Tigers’ acquisition of Cabrera, Willis not done deal

DETROIT, MI — Despite media reports that the Detroit Tigers have aquired All-Stars Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from the Florida Marlins for a package of six players, an inside source with knowledge of the trade told SSNN it is not yet a done deal.

The source said that while it is assured Cabrera and Willis will be included in the trade, the Tigers are hoping to receive a little more in return for their top two prospects, outfielder Cameron Maybin and pitcher Andrew Miller.

“The Tigers have made it clear that if they are giving up both prospects, they want a championship in return – literally,” the source said. “It doesn’t matter to the Tigers whether it’s the 1997 or the 2003 World Series Trophy, they just want one of them.”

The Marlins refused comment, but it does appear they are willing to part with one of their titles. In the past, the team has complained about the high prices that come with displaying the trophies, and given Florida’s paltry attendance of just under 17,000 fans per game last year, it seems likely they may not have enough money for display upkeep.

Last year Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria explained to SSNN the problems his team has faced when it comes to displaying championships.

“It’s not like we’re ignoring the championships, as much as many baseball fans would like us to,” Loria said. “It’s just that some of those display cases can get really, really expensive. I’m talking thousands of dollars. And we can’t just leave championship trophies laying around. We’re not the Yankees.”

A rival GM said this kind of behavior is typical of the Marlins.

“Funny story… In 2003, after they won their second title, I got a call from the Marlins asking what I would give them for Derrek Lee,” the GM said, on the condition he remain nameless. “We offered them a bucket of balls and a couple of bats, but apparently the Cubs made a better offer. Later on I heard it was a $100 Home Depot gift card that finalized the deal, lucky bastards.”