Marlins set to deal Cabrera, Willis

[BM_MAN]

Marlins set to deal Cabrera, Willis
Maybin, Miller and four other players would go to Florida
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

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Andrew Miller (left) and Cameron Maybin are considered to have the talent to be future All-Stars. (AP)
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The finishing touches are being put in place on a blockbuster deal that has the Marlins sending Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers for package of six highly-regarded players.

A source familiar with the negotiations has told MLB.com that the Tigers are parting with outfielder Cameron Maybin, lefty starter Andrew Miller and four prospects for the final two players from the Marlins' 2003 World Series championship squad.

Also heading to Florida will be catcher Mike Rabello, and pitchers Dallas Trahern, Eulogio De La Cruz and Burke Badenhop.

"Like I said the whole time, it's all a business," said Willis, who was traded to the Marlins from the Cubs in 2002. "I have been on the trading block for kind of a world record for the last three years. They found a deal suitable for both sides, so I'm happy to go over there and try to do my thing."

The deal was all but finalized as of late afternoon at the Winter Meetings, but no official announcement was expected on Tuesday. According to sources, both sides are reviewing medical records and handling final details on the megatrade.

"I'm not going to comment on it," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said Tuesday night. "It's been busy, I'll just say that. There has been significant interest in some of our players. I would say that things are active.

"We have not consummated any deals. But things are active. And we are working."

Beinfest didn't rule out that a trade could be finalized before the Winter Meetings conclude on Thursday.

The Tigers swooped into the sweepstakes for Cabrera and Willis on Tuesday and put together a package of players that the Marlins felt too tempting to pass up.

"It's possible at this point for something to get done before we leave," Beinfest said.

While the Marlins are dealing two of their most popular players ever, they are bringing in six top-flight players.

For Florida, this deal addresses several areas of need. The Marlins headed to the Meetings hopeful of acquiring a starting pitcher, a catcher and a center fielder.

Maybin and Miller were both first-round Draft picks of the Tigers, Maybin in 2005 and Miller in 2006. Both have tasted the Major Leagues.

Maybin and Miller clearly are the centerpieces, with both expected to make the 2008 roster.

Maybin, 20, made his debut in August and appeared in 24 games, hitting .143 with one home run in 49 at-bats. However, he made a rapid rise through the Tigers system, batting .304 with 10 homers in 83 games for Class A Lakeland before making a brief stop at Double-A Erie.

Winter Meetings

Miller, 22, made 13 starts for Detroit last season, going 5-6 with a 5.69 ERA. In 78 Minor League innings in 2007, he allowed 71 hits and struck out 61 batters. He was drafted out of the University of North Carolina.

Trahern, a right-handed starter, pitched for Team USA this fall. De La Cruz, who possesses a 100-mph fastball, is considered a candidate to either start or relieve.

"I'm pretty excited," Trahern said. "I love the Tigers organization, but this a new door opening for me. But I haven't heard anything yet. I'm a little surprised by this. I wasn't aware of this. I wasn't aware that we were in the Cabrera/Willis talks."

Rabello has a chance to be Florida's Opening Day starting catcher. Badenhop, another right-handed starter, was selected as the Tigers' Organizational Pitcher of the Year by MILB.com.

Cabrera and Willis were both rookies on the Marlins' '03 title team. Both are eligible for arbitration through the 2009 seasons. Cost has become a concern for Florida, making the two All-Stars expendable.

On Tuesday, Willis was in Mexico, where he is taking a vacation. He had yet to be contacted by either the Marlins or Tigers.

Cabrera is a four-time All-Star who comes off a season where he batted .320 with 34 home runs and 119 RBIs. The 24-year-old made $7.4 million this past season and he is in line to earn more than $10 million in 2008.

Willis is coming off a 10-15 season with a 5.17 ERA. While the D-Train, who made $6.45 million in 2007, is coming off his worst season, he compiled 205 1/3 innings, marking his third straight 200-plus-inning season.

