As a Marlins fan, I'd hate to see Uggla get traded, especially with what he brings to the table. But with the recent flurry of trades (Maybin/Miller), the stalled contract negotiations, Uggla's impending free agency, Florida's lack of cash, and the overall lack of talent in the Marlins minor league system, it may be time to get something for him.I am a realist and am not expecting a huge return, but it is fun to speculate.

So the question I ask, is what type of minor leaguers/young major leaguers do you think the Marlins could get for him?

Rumors are the Blue Jays, Braves, Tigers, and Nationals are all interested. Personally, I would love to see the Marlins get Derek Norris from the Nationals in a deal. They are never shy about trading within the division, plus with the recent trade for Ramos, maybe the Nats would include him. But I have no insight to the Nats, so I don't know what they're thinking.

With that said, I think if the Marlins get some consistency out of their rotation (i.e. Nolasco/Sanchez) and an improved bullpen, I feel that they can compete next year and just take the draft picks that Uggla would bring back. So really it would only be worth a trade if the return is better than 2 draft picks.

While this isn't really breaking news, just came across this link:

Jesus Montero Could Catch for Yankees, With Posada Moving to DH

It is obviously just speculation, as Cashman says that Montero has to earn the job and that it won't be given to him. I just found it interesting that they would be willing to move Posada to DH full time, especially with the need to rest guys like A-Rod and Jeter.

So do you guys think he's ready to start or would it be better to bring him up after a few weeks/months in AAA?

My last top 10 rankings, which was of the top 10 catchers (and can be found here)  went over pretty well, so I decided to take a stab at the 1B prospects currently in the big leagues. While not everyone agreed, they seemed to generate a good discussion. 1B rankings are pretty interesting since some players move off positions quite often and become 1Bs. For these rankings, I did not speculate on any moves, and just ranked them based on what they are listed as (except for Logan Morrison, who is currently getting time in LF).

1.) Eric Hosmer (20) - HiA/AA - 11 HR, .352 BA, 47/42 BB/K
After a somewhat disappointing year in 2009, Hosmer has started to live up to the hype and rise up many prospect lists. He has not missed a beat since his call up to AA, and his BB/K has been great as well. As he grows I can see his power increasing to go along with his good on-base skills.

2.) Logan Morrison (22, almost 23) - HiA/AAA - 5HR, .310 BA, 46/35 BB/K
Morrison has done just about everything asked of him except for 1 thing: Hit for power. While most see that as a huge red flag for a 1B prospect, I still think his power will come in time, as he's had some injuries the past couple years. He may only peak out at 25 HRs a year, but his batting eye and ability to get on base will get him far. While he may initially break into the bigs as a LF just to get his bat in the lineup, I still think he will end up at 1B.

3.) Freddie Freeman (20, almost 21) - AAA - 12 HR, .291 BA, 30/60 BB/K
I will probably get the most feedback at ranking him below Morrison, since he is 2 years younger and producing at a higher level than him. But I will just go with my gut on this one. With that said, Freeman has done nothing but impress at his young age. The only thing I can nitpick are his 30/60 BB/K rate, but that can also be attributed to his age. Most guys his age are still in HiA/AA. I think his power will also come with time.

4.) Brett Wallace (23, almost 24) - AAA - 18 HR, .302 BA, 27/81 BB/K
Officially moved off 3B this season, Wallace no longer needed to focus on his 3B defense and let his bat do the talking. His tree-trunk like legs will generate lots of power, especially in Toronto. His K's will be high, but I would take that's to be expected. Definitely the most big league ready guy on the list.

5.) Chris Carter (23) - AAA - 23 HR, .244 BA, 58/112 BB/K
He is what he is. Massive power potential at the expense of his batting average, with lots of Ks. Drew a pretty respectable 58 walks so far, which I think will be the key to his success. If he can control his patience more, he could develop into an Adam Dunn type.

6.) Yonder Alonso (23) - AA/AAA - 10 HR, .272 BA, 38/64 BB/K
I tend to think this guy gets forgotten about sometimes. Great bat out of Miami, he is currently blocked at the big league level. His name came up in trade rumors and it was said he could also move to the outfield, but I think he makes the most sense at 1B. If he gets to Cincinnati, I think that ballpark will work in his favor.

7.) Brandon Belt (22) - HiA/AA - 15 HR, .381 BA, 64/63 BB/k
Wow! This guy has certainly made an impression on me. I wanted to rank him higher, but stopped myself only because of the small sample size and the other players' track records. Even after getting out of the CAL league, he continues to impress. He can't do much more than he already has.

8.) John Singelton (18) - LoA - 12 HR, .310 BA, 42/43 BB/K
One of the fastest rising prospects this year, Singleton is off to a great start at such a young age. Has shown a great mix of power, patience, and average. I know he could easily be ranked ahead of some of these guys, but I'd like to see more from him than 232 ABs before ranking him above them. It's a shame he won't be able to be the long term solution in Philly, with Howard's massive contract.

9.) Lars Anderson (22, almost 23) - AA/AAA - 10 HR, .269 BA, 38/89 BB/K
I have not given up hope yet. After a bad season, Lars came back to AA to hit .355 before getting promoted to AAA. While it has taken him quite a while to adjust, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Some like Anthony Rizzo better.

10.) Chris Marrero (22) - 13 HR, .297 BA, 32/71 BB/K
some question whether the bat is big enough for 1B, and I think it is. Marrero has had some bad luck with injuries, but has finally put together a decent year. If he continues his development, the Nationals might have a pretty special core of hitters in a few years.

