Florida Marlins: The Latest News and Notes on Possible Offseason Moves

We stand a month away from the Marlins' big unveiling of the team's new uniforms, logo (which has been leaked), name, and quite possibly the naming rights of the new ballpark (which has been delayed but might as well be released in a package with everything else since logo took some thunder away).

Aside from the usual speculation on the Marlins fashion, here is the latest on the team's direction as the offseason is nearly upon us.

Zambrano to South Beach?  

Rumors have grown rampant in recent days that Carlos Zambrano and Ozzie Guillen have been communicating on almost a daily basis and that the interest between both the Marlins and Big Z is mutual.

The Cubs would have to eat up the majority of his salary, I'd say at least $15 million (out of the $18 million) for the Marlins to trade for him. Even then, its possible the Cubs could cut him loose in which case he would certainly land with the Marlins and fellow countryman Ozzie Guillen. 

Considering Guillen is currently vacationing in Spain with his wife, it's very possible Zambrano will be wearing a Marlins uniform next season. Javier Vazquez is inevitably retiring and Zambrano would be the ideal veteran (30 years old) to replace him. While he had a 9-7 record with a inflated 4.82 ERA, he did lose his longtime pitching coach Larry Rothschild, who bolted for the Yankees job before the 2011 season. 

Third Basemen Wanted 

SI's Jon Heyman tweeted that the Marlins are in the market for a third baseman but as recently as a couple weeks ago Gordon Wittenmyer mentioned the team would look at internal options, according to a source close to the ballclub. 

One of the sticking points to signing Aramis Ramirez has to do with age (will be 34 in 2012) and his desire to want a multi-year deal that could be essentially double the value of the John Buck contract who got 3 years and $18 million (think in upwards of $36 million).

Internally, the Marlins have Matt Dominguez and Emilio Bonifacio who can play the hot corner. Even Hanley Ramirez said he would gladly play the position if the team happened to sign Jose Reyes. But it's possible the Marlins could explore trade options.

On the trade market, the Mets David Wright would be intriguing if the team decides to have a mini firesale with or without Jose Reyes back onboard. The power hitting Mark Reynolds of the Orioles is another name under contract through 2012 for an affordable $7.5 million (with an $11 million team option) who could provide the perfect bridge to Matt Dominguez until he is ready down the road.

Trying to Reel in a Big Fish, but who? 

 In his latest inbox entry, Joe Frisaro maintains that the Marlins will be serious contenders for Albert Pujols' services but not likely for Ranger's southpaw CJ Wilson. 

The Marlins view CJ Wilson as less than a $100 million pitcher and the fear is his price might come dangerously close to that and it won't be smart for the Marlins to invest money on a single pitcher who wouldn't profile as one of the top ten starting pitchers in baseball. 

The more likely alternatives include Mark Buehrle, who was with the White Sox under Ozzie Guillen and Pirates lefty Paul Maholm, who is slated to hit the market. 

Going back to the big names, Reds GM Walt Jocketty ruled out trading first baseman Joey Votto, which closes any avenue the Marlins thought about exploring there. 

In the end, the Marlins may place their sole focus on trying to land either Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder, the duo whose teams are facing each other in this years NLCS.

Landing either one of them would open the door for Gaby Sanchez's departure because of his inability to effectively play another position.