Thanks to STEVO from MW for the lead on this.
By Mike Berardino
Staff Writer
Posted July 5 2004
Nomar Garciaparra might have worn out his welcome in Boston, but if the Red Sox decide to make the two-time American League batting champion available they could find a willing taker in South Florida.
According to major league sources, the Marlins are weighing the merits of renting the superstar shortstop. Having received maximum production last season out of a pending free agent (Pudge Rodriguez) at a premium position (catcher), the Marlins could try the same approach with Garciaparra.
As their offensive woes deepen -- just two major league teams are batting worse with runners in scoring position (.237) -- the Marlins are telling other teams they need another bat at least as much as they need bullpen help.
The most likely trade bait would be shortstop Alex Gonzalez, a longtime favorite of Boston owner John Henry. If the Marlins thought Garciaparra could (or would) move to first base, they might be willing to part with Hee Seop Choi instead.
Because the Red Sox have Pokey Reese, they wouldn't necessarily need a shortstop in return. Starting pitching would be more apt to catch their eye.
The Red Sox have asked about right-hander Brad Penny in the past, and Carl Pavano, named Sunday to his first All-Star team, began his career in the Boston organization. Red Sox scouts Bill Lajoie and Murray Cook were at Pro Player Stadium for the recent series against Atlanta, when Penny and Pavano started on consecutive days.
Penny's $3.725 million salary could soar past $7 million next year through arbitration. Pavano, making $3.8 million this year, can be a free agent at season's end.
A two-for-two swap that would net Garciaparra and struggling right-hander Derek Lowe, another prospective free agent, also is possibile. Neither Boston player can block a trade, but the Marlins are said to be extremely reluctant to break up their rotation.
Garciaparra is still due about $5.75 million, or half the $11.5 million he will earn this season. Parting with Gonzalez would narrow the financial gap to around $1 million, including the $3.4 million he's due to make next season.
Garciaparra, who turns 31 later this month, missed the first 57 games of this season with an Achilles' tendon injury. He was batting .284 with just two home runs and 10 RBI since his June 10 return, and he triggered a media firestorm when he sat out Thursday's 13-inning loss against the Yankees.
Boston General Manager Theo Epstein later said Garciaparra's heel wouldn't allow him to play. Epstein also said he had no plans to trade his star, but that could change before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Several teams with higher payrolls have been mentioned in connection with Garciaparra. They include the Dodgers and Angels in his native Southern California, along with the Chicago White Sox. Email story
Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
By Mike Berardino
Staff Writer
Posted July 5 2004
Nomar Garciaparra might have worn out his welcome in Boston, but if the Red Sox decide to make the two-time American League batting champion available they could find a willing taker in South Florida.
According to major league sources, the Marlins are weighing the merits of renting the superstar shortstop. Having received maximum production last season out of a pending free agent (Pudge Rodriguez) at a premium position (catcher), the Marlins could try the same approach with Garciaparra.
As their offensive woes deepen -- just two major league teams are batting worse with runners in scoring position (.237) -- the Marlins are telling other teams they need another bat at least as much as they need bullpen help.
The most likely trade bait would be shortstop Alex Gonzalez, a longtime favorite of Boston owner John Henry. If the Marlins thought Garciaparra could (or would) move to first base, they might be willing to part with Hee Seop Choi instead.
Because the Red Sox have Pokey Reese, they wouldn't necessarily need a shortstop in return. Starting pitching would be more apt to catch their eye.
The Red Sox have asked about right-hander Brad Penny in the past, and Carl Pavano, named Sunday to his first All-Star team, began his career in the Boston organization. Red Sox scouts Bill Lajoie and Murray Cook were at Pro Player Stadium for the recent series against Atlanta, when Penny and Pavano started on consecutive days.
Penny's $3.725 million salary could soar past $7 million next year through arbitration. Pavano, making $3.8 million this year, can be a free agent at season's end.
A two-for-two swap that would net Garciaparra and struggling right-hander Derek Lowe, another prospective free agent, also is possibile. Neither Boston player can block a trade, but the Marlins are said to be extremely reluctant to break up their rotation.
Garciaparra is still due about $5.75 million, or half the $11.5 million he will earn this season. Parting with Gonzalez would narrow the financial gap to around $1 million, including the $3.4 million he's due to make next season.
Garciaparra, who turns 31 later this month, missed the first 57 games of this season with an Achilles' tendon injury. He was batting .284 with just two home runs and 10 RBI since his June 10 return, and he triggered a media firestorm when he sat out Thursday's 13-inning loss against the Yankees.
Boston General Manager Theo Epstein later said Garciaparra's heel wouldn't allow him to play. Epstein also said he had no plans to trade his star, but that could change before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Several teams with higher payrolls have been mentioned in connection with Garciaparra. They include the Dodgers and Angels in his native Southern California, along with the Chicago White Sox. Email story
Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