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As always, feel free to leave comments, thoughts, and expert opinions.

I know most people have thought all along that Chris Coghlan would move back to the infield, particularly 2nd base, if the Marlins decided to trade Dan Uggla, But with the rumors of the Marlins holding onto Uggla and potentially dealing Jorge Cantu, does anyone else see this as an opportunity to put Coghlan at 3B the rest of this season? He did play 3B in the minors too. It would give us the opportunity to call up Logan Morrison to play left field. We have just climbed back to .500, and to be quite honest, I think this would give us the best opportunity to win this season as well as in the future. We all know that Cantu is a streaky hitter, but his stats the past 28 days? 0 HR, 6 RBI, 1 BB, 22 Ks, .250 BA. While I'd love for him to be around when he goes on one of his streaks, I think Logan Morrison could be a boost for the now and for the future. Whatever money we save in dealing Cantu can be used to help the bullpen.

Just a DISCLAIMER before I start: I did not include any recent draftees, current prospects in the majors, or anyone younger than 19 (Sorry Gary Sanchez! Just wanted a larger sample size).

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There's been a lot of debate over how the current crop of minor league catchers rank, so I figured I'd give a stab at it, along with showing their current numbers. Obviously, not all of these guys will stick at catcher (Most notably, my top 2 ranked guys).


1.) Jesus Montero (20) - AAA - 10 HR, .271 BA, 36/57 BB/K
There's not much I need to say here, except yes, he more than likely will not be a catcher. But as of this moment, he still plays catcher, so I decided to leave him on the list. Still only 20, he has begun to break out of his early season slump to up his batting average over the .270 mark. Not bad for a 20 year old in AAA.

2.) Wil Myers (19) - LoA/HiA - 10 HR, .305 BA, 58/66 BB/K
The 2nd guy who's bat is so good with so/so defense, which may cause him to move from behind the plate. But his bat is just so good. Really impressive numbers, and gotta love the BB/K ratio. With all of the talent on the infield currently in the Royals system, I figure they'll give him every chance to stay behind the plate, but could see him easily moving to the OF as well.

3.) Derek Norris (21) - HiA - 5 HR, .231 BA, 48/47 BB/K
One of my favorite guys, has had a power outage, mostly due to injury. The batting average is pretty low, especially since he's already 21 in HiA. But you gotta love the BB/K ratio. I can see him finishing the season strong then having a huge bounce back year in AA next year. I have to mention he is also a candidate to move from behind the plate, but I think the Nats have faith in him, which is another (but obviously not the only) reason for moving Harper to the OF.

4.) Hank Conger (22) - AAA - 5 HR, .265 BA, 40/42 BB/K
I feel that this guy gets under rated a lot. Has the skills to atleast be a league average defender, but is holding his own with the bat with a great eye (40/42 BB/K). I think as his power develops, he will turn more heads.

5.) Tony Sanchez (22) - HiA - 4 HR, .314 BA, 28/41 BB/K
One of the better defenders, I can see Sanchez moving fast through the Pirates system. While his batting average has been excellent, I see him more as a defense first catcher, although he will still put up respectable numbers otherwise.

6.) Austin Romine (22) - AA - 6 HR, .275 BA, 33/66 BB/K
The better defensive minor league Yankees catcher, but certainly not the better hitter. If he continues to improve, he could be the one to replace Posada. The question is, will he ever hit enough up to the Yankee standard, or will he also be used as trade bait...

7.) Wilson Ramos (22, almost 23) - AAA - 4 HR, .224 BA, 12/48 BB/K
A good prospect in his own right, but I think he tends to get a little over rated, especially after all of the Cliff Lee talk. Is good behind the plate and is going to hit for good average for a catcher, but I don't see too much power for him. Is struggling a little at AAA, so needs more time there.

8.) Travis D'Arnaud (21) - HiA - 6 HR, .273 BA, 18/46 BB/K
I think he's the better long term solution behind the plate than Arencibia. Is putting up a pretty respectable season behind the plate. Could easily see D'Arnaud and Arencibia as a future platoon until D'Arnaud truly breaks out to take over a full time role.

9.) JP Arencibia (24) - AAA - 28 HR, .321 BA, 28/68 BB/K
Arencibia is definitely a love/hate candidate for most. He's already 24 and while his power is off the charts, I can see him getting eaten up by big league pitchers. His plate discipline has not been bad this year, but his track record is not very good. Vegas isn't exactly a pitchers park either, so I'm sure some of that power won't translate. I'm sure some won't agree with me.

10.) Devin Mesoraco (22) - HiA/AA - 20 HR, .316 BA, 30/56 BB/K
This guy definitely goes under the radar. He has great hands behind the plate, and has finally had a true breakout season. Could easily move up the list.

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Feel free to leave comments, thoughts, and expert opinions.

I know this isn't minor league news, but I just woke up to this:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bbo_obit_steinbrenner

While I am not a Yankees fan, I do respect the game of baseball. Love him or hate him, George definitely changed the game. Some would argue for the good, and some would argue for the worse. He even changed the minor league game, trading most of his prospects for proven stars. Does anybody have any opinions, stories, or memories on him they want to share?

With so many young, talented catchers in the system, who do you as fans want to be your everyday catcher (Salty, Ramirez, Teagarden) for 2009? And for that matter, who do you think projects to be the best solution long term?

I'd have to go with Teagarden long term, as I'm not sure Salty or Ramirez will stick at C long term, but I'd like to hear some other opinions out there. Thanks.