Fish Coveting Cubs 3B Ramirez, Starting Pitcher?

After an atrocious 1-19 June stretch under Edwin Rodriguez, many considered the Marlins dead in the water and a potential seller at the July 31st deadline.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria recently put that sentiment to rest.

The Marlins had their season high six-game winning streak under interim manager Jack McKeon snapped against Ryan Dempster and the Chicago Cubs, but the Fish are not about to concede the 2011 season.

“I haven’t counted us out yet,” Loria said. “I hope you guys (the media) haven’t. I know it looks tough, but what are we now, four under? Jack says as soon as we get (to .500), you never know what can happen. I would never bet against Jack McKeon.”

According to Loria, the Fish will be trolling the market for both an established third baseman and more starting pitching with sights on the inaugural season in their new stadium.

Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez is likely available for the right price, would the Fish bite at the right offer? The more likely scenario would be coveting the 33 year-old slugger’s services this off season to solidify the middle of the order.

One of baseball’s scarcest commodities, quality starting pitching, is also on Marlins radar.

The Marlins firmly believe they can still contend in 2011, so a deadline deal is a possibility, if not a priority.

For more on the Fish from Loria: ESPN AP