When the Tide Turns...

It's amazing what two weeks can do in the game of baseball. About two weeks ago, I posted a blog about how I thought the Florida Marlins were finished. I thought their season had already gone to shambles. I predicted them to finish with a record around the .500 mark.

Little did I know that a fire was about to spark under this team. Little did I know that two weeks after writing that blog, the Fish would see themselves in 2nd place in the National League East, and only half a game behind the first place (and much hated) Philadelphia Phillies (if the Phillies lose their game tonight, the Marlins would jump to first place).

One could say that this jump to second place is an anomaly, that the Marlins are in this position because circumstances have made it so. The Phillies and Mets, after all, are struggling through an assortment of injuries to their lineups and pitching staffs. However, one has to speak highly of a team that finished Interleague play against the four-way battle that is the American League East at 10 wins and 8 losses.

On top of that, Andrew Miller is finally skirting his long-awaited potential and, since his return from the Disabled List on May 16, has an ERA of 3.90 and has struck out twice as many hitters than he has walked. Elite? Not at all. Solid? You bet. And Dan Uggla, whom I spoke so poorly about in that blog that was written fifteen days ago, still needs to work on his batting average, but is second amongst National League second basemen in homeruns (second only to...Chase Utley. The Marlins could still use his bat this season, but this offseason, it should be Larry Beinfest's mission to dump Uggla's salary and strikeouts. Who should he trade for? I'll leave it up to him to decide, I trust his judgement.

Making a long story short, perhaps it was too early for me to write the Fish off. I admit I threw in the white flag too early. But the time has come for the Marlins to buy, rather than sell. ESPN's Buster Olney stated that Marlins are currently looking to shore up their bullpen (cue the parting clouds, the blinding light, and a resounding "Hallelujah!"). Sports Illustrated reported some names the Marlins may be interested in acquiring. Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres and George Sherrill of the Baltimore Orioles would be good fits, but I fear that trading for one of these relievers would come at too high of a cost. Another option not mentioned in the article could be former Marlin and current Cleveland Indians reliever Matt Herges who is quietly putting together another solid season. His arm would help stabilize the Marlins bullpen at a low cost.

If the Fish were willing to deal one of their top of the line prospects (which I doubt they would), here is an idealistic trade scenario:

The Marlins could part with one or two of their prospects (Gaby Sanchez could be included in this package) for Sherrill and a player I think the Marlins would benefit from having on their team: infielder and Marlins-killer Ty Wiggington. Sure, he's having a down year in comparison to his usual output, but it will definitely be an upgrade at third base over Emilio Bonifacio. His salary is not too steep, he is a versatile player (he can play any infield position), and the Marlins would have him under contract for 2010, as well.

Whatever Larry Beinfest ultimately chooses, you can bet that he'll take the best production possible, at the lowest cost possible.