Willis, who turns 26 in January, is Florida's all-time leader in victories. The left-hander, who won the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year Award, has a 68-54 career mark with a 3.78 ERA. In 2005, he became the Marlins' first, and only, 20-game winner, as he topped the Major Leagues with a 22-10 mark, along with a 2.63 ERA.

Willis was an All-Star in 2003 and '05.

"I was very proud and happy about my time in Florida," Willis said. "[Team owner Jeffrey] Loria was wonderful to me and the opportunity was great, but at the same time, I understand it's a business. I'm also happy I'm wanted somewhere other than Florida. I'm going to go out there and do the best I can for the team I'm with now."

Cabrera, meanwhile, is the only Florida player to be selected to four All-Star Games. A budding superstar, the Venezuela native is the third-fastest player in MLB history to reach the 500-RBI mark. The slugger has a .313 career batting average, with 138 home runs and 523 RBIs.

He established career highs with his 34 homers and 119 RBIs. Cabrera has driven in more than 112 runs in four straight seasons.

In 2003, Cabrera was a 20-year-old who batted cleanup in the World Series.

For weeks, the Marlins had been in intense talks with the Angels and Dodgers regarding Cabrera. And on Monday, the White Sox became a factor in the Cabrera chase.

By late Tuesday morning, however, the Tigers had emerged as the front-runners by showing interest in both Florida stars.

Cabrera's bat now will fit in the middle of the Tigers' order, which includes slugger Magglio Ordonez. The two are close friends and natives of Venezuela.

"It's great to have him," Ordonez told LasMayores.com in Spanish. "At this moment, he is the best Venezuelan player in baseball. He is a fighter, a competitor. He knows how to win.

"This makes our team much better. Last year we lost because we had too many injuries. With Miguel and Dontrelle, we are going to be the favorites to win the division."

That would be a Huge Deal. Those I don't know who would get the better deal

Link

[skudplayr]

Good deal for both teams...Miller and Maybin are gonna be studs

[mtg712]

when i heard this said holy shhitt.

[HoustonGM]

The Tigers already had one of the best offenses in the league last year.

Now, it's the same, except, replace Sean Casey with Edgar Renteria, and Brandon Inge with Miguel Cabrera. Wow.

[Robert]

You know what I find funny, remember when the Marlins rebuilt after their 1997 WS championship? Then here comes 2003, and here they are doing the same thing.

Can anyone say 2009 or 2010 champions? lol

I really feel for the Marlins, since their attendance slips, and their two exciting players to watch are now going to the Tigers, so it'll either kill it, or help it with some new talent coming to the Marlins organization.

[kmtierney00]

I'm a Detroit native, and I belonged the school of don't trade maybin or miller at any cost. but I really think Detroit was the clear winner out of this trade.

As much as I like Maybin and Miller, THEY AREN'T READY. They need more time in the minors, and they need strong guidance. I'm not real sure about Florida's farm system, can they provide that guidance? (Florida fans help me out) While I tend to despise Mitch Albom's journalistic ethics, he made a good point about how future prospects are money invested. You either cash out on them now, or hope for a return on your investment in the future. Miggy and D-Train are young enough for this to work out.

My only concern now is with a backup catcher for Pudge. Personally I would've tried to deal away Brandon Inge. Inge is a man loved in Detroit, but he quite frankly had a horrible season last year. Yes he's a decent defensemen (I personally cannot stand the fact he regularly bungles easy plays even if he makes spectacular ones) but now we are stuck with his contract to be a glorified utility man.

As others have said, this adds some real bona fide firepower to Detroit's lineup. I think Dontrelle's last season was an abberation, and surrounded by a powerful offense, and a very intelligent mentor in Kenny Rogers, he will be okay. (most people fail to take into account the mentoring Rogers has provided for the likes of Verlander, to where even when hurt, Rogers is practically a member of the pitching coaching staff.)

