June 2011 - Miami Marlins Wiretap

The Marlins would love to add Cubs right-hander Matt Garza to their improved starting rotation. Miami signed left-hander Mark Buehrle to a contract earlier this offseason. The Marlins, after failing to land Athletics left-hander Gio Gonzalez, have serious interest in Garza, according to major league sources.

Hanley Ramirez still has yet to publicly comment on whether or not he will agree to move to third base in favor of shortstop Jose Reyes. Florida wants Ramirez to slide to the left of the infield so Reyes can play his natural position of shortstop. There has been speculation that Ramirez is unhappy and would welcome a trade. Ideally, the Marlins don't want to go that route. They are hopeful that he will make a seamless transition.

Emilio Bonifacio was a rate bright spot for the Marlins during the 2011 season. The speedster enjoyed a breakout season and proved capable of playing multiple positions in both the infield and outfield. Bonifacio is likely to be the starting center fielder and bat second behind shortstop Jose Reyes in 2012.

The most immediate priority for the Marlins is to re-sign free-agent Greg Dobbs. Dobbs provided veteran leadership as well as some timely hits last season. He hit .275 with eight home runs and 49 RBIs in 411 at-bats.

One Major League executive believes that veteran right-hander Javier Vazquez could pitch again in 2012. Vazquez hasn't yet filled his retirement papers.

The Marlins are being very aggressive in pursuit of free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and the Nationals are a close second. The Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox and Yankees could also become serious contenders for the Cuban defector.

The Marlins are looking for starting pitchers, but they have declared Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison "off limits." Miami pursued Gio Gonzalez for more than a month, but Oakland's asking price always included either Stanton or Morrison.

There are still as many as seven teams in search of a starting pitcher this offseason. The Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rockies, Marlins and Tigers are all on the lookout. Hiroki Kuroda, Edwin Jackson, Roy Oswalt, Jair Jurrjens and some of Tampa Bay's pitchers are on the market.

The Marlins are flirting with the idea of signing left-hander Joe Saunders, according to a report. Arizona non-tendered Saunders two weeks ago, making him a free agent.

There are seven teams, including two from the National League East, that are interested in signing veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt to a one-year deal, according to a report. Three of the seven teams in the race are expected to be long shots. The Marlins, Nationals, Red Sox and Blue Jays are believed to be the most realistic landing spots.