NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Trade talks have picked up regarding Yunel Escobar, and the Rays and A’s are among the teams most interested.

The Marlins are planning on dealing Escobar, quite possibly before the Winter Meetings conclude on Thursday at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Escobar, a veteran infielder, was acquired by the Marlins on Nov. 19 from the Blue Jays. A career shortstop, Miami was considering playing Escobar at third base.

In return, the Marlins are likely to receive a Triple-A pitcher.

In other news, the Marlins main their firm stance that they will not trade slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Plenty of teams, including the Yankees, have inquired about the All-Star right fielder. The Marlins are telling teams Stanton is not available.

Also, the Marlins do not intend on trading Ricky Nolasco. On Monday, the right-hander’s agent, Matt Sosnick, made it public that Nolasco would prefer to be dealt before the start of Spring Training.

Nolasco is lined up to make $11.5 million in 2013, the final year of his contract. There is a chance he still could be moved by the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

– Joe Frisaro

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Assemble the entire league, complete with representatives from every team. Place them around hundreds of media, and you knew it would eventually happen.

It didn’t very long for reports to surface that Giancarlo Stanton remains unhappy.

The Marlins on Monday were unable to escape it. Not even the expanse of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, with its nearly 2,900 rooms, 220 suites, 15 restaurants and seemingly infinite amounts of secret hiding places could prevent them.

The Stanton saga is real, and it’s something the Marlins must address.

Miami president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest admitted there is a level of concern about how to get the 23-year-old slugger to buy into the new direction the club is headed.

“Yeah, I think you have to have some concern,” Beinfest said early Monday evening. “Is it a grave concern? I know Mike is a professional. He’s a great kid, and he’s going to come to play.”   Although Stanton formerly likes to be referred to by his given first name, Giancarlo, many friends and those in the Marlins organization still call him, Mike, his middle name.

The Marlins are hopeful that when it is time to get into a baseball environment, around new teammates, Stanton will be ready to perform.   “I understand the disappointment and questions about the direction of the team,” Beinfest said. “Those are understandable. I think we anticipated some of that. I have no doubt that Mike will get through it, be a professional. He’s always behaved in that manner since Day 1.”

From where the Marlins are right now, clearly, it’s a tough sell.

The organization came to the Winter Meetings with zero intention of shopping Stanton. They didn’t even want to entertain thoughts of moving him. But with his situation being a hot-button issue, you knew his name would eventually surface.

Now, the Marlins holds the cards in this case. Stanton has one more season of being under club control before he is eligible for arbitration. And the slugger won’t reach free agency until after the 2016 season. So you’re talking about him playing for something just over $500,000 in ’13.

Before Thanksgiving, Miami manager Mike Redmond reached out to Stanton in a phone conversation.

But no one else from the organization has spoken directly to Stanton. The hope has been to let emotions settle and then make contact.

Perhaps it is time for management to rethink that timeline, and measure for themselves exactly where Stanton’s head is right now.

Obviously, he is a franchise talent. He’s a special talent, and level-headed person. His immense power cannot be overlooked, or replaced by one player.

If the team can hear for itself that all is well with Stanton, then it can go forward planning on the budding superstar to anchor right field and bat in the middle of the order.

The Marlins don’t have to force the issue, and make a trade.

But if they did sense Stanton’s desires to be elsewhere, then putting his name on the market would immediately become the top talk of the Winter Meetings. It would replace every other story line, and it could alert other team’s who are in pursuit of Josh Hamilton, the top free agent out there.

The timing could be right now to get an incredible offer, because so many teams want to make a huge splash during a time MLB is in the national spotlight.

Literally, all 29 other teams could be in play for Stanton because every club would have four years of control over Stanton.

So even the small market teams could be in the mix.

The asking price would be enormous, like five players, including the top three prospects of every organization.

Stanton would bring back a Jurickson Profar and/or Mike Ott from the Rangers, plus more.

Maybe Texas would back off on Hamilton and look to secure Stanton?

What would the Yankees or Cubs offer? And how about the Mariners and Padres, teams in parks that didn’t attract sluggers? They could be in the bidding.

Coors Field?

The Rookies have a deep farm system, and Stanton has shown what he can do at Colorado.

If Stanton stays with the Marlins, already the organization faces the tough task of protecting him in the lineup. Chances are he won’t get pitched to very often, at least if the game is on the line.

And what about the Marlins signing the 23-year-old long term? Obviously, the climate is not right after the club has already traded away all three of their high-profile free agents from a year ago — Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell.

And the Marlins are not budging on their no-trade clause policy. They don’t offer them, which also will discourage players from signing long term.

And there is the issue of Marlins Park, which has been a concern among hitters well before all of Miami’s offseason moves.

Simply, the park plays very big and the ball doesn’t carry well. Many players, on the Marlins and other teams, grumbled that the building would hurt Miami’s chances of signing power hitters.

Another thing to be considered is, what if the Marlins get off to a slow start?

With such a young roster, it is certainly possible. If so, then more rumors and trade speculation will surface around Stanton. How will that make the slugger feel, constantly wondering if he is staying or going?

The Marlins clearly are in a tough spot.

