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Dolphins' Crowder wrecks, abandons truck Posted on Wed, Jan. 23, 2008 BY ERIKA BERAS eberas@MiamiHerald.com A truck belonging to Channing Crowder of the Miami Dolphins cut a path off an exit ramp of Florida's Turnpike. Police found the truck at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday. It was a Dolphins whodunit. Florida Highway Patrol troopers found Channing Crowder's mangled 2007 pickup truck in the grassy shoulder of a northbound exit ramp from Florida's Turnpike at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. Nearby: a palm tree mowed down at its base. But where was Crowder? And what about the items left behind: a firearm, crutches, an appointment book? The mystery was solved by Crowder himself, although his story, like his truck, veered off the path. Initially when contacted by WFOR CBS 4, Crowder said he had loaned the truck to a friend and that the friend had crashed it, the TV station's website reported. However, when troopers contacted him at his Davie home, he acknowledged that he had indeed been driving and that he had lost control of the pickup at the rain-slicked Hollywood Boulevard exit. And yes, rather than wait around in the rain, he caught a ride home from a friend, leaving the crunched truck on the roadside -- gun, crutches and all. End of story, except for the citations. Crowder, 24, was cited for careless driving, which is a moving infraction, and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, which is a second-degree misdemeanor, said a spokesman for the Highway Patrol. Crowder's personal property, including the firearm, was returned to him. As for the crutches? Crowder had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee near the end of the Dolphins' dismal season. The truck was towed to the Pompano Plaza impound and is being held for Crowder. Calls to Crowder's cellular phone by The Miami Herald were not immediately returned. http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/390504.html

next time you post an article with that kind of significance, POST THE EFFIN LINK! yea, sorry I thought I did, but I must of forgot.

What asshats. what plant are the fags from?

