Proctor spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and struggled in route to a 6.05 E.R.A.   However, Proctor has had Major League success in prior seasons with the New York Yankees and part of the 2007 season with the Dodgers.  In 2006, Proctor had a 3.52 E.R.A in New York and followed that up with 3.65 E.R.A in 2007.     2008 was an injury plagued season for Proctor which no doubt had an effect on his unusually poor season.

Proctor will be expected to fill a middle relief role in a young and mostly revamped bullpen that is expected to have Matt Lindstrom serve as closer.

Jorge Cantu -  The third basemen from 2008 is the most likely choice to come out of Spring Training with a starting job.   With his solid offensive season, it’d be a shock if Cantu was not in the everyday lineup.   That being said, his defense at third was not gold glove caliber by any means and he was often shifted to first base in late inning defensive changes.    With the first base job up for grabs, it seems to make sense for Cantu to start there and play all nine innings rather than shift later in the game.   His defensive liability will be lessened at a much less important position while his important bat will remain in the lineup.   However, the Marlins from all signs would like to see Gaby Sanchez take the First base job which would leave Cantu at Third Base in 2009.

Dallas McPherson - The lefty slugger tore up AAA in 2008 and made it up to the bigs in September where he saw time mainly as a pinch hitter but did have two games in which he played third base.     McPherson has previous Major League experience at third base and could possibly win a starting job in Spring Training.   While third base is an option, the Marlins may feel more comfortable keeping Cantu there and giving McPherson the first base job since Cantu played on the left side for the majority of 2008.   There is a good chance McPherson does make the team out of Spring Training either way but he may turn into a pinch hitter utility player filling in at first and third when needed.

Wes Helms - The veteran who returned to the Marlins shortly after the 2008 season started turned in a respectable season that led to him being inked for two more campaigns.   Besides his ability to pinch hit and fill in at first and third base, Helms provided veteran leadership to a young team.   He’ll be looked at to do this once again and could so increased starts at both first and third depending on who wins the everyday job at each corner.   The chances of Helms winning a starting job at first or third going into the season are slim but a possibility if McPherson and Sanchez both fail to impress.

Alfredo Amezaga -  The Amazing Amezaga should be filling the same role he’s had for the past three seasons in 2009.   That role would be basically anything the Marlins need.   He has seen time at nearly every position with the exception of Pitcher and Catcher in his time as a member of the Fish.    With exceptional defense and a reliable bat, Amezaga will not only see spot starts at these positions but should be a consistent pinch hitter, pinch runner and double switch candidate all season long.   The versatility that Amezaga provides allows Fredi Gonzalez to keep him in games longer than any other bench players as he can be moved around the field as needed.

Emilio Bonifacio -  It is possible Bonifacio, the key player in the Nationals deal this off-season will get a chance to spend some time at Second Base when Dan Uggla needs a day off.    Bonifacio will also be given a look at Third Base and possibly an Outfield spot, as the Marlins try to find a way to give him playing time.    There is a chance that Bonifacio will not make the team for Opening Day as well if the Fish elect to give him starts everyday in the minor leagues.   His roster position is greatly dependent on his production in Spring Training as well as the production of other utility and bench players vying for spots.

Hanley Ramirez - The All-Star Shortstop is rumored to be heading to the third spot in the lineup after spending the majority of his Major League career at the leadoff spot.  This should lead to more runs batted in and more productivity from Ramirez who was already the team’s most potent bat.    The reason for the lineup switch is Cameron Maybin who is taking over Ramirez’s old spot at the top of the lineup.     Defensively, Ramirez improved again in 2008 reducing his error total by two for the second straight season.   Even with this, he commited 22 errors and will look to improve that as the Marlins overall look to improve team defense in 2009.

Alfredo Amezaga -  The Amazing Amezaga should be filling the same role he’s had for the past three seasons in 2009.   That role would be basically anything the Marlins need.   He has seen time at nearly every position with the exception of Pitcher and Catcher in his time as a member of the Fish.    With exceptional defense and a reliable bat, Amezaga will not only see spot starts at these positions but should be a consistent pinch hitter, pinch runner and double switch candidate all season long.   The versatility that Amezaga provides allows Fredi Gonzalez to keep him in games longer than any other bench players as he can be moved around the field as needed.