For now, the organization should try to get a real indication, from Stanton himself, before deciding whether to keep or trade one of the most gifted young players in the game.

– Joe Frisaro

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two weeks after being acquired by the Marlins, Yunel Escobar could be on the move yet again.

According to a source, Miami is actively trying to trade the veteran infielder. At least two teams are involved in discussions, with one of them believed to be the A’s.

A deal could be reached before the Winter Meetings end on Thursday.

Escobar was obtained by the Marins as part of a 12-player trade with Toronto that was finalized on Nov. 19.

Escobar is under contract for $5 million in 2013, with club options of $5 million for 2014 and ’15.

The Marlins were projecting him to play third base, although he is a natural shortstop.

– Joe Frisaro

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Last time the Winter Meetings were in Nashville, the Marlins made major news.

Five years ago, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was the setting of one of the biggest trades in team history.

Unfortunately for Miami, the mega-trade didn’t pan out.

At the 2007 meetings, the Marlins traded Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers for six prospects, including Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller. Burke Badenhop ended up being the most productive player the Marlins received in the deal. But the right-handed reliever ended up being sent to Tampa Bay after the 2011 season.

Unlike 2007, the Marlins are not expected to make any major trades during their four-day stay in Nashville.

Team officials are expected to arrive on Monday, look for under-the-radar moves to improve.

“It didn’t even register with me that it was here,” Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said of returning to Nashville. “I didn’t think about it like, ‘Oh, we’re going back to Nashville. That’s where we made the Miguel/Dontrelle trade. I never even thought about it until just now.”

A couple of weeks ago, the Marlins made a major 12-player trade with the Blue Jays. They sent Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck to Toronto for seven players.

The Marlins are hopeful to have better results with the Toronto trade than they did with moving Cabrera.

“I wish it would have worked out better for us,” Beinfest said of the blockbuster deal of ’07. “It didn’t. We thought we got the right guys at that time and it didn’t work out. In terms of that trade and re-visiting it, I don’t think we’ll spend a lot of time on it.”

– Joe Frisaro

 

 

 

 

MIAMI — Some old faces have already returned to the Marlins. Could a former starting pitcher be next?

Carl Pavano, part of the Marlins’ 2003 World Series title team, has made it clear that he would welcome a return to the organization.

The 36-year-old right-hander told the Palm Beach Post that he wants to pitch again for the Marlins. And next week, his agent, Dave Pepe, plans on reaching out to Miami management at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

Miami management has a long-standing relationship with Pavano, stemming from his days in Montreal and Florida. In 2004, Pavano won 18 games for the Marlins, and the following season he signed as a free agent with the Yankees.

Pavano certainly has connections with the current Miami staff. He was a teammate of new manager Mike Redmond with the Marlins, and also in Minnesota.

Pavano also was a teammate of Miami manager Mike Redmond

There is a health risk with Pavano, who was hampered by a right shoulder injury last year. His fastball velocity dipped to 86 mph last season.

Pavano, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, told the Post that his shoulder is now fine.

“Obviously I had some issues last year, but I’ve been able to put those behind me. I’m looking forward to continuing my workouts and seeing what this off-season brings me,’’ Pavano said.

The Marlins have signed one major free agent this offseason, bringing back outfielder Juan Pierre.

– Joe Frisaro

 

MIAMI — Adding some power is a priority of the Marlins as they prepare for the Winter Meetings.

Ryan Raburn, who cleared waivers on Monday, fits the mold of what the team is seeking.

Miami hit 137 home runs in 2012, with 37 of them coming from Giancarlo Stanton. They were tied with the Cubs for the 23rd most in the big leagues.

In Miami, home runs were even more of a challenge for any team.

Expansive Marlins Park was the third toughest building in the big leagues to belt a home run. According to StatsPass, there were just 113 total homers at Miami’s new building.

The Marlins hit 55 of their 137 home runs at home, which also ranked 28th.

Watching long drives, especially to center field wind up being loud-outs, prompted Miami first baseman Carlos Lee to have some fun with opponents. Seeing their reaction go from excitement to disappointment after a long fly out, Lee would quip: “Not at Marlins Park. Not in Miami.”

On the road, Miami hit 82 home runs, middle of the pack at 14th overall.

Marlins officials have repeatedly said they have no intention on moving in the fences. If that is the case, it will be challenging to attract an established free agent power hitter.

Still, the team could look to stock up on more players capable of reaching 15-20. Basically, players who pull the ball, have a greater chance of hitting home runs in Miami. Cody Ross, anyone?

Obviously, home runs don’t measure the success of a team. All you have to do is see that the Giants hit just 31 home runs at home. And AT&T Park overall was dead last, with 84 home runs.

With their ballpark playing big, the Marlins appear to be building like the Giants, around pitching, defense and timely hitting.