Marlins looking at three designs for new baseball stadium By Lou Ortiz The Florida Marlins are confident they can build a new 37,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof, 300 club seats and 60 suites for $389.4 million, documents show. The team has already retained the services of the world-wide architectural firm of HOK Sport of Kansas City, MO, whose clients include other Major League Baseball clubs, the National Football League, along with soccer and rugby teams and universities. The team, which would change its name to the Miami Marlins, is expected to choose from among three designs for the new ballpark. These and other new details of a preliminary agreement between the county, City of Miami and the Marlins were released by Miami-Dade on Jan. 18. Under the agreement, the Marlins would keep proceeds from the naming rights to the new ballpark, and construction materials used to build the stadium ? totaling $525 million ? would not be subject to sales taxes, pending state approval. "The team has determined that the baseball stadium can be completed within the stadium project budget," the agreement says. But the preliminary contract stipulates that the Marlins would be bound to pay costs "that exceed the stadium project budget" of $525 million. More specifically, the agreement requires "that the team shall be the guarantor of the Stadium Developer's obligation to pay any and all costs of planning, designing, acquiring constructing and equipping the baseball stadium that exceed the stadium project budget, including payment of any and all costs for claims." The budget allocates $389.4 million for construction, $4.2 million to furnish the stadium and $131 million for planning, design, infrastructure and demolition of the Orange Bowl and other costs. The county, which would own the stadium, is to contribute $249 million, Miami $121 million and the Marlins $155 million. Although its costs could be greater, the team would be required to set aside $20 million for cost overruns and any claims that resulted from building the stadium. The project would also be exempt from local impact fees. If waivers for sales taxes and impact fees are not approved, construction costs would increase by $6.1 million and would be borne by the team, the agreement says. The county and city would be bound to pay "for any incremental cost to the baseball stadium that may result from delays caused by it or from its failure to meet" certain deadlines, the agreement says. For example, the costs of the stadium, which would be on a tight construction schedule, could increase if Miami failed to raze the Orange Bowl and remove debris by March 31. The preliminary contract states that "reasonable efforts" would be made to complete construction by opening day on April 1, 2011. County commissioners had expected to debate the preliminary contract at their meeting in December, but the matter was deferred until Jan. 10 to give the Marlins, the county and city negotiators more time to hammer out a final deal. The holidays took their toll on negotiations, and the matter was rescheduled for the Jan. 22 board meeting. But last week County Manger George Burgess told commissioners in a memo that "our negotiations have not concluded," and the contract may be taken up in a special meeting the last week of this month, or at the Feb. 5 regular commission meeting. Once a contract is completed, the Marlins would have until April 30 to sign a "non-relocation agreement" with the county, assuring that the team stays in Miami for 30 years or until the city and county bonds used to build the stadium are paid. Any amendments or waivers in the contract or agreements signed between the Marlins and the county would require approval by two-thirds of the county commission. The preliminary agreement also requires Miami to raze the Orange Bowl, clear debris and conduct an environmental impact study by March 31 ? all at city expense ? and turn over the deed to the land to the county by May 31. The county and the city would pay for infrastructure costs needed for the new stadium. Within six months of the deal, the county or the city would provide the Marlins with at least 3,000 square feet of office space within 2 miles of the stadium "that is suitable" for the team to use as its marketing office, the agreement says. Although the Marlins would oversee construction, the team must abide by county ordinance goals of 10% for small business participation in planning and design, and construction in government projects. The agreement also calls for the construction manager to be a Florida contractor, with the county commission having veto power over the selection. To keep tabs on construction, the Marlins would provide monthly updates to the county on whether the project is on schedule and at any time the projected costs and actual costs are not in balance. "Upon written demand by the county or the city" the team "shall be obligated to bring funding of the baseball stadium in balance within three months," the agreement says. The preliminary contract sets up three construction accounts for the new stadium, each of which will be managed by the individual entities. The city and the county would use the interest earnings from their respective accounts to pay additional costs for the stadium, or repay bonds, the agreement says. The additional costs would have to relate to overages caused by a failure of either the city or county to meet obligations. The Marlins, Miami and the county would also use mediation to settle any disputes. Once the stadium is built, the city and county would have the right to use the facility for 12 community events each year. But the team could "reject any proposed community event if" it deems it a risk to the playing field, violates baseball rules, or is incompatible with any major sponsorships, among other things. Finally, the agreement says the new stadium is an effort by all three entities to keep a Major League team in Miami. "Each understands that a successful result," the agreement says "is dependent upon their mutual cooperation." http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/080124/story4.shtml

Why would he make such a dumb statement?

Sanchez won't be ready to open spring training By JOE CAPOZZI Palm Beach Post Staff Reporter Wednesday, January 16, 2008 JUPITER ? The Marlins might have to wait a little longer than they had hoped for the return of right-hander Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez, who made just six starts last year after winning 10 games and throwing a no-hitter as a rookie in 2006, said he will begin a throwing program Monday, a key step in his comeback from shoulder surgery that ended his season in June. But it's a first step. Although the Marlins had hoped he could compete for a rotation spot this spring, Sanchez said Tuesday at Roger Dean Stadium that he is not even sure when he'll be able to throw at full strength. "I came here early because I'm still doing rehab. But I will not be ready for (the start of) spring training,'' said Sanchez, who was working on conditioning exercises with strength and conditioning director Paul Fournier. Sanchez said he will start throwing Monday from 45 feet, working his way to 75 feet. Extending the distance will depend on how his shoulder feels. Asked if he anticipated being able to pitch competitively at some point this spring, he said: "I don't know yet. I will start throwing Monday and see how I feel.'' Sanchez, who nursed a sore shoulder last off-season, hasn't pitched since May 2, when he allowed three runs in 31/3 innings in a loss to the New York Mets. He was optioned to Class AAA Albuquerque and put on the disabled list May 7, sparking a dispute that led Sanchez and the players' union to file a grievance against the team July 31. They contended that the Marlins knew he was injured when he was demoted, a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. Sanchez wanted compensation for pay lost while on the DL. If he had been paid under terms of his major-league contract, he argued, he would have made some $200,000 more. A spokesman for the union said Tuesday the grievance has not been resolved. But Sanchez, who was angry about the demotion, said he holds no hard feelings. "I don't have a problem with the team,'' he said. Sanchez, who was 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA last season before having surgery June 22, has bounced back from injury before. As a Boston Red Sox prospect, he missed the 2003 season after having nerve-transposition surgery on his right elbow. He recovered successfully and was traded to the Marlins in the Josh Beckett deal in November 2005. As a Marlins rookie, he went 10-3 with a 2.83 ERA after a June promotion. The highlight was his no-hitter against the Diamondbacks on Sept. 6, 2006. So his history gives him cause for optimism. "Anything can happen," he said. "I had the surgery in 2003 and (then) had a good season. "I want to prepare for this year. I want to be OK. I don't want to be on the DL anymore. I just want to feel better." http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/conte...rlins_0116.html

