A possible infield overhaul began with the trade for 2B Emilio Bonifacio. Changes to the rotation and bullpen have already begun, too.
BIGGEST NEEDS: 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. ARRIVALS: RHP Leo Nunez (trade with Royals), LHP Dan Meyer (claimed off waivers from A's), 2B Emilio Bonifacio (trade with Nationals), RHP Jose Ceda (trade with Cubs), LHP Zach Kroenke (Rule 5 selection from Yankees).
DEPARTURES: 1B Mike Jacobs (traded to Royals), OF Josh Willingham (traded to Nationals), LHP Scott Olsen (traded to Nationals), RHP Kevin Gregg (traded to Cubs), RHP Doug Waechter (free agent, signed with Royals), LHP Arthur Rhodes (free agent, signed with Reds).
FREE AGENTS: OF Luis Gonzalez, C Paul Lo Duca, LHP Mark Hendrickson, C Matt Treanor, RHP Joe Nelson (non-tendered).
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. Treanor was released, as he would have been arbitration-eligible.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 2B Dan Uggla, RHP Ricky Nolasco, 3B Jorge Cantu, RF Jeremy Hermida, CF Cody Ross, INF Alfredo Amezaga, RHP Logan Kensing, 3B Dallas McPherson.
Nolasco and Cantu are the most likely players with whom the team will go to arbitration. McPherson could get a shot at third base or first base.
IN LIMBO: LHP 2B Dan Uggla is the likeliest trade target; RF Jeremy Hermida also could be moved. Both are arbitration-eligible players.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Henry Owens, who had right shoulder surgery in August 2007, hopes to compete in spring training for a bullpen spot.
OF Brett Carroll suffered a broken wrist in November when he was hit by a pitch in winter ball, but he is expected to be ready for spring training.
