Fredi Gonzalez had only been introduced as Marlins manager a few minutes earlier when he faced the first hard question of his fresh tenure.

 

Was he confident Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera would be part of his roster in 2007?

"Yes," Gonzalez answered, quickly and firmly.

 

It won't be easy for the Marlins to retain both young stars and still keep their payroll in the same neighborhood as this year's $19.4 million (including deferred and pro-rated payments).

 

Through arbitration, Willis is expected to receive a raise to about $7.5 million while Cabrera's salary could rocket into the $5 million range. Together they earned a combined $4.82 million this season.

 

It would cost about $28 million (including deferrals) to keep this year's 78-win team together. However, with attrition, the elimination of some previous obligations and some of their vaunted creativity the Marlins front office believes it can hold the duo together for at least one more season.

 

"I think for sure Dontrelle is there [in 2007]," said a source familiar with the Marlins' thinking. "Anything is possible, but I think he and [Cabrera] will be back. Right now they are a big part of where the Marlins are going."

 

Don't look for the Marlins to commit to a multiyear contract for either player until their stadium situation is resolved. Even then they would be averse to any deals that don't buy out at least one year of potential free agency, General Manager Admin Beinfest said.

 

But Beinfest also made clear how much the organization values the contributions of the two homegrown stars who began their careers with a shared World Series title in 2003 and have kept the Marlins competitive in each subsequent year.

 

"I think we recognize the production and the talent level of Miguel and Dontrelle," Beinfest said. "We recognize what we have in these two guys. They're stars."

 

And while Beinfest said, "You never want to say never" when it comes to possible trades, he doesn't sound in any hurry to end this profitable pairing.

 

"Miguel's production the last 3? years has just been incredible," Beinfest said. "Dontrelle is a very special player in a lot of ways. It's just not wins and losses or his innings pitched. It's a lot of different things that he brings that makes him such a special player. We recognize what they mean to this organization and this team, and we'll see what happens."

 

The answer on Willis in particular could change by midseason next year if the Marlins aren't in contention and there's no stadium on the way. His salary figures to climb past $10 million in 2008, at which point top pitching prospects such as Chris Volstad, Gaby Hernandez, Brett Sinkbeil, Sean West and Aaron Thompson could be ready.

 

Rather than dangle Willis and Cabrera this winter to fill gaping holes in center field and in their bullpen, the Marlins could instead package up a few arms from their deep stash of young pitching. Renyel Pinto, Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia figure to top that list.

 

First baseman Mike Jacobs, who offered below-average defense and tailed off badly at the plate in the second half, also could go in the right deal.

 

Don't look for the Marlins to pursue a center fielder via free agency, so shelve those thoughts of a Juan Pierre reunion. Instead, the Marlins will pursue a trade for a budding two-way player with low service time.

 

Brian Anderson (White Sox), Willy Tavares (Astros) and Matt Kemp (Dodgers) all interest the Marlins, according to baseball sources. The Devil Rays' Rocco Baldelli, signed to a below-market deal through at least 2008, might be available in the right deal.

 

The Devil Rays showed interest in Ricky Nolasco last spring, and his inconsistency could prompt the Marlins to part with the 11-game winner if it means getting Baldelli, who will make $750,000 next year.

 

As for relievers, the Marlins will try to re-sign closer Joe Borowski but realize his market could go beyond their means. Signing a few discounted veterans in the $500,000 range is a more likely strategy, and impressive rookie Taylor Tankersley could slide from the eighth to the ninth inning.

 

Free-agent Brian Moehler's $1.5 million will come off the books as will the last $2 million the Marlins paid Pudge Rodriguez in 2006. Free agent infielder Wes Helms ($800,000) could give way to a cheaper option, as could arbitration-eligible catcher Miguel Olivo, who projects to make $1 million next year, and reliever Matt Herges ($700,000).

 

On the flip side, the payments to former Marlins Carlos Delgado ($2 million) and Al Leiter ($1.25 million) will increase enough to keep the team's deferred payments at the same $3.25 million level.