Marlins talking with veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez Click-2-Listen By Joe Capozzi Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Thursday, January 10, 2008 Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria doesn't always take time to help the front office recruit players, but he did this week with 40-year-old outfielder Luis Gonzalez. Loria told Gonzalez, according to his agent, that the Marlins would love to sign him to provide leadership for the young team. "Luis is really intrigued with Florida because he likes the young players, he knows (manager Fredi) Gonzalez, he likes the idea of being a mentor,'' agent Gregg Clifton said today. Clifton said he expected to talk again with the Marlins today and that Gonzalez was impressed that Loria took the time to call him. Gonzalez is a native of Tampa, where his mother lives. Clifton said the Marlins envision Gonzalez as a back-up in left field and at first base. He was a five-time All-Star with Arizona before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year. With L.A., he hit .278 with 15 homers and 68 RBIs in 139 games, his lowest total since 1995. Gonzalez also is talking with the Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners, where he might be a good fit as a designated hitter. He might get regular work in the outfield for Seattle if the Mariners trade outfielder Adam Jones to Baltimore in a deal for pitcher Erik Bedard. The Marlins have not made a financial offer to Gonzalez, who made $7.1 million in 2007. He isn't expecting to make that much in 2008, but it's unclear how much of a pay cut he would be willing to accept to play for Florida. With a payroll of about $15 million now, the Marlins might be willing to make Gonzalez the right offer. His best season was in 2001, when he finished third in the MVP voting after hitting 57 homers with 142 RBI and a .325 average for the Diamondbacks. His delivered a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth in the seventh game of the 2001 World Series. Last year, Gonzalez complained that Dodgers manager Grady Little didn't confer with him on lineup decisions. He might be more comfortable with the Marlins. Aside from him knowing the manager, two members of the Marlins' staff, bench coach Carlos Tosca and hitting coach Jim Presley, know Gonzalez from their time together with the Diamondbacks. Gonzalez, who finished last season with 2,502 hits, has an outside chance of reaching 3,000 before he retires http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/conte...110marlins.html http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_n...ory/374414.html

Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga has told several sources -- both inside and outside of the organization -- he is considering selling the team and the stadium because of his continued frustrations with Miami's current winless state. His asking price would be between $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, a high-end source has told The Miami Herald. Huizenga declined to comment through the Dolphins media relations department and on Friday was not made available to speak with reporters as he left the team's Davie practice facility. Four sources have confirmed Huizenga's state of mind to The Herald Huizenga has spoken to several confidants outside of the organization, voicing those same frustrations while even naming potential suitors who would be willing to enter into negotiations. Sources within the organization are also aware of Huizenga's growing discontent and potential desire to sell the team. Huizenga has in the past said the Dolphins are not for sale, but always added the caveat that he would consider any serious offer. A source with the Florida Panthers told The Herald this week that, at one point last year Huizenga spoke with advertising executive (and Panthers minority owner) Jordan Zimmerman about potential interest. Those talks were very preliminary, and they did not materialize into anything nearly as serious as Huizenga's current considerations. Zimmerman told The Herald this week he is not interested in buying the team at this point. The Dolphins are currently the only NFL team without a victory. The team has three more opportunities to win a game and avoid becoming the first NFL team ever to lose every game in a 16-game season. Forbes Magazine this year valued the Dolphins at $942 million, with a revenue stream of approximately $215 million. The valuation makes the Dolphins the 15th-priciest NFL franchise. The Dallas Cowboys, by comparison, were the highest valued at $1.5 billion. The Minnesota Vikings were the lowest at $782 million. The Dolphins organization and Dolphin Stadium would be offered as a package deal assuming a sale happens. Huizenga purchased the team from the Robbie family in 1994 for $138 million. It is interesting that Huizenga has made comments about selling despite his recent commitment to spend approximately $250 million to upgrade Dolphin Stadium, with the final phase of that upgrade to be completed by 2009. When Huizenga initially agreed to purchase the team, he needed to wait more than three years before officially becoming the team's owner because of the league's cross-ownership policy, which was altered in 1997 to allow controlling interest in other sports. Since, however, his investment has gained $804 million in worth. When he purchased the NFL team, he also owned the Marlins and the Panthers, which he brought to South Florida. He has since sold his interests in both the baseball and hockey organizations. http://www.miamiherald.com/598/story/345175.html

Miller's deal is for 750,000 MIAMI (AP) -- Right-hander Justin Miller signed a $750,000, one-year contract to remain with the Florida Marlins next season. Miller bolstered the Marlins' bullpen in 2007 by going 5-0 with a 3.65 ERA, and he struck out 74 batters in 61 2-3 innings. Catcher Miguel Olivo, who batted .237 for the Marlins in 2007, was not tendered a contract Wednesday and became a free agent. Florida acquired catching prospect Mike Rabelo from Detroit last week in the deal that sent slugger Miguel Cabrera and left-hander Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=318210

