Give credit to the Marlins, they showed for perhaps the first time that they were willing to go after an already established big name. Manny Ramirez has clearly been discontent in Boston over the past year and a half, as a result the Red Sox finally gave serious consideration to trading him. Imagine the surprise all across baseball when the Florida Marlins were the team being named as recipients of Ramirez.

The proposed deal would have sent Manny Ramirez to the Marlins, Jeremy Hermida and prospects would have been sent from Florida to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston would have received slugger Jason Bay from Pittsburgh. As the deadline approached today however, talks fizzled, and the Marlins pulled out of the deal.

So who is to blame? One would have to say the Marlins are to blame for failing in their bid to receive Ramirez. The Marlins, instead of being content with Ramirez, were asking for minor leaguers, and cash exceeding the $7 million offered by Boston. Boston was not quite to the point with Ramirez that they were willing to dump him off no matter the cost, the Marlins simply asked for too much.

Ramirez’s sometimes questionable outfield effort, large contract, and age (36) no doubt prompted the Marlins to seek the extra cash and prospects. In the end though, positives must outweigh negatives. Ramirez would have brought a .299 batting average, 20 HRs, and 68 RBIs to an already potent offense. As a two time World Series Champion and 2004 World Series MVP he would have brought unquestionable playoff experience to a young team in the thick of a playoff chase. On top of all that, Ramirez’s star power would have put some butts in seats at Dolphin Stadium, especially in a city with a large population from the Dominican Republic, Ramirez’s home.