No matter that the Florida Marlins have won eight out of their last 10 games, it looks like they are sellers.
No east division pennant or National League wild-card dreams.
The first Marlin gone before Saturday non-waiver trade deadline could be third baseman Jorge Cantu.
According to various published reports, the Dallas Morning News and the Arlington Star-Telegram, the Texas Rangers have had advanced talks with the Florida Marlins about trading minor league pitching for Cantu.
General Manager Jon Daniels had declined to comment on specific trade possibilities, but he had also said on the record that they would like to add a right-handed hitter capable of playing first base in relief of Chris Davis.
Cantu is the Marlins’ starting third baseman but he has played first base throughout his career. This season he had started 40 times as a first baseman.
The seven-season McAllen, Texas native also can serve as a designated hitter. This season he started as a DH in the Marlins lineup nine times during inter-league games.
He is hitting .260 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs.
According to published resources, the Rangers like Cantu but are not committed yet, as they are looking to other players.
The Rangers also have interest, among other few possibilities, in Cantu’s Marlins teammate Wes Helms.
The Rangers have also scouted former Marlin and current Red Sox Mike Lowell, for whom the team agreed to make a trade last December before Lowell failed a physical.
The Rangers were prepared to send catcher Max Ramirez and $3 million to Boston for the 35-year-old four-time All-Star, however a torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb derailed the trade.
Lowell is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket.
In Tampa Bay, word has spread that the Detroit Tigers could possibly be interested in Lowell as a replacement for injured Carlos Guillen.
On the other hand, the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are said to be bidding for Cantu’s services.
Rumours fly. What are the Marlins, sellers or buyers? Everyone will know in the near future.
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