Rumors and Questions

Well yeah, the Joe Torre situation he writes about is dealing with his personal opinion against that of George's perception.

Sure he feels Torre has done a great job managing this mess but if he loses in the postseason, George might fire him anyway. I think that's basically what he's trying to convey. It makes sense.

If Miggy gets traded, it'll be to the Red Sox. The match up there makes too much sense.

-They have history with making a big trade in the Beckett-Hanley deal.
-The Red Sox have a hole at 3B in '08.
-If they lock Miggy up long term, by the time he becomes a black hole in the field, he can take over for Papi as the DH.
-The Red Sox have 2 top prospects in Jacoby Ellsbury & Clay Buchholz that would fit perfectly into the Marlins long-term plans. Top it off with Craig Hansen and both teams become instantly better in '08.

As far as a 3B replacement, I can imagine the Marlins unloading both of their stars this off-season and Dontrelle could hopefully net them a solution at 3B and some relief help. The Padres match up well there with Headley & Meredith.

I don't see Buchholz being dealt and after the way Ellsbury has played I don't see him going anywhere either.

Who knows, there is no doubt the sox would be interested if/when Miggy is available, and I believe he would move to 1b and youk to 3rd.

Speaking of the Dodgers, what about a blockbuster with both Cabrera and Willis going to LA? That could solve the Dodgers' need for a big bat in the middle of their lineup and give them a much better option than counting Schmidt and/or Wolf coming back healthy. They also seem to be souring on Loaiza, so that definitely opens up a rotation spot. If they offered up LaRoche, Kershaw, Kemp, and another couple low-level arms, it might be enough to get Florida to give those guys up.

But the Fish are probably too dumb to make that bold of a move, and I'm not sure Colletti could pull off something that good for LA. He'd probably argue Cabrera and Willis aren't veteran enough, since he seems intent on turning the Dodgers into the Giants.

The Marlins will be even more of a joke if they deal Cabrera. But I'd expect the Dodgers to make a huge play for him. They're the team with a hole at 3B, quality prospects, and a willingness to deal the prospects.

The Redsox will trade Crisp to make room for Ellsbury. I don't expect them to make a serious play for Cabrera.

Kinda way off topic here, but does anyone happen to know a site for like projected 2008 salaries, contract information, free agent list, etc.?

You can use http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/
They have everything for this year, but if you look at players signed to longer term deals the information is still there.

There's no way anyone's getting Cabrera via trade without gutting their farm. I don't think any team will be willing to pay that high of a ransom for one player.

As for moving both Willis and Cabrera in the same deal...it would take the Futures Game starting roster to get it done.

How about Joba, Melky, and Hughes for starters. We're talking potential A-Rod-like production here, for a fraction of the cost, and in a model that's 9 years newer.

First of all, JMC, valid question, but have some respect for you self and do not say "like" before the meat of your question.
Next, I could see the Marlins attempting to trade Miggy, he is as good of a offensive player as I've seen in a long time. They should be able to net a ransom, and if they do not, should hold out. I feel they would be better off waiting until the deadline this summer to try to move Willis, increase his value a little bit, but he does have a good track record, and starting pitching is a valuable commodity, so if someone is willing to give up the farm, the could pull the trigger. But then again, I am a Pirates fan, and we just have an awesome track record with making moves, so what the hell do I know. Go Bucs, good luck to our new GM, hopefully he will be like the Fins and gut our roster and get a few players like Hanley. We'll see, I'm just saying what I'd do, but like I said, I'm a Bucco fan, so after 15 straight losing seasons, I know nothing.

Marlins won't want Crisp in any type of deal or any other player that has like 3 or more years of experience in the majors.

I too would like Florida to lock up Miggy - just don't think it's going to work. He is a $20m/year player once he hits FA. You just can't have 1/2 or 2/3's of your salary going to a single player.

"The Red Sox have 2 top prospects in Jacoby Ellsbury & Clay Buchholz that would fit perfectly into the Marlins long-term plans. Top it off with Craig Hansen and both teams become instantly better in '08."

Neither of them are being moved for any reason.

"Especially when one of those players is a 4th outfielder as it stands today."

Thats depth chart wise, not talent wise. This will be resolved this off season.

I mean less service time. Giving up a lot more years of control.

While I dont agree with the proposed trade of Ells+Clay, I do think Boston is a perfect fit for Miggy!

Lets say ARod stays in NY. The best player isnt an option anymore but Bostons best player isnt what he used to be and will need to be replaced soon. Miggy comes in for 08 as a counteraction to NY keeping ARod (instead of the Sox getting him) and after the year he can take over for Manny in LF if needed.

That being said, the Dodgers are also a very good fit and the Yankees will probably push for him if they lose ARod…

"I could go on and on ... the point is that throwing a no-hitter is no guarantee for success. There is a long history of young, talented pitchers who either develop arm troubles or just don't pan out."
Being a red sox fan,I notice the sox are taking young pitching and player devlopment very seriously. I trust theo, and their medical staff to protect their young arms. There is a chance buccholz won't pan out but from everything I am reading and seeing has been all positive.

Actually Cleveland will probably be in the mix too, they have been looking for a big bat and esp a RH one while having 3B &/or LF as the possibilities. A deal would probably see Marte (instant replacement for Cabrera who Fla would prob like), Ben Francisco (player they have liked for years who would play CF) and a Top-Prospect or two…

I see the Tribe heavily into the Bay and Miggy situation ~ teams match up well if they can work something out…