Posted June 22, 200519 yr NEW TARGET Rockies left-hander Brian Fuentes is the latest Marlins trade target as they seek to upgrade the back end of their bullpen. According to a National League source, the Marlins have been persistent in their attempts to acquire Fuentes, who is making just $328,000 and will be eligible for salary arbitration after the season. Left-handed batters are hitting .158 against the side-winding Fuentes and right-handers are at .225. Fuentes, 29, is 1-3 with a 3.00 ERA and seven saves in nine chances. In exchange, the source said, the Marlins have been dangling Triple-A shortstop Josh Wilson and Double-A right-hander Yorman Bazardo. There is no indication, however, that the Rockies are inclined to move Fuentes, their most valuable reliever. "He's funky and throws 92-93 mph," the source said. "Those kinds of guys don't grow on trees." In addition, the Marlins could have interest in Rockies starters Jason Jennings, Joe Kennedy or Shawn Chacon, but that would depend on how long it takes Josh Beckett to overcome his latest blister problem. The Marlins are not among the clubs expressing interest in Rockies center fielder Preston Wilson. The Cubs or Nationals might be his next employer. Source: Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
