MLB Trade Rumors: Jorge Cantu is Good For Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins

Call it the Florida Marlins doing what they always do best: trade away star players.

But in this case, both the Fish and Texas Rangers benefit from the deal that took place Thursday afternoon.

In Jorge Cantu, the (more-than-likely) playoff-bound Rangers get an offensive weapon to take over first base. For the Marlins, two top pitching prospects, one who can play as soon as September.

Here are 10 reasons why the Marlins and Rangers say this trade before the deadline is a good one.

No. 1 Platoon at Third

Jorge Cantu led all third basemen with 16 errors.

With the trade, veteran Wes Helms and walk-off hero Donnie Murphy will split time at the hot corner.

If Chris Coghlan's tweet early Friday was any indication, his meniscus might not keep him out the rest of the season:

"Does anyone have an extra infield glove laying around?"

No. 2 Texas Needs a First Baseman

Chris Davis struggled offensively at first base this season.

He was batting below the Mendoza line at .188 with no home runs before he was sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City Thursday night.

Jorge Cantu, on the other hand, is batting .260 with 10 homers and 54 RBI. In his last game as a Marlin he went 2 for 4 with two runs.

No. 3 Streaky Marlins

The last thing the Marlins need is another streaky hitter.

Last season, Jorge Cantu was by far the most consistent guy at the plate for Florida, arguably better than NL batting champion Hanley Ramirez.

They combined for 206 RBI in the middle of the Florida lineup.

But after a hot start this year when he hit in 21 straight games, he cooled off considerably.

With guys like Dan Uggla and Cody Ross the ultimate hot-and-cold batters, it was time to dispose of the soon-to-be free agent.

No. 4 The Rich Get Richer

Josh Hamilton is having a career year, Triple Crown-worthy, for the Texas Rangers.

Vladimir Guerrero revitalized his play with a change of scenery away from Los Angeles.

Nelson Cruz has had a breakthrough season with a .330 average, 14 homers, and 57 RBI.

Although Jorge Cantu's power numbers are down (10 on the year), he will call the sixth-best park for long balls home.

No. 5 Immediate Pitching Help

With Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, starters haven't been the problem for Florida.

The bullpen, which ranks as one of the worst in baseball, needs help.

Pitching prospect Evan Lee could provide it when he is likely called up in September.

In 30 games for Double-A Frisco, Lee posted a 1-1 record with a 1.62 ERA.

Omar Poveda was also acquired in the trade, and is recovering from Tommy John surgery and should be ready by spring training.

No. 6 Good Guy in the Clubhouse

Jorge Cantu could always be found around the dugout and clubhouse smiling and laughing.

The 28-year-old infielder was clearly one of the veteran leaders alongside Wes Helms and Dan Uggla.

It will be a tough loss for the Marlins and a great gain for the Rangers. He never had any feuds with players and was well-liked by the organization.

Texas fans will immediately make him a fan favorite and savor in chanting "Hip hip Jorge!"

Or "Cantu can too!"

No. 7 Free Up Extra Money

Recent reports have discussed the idea of Dan Uggla signing a longer-termed contract with the Florida Marlins instead of once again settling for arbitration.

On Wednesday afternoon against the San Francisco Giants, the second baseman hit a home run and tied Mike Lowell with 143 career homers as a Marlin.

Uggla has hit at least 30 home runs in his last three years, and already has 22 on the season.

In the Jorge Cantu trade, Florida picks up just $600,000 of his $6 million.

No. 8 Hot-Corner Errors

In his final game with the Marlins on Thursday afternoon, Jorge Cantu made his MLB-leading 16th error at third base.

For some reason, he struggles with the throw across the diamond.

Last season, he would move to first during a double-switch late in games as Wes Helms took over at third.

That won't happen anymore as the best defense will take the field each game.

No. 9 No Place Like Home

Jorge Cantu was born in McAllen, Texas and resides in a nearby Mexican town.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington might not be as close to his hometown as the Houston Astros, but it beats South Florida.

Cantu should feel right at home in the "Lone Star" state as family and friends cheer him on.

No. 10 No More Stress

Following the game, Cantu finally admitted to reporters that the trade rumors might've affected his play.

In the month of July, he is batting just .227 with no homers and four RBI.

"It is a relief, because it's been lingering around my head for about a week," Cantu said. "I tried not to think about it, and sometimes during the game, there is a flash and I just tried not to think about it too much. It might have affected me in the field -- I don't know. Maybe or maybe not. It's a relief and a weight off my shoulders, for sure."