The Marlins enter the offseason with 15 arbitration-eligible players, and not all will be signed. Except for SS Hanley Ramirez, the infield could be overhauled with the possible trades of 1B Mike Jacobs and 2B Dan Uggla, two arbitration-eligible players who might not fit into the team's budget because they could command a combined $6 million. The rotation is intact, but there could be changes to the bullpen.
BIGGEST NEEDS: With a strong starting staff expected next year, the Marlins need to improve their defense, especially in the infield. Upgrades will be considered at second base and first base. The team will shop for a starting catcher unless John Baker is given a shot in spring training. With RHP Kevin Gregg expected to be traded for budget reasons, the team must decide if RHP Matt Lindstrom can close. FREE AGENTS: OF Luis Gonzalez, C Paul Lo Duca, LHP Arthur Rhodes, LHP Mark Hendrickson.
Now that INF Wes Helms has re-signed with the Marlins, Rhodes is the most likely guy to get a contract offer. The team will shop for a catcher to work with Baker next year, but it won't be Lo Duca. The emergence of RHP Chris Volstad and return of RHP Josh Johnson and RHP Anibal Sanchez leaves no room for Hendrickson.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 2B Dan Uggla, RHP Kevin Gregg, LHP Scott Olsen, RHP Ricky Nolasco, 1B Mike Jacobs, LF Josh Willingham, 3B Jorge Cantu, RF Jeremy Hermida, CF Cody Ross, INF Alfredo Amezaga, RHP Josh Johnson, C Matt Treanor, RHP Joe Nelson, RHP Logan Kensing, 3B Dallas McPherson.
Johnson, Nolasco and Cantu are the most likely players with whom the team will go to arbitration. Olsen and Gregg are not expected to be back. Treanor also could get traded. McPherson could get a shot at third base or first base.
IN LIMBO: LHP Scott Olsen, 1B Mike Jacobs and 2B Dan Uggla are the likeliest trade targets; LF Josh Willingham, RF Jeremy Hermida and C Matt Treanor also could be moved. All are arbitration-eligible players.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Matt Treanor was scheduled to undergo surgery Oct. 1 to repair three muscle tears in his left hip.
RHP Henry Owens, who had right shoulder surgery in August 2007, hopes to compete in spring training for a bullpen spot.