I hate to see Miller and Maybin go, but I think this was a brilliant move, and Florida is the one taking the biggest risk, getting rid of probably their only two superstars left (I wouldn't call Hadley Ramirez a star, but one who is getting there) for essentially 6 minor leaguers.

[HoustonGM]

Personally I would've tried to deal away Brandon Inge.

That's what they're trying to do now. Also, don't forget, though, that Inge was originally a catcher, so, he COULD conceivably get some work back there this offseason/spring training and back up Pudge.

Yes he's a decent defensemen (I personally cannot stand the fact he regularly bungles easy plays even if he makes spectacular ones)

By every measure I've seen, he's far from a "decent" defensive player. He's really good.

but now we are stuck with his contract to be a glorified utility man.

Why? Just because he didn't go to Florida does not mean he can't be traded.

(I wouldn't call Hadley Ramirez a star, but one who is getting there)

May I ask why? He was the best hitting shortstop in the bigs. Sure, his defense leads a lot to be desired for, but that's never stopped anybody with his offensive firepower from being a star. Just look at Derek Jeter, whose arguably worse defensively than Ramirez...he's a star, and he's only had one season in his entire career that was better than Ramirez's sophomore year.

[scooterbracy]

I think the term "star" is a bit subjective...a "star" in one person's mind may not be one in anothers. Hanley Ramirez, great so far...but when does a player move from a rising star to a star? it is likely different from person to person. I'm sure some people were probably calling Joe Charboneau a star after his rookie performance.

[kmtierney00]

"By every measure I've seen, he's far from a "decent" defensive player. He's really good."

The most common complaint about Inge is the fact that he constantly bumbles routine plays. That's why he had so many errors. He makes a lot of brilliant plays, but always had trouble making the routine ones. Like Guillen, he was known to double clutch a lot, hence why Guillen was moved to first base, where that wasn't as much an issue.

As far as where else he can go, I'm still skeptical of getting anything of equal value out of the bullpen, which is the one area we have to target. I considered the backup catcher part, but I'm not sure how long that will last. (Anyone know if Vance Wilson is back with the team after Tommy Johns surgery?)

I guess I'm just looking to see a little more out of Ramirez, though I admit, statistics can be deceiving. (I've only seen about 6 games or so this year)

[HoustonGM]

The most common complaint about Inge is the fact that he constantly bumbles routine plays. That's why he had so many errors.

He's been in the middle of the pack in fielding percentage the last three years. Not great, but not bad. The fact that he gets to a lot of balls increases his errors. There are other third who make less errors, as a factor of them not even reaching balls that Inge does. I'd rather Inge reach a ball and make an error, putting a runner on first, than another third basemen not even reach a ball, thus no error, and that runner getting extra bases. Errors can be a very misleading statistic.

He makes a lot of brilliant plays, but always had trouble making the routine ones. Like Guillen, he was known to double clutch a lot, hence why Guillen was moved to first base, where that wasn't as much an issue.

Guillen also had no range, while Inge's range is absolutely fantastic.

I guess I'm just looking to see a little more out of Ramirez, though I admit, statistics can be deceiving. (I've only seen about 6 games or so this year)

He hit .332/.386/.562 with 29 HR and 51 steals - in a pitcher's park. There's nothing deceiving there. We're able to make judgments of players without having seen them, and Ramirez this season was the best offensive shortstop in baseball.

[LLP]

This is probably the craziest rumor since Johan Santana to the Yankees. Of course, it appears that this trade has actually been made and it shows once again how incompetently managed the Marlins are. You do not trade your best player and your best pitcher especially when your team is actually pretty good and could have a chance to contend.

I can understand trading Willis, but Miguel Cabrera should not be available in a trade. Cabrera is one of their younger players even though he's been in the majors for a while and he is just entering his prime. Last year, he probably would have been MVP if the Marlins had contended. We can't be certain that these prospects, no matter how highly rated, will ever turn out to be much of anything. It is stupid to trade one of the best players in baseball (who is in the prime of his career and has 15 or so great seasons to go).

