Q. With their surprising success so far this season, are there any penny stock pitchers the Marlins might go after at the deadline to try and stabilize their rotation?
— Dave, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

A. It's astounding to me that the Fish can be hanging in the race this deep into the season, especially with the worst fielding percentage in the game, the league's worst starting rotation ERA and the third-most walks allowed. They bash home runs and have a penchant for winning late, but to me, this is a sub-.500 team masquerading as a contender.

For now, they appear content to continue shuffling a half-dozen young starting pitchers — Ricky Nolasco, Scott Olson, Josh Johnson, Andrew Miller, Chris Volstad and Rick Vanden Hurk. Anibal Sanchez also is expected back soon from the disabled list, so I don't think they will be doing anything significant in the trade market for pitching.

In fact, they could be looking to deal Mark Hendrickson — who was moved to long relief when Volstad was promoted, and isn't thrilled to be in that role.

Q. Do you think the Reds will do anything before the trade deadline? Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, anything?
— Jeremy, Muncie, Ind.

A. There were some reports early on about the availability of both Griffey and Dunn, but in both cases, that seems to have evaporated. That's not to say things won't change between now and the trade deadline, and I do think it's time for one of those two left-handed bats to move on, as the lineup has been too left-handed-dominant for the last couple of years.

Griffey would have to approve a deal, of course, and the Reds really won't be able to get that much for him. But it's something they should be seriously considering, as this is a team that needs to live and die with its young nucleus of talent.

Dunn is an odd case who never has developed into the star some thought he would. Instead, you have to take the massive strikeouts and too-low batting average with the home runs and walks. He's the type of hitter who fits into the A's approach — so maybe there is something to recent rumors about the Reds’ interest in Huston Street — but Oakland already has a hitter just like Dunn in their lineup in Jack Cust.

Bronson Arroyo's name also has been mentioned, but to me, that seems unlikely while Aaron Harang remains on the disabled list. Arroyo also has said he wants to stay put and be part of a quality group of young starting pitchers that also includes Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey and Darryl Thompson.

Most likely, some lesser pitchers such as Josh Fogg, David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt will go.

Q. Just wondering who, if anyone, you think the Pittsburgh Pirates will deal? And who should they get in return?
— Bill Sherry, New Eagle, Pa.

A. Like the Reds, the Pirates are at that often mistake-filled crossroads. They haven't had a winning season since 1992, and sit close enough to .500 at this point to make a run at it.

Then again, they have an opportunity to make deals involving Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Jack Wilson and Damaso Marte that would add some desperately needed young talent both at the big-league level and in the farm system. So what do you do?

Fortunately for them, the Pirates are past the point of having to make trades for financial reasons. So the focus is on building their talent base.

So if they do make a deal or two over the next couple of weeks, I see it fitting in one of two categories. In Bay's case, the Pirates would have to get at least one player in return who could help them immediately, and then another prospect. For Wilson, Nady and Marte, the package could be either a young big-league player, or a prospect very close to the big leagues.

Bay and Nady have been linked to the Mets, Braves, Rays, Diamondbacks and Yankees; Wilson to the Dodgers; and Marte to the Mets, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees and Cardinals.

Q. Do you think this will be Manny Ramirez’s last season in Boston?
— Tom, Boston

A. That's a tough call, Tom. I'll say this: Between the inexcusable incident with the traveling secretary, and the harsh criticism of ownership, if he was anybody else, he'd probably be gone after this season.

But how many Hall of Fame-caliber, 500-plus homer producers still near the peak of their careers are out there? And, the Sox definitely would be a weaker team without him — or have to give up a lot to get a suitable replacement such as Matt Holliday.

So if I had to make a prediction right now, I'd say that things will be patched over enough for the Red Sox to pick up the $20 million option for 2009, and Manny will continue to be Manny in Boston for another season.

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