Hanley, Bell part of latest rumors

CHICAGO — Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said it best on Tuesday: If the team wins, it will stay together. If it doesn’t, trade speculation will surface.

The Marlins once again find themselves at the center of reports.

USA Today is reporting the Marlins have had conversations with the Red Sox. The proposed trade would have Hanley Ramirez and Heath Bell going to Boston for Carl Crawford.

A source said they wouldn’t be surprised if such a deal was proposed.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reports the conversation took place recently, but quickly was shot down.

Where there is smoke there could be fire.

The Marlins are looking to re-energize their roster. Next year, they will be looking to have speed in the outfield, and most likely move Logan Morrison to first base.

There is a general feeling if Ramirez is shopped, it most likely would be in the offseason to explore the maximum value he could command, rather than be shopped to a limited number of clubs in a few week window.

Other Marlins being mentioned in trade talks are Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson and Omar Infante.

Sanchez is a free agent after the season. Johnson and Infante are under contract through 2013. The club appears to be willing to listen for all three. But the Marlins are looking for value in return. They will only make a move that makes sense. The club isn’t dumping salary.

If Infante is moved, Emilio Bonifacio can move to second base. But if that happens, the team would need to find a solution in center field. It could be Justin Ruggiano after Giancarlo Stanton returns from his right knee surgery.

– Joe Frisaro