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.