---Four Marlins filed for free agency --- OF Luis Gonzalez, C Paul Lo Duca, LHP Mark Hendrickson and LHP Arthur Rhodes. Rhodes is the only one in that group for whom the Marlins are considering a contract offer.
"We are still talking internally. I wouldn't rule anything out," baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said. --RHP Kevin Gregg underwent successful surgery in late October on his troublesome lefty knee. He should be ready for spring training, but it probably won't be with the Marlins. The team is actively shopping Gregg.
--The team spoke last week with the Texas Rangers about C Max Ramirez, who hit .354 with 17 home runs in 243 at-bats with Class AA Frisco (Texas) this year.
--Florida has considered the possibility of acquiring free agent RHP Carl Pavano, a former Marlin who severed ties with the Yankees. Pavano has been a favorite of Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, but a return to Florida seems unlikely as the Marlins rotation looks to be set. Pavano won 18 games for Florida in 2004 before leaving for free agency.
--A year ago this time, the Marlins made it a priority to acquire veteran leadership before signing OF Luis Gonzalez and trading midseason for INF Wes Helms. "Now our guys are older and more established," baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said, explaining how there's less of a need for veteran players. Gonzalez is not expected to return, but the Marlins signed Helms to a two-year contract.
BY THE NUMBERS: .239 -- SS Hanley Ramirez's batting average this year with runners in scoring position.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "When you are talking about winning with pitching, it's not only starting pitching, it's also the bullpen." -- Larry Beinfest, Marlins baseball operations president.
