Where can we get a list of the names of the songs that play when each of the Marlins go up to bat at home? -- Dana S., Boynton Beach, Fla.

 

Joe Frisaro: Players' songs are an interesting and popular topic among fans. Here is some information on those songs, dug up by the Marlins' public relations staff.

 

Miguel Cabrera: Jay-Z, "Dirt Off Your Shoulder"

Luis Castillo: Wolfpac theme (WCW wrestling music)

Jeff Conine: Metallica

Juan Encarnacion: Don Omar, "Dale Don Dale"

Alex Gonzalez: Oscar de Leon

Paul Lo Duca: George Thorogood, "Bad To The Bone"

Mike Lowell: DMX, "Party Up"

Juan Pierre: Archie, "We Ready"

 

Why didn't Jeff Conine play the final two games of the season? Will he be traded or does his contract run out during the offseason? Or will the Marlins keep Conine for 2005? -- Jessica V., Miami Gardens, Fla."

 

JF: Conine was given the final two games off because he wasn't feeling well. Playing 30 games in 27 days and all the travel caught up physically to a number of players, with some catching colds. Conine's stomach was bothering him, and because the Marlins had no shot at passing the Phillies in the standings, he was given those days off. He is under contract for 2005, and plans now are for him to start the season at first base. First base coach Perry Hill believes Conine will receive Gold Glove attention at first, although winning it will be difficult as long as Derrek Lee is in the league.

 

Who/what position will or should be the Marlins' biggest priority to acquire in the offseason? What are the chances that Carl Pavano will remain a Marlin? -- Mallory O., Gainesville, Fla.

 

JF: The roster needs more balance and offensive punch. Not since Cliff Floyd was traded in July 2002 have the Marlins had a lefty bat capable of 25-plus home runs. Hee-Seop Choi had the potential, but he was dealt to the Dodgers. The logical spots for a lefty power hitter are first base and a corner outfield slot, depending on whether Mike Lowell returns. If Lowell doesn't, Miguel Cabrera moves to third and the Marlins search for a left-handed bat to fill in at left field.

 

As for Pavano, this is a popular question from a number of fans. Will he return? It's possible if the Marlins make a competitive offer, which probably will have to be at least three years at around $8 million a season. If the bidding is higher, it's doubtful he will return.

 

Why haven't we heard from management that Paul Lo Duca and Juan Encarnacion failed to live up to expectations? Ignoring what that front-line starter and young first baseman did or did not do after leaving the Marlins, Lo Duca, Guillermo Mota and Encarnacion failed to take the team to the playoffs. They didn't bring the team any closer to playoff contention than, say, a David Dellucci, Steve Finley or any number of bats available at the deadline would have. Are the Marlins still considering re-signing Lo Duca? I hope not. Josh Willingham looks like a stud and there are much better bats available for $6-7 million. -- Ricky, Washington D.C.

 

JF: In all honesty, you think Lo Duca and Encarnacion "failed" the team? Let's not lose sight of the fact the team was two games under .500 on Aug. 4 (52-54) and on Sept. 14 they were a season-best 11-games over (76-65). Lo Duca, Encarnacion and Mota were big reasons for the rise of the club. What did the team in was inconsistent offense, some injuries to starters, a bullpen that wasn't deep enough for too long and eventually the hurricanes that caused the revamping of the September schedule. Playing three doubleheaders in 11 days and having no time off over the final 27 days wore everyone down. Encarnacion played hurt all season, and every scout in the league knew his swing was off. He's about to have surgery. Mota pitched too many innings. Finley said he wouldn't accept a trade to the Marlins. As much as you want to knock Lo Duca, catchers are difficult to find. Very tough. It's highly likely he returns. Defensively, Willingham is not ready to go every day in the big leagues. Thanks for your e-mail; you hit on topics reflected by a number of readers.

 

Do you think the Marlins are going to keep Wil Cordero and/or Billy Koch next year? If so, how much would each cost them? Also, is Chad Fox ever going to pitch again or is he done? If he returns next year how much would he likely cost them? -- Bruce S., Coral Springs, Fla.

 

JF: Koch still has a strong arm and can fling a 95 mph fastball, but his command and control have been off. Unfortunately, personal reasons caused him to miss the final month of the season. Foremost, he will make sure all is well at home, and then he can prepare for next season. If he does return, it is likely for near the minimum salary. He needs to correct his mechanics. Cordero was injured all season and playing time doesn't seem to be here with Conine at first. So it is doubtful he will return. As for Fox, a comeback attempt could be risky. He's had three major surgeries and why risk another when he has a whole life after baseball to consider? Should he give it a shot, money wouldn't be an issue in bringing him back.

 

Will Carl Pavano be back next season, or will he sign as a free agent to another team? Also, will Mike Lowell be back next season as well, since it doesn't look like the Marlins are going to get a new stadium agreed on by Nov. 1? -- Jeff S., Tallahassee, Fla.

 

JF: Will Pavano, Lowell and Armando Benitez be back? As you might expect, these three names are the ones most often brought up regarding 2005. I addressed Pavano in an earlier question. Keep in mind, he is a free agent, so the decision is entirely his. Even if the Marlins make a strong push, he may seek a change. Lowell's situation more confusing. If the Nov. 1 deadline passes without a new stadium deal in place, the three-time All-Star has the option to stay for $7.5 million or test the free-agent waters. Ideally, Lowell would like to stay, and he is popular with management. I think we'll know this answer a week or two before Nov. 1. Like Pavano, Benitez is a free agent. Considering his record-setting season, and the demand for closers, he will seek to make as much money as possible.

 

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

 

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He also said there was no new news on the stadium. :plain

Speaking of Billy Koch, if he does return it's going to be interesting to see how he does with a new pitching coach, might turn him around.

hahahah its obvious jack sat steve because steve was exactly at 80 rbis and .280 avg. he plays those 2 last games and u kno that avg will be a .270 something and its not as pretty. jack was lookin out for jeff