He’s a wonderful offensive player – and he’s only going to get better because he’ll be 25 at the start of next season.  At this point he’s like Manny Ramirez, Jr.  He’s on that type of track.  But, he’s a terrible defender.  And there are questions about his desire and motivation. So, he seems like he’s a one-dimensional player but he can be an all world one – dimensional player.  In a perfect world, that wouldn’t bother me so much - just make sure you are sound defensively at other positions and put him on a winning team and the motivation will take care of itself.

But here comes the “but.”  He’s not a free agent and the Marlins are going to ask for the moon, the stars and all the tea in China.  Just as I said “no” last summer at the trading deadline (obviously Cashman doesn’t listen), I am saying “no” now. Do not trade the pitchers.  Do everything you can to make a deal with the second tier players (Karstens, Torba, Sanchez, etc., etc.)  But do not touch Chamberlain, Hughes or Kennedy.  I like what I see from the three – do not trade them. Not for Miguel Cabrera, not for Johann Santana.  Santana will be a free agent, there’s no reason to part with big talent.  I tell you another one.  Jake Peavy is a free agent at the same time Santana is, that’s another factor.  We finally have some young, cheap arms that look like they are going to be good.  This year is not a good year for free agents – be patient.  Next year is a better crop.  There’s no reason why the rotation can’t be for 2008: Pettitte (fingers crossed); Wang; Hughes; Kennedy; and Karstens.  Put Joba in the pen.  For 2009: Santana; Wang; Hughes; Kennedy; and ???? OR Peavy; Wang; Hughes; Kennedy and ?????   That’s formidable.  Who knows?  Hughes may suprise everyone – I think he will and he’ll develop into a #2. 

That’s why I’m looking at the more “creative solutions.”  Some may laugh at the Mark Prior suggestion.  But for this year, I think that’s the way Cashman should be thinking. It doesn’t have to be Mark Prior per se, because his health is such an unknown.  Joe Crede falls into that category too.  I think everyone gets the point.     Â