Marlins try to stay focused amid trade talks
MIAMI -- As July approaches, trade talk escalates.
Who may be staying or going are hot topics, and the business of the game comes into play.
With the Marlins restructuring and not currently in contention, they are being closely monitored on the trade front.
Right now, Ricky Nolasco is the most prominent Miami name being dangled. He could be moved before his next scheduled start, which would be Wednesday at Atlanta. Henderson Alvarez, on the 60-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation, is primed to be reinstated and is lined up to pitch Wednesday as well.
Alvarez would be a natural replacement for Nolasco, a free agent after the season.
But as the rumors circulate, manager Mike Redmond is telling his team to focus on its performance.
"I talk to these guys about, 'Hey, just focus on what you're doing: That's what you can control. Control the things that you can control in this game.' We all talk about it as a player, and talk about it as a manager," Redmond said. "The guys who can do that are the guys who are going to continue to have the success. Just stay in the moment, and control what you can control, wherever you are out on that field. You can't control the other stuff."
The non-waiver Trade Deadline is July 31.
A former big league catcher, Redmond knows how the speculation can weigh on players.
"It's probably an uncomfortable situation for some guys," Redmond said. "Some guys love where they are playing. That's always the unknown for the players. You don't know who wants you and who doesn't want you. It's always kind of a hairy time for players.
"But it's part of it. Guys have families. You never know. Guys get so wrapped up. They read all the stuff, and their buddies are calling them up. There is so much information out there right now. The texting and the tweeting. In this generation, it's hard to not get involved in it. Back when I played, if you didn't want to hear about it, you didn't read the papers, and you probably wouldn't hear about it."