Jan. 21--Dan Uggla is due a big raise. The question is: How big?
It probably will be left up to an independent arbiter to provide the answer after Uggla and the Marlins couldn't hash out a contract agreement on their own before a league deadline Tuesday. The two-time All-Star, who has hit 90 home runs in his three seasons with the Marlins, is asking for $5.35 million. The Marlins have offered $4.4 million. Uggla made $417,000 last season.
Since the Marlins refuse to negotiate further once figures are exchanged, an arbiter will pick one of the two amounts after a hearing in February.
The Marlins last went to salary arbitration in 2007 when they beat Kevin Gregg but lost to Miguel Cabrera.
Although Uggla's 2009 contract remained in limbo, three players who were eligible for salary arbitration worked out deals Tuesday before the noon deadline.
Agreeing to one-year contracts were starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco for $2.4 million, outfielder Cody Ross for $2.225 million and backup infielder Alfredo Amezaga for $1.3 million.
Each of the three deals included bonus incentives based on performance.
"I look forward to what's important, and that's the coming season," Ross said.
Matt Sosnick, who represents Nolasco, said negotiations were tough but fair, and praised Mike Hill and Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' general manager and president of Baseball operations, respectively.
"Mike Hill, to me, has a lot of intellectual integrity," Sosnick said. "Larry Beinfest is the same way. The Marlins take a lot of [criticism] for certain things, but I feel like both of those guys are as direct and honest as you're going to find."
Nolasco was the Marlins' top starter last season, going 15-8. Ross pounded 22 home runs and cemented a regular spot in the lineup. Amezaga is one of the most versatile players in the majors. Since 2007, the Marlins have used him at every position except pitcher and catcher.
On Monday, third baseman Jorge Cantu and outfielder Jeremy Hermida, who also were eligible for salary arbitration, agreed to one-year deals. Cantu will receive $3.5 million next season, and Hermida will get $2.25 million.
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