The Miami Marlins remain focused on bringing in Cuban Yoenis Cespedes and are not yet pursuing Prince Fielder. Jerry Crasnick points out that even if they were interested in Fielder, they would never give him the no-trade clause that agent Scott Boras wants for his client. And back on the Cespedes front, he's joined the Dominican Aguilas baseball club, according to Jon Paul Morosi, who points out that the risk of injury Cespedes is taking to play is tough to explain:
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Miami Marlins have not changed stance on Fielder; Cepedes remains top target – Sun-Sentinel
"In spite of the buzz out there about owner Jeffrey Loria meeting Scott Boras, who represents unsigned free agent Prince Fielder, the Marlins’ position on the slugging first baseman has not changed. According to a source who has spoken with their front office, they have not begun pursuing Fielder. The soon-to-be free agent to monitor is Yoenis Cespedes, who on Thursday will begin a winter ball stint with the Aguilas of the Dominican league." -
Cespedes playing in games, for reasons unclear - Jon Paul Morosi
"It is not clear why Cespedes decided to play, given the catastrophic impact an injury would have on his efforts to sign a contract. His representatives at Wasserman Media Group have not said what prompted Cespedes to join Aguilas."
- Twitter / @jcrasnick - "Even if the #Marlins had an interest in Prince Fielder -- which is questionable -- they never give players no-trade clauses"
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Reyes, Ramirez, and Defensive Value - Fish Stripes
"Having upgraded the offensive side of the ball is something Marlins fans can look forward to in the coming season. But scoring runs is only half of the game. The other half, preventing them from being scored against you, is just as important. How does the addition of Reyes at Shortstop and Ramirez manning Third affect the Marlins defense? Lets take a look at the numbers to find out." -
Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs Nearing Carlos Zambrano Deal - MLB Daily Dish
"The Cubs will be paying between $15 and $16 million of the $18 million owed to Zambrano, and the deal is pending a physical and approval from the commissioner's office, according to Ken Rosenthal."