MIAMI – According to a former Major League Baseball general manager, the Marlins will soon sign Alex Rodriguez and have him play first base.

Jim Bowden, now an ESPN analyst, made his statement this morning on the MLB Network's "Inside Pitch" radio show.

"This thing's going to happen, so prepare yourself," Bowden said.

Bowden, who previously served as GM for the Reds and Nationals, backtracked off his previous claim that no one will ever pick up Rodriguez and that he'll never play in the majors again.

"They're going to put him at first base," Bowden said. "They believe he can be an upgrade over Chris Johnson who's hitting a booming .227."

However, a spokesman for Rodriguez put the brakes on the 3-time American League MVP playing again this season.

"I want to put all this talk to rest about Alex playing for any team this season. It's not happening," said Ron Berkowitz. "Like he said Friday night, he is happy and he is going to take some time to relax and hang with his family and friends."

A Miami-native, Rodriguez played his final game for the New York Yankees last Friday. The team released him immediately afterwards, making Rodriguez a free agent.

The Marlins have a need for some power in their line-up after losing Giancarlo Stanton for the remainder of the season due to a left groin injury.

Rodriguez, who must clear waivers on Monday before the Marlins could sign him, is just four home runs short of the reaching 700 career home runs.