Marlins will look for new starting catcher Olivo only Florida player to not be tendered a contract By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- As expected, the Marlins will be turning the page when it comes to finding their starting catcher. On Wednesday night, the club bid farewell to Miguel Olivo when it did not tender a contract to its primary starting catcher the past two seasons. The move was expected, with Florida leaning towards splitting the job with newly acquired Mike Rabelo and Matt Treanor. Olivo appeared in 122 games in 2007, and he batted .237 with 16 home runs and 60 RBIs. Defensively, he was shaky, committing a career-high 12 errors, and he had 16 passed balls. Also before the tender deadline at midnight Wednesday, the Marlins signed reliever Justin Miller to a one-year contract. The 26-year-old Rabelo was acquired in the megadeal that sent Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to Detroit. After being stuck behind Ivan Rodriguez on the Tigers' depth chart, the switch-hitting catcher will be given every chance to win the starting job. Treanor, viewed more as a backup, is in the arbitration process for the first time. The 31-year-old earned $380,000 in '07. He appeared in 55 games and finished with a .269 batting average, adding four home runs and 19 RBIs. Respected for his defense and handling of pitchers, the Marlins envision Treanor making about 60 starts, and Rabelo working the difference. This past season, Treanor had a career-high 171 at-bats. In all, the Marlins had six players eligible for arbitration. Olivo is the only one who will not return. Contracts were tendered to Treanor, infielder Alfredo Amezaga, right-hander Sergio Mitre and closer Kevin Gregg. A byproduct of the big trade with the Tigers is the Marlins once again have payroll flexibility. The blockbuster deal has wiped roughly $18 million off Florida's books. Had Cabrera remained with the Marlins, in arbitration, the four-time All-Star was in line to earn between $10-11 million, while Willis was on pace to receive about $7.5 million. When the offseason began, Willis and Cabrera also were part of Florida's group of players eligible for arbitration. Olivo earned $2 million in 2007, and had he been tendered his salary, he likely would have jumped another million dollars. Gregg is in the arbitration process for the second straight season. A year ago, the right-hander lost his case with the club, and he received $575,000 instead of the $700,000 he was seeking. After enjoying a strong season as the Marlins' closer, Gregg may end up being the club's highest-paid player. There are indications his arbitration salary will jump to about $2.5 million. The 29-year-old Gregg enjoyed a strong first season with Florida. Acquired in November 2006 from the Angels for reliever Chris Resop, Gregg appeared in 74 games and logged 84 innings. He solidified the closer role, which was up for grabs, finishing with 32 saves. Gregg was considered a strong candidate to win the closer job when Spring Training opened, but the team pushed for a veteran with more experience in the role. Florida ended up trading for Jorge Julio about a week before Opening Day. But after Julio floundered and some other relief options didn't pan out, Gregg stepped up and solidified the job in May. He held it for the remainder of the season, even after the Marlins picked up Armando Benitez in a trade with the Giants for Randy Messenger. Gregg offers a lot of value because of his versatility. When he broke in with the Angels in 2003, he was used as a spot starter. He's also been used in long relief and setup spots. Now, he has the experience of closing. He projects to be the frontrunner to close when Spring Training begins in February. Mitre, meanwhile, is projected as one of the team's top three starters. In '07, he also made $380,000, and his salary likely will increase to seven figures after his 27 starts and 149 innings. Mitre was 5-8 with a 4.65 ERA. In the first half of the season, however, he was pretty much the club's most reliable starter. However, as the season progressed, Mitre began to wear down. It was understandable since he logged 41 total innings in an injury plagued 2006 campaign. The 30-year-old Miller was a surprise in his first season with Florida. The right-hander avoided the arbitration exchanging numbers process by signing his one-year deal. A durable workhorse, Miller appeared in 62 games and compiled 61 2/3 innings in a setup role, finishing with a 5-0 record and 3.65 ERA. Amezaga is a valuable all-purpose player who is being coveted by several teams in trade discussions. A switch-hitter, Amezaga turns 30 in January, and this is the first time he is in the arbitration process. The past two seasons he has played every position except pitcher and catcher. In 133 games this past season, Amezaga had 400 at-bats and finished with a .263 average. A natural middle infielder, Amezaga saw a bit of time in center field, where he had 271 at-bats. With Cabrera gone, Amezaga may see more time at third base. The Marlins ideally like him coming off the bench because of all the options he can bring to the club. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...7&fext=.jsp

We also agreed with Justin Miller on a one-year deal.

While I believe we have no use for Moehler... lol 600K too much? I just don't like the idea of signing some crappy veteran and having him forced to be in the rotation. With Miller, RVH, Olsen, Sanchez, Nolasco, and Mitre we have six starters. Now, likely 1-2 will not be ready opening day, but I'd rather have a ST invite as insurance instead of having to have a Moehler type "clog" up the rotation if 5 of the 6 can go.

Also on the third-base front, the Phillies declined to trade Wes Helms to the Marlins for a minor leaguer after the Marlins asked them to cover more than half of the $2.9 million remaining on Helms' contract. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7541832 You'd figure we'd at least be able to cover 2.9 Mil.

