Trade Approved, Decisions to Be Made

Yesterday afternoon saw Commissioner Bud Selig approve the Marlins recent trade with the Blue Jays. Selig reportedly expressed concerns on the trade, saying he was “aware of the anger” from fans and took a week to review it. His statement released yesterday reflected his distaste for the trade.

"“I am sensitive to the concerns of the fans of Miami regarding this trade, and I understand the reactions I have heard since Tuesday.” He followed up with, “Going forward, I will continue to monitor this situation with the expectation that the Marlins will take into account the sentiments of their fans, who deserve the best efforts and considered judgment of their Club.”"

Sept 14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder

(27) stands between second and third base during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

So with the fans in mind, the blockbuster trade has been approved and the Marlins now have to decide whether to shoot for competitiveness this season, or to rebuild from the inside. Last week’s trade has complicated the situation. A fan base is rightfully disgusted with the Marlins won’t want to be asked to be patient. A pool of free agents is rightfully cautious to sign with a team that lied to multiple signees just last year. Moving ahead, the Marlins will realize their only choice is to build from the inside.

Selig’s statement means each Marlins transaction throughout the season will be reviewed under heavy scrutiny. Despite being reassured on the Marlins intentions to build a winning team, there is no doubt the Marlins next trade will receive extra attention from the commissioner. The next Marlins trade could be sooner than you think.

Yesterday also saw a couple articles speculating trades for newly disgruntled outfielder, Giancarlo Stanton. Like everyone else on twitter, Stanton voiced his disliking of the trade with extra exclamation points. And according to Joe Frisaro on MLB.com, the Marlins have yet to contact Stanton. From the article:

"“I have not talked to Giancarlo,” Beinfest said. “I know this is an emotional time. I know that he has relationships with these guys.”"

Without any communication with their star slugger, Giancarlo looks like the next fan-favorite to go. He may even be paired with RHP Ricky Nolasco. The question will be in the Marlins return. Looking at Baseball Prospectus’ guesswork from yesterday, I would rather see the Marlins to say yes to offers including Mike Olt, or as Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas proposed, Jurickson Profar instead of MLB veterans players looking for a long-term home. If the Marlins are looking to build for the future, those are the players to do it with. If the Marlins wish to keep a flexible roster, those top prospects will make great trade bait.

After a trade that saw many broken promises concerning long-term contracts, free agents will be hesitant to sign in Miami. So while dreams of joining in the Josh Hamilton auction are nice, the Marlins best bet will be to bolster their farm system that recently received some signs of life. Acquiring 20-year old LHP Justin Nicolino and 24-year old SS Adeiny Hechavarria shook up the Marlins top-10 prospects list on MLB.com, and will likely change the picture for Baseball America’s list set to come out December 12^th. With veteran free agents unhappy with the Marlins, stocking up on prospects now is essential if the Marlins hope to trade for any MLB-ready talent in the near future.

Scummy management has complicated the decision for a team that would like to be competitive buyers this season. Assuming the same trade-happy management, building a supply of younger, cheaper players will help in future big name acquisitions. Last week’s trade didn’t make the Marlins a terrible team. It just made it harder to manufacture a competitive team any other way than from the inside.

Also, this is my first post on Marlin Maniac. I look forward to getting to know the MM community. Feel free to hit me up on my personal twitter: @abagueros