's dare to dream a bit.

Let's say Cabrera is dealt for a starting pitcher and a young stud center fielder. You fill two voids in the lineup but create another one. We need a third baseman and Matt Dominguez is a few years away.

Is there any real possibility that the Marlins sign Alex Rodriguez?

There is a very faint rumor - and it is probably just that - that ARod would not only be given the salary he is looking for (upwards of $30M) but also a stake in the franchise.

Let's examine that possibility. That would mean not only the likely AL MVP would be playing for the Marlins, not only be their team leader, but also he would return home and would have a vested interest in the franchise being successful. Local boy makes good, brings hope to the millions and puts a face with the organization - with a possible chance at competing for years to come.

It is viewed as a longshot right now, but so where the 2003 Marlins.

Yet, could ARod actually return to Miami? There is enough here, believe it or not, to persuade him to do so. We have lots of young talent in Miami, and it just needs a leader to congeal the team. This void of leadership is evident from the way Fredi Gonzalez runs this team - he seems to require a veteran roster to fit his managerial style. With a player of ARod's stature, that need would be met. Not to mention the Marlins would now compete as a draw and its PR campaign would mirror the Heat's with its star players Shaq and Dwyane Wade drawing international attention.

All of this, of course, hinges on the Marlins trading Miguel Cabrera and possibly even Dontrelle Willis to free up some space in the treasury to sign a guy like ARod. And surround him with young (cheap) talent to compete. Maybe that would be enough to get Marlins fans and los politicos to push for a stadium solution.

Or maybe trading Cabrera and DTrain is a prelude to contraction.

Either way you look at it, both possibilities are long shots as of right now. But there could be some good in entertaining the idea of trading Cabrera as a catalyst to positive change for this franchise.

Wiley Returns to Marlins

In a long anticipated move, the Marlins re-signed Mark Wiley, their pitching coach they let get away after they relieved Jack McKeon of managing duties.

When the Marlins hired Joe Girardi, Girardi brought on board Rick Kranitz - the Cubs minor league pitching coordinator. Things looked good last season - while the talent of Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, Scott Olsen and Ricky Nolasco blossomed. Even though Girardi was fired, the Marlins managed to retain Kranitz despite suspicions of his real value.

This season, despite the injuries, seemed to show Kranitz's weaknesses as a coach and instructor and the Marlins, although they couldn't outright fire him, esteemed his value at a bit less than Kranitz did. So he walked. And now, the Marlins welcome back an old friend who is not only coming from a championship caliber organization, but also a mentor to Dontrelle Willis.

Now, the immediate challenge for Wiley is getting this pitching staff pieced back together and getting Dontrelle Willis' confidence back again. Welcome back, Wiles.