Decisions Decisions

Some news of potential interest to the Marlins: the Tigers this morning placed outfielder Jacque Jones on release waivers, meaning that if no team claims him by 1 p.m. Thursday -- a strong likelihood considering the Tigers couldn't fetch a bag of peanuts for him in a trade -- he becomes a free agent, with Detroit picking up most of the tab on his remaining salary.

The question is, how interested are the Marlins in the 33-year-old veteran? Two sources I spoke with yesterday said their interest level is lukewarm to moderate at best -- "a 3 on a scale of 10," one said -- though the front office has discussed the idea.

But the Marlins have issues to consider with their outfield. Alfredo Amezaga, who went 0 for 5 on Monday, now has an on-base percentage of .185 from the leadoff spot with no walks. The situation with Josh Willingham, who is on the disabled list with a strained lower back, is not improving. Willingham tried to take BP in the indoor batting cage on Monday but aborted the session after two cuts due to continued pain. And Cameron Maybin, who is striking out at a 40 percent clip at Double A Carolina to go with a .242 batting average, has given the Marlins no reason to promote him.

Jones' agent, Damon Lapa, said the Marlins are one of several possible fits if the outfielder is released, as expected. After all the Marlins had a trade in place for Jones last summer, only for it to fall through at the last minute.

"We haven't really come up with a formal wish list," Lapa said. "I think once the claim comes off on Thursday, that's an exercise we'll jump into."

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Here are tonight's lineups:

Marlins: CF Alfredo Amezaga, RF Jeremy Hermida, SS Hanley Ramirez, 3B Jorge Cantu, 2B Dan Uggla, LF Luis Gonzalez, 1B Wes Helms, C Matt Treanor, P Mark Hendrickson.

Reds: CF Ryan Freel, SS Jeff Keppinger, 2B Brandon Phillips, 3B Edwin Encarnacion, 1B Joey Votto, RF Jerry Hairston Jr., LF Adam Dunn, C David Ross, P Edinson Volques.

Comments

[Pizzle]

How about looking for a new skipper? Fredi showed his lack of IQ last night by keeping in Taylor "I Tank" Tankersley after a hit, HR, walk, and ANOTHER HR. Its definitely a good idea to pitch a lefty to phillips, who is a +.400 hitter against lefties. Good grief.

[Georgia Panther]

I would like to see Carroll get about a week of starts in CF to see if he gain regain his AAA form at the MLB level. He clearly isn't experienced enough to be just a pinch-hitter coming in cold off the bench.

[FishiNes]

Bring JP back!!!