--The Marlins had left the door open to the possibility of re-signing RHP Joe Nelson, who was not tendered a contract earlier this month. But that door closed Dec. 24 when Nelson signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Nelson posted a 2.00 ERA in 54 innings for the Marlins in 2009.
--With RHP Josh Johnson signing a one-year contract, the Marlins now have eight remaining arbitration-eligible players to sign: 2B Dan Uggla, 3B Jorge Cantu, RF Jeremy Hermida, OF Alfredo Amezaga, OF Cody Ross, RHP Ricky Nolasco, RHP Logan Kensing and INF Dallas McPherson. --The Marlins will be among teams watching a throwing session in January by free agent RHP Derrick Turnbow, a former All-Star closer with Milwaukee who is trying to come back from arm and shoulder issues. Florida could offer Turnbow a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training. For now, the closer's job belongs to RHP Matt Lindstrom.
--It was only a formality, but pitching coach Mark Wiley already made the first move in getting his pitchers ready for spring training. Wiley said he has called all of his pitchers to see how they're doing. And in the first week in December, he sent them instructions for their offseason throwing programs. Spring training starts Feb. 14, but many pitchers are expected to show up in January for informal workouts.
--The Marlins get a cameo in the movie "Marley & Me," released on Christmas Day. One scene features the dog running on the field at Dolphin Stadium, with actors Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston leaping from the bleachers on the third base side and giving chase.
The shots were filmed during a Marlins-Padres game on May 2, before the start of the ninth inning. The Marlins won 6-4, backed by two home runs from 2B Dan Uggla.
BY THE NUMBERS: 19 -- Career wins for RHP Josh Johnson, who went 7-1 in 2008 after coming back in midseason from Tommy John surgery.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I was thinking of going out and tackling the dog while they were out there, but I didn't know if I'd get arrested." -- 2B Dan Uggla, joking about the scene in "Marley & Me" filmed during a Marlins game 2, when the dog ran on the field and was chased by actors Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.