Robert Andino -  After spending all his time as a Shortstop in the Major Leagues before 2008,  Andino saw time also at 2B, 3B and CF this past season.    Things got off to a quick and great start for Andino who hit a walk-off home run in the second game of the season against the New York Mets.    That blast was the first of his career and he’d add another home run less than a week later.    Andino however started to swing and miss a little too much before being optioned back to the minors.    Being optioned is something Andino no longer has to worry about because he’s out of options.   If Andino does not make the team out of Spring Training, the Marlins will need to waive him and there’s a good chance another team would claim him.   This increases the likelihood Andino will be given a roster spot unless he is traded beforehand as rumors have stated is a possibility.    After showing his versatility in 2008,  Andino would be looked at to do more of the same serving as a backup at Second Base, Third Base, Shortstop and in the Outfield.    He will also be looked to for pinch running duties.

It is possible that Emilio Bonifacio will see some time at Shortstop as well if the Marlins try to keep more speed in the lineup on Ramirez’s days off.   The next Position Analysis will be for Third Base and that is scheduled for December 28th.

Dan Uggla - Another solid season in 2008 gave Uggla his second All-Star Game nod in three Major League seasons and led to him being one of a record setting group of infielders as he crushed 30 home runs and brought home 92 runs.   He carried the team in May putting up a .347 average with 12 home runs and 26 runs batted in.   While Uggla’s defense could still use improvement, he showed a lot of positive signs with the glove.     The starting job is his regardless of his production in Spring Training.   Uggla’s main concern is cutting down on his strikeouts in 2009 as he whiffed 171 times this past season.

Robert Andino -  After spending all his time as a Shortstop in the Major Leagues before 2008,  Andino saw time also at 2B, 3B and CF this past season.    Things got off to a quick and great start for Andino who hit a walk-off home run in the second game of the season against the New York Mets.    That blast was the first of his career and he’d add another home run less than a week later.    Andino however started to swing and miss a little too much before being optioned back to the minors.    Being optioned is something Andino no longer has to worry about because he’s out of options.   If Andino does not make the team out of Spring Training, the Marlins will need to waive him and there’s a good chance another team would claim him.   This increases the likelihood Andino will be given a roster spot unless he is traded beforehand as rumors have stated is a possibility.    After showing his versatility in 2008,  Andino would be looked at to do more of the same serving as a backup at Second Base, Third Base, Shortstop and in the Outfield.    He will also be looked to for pinch running duties.

Alfredo Amezaga -  The Amazing Amezaga should be filling the same role he’s had for the past three seasons in 2009.   That role would be basically anything the Marlins need.   He has seen time at nearly every position with the exception of Pitcher and Catcher in his time as a member of the Fish.    With exceptional defense and a reliable bat, Amezaga will not only see spot starts at these positions but should be a consistent pinch hitter, pinch runner and double switch candidate all season long.   The versatility that Amezaga provides allows Fredi Gonzalez to keep him in games longer than any other bench players as he can be moved around the field as needed.

Emilio Bonifacio -  It is possible Bonifacio, the key player in the Nationals deal this off-season will get a chance to spend some time at Second Base when Dan Uggla needs a day off.    Bonifacio will also be given a look at Third Base and possibly an Outfield spot, as the Marlins try to find a way to give him playing time.    There is a chance that Bonifacio will not make the team for Opening Day as well if the Fish elect to give him starts everyday in the minor leagues.   His roster position is greatly dependent on his production in Spring Training as well as the production of other utility and bench players vying for spots.

There is little chance the Marlins acquire further help with 2B in mind either via free agency or trade before the season.   These should be the only four players spending time at the position in 2009 unless a need arises as the season goes on.

The next Position Analysis will be Shortstop and that is scheduled for December 27, 2008.

Jorge Cantu -  The third basemen from 2008 is the most likely choice to come out of Spring Training with a starting job.   With his solid offensive season, it’d be a shock if Cantu was not in the everyday lineup.   That being said, his defense at third was not gold glove caliber by any means and he was often shifted to first base in late inning defensive changes.    With the first base job up for grabs, it seems to make sense for Cantu to start there and play all nine innings rather than shift later in the game.   His defensive liability will be lessened at a much less important position while his important bat will remain in the lineup.