Marlins start searching for third baseman By JOE CAPOZZI Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Friday, December 07, 2007 NASHVILLE ? Scott Rolen, Wes Helms and Abraham Nunez were just a few of the names on a wish list posted in the Marlins' suite at the Gaylord Opryland hotel, a rough draft of candidates Florida might target to replace third baseman Miguel Cabrera. Trading for Rolen, who is feuding with St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, isn't likely, a Marlins source said Thursday, citing finances. But the inclusion of Rolen's name underscores the breadth of Florida's search to fill a gaping hole in the infield. "We're looking internally, externally. There are already some names up on the board. We have been active already on the third-base front,'' baseball operations President Admin Beinfest said at baseball's winter meetings. The Marlins went into Thursday's Rule 5 draft hoping to find their answer, as they did in December 2005 when they selected second baseman Dan Uggla. "We really would liked to have found somebody like Uggla that you could give a chance now that Miguel is gone, but there just wasn't that guy,'' said Jim Fleming, Florida's vice president of player development and scouting. Team officials aren't intrigued with many free-agent third basemen. Their main strategy will be to find someone in a trade. One such target is Helms, who played for Florida in 2006 before signing with Philadelphia. He is owed $2.15 million for 2008 and the Phillies want to move him. He hit .246 with five homers and 39 RBI in 112 games last season. If the Marlins can't make a trade, they will consider moving second baseman Uggla to third and putting utility man Alfredo Amezaga at second. But that's not likely, either, because the team doesn't want to disrupt Uggla's development at second base or his defensive chemistry with shortstop Hanley Ramirez. In the long term, the team has discussed moving infield prospect Chris Coghlan to third base from second base, where he played last year in Class A ball. Beyond that, the Marlins are hoping that Matt Dominguez, their first-round pick (12th overall) in 2007, will develop into a franchise player. Although Cabrera was the team's top offensive threat, the Marlins won't try to replace his power, especially since Uggla, Ramirez and first baseman Mike Jacobs combined to hit 77 home runs in 2007. "We'd like that compete guy," Beinfest said. "Defense will be important." Rule 5 Draft: The Marlins took right-handed pitcher Jose Guevara from Cincinnati's Class AAA Louisville affiliate in the major-league phase of the draft, then traded him to San Diego for cash. Players who are not currently on their team's 40-man roster are eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 draft after completion of a standard exemption period. The Marlins took four players in the minor-league draft: shortstop Smelin Perez (Pittsburgh organization), outfielder Daron Roberts (Chicago White Sox) and pitchers Kenny Fernandez (Philadelphia) and Adalberto Mendez (Chicago Cubs). Former Rays pitcher signs: Right-hander Doug Waechter signed a minor-league deal. Waechter was 14-25 with a 5.62 ERA in four seasons with Tampa Bay. He was released in November 2006, a month after having shoulder surgery, and spent 2007 recovering. Van Horne a finalist: Marlins radio broadcaster Dave Van Horne is a finalist for the Ford C. Frick Award, an annual honor that includes induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame's broadcasting wing. He was the English-language broadcaster for Montreal for 33 years and has done the Marlins for seven years. No Puerto Rico trip: Major League Baseball approached the Marlins about playing a series next season in San Juan, Puerto Rico. But the idea was scrapped because the Marlins didn't want to give up any games at Dolphin Stadium. http://palmbeachpost.printthis.clickabilit...p;partnerID=493

I believe we will get Helms and Cantu. They will battle it out in ST, with the loser replacing Boone and Helms v. lefty's ( if he loses). I like it. Do you believe that because you read it right of the article? Actually I came up with this idea first. :mischief http://www.marlinbaseball.com/forums/index...showtopic=78887

I believe we will get Helms and Cantu. They will battle it out in ST, with the loser replacing Boone and Helms v. lefty's ( if he loses). I like it.

What? The Orioles are giving away Tejada for free?

I think we'll likley get 2 options for 3rd and let them battle it put in sping, with the loser taking over the Boone role.

