The Marlins might not grab the headlines like they did at last year's winter meetings, but they expect to be busy in Las Vegas.

Last year, they traded two of their top stars -- Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis -- to Detroit. Baseball operations president Larry Beinfest won't tip his hand about what might happen this year, but the team has actively been searching for a catcher and an outfielder over the last several weeks in what has already been a busy winter.

Florida already has traded four arbitration-eligible players -- first baseman Mike Jacobs, left fielder Josh Willingham, left-hander Scott Olsen and right-hander Kevin Gregg. That leaves the Marlins with 11 arbitration players, which still represents an economic burden on a small-market team.

The team has been shopping right fielder Jeremy Hermida and catcher Matt Treanor. Florida has expressed interest in free agent right-hander Carl Pavano and is considering a run a free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who played a key role in Florida's 2003 championship team, would serve as the starter and mentor to catcher John Baker.

Florida also has a hole to fill in left field, although Cody Ross is in position to win that job if another player is not brought in.

"I anticipate we will be active in Las Vegas," Beinfest said.

But the Marlins, in keeping with their tradition, will only make trades that make economic sense for the organization. Beinfest has already said the organization feels good about the current roster.

"We could go play right now as is and feel good about the team," he said.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.