If Juan Encarnacion does not come back, will it be Jeremy Hermida playing right field? -- Alvardo G., Atlanta

 

It sure looks that way. Based on the solid season Encarnacion had, the veteran should attract interest on the free agent market. Hermida, the club's first-round pick in 2002, is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the league. Should he live up to expectations, the left-handed-hitting right fielder could be in the mix for National League Rookie of the Year. In the final few games of 2005, Hermida provided some spark. Of course, he started his career with a blast, becoming the first player in 107 years to belt a grand slam in his first Major League at-bat.

 

Is there any more talk about getting a new stadium? -- Sarah A., Boynton Beach, Fla.

 

Stadium talk has been very quiet for a while. The team hasn't made any public comments in months. That is likely to change now that the World Series is over. From all indications, the current proposal has hit some major snags, with the city of Miami, Miami-Dade County and the Marlins all proclaiming they have stretched their resources as far as they can. It could get interesting once the team makes some public comments.

 

What's the bullpen looking like for next year based on the existing talent within the organization? -- Keith S., Philadelphia

 

Excellent question. The answer is isn't entirely clear at this point, but a revamping is set to occur. There is no guarantee that Todd Jones will return as the closer. Based on his splendid season, he promises to garner a lot of interest as a free agent. Guillermo Mota had an off season, and while he is eligible for arbitration, he, too, may not return. Ron Villone is under contract, and he wants to return. Chris Resop has a high upside, and getting some valuable experience should help. Randy Messenger, like Resop, has a lively arm. They both will get a strong look. Antonio Alfonseca would like to return. How he holds up physically is an issue.

 

What happened to continuity? Keeping players together equals success. -- Jorge P., Deerfield Beach, Fla.

 

I'm not sure I agree with you on this one. The '05 Marlins were a flawed team, with weaknesses of a spotty bullpen and a lack of timely hitting. All teams tweak and change from year to year. Yes, I don't like completely turning over a roster year-to-year, but players have up and down years. Because of the Marlins' economic situation, they can't give natural raises to every player and retain the entire starting lineup. Several key players had down years, and who is to say they automatically will improve again? No one knows.

 

Often, change is necessary. Look at a team like the Yankees. They just had the highest payroll in the history of the game, and yet their roster is dramatically different from their 2003 World Series team. From that 2003 team, the Yankees lost starting pitchers Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, David Wells, Jeff Weaver and Jose Contreras, who started some in '03. Yet, the Yankees were able to win their division. Granted, they didn't win the World Series this season, but they reached the postseason.

 

The Marlins are a team that must rely on making sound baseball decisions, because they don't have a lot of room for error when awarding a large salary. I look for a number of key players to return, while the team gets creative in trying to find new talent. The Marlins are now two years removed from winning the World Series, and the current roster got stale.Will the Marlins keep Mike Lowell? I heard they could try to package Lowell and Luis Castillo in a deal. -- Michael B., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

 

 

I don't think Castillo will be moved. Lowell had a bad year, and he will be the first to admit it. Based on his salary, he may be moved. A lot depends on which direction the team is headed. If the Marlins make a point to get younger, a good number of veterans may be headed elsewhere.

 

With a new manager coming in, it may be hard to predict, but do you feel Scott Olsen will be in the rotation in 2006? I feel that he has earned a very long look, at the very least. -- Brad S., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

 

If healthy, Olsen will definitely get a strong look. The left-hander was bothered by an elbow problem much of the second half of the season. He is thin, and there is a concern that he won't hold up over the course of a season. But Olsen showed promise in his brief stay with the Marlins. Many feel he will have a bright future, but for pitchers, it is a matter of when. It's tough to predict when they will figure everything out.

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...t=.jsp&c_id=fla

This isn't anything new. Frisaro and other beat writers have suggested Mota was going to be traded since the original falling out between McKeon and Mota. With McKeon out of the picture, I don't see it happening. Mota had no previous history of problems with coaches or teammates.

Mota has the ability to be a very good reliever. He was solid in LA and could be solid here too under a new coaching staff. I would like to see us keep him. He's relatively inexpensive and plenty pf upside.

Mota has the ability to be a very good reliever. He was solid in LA and could be solid here too under a new coaching staff. I would like to see us keep him. He's relatively inexpensive and plenty pf upside.

 

 

I agree.

If Mota stays, don't let him close or pitch 2 innings each game