The talk has been that the Marlins need a left-handed power hitter. What is the possibility that the Marlins could get a big-time left-handed hitter, like Carlos Beltran, or another left-handed hitter?

-- Eric S., Miami

The process for filing for free agency has just begun, so to name specific players is purely speculative. If we've learned anything about how the Marlins operate, however, it is that they tend to target someone and then quietly go about trying to get him. Many were caught off guard by the Paul Lo Duca trade in late July. Obviously, a superstar like Beltran would be a great building block, but the money he is expected to make on the open market will likely be out of the Marlins' range. A more realistic left-handed option would be someone like Jeromy Burnitz or a player of similar skills.

 

Will relief pitcher Tim Spooneybarger be back in the bullpen for the 2005 season? How much progress has he made in recovering from Tommy John surgery?-- Jennifer W., Tallahassee

 

All indications are that Spooneybarger should be ready to go from day one in Spring Training. He had hoped to pitch in September, but had a couple of setbacks.

 

It's common for those who have had Tommy John surgery to overcome obstacles on their road to recovery. A.J. Burnett had some torn scar tissue last Spring Training, which pushed his return to July instead of early June, as he had hoped. As a relief pitcher, Spooneybarger won't have to build up to throwing 100 pitches, like a starter would. In talking with him during the season, I sensed that he will be highly motivated in 2005. If he can stay healthy, I think he can be a big help in a setup role.

 

Will Armando Benitez be back, or will we use Guillermo Mota?-- Lauren, Miami

Without question, Benitez proved a number of critics wrong with his record-setting 2004 season. Because he was so effective and so dominating, "Big Papi" (as he was called by teammates) will be in demand as a free agent. He signed for $3.5 million last year, and will likely look to be well compensated in 2005.

 

In addition to yearly salary, a major consideration will be how many years Benitez is looking for -- two, three? If Benitez does leave, Mota becomes the front-runner to assume the closer role. But that creates a void in the setup role.

 

So the options appear to be these: Sign Benitez, make Mota the closer, or add as much bullpen help as possible. That may mean bringing in another experienced closer, or handing the ball to Mota and hoping that someone like Spooneybarger is healthy and effective enough to be a primary setup reliever.

 

Going into the '05 baseball season, there are a lot of good Marlins going into the free agent market. Many say that we will see Carl Pavano, Paul Lo Duca and Mike Lowell, but maybe not Armando Benitez or Juan Encarnacion (due to his $4.45 million salary). Will Encarnacion be coming back to the Marlins this coming season? Also, how about the pinch-hitters? I noticed all of them but Chris Aguila are on the free agent list. Do you think there is a chance Damion Easley could be coming back?-- Mely, Miami

 

The next few months promise to be interesting and eventful, to say the least. Pavano is a free agent, and the team likely will make an offer in hopes of bringing him back. Encarnacion, who is under contract for next season, recently had surgery on his left shoulder. Who knows if he will be packaged in trade talks? If he stays, the Marlins hope he resembles the player who was productive in 2003. Last year is tough to measure, because he was visibly hurt, and his statistics weren't going to look good.

 

Pinch-hitter Lenny Harris is a free agent who likely will return if the team wants him back. With Jack McKeon remaining as manager, it appears that Harris could return. Easley has said that he wants more playing time. If another team offers that, he may leave. Easley did like it here, and may opt to stay if he doesn't find a better option.

 

Are the Marlins in the hunt for Carlos Beltran? Which team has the best chance to sign him? When will we see Jeremy Hermida and Jason Stokes in the Majors?-- Victor J., Miami

 

Beltran is a special talent, and his bargaining position has never been better. A year ago, the Marlins made an inquiry to sign Vladimir Guerrero, but ultimately, the Angels made a substantially better offer. The teams that have the best chance to sign Beltran are those that have the deepest pockets. The Marlins have repeatedly said that they will not allow one player to take up a substantial part of their payroll.

 

As for Hermida, he is the top prospect in the organization, and he could be ready by midseason in 2006. Right now he is doing nicely in the Arizona Fall League, with a grand slam under his belt. He was bothered by a hamstring problem this past season, but his makeup has impressed many scouts, and he is a left-handed hitter with some pop. Look for him to begin the season at Double-A Carolina.

 

Stokes has the most power potential in the organization. Some say he can have Jim Thome-like home run numbers, though he will strike out a bit. A hand/wrist problem has nagged him on and off for a couple of seasons, and it looks as if he is at least one full season away.

 

 

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

the Marlins made an inquiry to sign Vladimir Guerrero, but ultimately, the Angels made a substantially better offer.607848[/snapback]

 

Our offer to Vlad was an insult.