The Marlins have 11 arbitration-eligible players, and not all will be signed. 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).
DEPARTURE: 1B Mike Jacobs (traded to Royals), OF Josh Willingham (traded to Nationals), LHP Scott Olsen (traded to Nationals), RHP Kevin Gregg (traded to Cubs).
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 Ricky Nolasco, 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. Treanor also could get traded. 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 and C Matt Treanor also could be moved. All are arbitration-eligible players.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Matt Treanor had surgery Oct. 1 to repair three muscle tears in his left hip. He should be ready for the start of spring training.
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.
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