 

There's also the matter of fired manager Joe Girardi, whom the Marlins could owe up to an estimated $750,000 each of the next two seasons if he's not hired elsewhere.

 

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-spm...la-sports-front

I'm glad he feels d-train and miggy will be back next year

but i still don't trust the two carpet baggers.

baldelli would be nice

 

jacobs + nolasco for baldelli?

It would make zero sense to trade Pinto and Garcia for a CFer and then have to trade more players to fill their spots. While Garcia might be a half season away, his work in September got better and better with a 1.26 era, while Pinto (and I almost feel out of my chair when I looked up his numbers for Sept., which were 10 appearances, 0.00 ERA, 7.1 IP, 11 SO) looks like a lock for years to come.

 

I have no idea where all the parties will wind up in arbitration, or in a settlement before arby, but until today it seems to me the number I've seen most for Dontrelle was about $6 million for 2007 and $4.5 million for Cabrera, who regardless of how talented he is, and he is, this is his first year of arbitration.

 

Mike's contention, implied but not stated is that the Marlins will be having another firesale before next season. Somehow, and maybe if it was written by someone credible, it would be something of concern, but it's Berardino and so it's hard to take this column seriously.

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

Organization. The team is generating plenty of money to keep both and still a make a nice profit. Remember all the millions in revenue sharing Loria is stuffing into his pocket.

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

 

The organization.

 

A's are in no worse situation than we are yet use the system to their advantage to keep Zito, Mulder, Hudson, and later, Crosby, Harden and Chavez all affordable.

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

I have no idea where all the parties will wind up in arbitration, or in a settlement before arby, but until today it seems to me the number I've seen most for Dontrelle was about $6 million for 2007 and $4.5 million for Cabrera, who regardless of how talented he is, and he is, this is his first year of arbitration.

 

Cabrera is going to make a lot more than $4.5.

 

Year 4

Teixiera - $6.4 million

Pujols - $7 million

 

I'd like to see them try and argue in arbitration he isn't in the same pay range as those two. They will lose. Atleast they got Dontrelle right this time. He will get between $6.5-$8, probably settling in the middle like they always do. It's going to be closer to $14 to keep those two, unless they actually give them longterm deals to lower the initial contract value (not happening).

 

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

 

Which is why they need to give Hanley a 5/$14-15 contract right now. That is larger than the Crosby and Peralta 5 year arbitration buyouts and it would save $3-5 million over the course of those seasons versus going year to year.

Im really not worried about Cabrera and Willis being back...

 

as for Baldelli... Jacobs and Nolasco?... heheheheh

 

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

 

Which is why they need to give Hanley a 5/$14-15 contract right now. That is larger than the Crosby and Peralta 5 year arbitration buyouts and it would save $3-5 million over the course of those seasons versus going year to year.

why would be buy out his 2 cheapest arbi years?

 

Id either wait 2 years to do it, or give him a 7 year deal for says $20mil. Take advantage of the fact that he is so young and still so cheap

Im really not worried about Cabrera and Willis being back...

 

as for Baldelli... Jacobs and Nolasco?... heheheheh

 

 

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

 

Which is why they need to give Hanley a 5/$14-15 contract right now. That is larger than the Crosby and Peralta 5 year arbitration buyouts and it would save $3-5 million over the course of those seasons versus going year to year.

why would be buy out his 2 cheapest arbi years?

 

Id either wait 2 years to do it, or give him a 7 year deal for says $20mil. Take advantage of the fact that he is so young and still so cheap

 

Agreed on all points.

 

If we're going to go with Hanley now, we have to use it to buy out some of his free agent years since we'll be sacrificing two years of barely above the minimum.

We get rid of Cabrera and I'm gonna have a tough time being a Marlins fan. He is a special player who only comes around once in a while.

 

Willis, we can afford to trade because our pitching prospects are awesome.

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

Organization. The team is generating plenty of money to keep both and still a make a nice profit. Remember all the millions in revenue sharing Loria is stuffing into his pocket.

 

 

 

 

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

 

The organization.

