Multiple teams reportedly inquiring about Jose Fernandez

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

The initial report that Jose Fernandez may get traded this offseason provided sparks. Now, there's fire. 

Sirius XM's Craig Mish --- who first reported the possibility of a Fernandez trade before Opening Day --- said "multiple teams have already inquired" with the Marlins about trading for Fernandez, when asked Friday by Ethan Skolnick on 790-AM WAXY.

Mish didn't provide any specifics or details as to which teams have contacted the Marlins.

Fernandez asked a team official multiple times last season "when are you going to trade me?" ---  multiple sources told me ---  as I reported.

During a team charity event on Friday, Fernandez spoke to reporters including MLB.com writer Joe Frisaro. "I really don't have no time to look into that stuff. It's not important to me," Fernandez told Frisaro regarding any rumors or reports.

Marlins president David Samson appeared on 940-AM WINZ Thursday with Jeff DeForrest and somewhat contradicted himself. Samson said Fernandez "is not available." Moments later, though, Samson said it's their "responsibility to always listen." 

The Marlins begin their season Apr. 6, 2016 at Marlins Park. We may know sooner than later if Fernandez will be on the mound that day facing the Tigers. 

(Photo Credit: USA Today)

Marlins president says Jose Fernandez isn't available, but team will listen

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

Marlins team president David Samson appeared on 940-AM WINZ Thursday morning. Show host Jeff DeForrest asked Samson to respond to the report that the team's ace was on the trade block.

"We're definitely not shopping Jose Fernandez, not a chance. He's not available," Samson told DeForrest.

Confusingly, though, moments later it sounded as if Samson wasn't totally ruling a Fernandez trade.

"I don't see it as possible of him going anywhere, but teams come up with some crazy ideas, so it's our responsibility to always listen," Samson said. 

The star pitcher's name came up in a report earlier this week, signifying a trade for him may happen sooner than later.

On Wednesday, I reported on the chaotic culture inside the Marlins clubhouse. Some players, coaches, and management were unhappy with Fernandez. 

Fernandez isn't eligible for free agency until the 2018 season concludes.

Jose Fernandez reportedly on trade block

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

Marlins president David Samson told the Miami Herald in early November that Jose Fernandez rejected a multi-year contract offer. Now the team's star pitcher is reportedly on the trading block.

SiriusXM's Craig Mish sent out a tweet on Tuesday saying "growing sentiment around baseball and internally with the Marlins is Jose Fernandez will be traded this offseason."

My sources within the organization told me on several occasions that Fernandez would eventually be dealt for certain reasons, but no timeline was provided. Mish's report says it could be very soon. 

As far as those reasons, I reported several last week on my weekday radio show on 940-AM WINZ and iHeartRadio.

I was told by multiple player sources that Fernandez wants out of Miami "ASAP". 

The Marlins also are not happy with Fernandez's attitude, which may come as a shock to many. "Jose is a different person on and off camera," one player source told me. "Jose talks to management like they are children," he added. 

Another player source told me Fernandez "gets a little selfish at times and isn't the best in the clubhouse." 

Mish told me by phone his sources say the Marlins are looking for a "franchise altering" deal" and will get one this offseason.

Samson told WPLG's Will Manso the Marlins "do not comment on trade rumors. Some players are more likely to be traded than others. Jose fits in the latter category." Samson concluded by saying Fernandez "is a Marlin for at least the next three years and hopefully longer." 

MLB.com writer Joe Frisaro reports multiple high placed sources tell him that the Marlins are "not shopping or intending to shop" Fernandez. Frisaro did say "conversations are ongoing with a number of clubs about possible trade scenarios. None are believed to include a major core player like Fernandez." 

Fernandez won't be eligible for free agency until the conclusion of the 2018 season.  

Cheetah predicts Kevin Harvick championship

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

If you believe in cheetah predictions, put your money on Kevin Harvick. Koda, a 2-year-old cheetah at Zoo Miami, chose Harvick to win the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.

Koda was presented on Tuesday with four smaller model replicas for each of the driver's that are part of Sprint Cup's Championship 4.  Cheetahs are known to be very fast, so the quick choice of a winner was no surprise.

A video posted by Andy Slater (@andy_slater) on Nov 17, 2015 at 8:31am PST

Harvick is going for his second straight championship and will be challenged by Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, and Martin Truex Jr.

The Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway takes place Sunday Nov. 22 at 3:00 p.m.