Is Salesforce on the Block?

SAN FRANCISCO -- Look for Salesforce.com's(CRM Quote) earnings report late Wednesday to fuel rampant speculation that the company will be sold this year.

That figures to happen, regardless of whether the company's fourth-quarter growth beats the Street or disappoints.

As unsubstantiated rumors began to swirl this month that Salesforce had put itself on the block, the stock rose nearly 8% Feb. 11 and has remained above its Feb. 8 close of $50.87.

According to the central rumor, based on one thin report blogged on Feb. 9 by Tom Foremski of SiliconValleyWatcher.com, CEO Marc Benioff has grown bored and will sell from a position of strength. ...