The Florida Marlins sit atop the Federal League East Division after a hot June. With the recent addition of power threat Matt Williams, nearly every player on their team is starting at a different position than they did when the season began. Overall it’s a decent squad that excels in some areas (tied for first in extra base hits and first in hits allowed and opponent batting average, while struggling in other areas. This team can use some bullpen help, but bigger holes exist.
Need: Right Field
Part of the cost for acquiring Matt Williams was Steve Finley, who was fine in right field and certainly masked the ineffectiveness of Lance Blankenship in center field. With Finley gone and loyalty seemingly being the only thing keeping Blankenship in the starting lineup, right field looks very weak, all offense meant to Alex Ochoa. These two, plus Butch Huskey in left field, have a combined 0.0 WAR (not a typo).
Possible Targets
Shawn Green – Los Angeles Dodgers: Last time these brothers matched up on a trade, it was swapping quad a players. After acquiring a first round pick a couple of weeks ago while retaining their own, maybe they flex their muscles and bring in a big bat
Derek Bell – Chicago Cubs: While not listed in the Cubs marketplace post, one has to assume that Chicago may listen on a guy who is in line for what is probably a decent extension next season.
Shane Mack – Toronto Blue Jays: Probably one of the few teams who has a need and can afford the contract of Mack long term.