Its probably a salary dump, but if the Marlins have to make salary dumps, they should either build a new stadium (everybody knows that Dolphins Stadium is a dump) or move somewhere that will actually support them (and alot of cities really want to have teams). Tampa Bay should do the same thing if they cannot build some fan support (Tropicana Field is obviously also a terrible place to play).

[kmtierney00]

He's been in the middle of the pack in fielding percentage the last three years. Not great, but not bad. The fact that he gets to a lot of balls increases his errors. There are other third who make less errors, as a factor of them not even reaching balls that Inge does. I'd rather Inge reach a ball and make an error, putting a runner on first, than another third basemen not even reach a ball, thus no error, and that runner getting extra bases. Errors can be a very misleading statistic.


Guillen also had no range, while Inge's range is absolutely fantastic.


He hit .332/.386/.562 with 29 HR and 51 steals - in a pitcher's park. There's nothing deceiving there. We're able to make judgments of players without having seen them, and Ramirez this season was the best offensive shortstop in baseball.

Yes errors can me a misleading statistic, if you are simply looking at paper. However, when you watch him well over 100 times a year, you see things the stats cannot tell you. The majority of Inge's errors came when he was throwing wild to first base or bobbling balls that he didn't have to dive or dash to get. It was the same with Guillen. The issue wasn't really the range for either person. It was their lack of fundamental fielding that caused trouble. Guillen it is because quite frankly he's been hurt a lot and those injuries have really started to take their toll, even if he is a real solid hitter. Hence he was moved to first base on a limited basis last year, and now that we have Renteria, regularly. Guillen's main problem was his double clutching a lot of times, Inge was keeping the ball in his glove and making a good throw. (nobody doubts his arm which is a cannon, just a wild cannon. )

Part of that could always goto the fact that he's a catcher by trade, and that's understandable, but it still happens. (Though from what I've seen, his defense is leagues better than Cabrera's, which worries me, even with the probably outstanding offensive production we will get from Miggy.)

As far as Ramirez, I won't call someone who has only played 2 seasons a star, unless their numbers are truly mindboggling. (Cabrera's hitting for example.) Hence why I said he's "almost there." He no doubt has speed and will progress.

In regards to the other poster about Florida needing to build a new stadium, it's gonna be a lot tougher now that their two marquee players are gone to justify such a move. Florida knows how to build talent, but they always seem to have a problem keeping it.

[FRENCHREDSOX]

You do not trade your best player and your best pitcher especially when your team is actually pretty good and could have a chance to contend.

I can understand trading Willis, but Miguel Cabrera should not be available in a trade. Cabrera is one of their younger players even though he's been in the majors for a while and he is just entering his prime. Last year, he probably would have been MVP if the Marlins had contended. We can't be certain that these prospects, no matter how highly rated, will ever turn out to be much of anything. It is stupid to trade one of the best players in baseball (who is in the prime of his career and has 15 or so great seasons to go).

The deal,in my humble opinion,is based on Beinfest's knowledge & likes.He is one of the easiest GM's to deal with WHEN you accept what he wants as his primary piece of the deal - in this case Maybin.Honestly,I think the Marlins got a great deal,Maybin & Miller are MLB ready (even if a "little" raw) & the pick up of Rabello & Trahern was smart to,as they needed a back up C & Trahern is a top notch pitching prospect.From the Tigers view,as you rightly said they get a power thread in Cabrera,who is entering his prime years.

The Marlins dealt him for 2 simple reasons: 1) economics (they KNEW that financially down the line they would never be able to sign him long term) & in such a thin FA market at 3B (after the A-Rod & Lowell signings) his value was at a premium high; & 2) they really did have issues about Cabrera's work ethic & make-up.A guy with his weight issues at such a young age ,they truely believed that it was a "slippery" slope & his real value would diminish if forced back to LF.

