Is Howie Kendrick On The Marlins Radar?

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Angels are looking to deal David Freese and/or Howie Kendrick to address some pitching needs that Los Angeles currently has.

"The team is likely to trade either second baseman Howie Kendrick or third baseman David Freese to address other needs, according to major-league sources.The Angels would like to add another starting pitcher for depth and protection as right-hander Garrett Richards works his way back from major knee surgery. They also could seek another left-hander for their bullpen."

One of the teams that make a bunch of sense from a pieces standpoint is the Miami Marlins. Currently, Miami has a pretty significant hole in their infield at second base, one that even an aging Howie Kendrick would improve significantly.

Kendrick’s double digit power is likely gone, but providing on OBP close to .350 and an OPS of .744 would be a welcome sight at the keystone position. The Marlins haven’t had a solid second baseman since Omar Infante was traded to the Detroit Tigers.

On the Marlins side, they could offer the Angels either a major league starting pitcher, or a minor league prospect, or even both if the asking price is right. It makes a lot of sense for both sides, so why won’t this happen?

Well, there is one of those pesky clauses that Marlins’ fans have become all-to-familiar with over the years. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith, baseball editor at www.sportsnet.ca, Kendrick has a limited no-trade clause that blocks a trade to 4 teams… one of them being the Marlins.

The question is, would Kendrick be willing to waive his no-trade clause to head to South Beach? I don’t believe that will happen. Even with the night life and promising young roster, there is too much uncertainty for a veteran like Kendrick to risk heading to Miami, only to lose complete control over where is next stop will be.

Even though I don’t think it will happen, I would love to see Kendrick in a Marlins uniform next season. I don’t think he is a long-term answer at second base, but I do believe that he could provide a solid stop-gap until the Marlins can draft, or trade for a second baseman in the same vein as Luis Castillo and Dan Uggla of old.

What do you think about the potential of Kendrick joining the team? Let us know in the comments below!