Dallas McPherson - The lefty slugger tore up AAA in 2008 and made it up to the bigs in September where he saw time mainly as a pinch hitter but did have two games in which he played third base.     McPherson has previous Major League experience at third base and could possibly win a starting job in Spring Training.   While third base is an option, the Marlins may feel more comfortable keeping Cantu there and giving McPherson the first base job since Cantu played on the left side for the majority of 2008.   There is a good chance McPherson does make the team out of Spring Training either way but he may turn into a pinch hitter utility player filling in at first and third when needed.

Gaby Sanchez - One of the Marlins’ highly touted prospects cracked the big leagues in September of 2008 and impressed in his eight at bats where he had three hits including two doubles.   If Cantu keeps his job at third base, Sanchez would be the most likely new starting first basemen.     His chances of winning the first base job rely heavily on what the Marlins do with Cantu.    With a good Spring, Sanchez could pressure the Fish into giving him the chance to show what he can do on an everyday basis in the big leagues.    Prior to Spring training, Sanchez is considered the odds on favorite to win the first base job as he is an inexpensive option and has already shown what he can do in the minor leagues.

Wes Helms - The veteran who returned to the Marlins shortly after the 2008 season started turned in a respectable season that led to him being inked for two more campaigns.   Besides his ability to pinch hit and fill in at first and third base, Helms provided veteran leadership to a young team.   He’ll be looked at to do this once again and could so increased starts at both first and third depending on who wins the everyday job at each corner.   The chances of Helms winning a starting job at first or third going into the season are slim but a possibility if McPherson and Sanchez both fail to impress.

Besides these players, it’s possibly Alfredo Amezaga could see limited action at first base in order to keep him in a game depending on defensive switches and pinch hitters throughout a game he is already in.     It’s unlikely the Marlins will sign anyone in the free agent market for first base and will allow one of the above players win the job and take it over for the 2009 season.

The next position to be analyzed will be Second Base which is scheduled to be posted on December 26th.

Following this signing, the Marlins have eight abitration eligible players remaining to work on deals with.    Those players are Jorge Cantu, Dan Uggla, Jeremy Hermida, Ricky Nolasco Alfredo Amezaga,Logan Kensing, Dallas McPherson and Cody Ross.   These players will need to sign deals soon in order to avoid arbitration hearings.

The Marlins selected LHP Zachary Kroneke from the New York Yankees.    Kroneke was 7-0, 2.85 ERA in 41 relief appearances with 28 BB, 54 K’s last season between AA and AAA.   In the minor league phase of the draft, the Marlins added SS Ryan Klosterman, RHP Brett Harker, and RHP Ronald Hil. Matt Yourkin was taken by the San Francisco Giants and was the only Marlin who was lost during the draft.

With the release of Matt Treanor early Thursday, the Marlins opened up a spot on the 40-man roster which was available for a Rule 5 selection.   Kroneke took that spot vacated by the former Marlins’ catcher.   Players selected are on immediately placed on the new team’s 40 man-roster so if a team has no vacant spots, they are not eligible to select in the draft.

Here is a complete list of the players that were unprotected and available from the Marlins organization in this draft:

Carl Pavano - The former Ace of the Marlins’ staff is available after four miserable seasons with the New York Yankees as he looks to rebuild his career and show he still has something left.   Pavano got along well with the Marlins’ front office in his time with the Expos and the Marlins.    It’s expected that Pavano will need to accept a small contract and there has been rumblings of interest from both Pavano and the Marlins.

Ivan Rodriguez - One of the key components of the 2003 World Series run is available on the market.   Following the championship season five years ago, Pudge elected to sign with the Detroit Tigers were he has played ever since.   While his production is not what it once was, Rodriguez is still a proven leader and is well respected by the Marlins’ front office.   His return depends on how much he is seeking.   Reports have rumored that the Marlins would consider signing Pudge if the price was around $7 million.