Total home runs in each ballpark

Yankee Stadium                 232

Miller Park                    230

U.S. Cellular Field            228

Camden Yards                   226

Coors Field                    218

Rogers Centre                  204

Rangers Ballpark               202

Great American                 199

Fenway Park                    185

Citizens Bank Park             175

Chase Field                    174

Target Field                   167

Nationals Park                 165

Angel Stadium                  161

Comerica Park                  159

Minute Maid Park               158

Citi Field                     155

O.co Coliseum                  153

Wrigley Field                  153

Progressive Field              149

Kauffman Stadium               149

Busch Stadium                  140

Turner Field                   137

Tropicana Field                137

Dodger Stadium                 126

PNC Park                       125

Safeco Field                   116

Marlins Park                   113

PETCO Park                     109

AT&T Park                       84

(courtesy of StatsPass)

– Joe Frisaro

MIAMI — Marlins manager Mike Redmond has already taken steps to make sure everything has smoothed over with slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton last week vented his frustration over Miami’s 12-player trade with Toronto. The Marlins parted with Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck, and in the process, lopped $160 million in player salaries.

Upset about the club’s change of direction, Stanton make strong comments to Peter Gammons of MLB.com.

On Tuesday, Redmond said on SiriusXM’s Inside Pitch with Casey Stern and Jim Bowden that he has spoken with Stanton. The first-year manager is confident Stanton will be focused and ready to perform for Miami come Spring Training.

“I talked to Stanton, I reached out to him,” Redmond said during his radio interview. “I’ve been through that as a player, where guys have been traded, and it’s tough. I appreciate the fact that he’s upset. As a player myself, and now as a manager, that’s the kind of intensity and fire you want in your players. You want them to be passionate and to want to win.”

A year ago, the Marlins made major, high-priced additions. Now, after finishing in last place, they’ve revamped their roster.

“Any time you lose teammates to a trade, or whatever, you’re upset,” Redmond said. “You create such a tremendous bond with those guys. The players, when they get traded away, it hurts. I love the fact that he wants to win. That’s great. “

The Marlins have no intention of trading Stanton.

“I told him how much he means to this organization, and to our team,” Redmond said. “He understands what is at stake as a player, and what he has got to do to go out there, and not only be successful for the Marlins, but to have a great year for himself and his family.

“I’m not worried about him. I know he will be ready for Spring Training, and ready to help us win ball games.”

– Joe Frisaro

 

A Blue Jay today, a Marlin tomorrow.

Talk about a change on the fly.

Newly acquired Miami prospect Jake Marisnick literally underwent a transaction on the field.

The Marlins and Blue Jays finalized their 12-player trade on Monday. Until the deal became official, Marisnick was playing in the Arizona Fall League, representing Toronto. He was on the field warming up in a Blue Jays uniform when he was handed a new Miami uniform.

Marisnick is a highly-touted outfield prospect who projects to open the season at Double-A Jacksonville.

– Joe Frisaro

 

 

MIAMI — Six days after agreeing to a 12-player deal, the Marlins on Monday afternoon announced their blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays.

Miami has acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarria, LHP Justin Nicolino, OF Jake Marisnick, RHP Henderson Alvarez, RHP Anthony DeSclafani, C Jeff Mathis and INF Yunel Escobar in exchange for SS Jose Reyes, RHP Josh Johnson, LHP Mark Buehrle, C John Buck, OF Emilio Bonifacio and cash.

The Marlins said they were prompted to make such a major move after finishing last in the National League East with a 69-93 record.

“We’ve finished in last place the past two years, and that is unacceptable to our fans, to us as an organization, and to me,” said Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria in a statement. “We want to get back to our winning ways, and we want a winning baseball team for our fans. It’s incumbent on us to make the changes necessary to make us a winner again.

“It may not happen overnight. But with the players we acquired in the second half of last season, coupled with the infusion of players we are acquiring now, we will be returning to Marlins Baseball: high energy and hungry.”

MLB commissioner Bud Selig offered a statement on the trade, which upset many in South Florida because the Marlins parted with several high-profile and high-priced players.

“It is my conclusion that this transaction, involving established Major Leaguers and highly regarded young players and prospects, represents the exercise of plausible baseball judgment on the part of both Clubs, does not violate any express rule of Major League Baseball and does not otherwise warrant the exercise of any of my powers to prevent its completion,” Selig said in a statement. “It is, of course, up to the Clubs involved to make the case to their respective fans that this transaction makes sense and enhances the competitive position of each, now or in the future.“I am sensitive to the concerns of the fans of Miami regarding this trade, and I understand the reactions I have heard since Tuesday.

“Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities and I fully understand that the Miami community has done its part to put the Marlins into a position to succeed with beautiful new Marlins Park.  Going forward, I will continue to monitor this situation with the expectation that the Marlins will take into account the sentiments of their fans.”

The Marlins on Monday also announced they signed free agent outfielder Juan Pierre.

– Joe Frisaro

 

MIAMI — Mike Redmond’s staff is now completed.

The Marlins on Friday announced their new bench and pitching coaches.

Rob Leary has been named bench coach, and Chuck Hernandez will handle the pitching.

Leary and Hernandez round out the staff that also includes Tino Martinez (hitting), Perry Hill (infield/first base), Joe Espada (third base) and Reid Cornelius (bullpen).

The Marlins hired Redmond on Nov. 1 to replace Ozzie Guillen.

– Joe Frisaro