I was surprised to read about who they went after but disagree that it varies from the normal plan. In years where we are viewed as distant odds, or over-performing the FO’s expectations, I think that we don’t go after big names/high salary players but will go after the veterans that should still improve us. In years where the FO has high expectations and are seriously in contention, they have gotten big guys- Sheffield, Mota, and Pudge for example

He was supposed to start tonight in Jacksonville but has been suspended for a “violation of team rules.” dun dun dun.

to hear us trying to make some moves. There’s nothing like some trade rumors and sweeps to uplift your spirits.

I just hope those rumors aren’t BS.

I know it’s hard (and to a large extent, unnecessary) to get around the fact that we won in 2003, but think about the Urbina trade. He was a stud during the regular season, a solidifying piece who made a big contribution towards winning the Wild Card. He was also a super-stud in the NLCS (except for the whole blown save with 2 outs in Game 1 thing).

But he wasn’t really a factor in the World Series itself. So let’s say, just for sake of argument, that the Fish lost to the Yankees despite Urbina’s presence. That is to say, while it’s impossible to separate Urbina from the road to the World Series, it’s not difficult to imagine ways the Series could have been lost (or won even) without Urbina’s contributions.

Ok, so no World Series in 2003. Was it still a good trade?

The trade, as you’ll recall, was for a #1 pick with minor league numbers that were good but not great (until, of course, you factor in how young he was for the levels) and a wrist injury that might affect his biggest asset, his power. Considering his reputation, injury status, and the return, it was a sell-low/win-now move, the kind of thing that makes the trade deadline possible and keeps some semblance of competitive balance in the game.

Cut to Bizarro today (remember, no World Series win), where the guy the Marlins gave up for those few months of Urbina is now the best hitter in baseball not named Albert Pujols; a guy who is getting pitched like nobody in baseball including Albert Pujols; a guy who put together a walk streak like nobody in baseball history including Barry Bonds. A guy who will likely hit the All-Star Break on pace for 50+ homers despite playing half his games in the worst HR park in baseball.

So, again, would the trade have been worth it? Would simply getting to the World Series have been enough?

Because let’s be honest, the Marlins have a handful of guys with the potential to be every bit as good as Gonzalez, and you can see a few of their names in this very thread. Most likely, none of them will end up quite so talented – but then again, most likely, Heath Bell or (and!) Soria aren’t going to get this team to the World Series, much less Ultimate Victory.

Maybe it is worth it. Maybe that year of validation is so desperately needed to remind the fanbase that the down years have a purpose. I’d certainly understand if you think so. If there was any year to make a run with a less than tremendous team, it would appear to be this one. And I’ve been the first to say that a farm system has value in the talent it puts on the field, regardless of whether that’s direct or through trading prospects.

I just don’t think I can say that this team, at this point, is that one piece away from a World Series run. I have said, of course, that I think it might be in 11 or 12, but that’s an assessment based on having a team with those guys you’d have to give up to get a stud reliever in this market. I can’t say I’d be willing to jeopardize that team for this one, but this is one of those big philosophical questions that have seen success come from both sides.