Andruw, Dodgers reach agreement Deal calls for two years and $36 million, per a baseball official By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com Andruw Jones will take over center field, with Juan Pierre likely moving to left. (Wilfredo Lee/AP) MLB Headlines NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Dodgers landed the bat they've been seeking, reaching agreement on Wednesday night with free-agent outfielder Andruw Jones on a two-year, $36 million contract, according to a baseball official. The deal is contingent on Jones passing a physical exam. Jones, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All Star, will take over center field, with Juan Pierre likely moving to left. The negotiations, which appeared to be moving at a snail's pace over the first three days of the Winter Meetings, reached a rapid conclusion on Wednesday night. The short-term deal will allow Jones to rehabilitate his stats in time for another bite at the free-agent apple while still in his prime. The market for Jones had been underwhelming in the wake of the worst season of his career -- .222 average, 26 homers, 94 RBIs. He also had interest from the Kansas City Royals. Jones' former Braves teammates, however, indicated that he preferred to stay in the National League and was getting antsy for a resolution. Another former Atlanta teammate, Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal, placed more than one recruiting phone call to Jones, understandable because they were the closest of friends when they played together. Jones, 30, is the big bat Colletti has been seeking since taking over two years ago, especially if his 2007 performance is an aberration compared with the previous two seasons, when he slugged 92 homers with 257 RBIs. The Dodgers made a run at acquiring Jones a year ago, but Jones would not waive a no-trade clause. What happened to Jones in 2007? Trying to play with a secretly hyper-extended elbow didn't help, but such decisions are commonplace with free agency looming. Jones recorded a .263 career batting average with 368 home runs, 1,117 RBIs, a .342 on-base percentage and a .497 slugging percentage in 12 big league seasons with the Braves. The native of Curacao finished second in National League MVP voting in 2005 after leading the Majors with 51 homers and leading the NL with 128 RBIs. Over the past 10 seasons, in addition to earning a Gold Glove each year, Jones has averaged 35 home runs and 103 RBIs, and he has topped the 25-homer mark in each of those campaigns. In his 12 Major League seasons, Jones has appeared in the postseason 10 times, hitting .273 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs in 17 playoff series. Since his first full season in the Majors, in 1997, Jones has appeared in more games than any other big league player (1,730), and he has never spent time on the disabled list. His 363 homers during that period are the eighth-most in baseball, behind Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Carlos Delgado and Vladimir Guerrero. He also ranks eighth among all Major Leaguers with 1,104 RBIs during that span. Jones has registered 101 assists since 1997, the most of any big league center fielder, and his 4,486 putouts since reaching the big leagues are tops among all Major League outfielders by more than 500 (Johnny Damon ranks second, with 3,980). Jones reached the Major Leagues as a 19-year-old in 1996, and was the youngest player in baseball that season when he became the first NL player and the second in Major League history to homer in his first two World Series at-bats. He was the youngest player to ever homer in the Fall Classic (19 years, five months, 27 days) and remained the youngest player in baseball the following year in 1997, when as a 20-year-old, he finished fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...7&fext=.jsp

It was revealed on Wednesday night that the team was exploring a trade for former Marlin Wes Helms. A popular veteran on Florida's 2006 squad, Helms signed a two-year contract with the Phillies after that season. He is owed $2.15 million for 2008, and Philadelphia is looking to move him. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...7&fext=.jsp

Admin said they have "a few names on the board" and they are actively looking into it.

I can't even bear listening to sports radio. Now everyone cares about the Marlins... please. As if this were not a bad enough PR nightmare, the ass clown himself will be on 790 to rub it in.

