Over the past few days, we have been hearing more and more talk that the Marlins are "open for business" and will listen on offers for Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross, and Ricky Nolasco.
Thursday night brought this interesting piece from Joe Capozzi at the Palm Beach Post:
Most interesting item — manager Edwin Rodriguez spent the All Star break at home in Puerto Rico dwelling over nine possible lineup changes. Rodriguez told writers today that he’ll unveil a new lineup Friday when the Marlins open a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.
Edwin wouldn’t offer up details just yet but he did say Hanley Ramirez would continue to hit third. Edwin also said Mike Stanton could hit as high as six and Chris Coghlan could hit second.If Coghlan hits second, who will bat first? Emilio Bonifacio is a candidate — even though he’s a bench player right now with no starting spot. For Bonni to play, someone would have to sit or get traded.
Rodriguez said he likes the current outfield as is.
Bonni can play infield and outfield. So, if CF Cody Ross or 3B Jorge Cantu got traded, then Bonifacio has a spot to play. Keep in mind: I have no strong indication that the Marlins are close to trading Ross or Cantu.
With the Braves dealing for SS Alex Gonzalez during the All Star Break, the Phillies could be looking to respond with a deal of their own. This is pure speculation on my part, but could the Phillies look to deal outfield prospect Anthony Gose or J.A. Happ for Cantu?
The Marlins may prefer J.A. Happ instead of Low-A outfielder Gose, especially since they really don't have any solid pitching prospects that are close to major league ready. Factor in recent comments from Phillies GM Ruben "I want to rebuild the farm" Amaro that he could trade someone off the major league roster in a deal for a second or third baseman to replace injured Chase Utley or Placido Polanco, and Happ makes alot of sense. I get the feeling that the Phillies are unhappy with Happ, especially after they sent him to AAA after he got off the DL.
Would Happ be enough to get a deal done?