Marlins sellers Phils looking for upgrade...

The Marlins are looking to cut payroll and two players who may become available are Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu.

Cantu is a 27 y/o power hitting right hander who plays 1B/3B and early in his career also spent time at 2B. In 2005 with the Rays as there full time 2B Cantu hit 28 homeruns with a 117 RBIs and a .286 BA. It was rumored that year that Omar was very interested in Cantu, but in 2006 when he hit just .249 with 14 HRs the Rays couldn't give him away. In 2007 he bounced between Toronto, Tampa and Cincy, only with the Reds was he able to find his stroke hitting .298 in 57 ABs. He seemed to find himself a home in Florida where he's averaged 20 HRs and a BA of .280. I think Cantu would be a very good option to platoon with Murphy at 1B, it's tricky trading with division rivals but Omar has been able to do so in the past...

Dan Uggla is a 29 y/o right handed 2B who has averaged 30 HRs per season for the first four years of his career. His BA is only .257 and he plays horrible defense at second base but couple his homeruns with 90 RBIs and 34 doubles (avg.) per season and it's no wonder he's an All-Star who teams are willing to over look his flaws. Uggla has been solely a 2B in the majors but in the minors he spent almost as much time at 3B ( 290-2B/ 228-3B). There has also been some speculation with his poor defense and solid power that he could be moved to 1B. With Uggla available and the Phillies cutting ties with Pedro Felix, so are speculated they could bring him in to play 3B. If that's the case I hope Omar blocks them because Uggla in that line-up is a scary thought...

The General Managers' meetings begin on Monday, and the Marlins expect to be active in trade talks. Dan Uggla, who made $5.35 million this year, will likely see he salary raise to the $7 million range. Anticipate Uggla to attract plenty of trade interest.Jorge Cantu ($3.5 million in '09) may also be shopped. Indications are Cody Ross will be back. source Fish Pond MLB blogs

If the Phillies choose not to pick up Pedro Feliz's 2010 option, "don't be surprised" if they pursue free agent Adrian Beltre. Olney recently wrote that the 30-year-old third baseman would be a "spectacular fit" for the club. Dan Uggla is also mentioned as someone who could fill the void. Uggla played a less-than-stellar second base this season but could find himself more comfortable at third. source MLBTR