Beyond these two former Fish, expect the Marlins to seek a few pieces for the bench and bullpen as they look to replace Arthur Rhodes, Paul Lo Duca, Luis Gonzalez, and Mark Hendrickson who they recently declined arbitration on.  None of these players are likely to return to the team in 2009.   The Marlins will look to replace them via free agency or possible trades by possibly dangling Robert Andino, Alfredo Amezaga, and Jorge Cantu as tradebait.

As of this date, they have restructured the team with their trades. Where many people have painted the moves as a fire sale, I’m one of the people that view the current team as an upgrade in the overall package and ways that they can beat opponents. They have improved the team speed and defense while, although most of the organization may be diplomatic, they rid themselves of 2 poor fielding, injury-prone, position players, with limited offensive skills, who are more suited to be designated hitters; they rid themselves of , although a good young pitching talent, a kid with a troubled past that can easily take steps backward at any time; and finally, they rid themselves of a so-called closer who seemed to put his tail between his legs every time the team needed him in a big game throughout the 2008 season and seemed to show flashes of his lack of guts in his more successful 2007 season in which he pitched in far less playoff caliber games.

With this in mind, it becomes interesting what the Marlins do in the Winter Meetings. They still have a lot of arbitration-eligible players and are reported to still have players that are available as they try to build a playoff caliber team that’s more skilled than the 2008 version, while doing it within their budget. Where many a naysayer, with little to no knowledge of the Marlins, will bash the moves that have been and will be made, those of us that are truly aware of the work of the Marlins’ front office, know that they should be able to successfully continue to build the more skilled version.

With all of this said, I’d like to do as all of us fans do and offer my opinions of what the Marlins should do during the meetings.

First, as much as I like the restructuring of the lineup, there seems to be just one little tweak needed. The Marlins need a true #2 batter in the lineup. As of this date, who is going to be the Marlins second batter? We know that Hermida isn’t the guy, Uggla (even with his past success) does not help this team as much batting second as he helps the team when he bats behind our cleanup hitter (Cantu?) in the fifth or sixth spot, and the favorite, John Baker, isn‘t the ideal type of player for the role of a #2 batter. There are reports that Hermida is available and it would be wise that if the Marlins deal him for a position player, it needs to be a player that fits into the #2 slot behind Cameron Maybin and ahead of Hanley Ramirez or don‘t deal Hermida at all. If Hermida is dealt for a non-position player, then it would seem that newly acquired Emilio Bonifacio should find his way into the lineup more often as the need is exposed, but then the question is at what position — does he fill the empty slot and go to a corner outfield spot, go to second base while getting creative with the lesser defensively skilled Uggla, or does he leap into being the favorite to win the job at third base? No matter what action is taken to fill the #2 slot in the lineup, the Marlins need to address it to finish restructuring the lineup for the 2009 season.

The next thing that the Marlins need to look at is our catching situation. John Baker is a nice player to have in the starting role, but he currently isn’t a serious playoff caliber catcher unless he’s on a team that is loaded with superstars, which the Marlins aren’t. Now, I’m not saying that we definitely need to make a deal because Baker is solid and can be a serious playoff caliber catcher with more experience and improvement at the professional level and, in addition, there aren’t too many catchers who are potentially available that are “must have” players that would make me jump to take them over Baker, but the situation does need to be looked at. With this said, to address the catcher situation, I talk to only 2 teams to determine their actual desire to move their catchers. With the rumors of the Dodgers willing to deal Russell Martin, I talk to them to see how eager are they and I use Uggla as part of the discussion. If so, I look to make the deal involving Uggla and Baker to land Martin and to see if I can get one of their lefty relievers. If there is no interest on their part, I use the same package and talk to the Indians about their catching surplus that developed last season when Victor Martinez was injured and Kelly Shoppach stepped up and had a fine season. The preference is to see if a deal can be made for Martinez (if he’s 100%) that works for us both talent-wise and financially. If they prefer to part with Shoppach, I take a close look of whether he’s worth the deal instead of just sticking with Baker. Overall, if Martin or Martinez can be had for the right deal, I have to go for it.

