The absence of the three infielders at Marlins camp will give Robert Andino a chance at more playing time. Andino, a backup shortstop, is out of options, so the Marlins will try to trade him by the end of camp unless he wins a backup spot.

Infielder Dallas McPherson also is out of options. If he doesn't prove he deserves a spot this spring, the Marlins will try to trade him, too. With Cantu at the WBC, McPherson can expect lots of playing time at first base and third base.

Lindstrom will open the season as Florida's closer, a job he's never had full-time. But the Marlins aren't concerned that his WBC participation will hinder his preparation to take over in the ninth inning this season.

"I'm not real worried about the pitchers because they're on pitch counts and you can't use them on certain days. They're pretty strict," manager Fredi Gonzalez said of WBC officials. "They're going to get their work in. Our job is to get those guys ready and get them in shape for when they go there. If we do that it, minimizes the chance of them getting hurt."

Meanwhile, the Marlins are gearing up to play for the first time against Ramirez. Florida is scheduled to play the Dominican Republic on March 3.

"They're going to have a chance to know who I am when I get to home plate," Ramirez said with a wink. "They're going to know I don't play around."