Let's give Marlins benefit of doubt Posted on Tue, Dec. 04, 2007 By DAN LE BATARD dlebatard@MiamiHerald.com It isn't easy to listen to reason when you are hurt and angry and betrayed. You just want to yell, cry, vent, blame. The fun of fandom is to be emotional, not clinical. Surgeons don't paint their faces team colors while operating, lawyers don't boo and heckle the judges and nobody calls the 24-hour accounting radio station to scream about CPAs being lazy and overpaid. So what happened Tuesday, when the cheap and depressing Marlins sent their two most popular players to Detroit, would and should be upsetting to Marlins fans if, um, there were any Marlins fans. Because nobody who has been betrayed so often wants to hear today about trust and faith. But, believe it or not, hard as it is given all the losing and cynicism on our sports landscape, this Marlins management team deserves both your belief and benefit of the doubt. It has been earned -- and not just because the Marlins have won as many championships in the past decade as the Red Sox have in the past eight. Nobody wants to see Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis leave. The former is a future Hall of Famer, and the latter has one of the greatest personalities anywhere in sports. They were a joy to watch even though for one game last season, only 375 fans showed up to experience that kind of joy. That's fewer people than you'll find in some airplanes and restaurants, and it is part of the reality that makes us a minor-league baseball town that deserves a minor-league product. But the economics of the sport and the lack of a stadium force the Marlins to make what they can out of coupons and discounts. While the Yankees and Red Sox try on Armani and Gucci at Bal Harbour, snacking on caviar hand-fed by a team of rotating servants, the hungry-hobo Marlins haggle at flea markets and garage sales. But, too often to be luck, they'll rummage through one of the 99-cent bargain bins and (viola!) happily discover a barely-used Hanley Ramirez. UNAFFORDABLE The Marlins can't afford to pay Cabrera $20 million a year, which is what he'll be making very soon. So they traded him at the optimum time given their limitations, pitting desperate contenders against each other, and got two of the top 20 prospects anywhere in the sport. The Marlins traded their two most popular and most expensive players for Detroit's two best young and cheap ones -- and got four other maybes in return. You can make the argument that they traded Cabrera and Willis for Detroit's farm system -- Florida's today in exchange for Detroit's tomorrow. That's a great deal if you start, as you must, with the premise that Florida won't and can't afford Cabrera and Willis. Florida is the National League's Oakland A's, a team that had to painfully let Jason Giambi and Miguel Tejada go but remained in the playoffs with the cheap and good help they got in return. A public-relations disaster for Florida? Absolutely. But is there a public with which this team has relations? What's the worst case? You upset 375 people? And remember this, too: Wasn't but four years ago that we had no earthly idea who Cabrera and Willis were. In fact, the two best prospects the Marlines just got -- Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller -- are considered more can't-miss great than either Cabrera or Willis ever were. Last time Florida did this? They traded Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, which stung, to get Ramirez, who was only better offensively this season than NL MVP Jimmy Rollins. Ramirez is the league's best young player, at any position -- and getting better. And although it hurts to watch Beckett and Lowell celebrate a championship elsewhere, general manager Admin Beinfest got someone in return who is as good as anyone playing the game -- and cheaper. That's how Beinfest has to play this game, in handcuffs, and it is what makes him the best executive anywhere in South Florida sports. SAD AND HAPPY Maybin and Miller are going to be stars soon and, better still, cheap for years. And it is amazing that Beinfest was able to get both of them. The Yankees and Red Sox are unwilling to give away their two best prospects for Johan Santana, who has only been the game's most dominant pitcher. Willis, lovable as he is, was one of the worst starting pitchers anywhere in baseball last season and, given the cruel mathematics of mileage and his mechanics, he's a high risk for an arm injury. But desperate Detroit feels like it is only a piece away and has to keep up with the Yankees and Red Sox. And so the Tigers roster is filled with expensive players who remind you, more than any team in baseball, of all the good work the Marlins have done while stripping their roster and building it back up with an unusual blueprint that makes fans angry. Never mind Lowell and Beckett winning in Boston. The Tigers are now the Detroit Marlins with Pudge Rodriguez, Edgar Renteria, Gary Sheffield, Todd Jones, Jim Leyland, Dave Dombrowski, Cabrera and Willis. That should make Marlins fans, all 375 of you, sad and happy. The bad news is that you can't afford the talent you keep finding, but the good news is that you are exceptional at finding said talent. It hurts, yes. But growth usually does.

I agree. I think one of the "lesser arms" could turn into a solid starter.

This deal is vastly better then any Angel trade. We got 2 elite prospects.