Marlins acquire Cameron from Red Sox

MIAMI The Marlins may be in last place in the National League East but that doesn't mean they've stopped trying to improve their roster. Florida acquired outfielder Mike Cameron in a trade with the Red Sox on Tuesday. Boston sent an undisclosed amount of money to help pay for Cameron's remaining salary while the Marlins will send a player to be named later or cash considerations to complete the deal. "We've been trying to add some veteran presence here to help with some of our younger guys here in the second half," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "We just thought it made sense so we got on the phone with Theo (Epstein) and the Red Sox and worked through it and hopefully he will be here tomorrow." The 38-year-old was batting just .149 with three home runs and nine RBI in 94 at-bats with the Red Sox, but Beinfest believes Cameron still has some productive baseball left in him. "He's had irregular at-bats the last year and a half," Beinfest said. "We think that maybe with a little more playing time that it could come back. We saw him in spring training, and he looked good. He had a pretty good spring. I can't tell you exactly what was going on over there. We'll see what we have." Beinfest said the Marlins were interested in Cameron from the minute the Red Sox designated him for assignment on June 30. Marlins manager Jack McKeon was one of several who gave glowing reports of what Cameron could add to a team. "Jack knows him well from his days in Cincinnati and loved him," Beinfest said. "He's a high character guy and a great teammate. All the reports were positive." Beyond on-field contributions, Cameron is viewed as an asset to a young Marlins clubhouse. The 17-year veteran is highly respected around the league, and Beinfest expects him to instantly take on a leadership role. "I think you're looking for production and we think this guy can help us," Beinfest said. "The byproduct beyond the production is the addition to the team because he can be a leader, a professional and be helpful in the clubhouse. I don't believe we have an issue in the clubhouse but I think he is a positive addition." While Cameron has not been an everyday player since 2009, the Marlins have not ruled out the possibility of making him their starting center fielder. Cameron's role has yet to be defined, but it seems like he will get an opportunity to get significant playing time. "I think we're going to get a feel for that," Beinfest said. "He can give LoMo, Petersen and Mike a day off. I think Jack is going to get a feel for it once he gets here on how to mix and match him in. I don't know if it will be a straight platoon or if he's going to be able to spell all three spots."