Cishek's name cropping up in trade rumors

SAN DIEGO -- The rumors aren't fazing Steve Cishek's daily preparation, but there are growing indications the 29-year-old reliever could be dealt before the July 31 Trade Deadline.

Cishek, groomed through Miami's system, is attracting interest from at least four teams, including the Dodgers, Cardinals, Twins and Blue Jays.

"Until today, I didn't really hear anything," Cishek said. "I haven't really been watching too much news. I've heard rumors. It's weird for me. I've been a Marlin since '07. I've come up through the organization. Whatever happens happens.

"It's not in my control. For now I'm just going to continue to do what I'm doing. I'm going to try to help these guys win and continue on the track I've been on. That's all I'm concerned about."

A fifth round pick by the Marlins in 2007, Cishek has been one of the organization's most dependable relievers the past few seasons. The right-hander has 94 career saves in 283 appearances.

But in mid-May, after converting three of seven save chances, he was switched to a setup role. He even was optioned to Double-A Jacksonville for a stretch due to his struggles.

In 31 appearances, he is 2-6 with a 4.65 ERA in 31 appearances. But he's made improvements in his last seven appearances, posting a 1.17 ERA in 7 2/3 innings.

Cishek isn't the only Marlin in trade discussions. So are right-handers Dan Haren and Mat Latos.

MLB.com has learned Haren is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Orioles. Latos is linked to the Blue Jays, Cubs and the Yankees.

First baseman Michael Morse, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal in December, is also a candidate to be traded to the Giants, where he helped the club win the World Series last year. However, if Morse is dealt back to San Francisco, the Marlins likely will have to assume about half of the first baseman's remaining salary.

Haren is scheduled to start at San Diego on Friday. Manager Dan Jennings says that remains the plan.

"The game changes things in a hurry, but right now, I just was inside doing the lineup for tomorrow, and he's on the bump," Jennings said.

Jennings is briefing the players involved in rumors about their respective situations.

"I ask each guy who has been mentioned, 'Do you want to be kept abreast?' " Jennings said. "It's a question I've always wondered: 'Do guys want to know? Do they not want to know?' Each man has said, 'I don't want a day-to-day update. But when you know some things, just keep me abreast, because it's going to affect my family.' Out of respect for them, that's what we felt was the right thing to do.' "