Scenario 1: Ramirez to the Nationals for Ryan Zimmerman
The Nationals don’t want to lose Zimmerman, but they also don’t seem to be in a hurry to give him a contract like the Rockies gave
Troy Tulowitzki. So, knowing Zimmerman could walk when his contract is out after the 2013 season, the Nats could trade him for Ramirez, and let recent draft pick Anthony Rendon take over at third base when he’s ready. In Miami, Zimmerman steps in at third, and the Marlins could use some of that cash to try to lock down the left side of the infield for a long time to come. (In case you're wondering, Ramirez is signed through 2014 at an average of $15.5 million per season.)
Not likely, but a fun one in terms of how the positions work out.
Scenario 2: Ramirez to the Tigers for Austin Jackson, Jacob Turner and a prospect
Jackson didn’t have a great year with the bat, but he’s an ace in center field, something the Marlins need. And while Turner doesn’t have a big-time ceiling in my opinion, he could still project as high as a No. 2 starter in the NL. Detroit could add a prospect to the mix, but the Marlins get a lot back in pitching and defense here. Detroit could certainly use the bat, and could move
Jhonny Peralta to third base, keeping Ramirez at the position he wants to play.
Again, not a likely one, particularly because I think Jim Leyland and Dave Dombrowski really see the value of Jackson in center at Comerica. He covers a ton of ground. But a middle of the order with Ramirez,
Miguel Cabrera and
Victor Martinez in some order would do some damage. And the Tigers could afford to take on the remainder of Ramirez’s deal.
Scenario 3: Ramirez to the Twins for Denard Span, Danny Valencia and a top prospect
I can’t see this happening, as it’s not something Terry Ryan would pull the trigger on. But again, another one that at least looks possible on paper. The compensation is probably a little light for the Marlins to pull the trigger, and you could see them asking for a guy like power-hitting prospect Miguel Sano, who hit 20 home runs in the rookie-level Appalachian League this year at the age of 18.
Wild cards
• The
Seattle Mariners probably won’t want Ramirez at shortstop given how much they value defense, but we know they could use the bats, and they have a system on the rise. Seattle pitching prospect Taijuan Walker is a high-ceiling arm you'll hear more about, and he's the kind of player who would make the Marlins listen.
• The
San Francisco Giants desperately need some offense, but Miami would probably demand
Madison Bumgarner, which would be a non-starter. Plus, the return of
Buster Posey will help that offense. Could
Pablo Sandoval jump into the mix?
Again, I don't think Marlins will trade Hanley. Even if he's unhappy, they’ll wait and hope that success at third and the team winning will eventually pacify him. But just in case, these are some possible fits.