Joe Frisaro's Marlin's Mailbag

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Mailbag: Which rookie was best?

10/16/2006 10:00 AM ET

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

It's obvious that the Marlins need center-field and bullpen help, but who are they interested in and what are they willing to give up?

-- Kyle D., Royersford, Pa.

Since last Spring Training, the Marlins have been aware of the need for help in center field and just about every team every year attempts to patch up its bullpen in the offseason. Once general manager Admin Beinfest has his budget for player salaries, he and the Marlins can more clearly identify what level of experienced outfielders and relievers they can pursue.

As for center-field candidates, I doubt they would pursue free agents like Jim Edmonds or Mike Cameron because their respective asking prices would likely exceed what the Marlins can afford. Juan Pierre may no longer fit the team's need in center, because he is a true leadoff batter and Hanley Ramirez handled that role nicely. Now, if Ramirez is dropped to the middle of the order, someone like Pierre could be of interest.

Some have suggested switching Ramirez to center field. While Ramirez played some outfield in the Dominican Winter Leagues, don't expect the 22-year-old to switch to the outfield any time soon. He's far more comfortable playing shortstop.

The challenge, because of limited financial resources, is moving a young starting pitcher for a young outfielder. There were talks before last year to swap Scott Olsen to Tampa Bay for Joey Gathright. Since neither had much big-league service time at the time, both sides were hesitant to make that deal. It likely will take one of the team's four rookie starters to land a high-quality center fielder.

The bullpen will be patched together. I expect some of the relievers in the system to get a look, and the team will find another veteran like Joe Borowski, who did such a nice job this past season.

Of all the young players, who has the best chance of winning the NL Rookie of the Year?

-- Thomas G., Fort Myers, Fla.

The other day Dan Uggla was voted the top NL rookie in The Sporting News' poll of players. When the BBWAA comes out with its awards over the next few weeks, Uggla again will receive a lot of consideration. From what I've gathered, Hanley Ramirez may have the best shot of any of the Marlins players. Ramirez ended on a real high, and he's probably the most talented rookie of the entire bunch. Ramirez turns 23 in a few months, and he's shaping up to be a superstar. It appears the biggest threat to either Uggla or Ramirez for the award is Washington's gifted third baseman, Ryan Zimmerman, who also has the makings of being a big star.

Whatever happened to Jason Vargas?

-- Alexa R., Deerfield, Fla.

After showing so much promise when he replaced Al Leiter in the rotation midway through the 2005 season, Vargas had a rough 2006. The left-hander struggled late in Spring Training and never really found a groove when the season started. He opened the year as the No. 4 starter, but ended up pitching for Triple-A Albuquerque, where he again had trouble throwing strikes. While he has big-league experience, he wasn't brought up in September. He has to regroup if he wants to have a shot at earning a spot in the rotation coming out of Spring Training.

Will the Marlins consider trading some prospects to the Red Sox for Wily Mo Pena?

-- Edgard L., Miami

Pena has talent and power potential, but he's more of a right-field candidate, and the team is expecting Jeremy Hermida to bounce back next year after struggling with injuries his rookie season.

Any good news for the stadium in Hialeah?

-- Peter G., Hialeah, Fla.

Much of the stadium talk has quieted the past few months. Hialeah and the city of Miami have been discussing stadium plans to keep the team in Miami-Dade County. Recently, Broward County showed some interest for the first time when County Mayor Ben Graber mentioned Pompano Beach as a possible destination for a retractable roof. The Broward County Board of County Commissioners meets on Oct. 24, and a proposal for a potential Marlins stadium for Pompano Beach may be introduced at that time. This whole stadium search has been a slow and frustrating process. For the two potential sites in Miami-Dade County, there remains a funding gap of more than $60 million.

What do you expect in 2007 from Jeremy Hermida? Obviously, injuries slowed him this year, but when he did play, the numbers were not all that impressive. Would you say you can just throw out last year, or was he possibly a little over-hyped?

-- Kent G., Louisville, Ky.

The key for Hermida is staying healthy. He missed so much time that he never got into the swing of the season. Durability is an issue, and until he holds up for an entire season, there will be questions. He missed so much time early and then, in the final month, he fell short of the projections that he would be a strong Rookie of the Year candidate.

That said, he turns 23 early next year, and he has produced at a high level wherever he's been. On most teams, 23-year-old prospects are stil getting seasoning at the Double-A level. In the Marlins' case, they rushed Hermida and a number of other rookies to the big leagues. Some, such as Ramirez and Uggla, were able to produce, while Hermida struggled in his first full season. Because he is so young, Hermida will likely get every chance to step up in 2007.

Is Fredi Gonzalez planning to make some changes in the roster. If yes, what are they?

-- Yosbel V., Miami

As noted above, the team has highlighted the need for a center fielder and bullpen help. Some of the center-field candidates that caught the club's eye this past season were Willy Taveras of the Astros and Red Sox prospect David Murphy. But that was during the season, and the front office likely is rethinking all possibilities, as free agency and the trading period are about to begin.

Someone like Ryan Langerhans fits the mold of what the Marlins are seeking. Should the Marlins choose to make a big splash, their biggest bargaining chip is Dontrelle Willis, who could bring in return high-quality outfield help. For now, Willis has great value at the top of the rotation, and it's hard to imagine the team will realistically contend for a playoff spot next year without an ace like Willis.