Another thing that is reportedly being looked at is the interest in adding a veteran starting pitcher. The name Carl Pavano is out there and some mention of Brad Penny. In this fan’s view, the Marlins should stay clear away from Pavano. They are better off just letting their young guys battle for the 5th spot instead of signing Pavano. As for a pitcher like Penny, it is an intriguing possibility if he is affordable. If not, again, we are better off with the youngsters. If there is any name that I would look at for veteran help, it would be Pedro Martinez, if the price is right. Yes, the thought of this is borderline insane, but if the thought is to give the young guys the chance and look at Martinez as nothing more than a long reliever and spot starter, this could work, if he is interested. He can also serve in his biggest role as a mentor if he is willing and interested in that as well. Even with the expectation for injury, he is the best pitcher available if we looked for these qualities. The only other pitcher that was available and better in this capacity was Greg Maddux, but he is retiring. Overall, the adding of a veteran starter isn’t a major necessity, but if the Marlins’ Front Office is determined to add a veteran starting pitcher, Pedro Martinez can be the right fit, if he comes at the right price.

Finally, the Marlins need to address the situation at second base. As much as Uggla is a good player, his defense leaves alot to be desired (and I’m being kind in this statement). Maybe I’m one of the fans that was spoiled by Luis Castillo, but I prefer to have a second baseman that is closer to him in defensive skill over a player like Uggla that, at times, looks like a younger version of Jeff Kent with some of the defensive misdeeds. My first reaction (as mentioned above) is to see if we can deal Uggla for a top caliber catcher, but if that can’t be done, I’d rather keep him. If Bonifacio or Robert Andino can hit enough to play everyday for a full season, I would consider moving Uggla to third base or even (dare I say it) a corner outfield spot. If that can‘t work, I look to deal him for a quality player at those positions. To make it clear, Uggla is a nice player at second base and I‘m not willing to deal him “just because“, but his defense doesn’t make us a serious playoff team. We may make it in, but poor defense up the middle burns when it is exposed and, for now, Uggla’s defense at second base is where we need the biggest upgrade. Whether the Marlins want to do anything at this position and with Uggla remains to be seen, but either way, at some point, a change is needed.

After addressing these situations, the Marlins should be a strong team in 2009 after making minor moves to their bench and bullpen, which would involve filling the regular supporting needs and, to many fans approval, finishing off with a final addition by subtraction move with the departure of Renyel Pinto.

In closing, it should be interesting to see what the Marlins do with the team from here on out compared to their division rivals. They have a bit of work to go before this team is championship caliber again, but we are getting to the point where we have a structure that can excel with the right tweaking and complimentary moves.

This is a view from the stands.

Gonzalez signed with the Marlins last off-season for the purpose of serving as a 4th outfielder, pinch hitter, and veteran leader.  He quickly became the starting left fielder however when Josh Willingham went down with an injury for an extended period of time.    The veteran outfielder did an admirable job but is likely to price himself out of the Marlins’ range for 2009.  There are also rumblings he could head to the American League so that he can be a Designated Hitter.   It’s unlikely he returns to the Fish.

Arthur Rhodes came over from Seattle in a Trade Deadline deal that saw prospect Gaby Hernandez head to the Mariners.  The move was made to bolster the Marlins bullpen for the stretch run and fill a glaring gap of a left handed specialist.    Rhodes only allowed one earned run in his time with the Fish and had a 0.68 E.R.A.    There is a possibility the Marlins will re-sign Rhodes but it is dependent on the offers he gets from other teams around the league.   It’s unlikely the Fish would be interested in giving the lefty the multi-year contract he may be seeking.

Paul Lo Duca returned to the Marlins franchise in August after he signed a minor league deal.   He played 21 games in the majors hitting an impressive .294 while backing up John Baker at catcher.   It is possible the Marlins will re-sign Lo Duca to serve as their backup catcher but it is dependent on the offers he recieves as well as the Marlins’ ability to acquire another catcher.

Mark Hendrickson was signed to be the veteran on a young pitching staff and wound up being the Opening Day Starter.   After starting the season  well, the tall lefty wound up losing his starting job and worked out of the bullpen.   It is unlikely the Marlins will seek to bring Hendrickson back.