Hanley, Bell involved in latest Miami trade rumor
Proposed deal for Boston's Crawford reportedly dismissed
USA Today reported the Marlins discussed sending Hanley Ramirez and Heath Bell to the Red Sox for outfielder Carl Crawford.
The proposed deal, according to other accounts, has been dismissed.
Still, the rumors continue to swirl around a Miami squad that has underachieved. Clearly, the team is in a critical stretch to get back over .500 and into contention. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said the rumors shouldn't be a distraction.
"I don't think it should be a distraction, because when we are in the position we are, there are going to be rumors," the manager said. "They are going to try to add better players, and we've got some good players who can help. But it's all rumors."
Guillen added that he would be surprised if any deal was imminent, because the club still has time to make up ground.
"Would it surprise me if they did it right now? Maybe, because I think we're still fighting," Guillen said. "But it's not my department. People make trades and people make moves for a reason."
The fact the Marlins aren't in better position to make a playoff run does surprise the fiery manager.
"I thought we had better talent than where we are right now," Guillen said. "We're not talking about kids, we're talking about guys with credentials. That's what surprises me about where we are."
Bell, who signed a three-year, $27 million deal in December, is certainly used to being the subject of trade talks. His name has surfaced every July since 2009 when he was with the Padres.
"For me, personally, the last three years, my name has been out there," Bell said. "So it's just one of those things that I believe what the Lord is going to tell me to do. If He wants me to be traded, I play for Him automatically."
Guillen added that he learned of the Ramirez, Bell, Crawford proposal from his kids on Wednesday morning. Some of his friends with the Red Sox also called him later in the day.
"I just found out today," Guillen said. "One of my kids asked me about it. I don't know anything about it. The front office never said anything about it. But the rumors are going to be there no matter what.
"If we're playing good, I don't see any reason to trade people. But if we don't play the right way, this is a business. And they can do what they have to do. But not right now, no. Not that I know. I got a couple of phone calls from guys from Boston. This morning, I was, 'What?!?'"