 

A's are in no worse situation than we are yet use the system to their advantage to keep Zito, Mulder, Hudson, and later, Crosby, Harden and Chavez all affordable.

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

While I too question it and think it is related to the lack of resources (whether we have them or they're not offered or if they would be by any other hypothetical owner is a whole OTHER question that none of us can say with any credibility or certainty), but you must admit it's NOT entirely stupid. It gives players a great incentive to try hard which can lead to greater success on the field and protects the franchise from liability if they do not perform up to the expected level or get hurt. There's some benefit to the strategy as well as some lost opportunities. Whether that balances out in the end we'll see. Based on the performance of recent arbitration-eligible Marlins and their values to the club at the end of their tenure, it seems to be an acceptable if not productive strategy.

If we can get Baldelli for Nolasco I would do that trade in a heartbeat. I like Ricky but there are other guys with better upsides than him within the organization.

If we trade Noly, who would take his place... Garcia?

If we trade Noly, who would take his place... Garcia?

 

that's what ST is for :thumbup

If we trade Noly, who would take his place... Garcia?

 

that's what ST is for :thumbup

 

Oh yea. :thumbup

I cant see them giving up Baldelli for just Nolasco. It would cost more then that unless pitching has become ungodly for a premium in this league all of a sudden

Plus the Rays are notorious for wanting more than what a player is worth. I would rather keep Nolasco and see how he is in ST and go after a Taveras type player for CF.

Does anyone know anything about Matt Kemp?

Does anyone know anything about Matt Kemp?

 

yea, he's a flat out stud.

 

Plus the Rays are notorious for wanting more than what a player is worth. I would rather keep Nolasco and see how he is in ST and go after a Taveras type player for CF.

 

this is also completely new management, although some would say the Rays supposedly turned down Olsen for Gathright last year

Im really not worried about Cabrera and Willis being back...

 

as for Baldelli... Jacobs and Nolasco?... heheheheh

 

 

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

 

Which is why they need to give Hanley a 5/$14-15 contract right now. That is larger than the Crosby and Peralta 5 year arbitration buyouts and it would save $3-5 million over the course of those seasons versus going year to year.

why would be buy out his 2 cheapest arbi years?

 

Id either wait 2 years to do it, or give him a 7 year deal for says $20mil. Take advantage of the fact that he is so young and still so cheap

because in 2 years he could be worth near Jeter money...that's why MLou thinks (and I 100% agree) we should lock him up now if we arnt going to lock up D-Train and Cabrera...which we absolutely f'ing should. grr.

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

Organization. The team is generating plenty of money to keep both and still a make a nice profit. Remember all the millions in revenue sharing Loria is stuffing into his pocket.

 

 

 

 

I hate the fact that we have to question wheter Miguel and Willis would be back. This organization is the biggest joke in proffesional sports.

 

Organization or the situation they're in?

 

The organization.

 

A's are in no worse situation than we are yet use the system to their advantage to keep Zito, Mulder, Hudson, and later, Crosby, Harden and Chavez all affordable.

 

The aversion to buying out arbitration is downright stupid, and completely negates a system put in place to help small money teams like us keep our star players.

While I too question it and think it is related to the lack of resources (whether we have them or they're not offered or if they would be by any other hypothetical owner is a whole OTHER question that none of us can say with any credibility or certainty), but you must admit it's NOT entirely stupid. It gives players a great incentive to try hard which can lead to greater success on the field and protects the franchise from liability if they do not perform up to the expected level or get hurt. There's some benefit to the strategy as well as some lost opportunities. Whether that balances out in the end we'll see. Based on the performance of recent arbitration-eligible Marlins and their values to the club at the end of their tenure, it seems to be an acceptable if not productive strategy.

RFerry....you're doing it again. Talking in circles so one really has an idea what it is you're trying to say.

Does anyone know anything about Matt Kemp?

 

Unless we give up Anibal or someone of similar quality, no way in Hell will he be out of Chavez Ravine.

fritz is about right.

 

also...I thought he profiled more as a corner OFer? Is a 2-way type contributer? I know the bat, but does he have the range, instincts, routes to play CF in DS?