Creating a logjam of infielders and raising questions over the fate of All-Star Dan Uggla, the Marlins acquired second baseman Emilio Bonifacio in a five-player trade with the Nationals.
Washington got left fielder Josh Willingham and left-hander Scott Olsen, while Florida received Bonifacio and two minor-leaguers. Uggla could command $5 million in arbitration after hitting 32 home runs. But Florida's initial plans call for trying Bonifacio this spring at third base, a position he has never played.
The Marlins won't say definitively that Uggla will be back, but the team has said it likes the defensive chemistry created by Uggla and shortstop Hanley Ramirez. And indications are the team is ready to pay his arbitration salary.
Bonifacio isn't even a lock to make the team. He has a slick glove and has been groomed for second base. He has above-average speed.
But he hit just .248 with no homers and 12 RBIs in 41 games for Washington after being traded from Arizona -- hardly ideal numbers for a corner infielder. He's a switch hitter, but he went just 7-for-43 (.163) as a right-handed batter.
"We do see him as an everyday guy," Marlins baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said. "Whether that's the first week in April or soon thereafter, it's up to Emilio. We traded some good players to get him."
Jorge Cantu could end up at first base, with Wes Helms or Dallas McPherson at third.