The Willis deal,again IMO,made sense too,he was a very,very good pitcher 3/4 years ago but since has been getting worse yearly,his hits are up,his K's/9 are down & his ERA has ballooned.He may not even have been the "best" pitcher on their staff.There was (from various sources) a real belief that Willis had "peaked" & was worn out.

The deal can only be judged on '08 performance but personally I like the deal & the Marlins are setting up a team that by 09/10 will be extremely dangerous especially if the young pitchers' they have (Olsen,Miller,Nolasco,Vanden Hurk,Sanchez etc) develop as planned.

Its probably a salary dump, but if the Marlins have to make salary dumps, they should either build a new stadium (everybody knows that Dolphins Stadium is a dump) or move somewhere that will actually support them (and alot of cities really want to have teams).

Well this MAY the truth of the trade,unfortunately.They have lobbied for 3 odd years for a new Stadium & to no effect.Loria is an EXPERT in dismantalling franchises - remember he owned the Expos - last year the only stars were Cabrera & Willis - & even then they were averaging 12,000 ish a game.This year ? Even worse no doubt.Loria is really,trying to force Selig's hand & allow his team to move to richer pastures (Las Vegas or Raleigh maybe)

Tampa Bay should do the same thing if they cannot build some fan support (Tropicana Field is obviously also a terrible place to play).

Tampa's organization have unveiled a 450$ million plan to build a Baseball only facility & are hoping that Florida kicks in 30$ million.Unlike their Miami cousins they have the Governor on their side & are willing to pay for most of the deal by selling Tropicana to real estate developers.The new ownership group seem motivated & willing to spend (Percival for example in FA) & invest in the team (new name,new logo,uniforms etc).The 2 organisations are diametrically opposed.

[HoustonGM]

This is probably the craziest rumor since Johan Santana to the Yankees. Of course, it appears that this trade has actually been made and it shows once again how incompetently managed the Marlins are. You do not trade your best player and your best pitcher especially when your team is actually pretty good and could have a chance to contend.

I don't think the Marlins had any chance to contend, before or after the trade.

We can't be certain that these prospects, no matter how highly rated, will ever turn out to be much of anything. It is stupid to trade one of the best players in baseball (who is in the prime of his career and has 15 or so great seasons to go).

We can't be certain that Cabrera will be an all-time great with 15 or so great seasons to go either.

Its probably a salary dump, but if the Marlins have to make salary dumps, they should either build a new stadium (everybody knows that Dolphins Stadium is a dump) or move somewhere that will actually support them (and alot of cities really want to have teams).

They've been trying to do one or the other for years. It's not easy.

Tampa Bay should do the same thing if they cannot build some fan support (Tropicana Field is obviously also a terrible place to play).

They have plans to build a new waterfront stadium.

Part of that could always goto the fact that he's a catcher by trade, and that's understandable, but it still happens. (Though from what I've seen, his defense is leagues better than Cabrera's, which worries me, even with the probably outstanding offensive production we will get from Miggy.)

Again, even with errors and some mistakes on routine plays, he's one of the better third basemen in the league simply because he gets to a lot more balls than average. He was at +22 in John Dewan's +/- system, which was second in the majors only to Pedro Feliz. Cabrera was third to last at -24. It's a measure of how many plays above or below average the fielder made.

The defense is a reason that I agree with some of the analysts who have suggested that the Tigers play Cabrera in left and keep Inge at third. Inge sucked offensively this past year, but he's not actually that bad of a hitter. He's not a great hitter, but with his defense, he's a valuable player, and using that configuration, the Tigers will likely net themselves runs.

As far as Ramirez, I won't call someone who has only played 2 seasons a star, unless their numbers are truly mindboggling. (Cabrera's hitting for example.) Hence why I said he's "almost there." He no doubt has speed and will progress.

Well, I understand the reservation about calling a relatively new player a star, but I disagree that his numbers aren't mindboggling. Miguel Cabrera hit .320/.401/.565. Ramirez hit .332/.386/.562. They were practically equal, so how could one be mind-boggling and the other not?