I found this article in the Sun-Sentinel and thought it was quite interesting. Don't know if it was posted already. Here is the LINK

 

What's next for the Marlins? A player-by-player look at the roster

 

-- Harvey Fialkov

Posted October 31 2003

 

LHP MICHAEL TEJERA

 

Comment: Bullpen role was drastically reduced after season-long inability to get out left-handers.

 

Postseason: He struggled in two appearances in the NLDS. Tejera didn't play in the World Series as Dontrelle Willis took over his role.

 

Future: Most likely won't tender arbitration-eligible Tejera, who would be in the $400,000 range.

 

RHP JOSH BECKETT

 

Comment: After more than a year of battling blisters and an elbow injury, the hard-throwing Texan walked the walk and pitched like his departing idol, Roger Clemens.

 

Postseason: He staved off elimination in Game 5 of the NLCS by pitching a two-hit shutout against the Cubs, then sealed the deal in Game 7 with four innings of one-hit relief on two days rest. On three days rest, Beckett earned the World Series MVP by blanking the Yanks on five hits to cap off a 2-2 (2.11) postseason with 47 strikeouts in 422/3 innings.

 

Future: Because he has less than three years major league service, the Marlins don't have to break the bank for him yet, but a nice raise to $2.3 million would be called for.

 

RHP BLAINE NEAL

 

Postseason: Didn't make the roster as he's nursing an elbow injury.

 

Future: Free agent with no chips. Could be had for just above the minimum $300,000.

 

RHP KEVIN OLSEN

 

Postseason: Didn't make the roster.

 

Future: Still under Marlins' control, so he'll command minimum bucks.

 

C MIKE REDMOND

 

Comment: Unselfishly took a backseat after the Marlins signed Pudge Rodriguez. Red is a clubhouse leader and one of the best handlers of pitchers in the league.

 

Postseason: McKeon got him a couple of at-bats, but playing behind Pudge is like being an understudy to Laurence Olivier.

 

Future: Could earn about $1.2 million, but if Pudge stays, Ramon Castro would be the more logical backup at around $375,000.

 

2B LUIS CASTILLO

 

Comment: Chronic hip and leg maladies have held down Castillo's steals, but it hasn't stopped him from being among the NL's top hitters, nor has it hurt his stellar defensive play at second where he and Gonzalez form one of the majors' top double-play tandems.

 

Postseason: Appeared lost at the plate during the World Series, but he sparkled in the field, and he did deliver a clutch RBI single in Game 6.

 

Future: With new agent, he may be difficult to keep for less than a $20 million, three-year deal. The Yankees were interested, but their ardor cooled after a tough Series.

 

SS ALEX GONZALEZ

 

Comment: After carrying the Marlins with his bat and glove in the first quarter of the season, Gonzalez slumped in the second half. He still established career marks in homers (18) and RBI (77).

 

Postseason: After being an automatic out in the first two rounds, he silenced critics with walkoff homer to win Game 4 of the Series, and actually led the Marlins with three extra-base hits (two doubles and a homer) in the Fall Classic while hitting .273. His bat is now in Cooperstown.

 

Future: Arbitration-eligible shortstop picked a perfect time to have a career year and solid showing in the World Series, so he should double his pleasure to about $3.1 million.

 

OF/3B MIGUEL CABRERA

 

Comment: Along with Dontrelle Willis, this power-hitting rookie was a major catalyst. He hits for power, average and in the clutch. He has played near flawless defense in the outfield and at third base when Mike Lowell went down.

 

Postseason: Albert Pujols in the making. Cabrera moved to cleanup and responded with a major league rookie record four homers and 12 RBI, including a first-inning, two-run homer off Roger Clemens in WS Game 4.

 

Future: Won't be eligible for big bucks until 2005, so whether he plays third base or outfield, he's not going anywhere. But he deserves a raise to $400,000.

 

OF BRIAN BANKS

 

Comment: His ability to play several positions and switch-hit, as well as supply some pop from the left side, which the Marlins sorely lack, made him a useful role player. Postseason: Pickup of Lenny Harris reduced Banks' opportunities, although in Game 7 of the NLCS he drew a huge walk to start a key fifth-inning rally against Kerry Wood.

 

Future: Banks is arbitration-eligible, and should be kept around for his versatility and professionalism (and affordable $375,000 contract).

 

LHP TOMMY PHELPS

 

Comment: A career minor-leaguer, Phelps helped hold the fort when early-season injuries to A.J. Burnett, Josh Beckett and Mark Redman forced him into the starting rotation. Unfortunately, he wsa plagued by elbow tendinitis in the second half.

 

Postseason: Late-season inactivity prevented McKeon from gambling on him in the postseason.

 

Future: Under Marlins control for about $305,000, he may squeeze into bullpen plans as a situational left-hander.

 

OF TODD HOLLANDSWORTH

 

Comment: After a rough start in which he struggled to drive in runs, Hollandsworth was replaced by Cabrera in the starting lineup. To his credit, he has maintained a positive attitude and delivered several clutch pinch hits (7 for 20).

 

Postseason: Batted .500 (4 for 8) and came up with a clutch RBI single to tie Game 3 of the NLCS, which the Cubs went on to win.

 

Future: Marlins could keep him around at $1.7 million. However, he isn't ready to become a full-time backup.

 

OF GERALD WILLIAMS

 

Comment: After not making the club in spring training, Williams, a seasoned veteran at 37, plugged away in the minors and was recalled during September to provide pinch running and late-inning defense.

 

Postseason: Didn't make the roster.

 

Future: Free agent making $310,000; won't be around next season.

 

C PUDGE RODRIGUEZ

 

Comment: The signing of this 10-time All-Star to a one-year, $10 million deal showed Marlins players and fans that management was serious about contending this year. He has provided invaluable leadership while hitting .300 all season and driving in 80-plus runs.

 

Postseason: Showed he's over his injuries and is the best catcher in baseball. Pudge caught every game and hit in 16 of 17 playoff games with a team-high 17 RBI. His game-ending tag of J.T. Snow to clinch the NLDS will be a highlight for the ages.

 

Future: Whatever it takes, he must be re-signed. Local hero should take a hometown discount of $24 million over three years.

 

RHP CHAD FOX

 

Comment: One of several key late-season pickups by GM Admin Beinfest that helped solidified the bullpen. He is the club's setup specialist and was instrumental in knocking out the Phillies. He was 2-1 with a 2.13 ERA in 21 games.

 

Postseason: Fox got a cheap win in Game 6 of the NLCS and gave up a big two-run homer to Randall Simon in Game 3. He was 1-0 with a 3.97 ERA in nine games, including an inconsistent World Series (6.00 ERA).

 

Future: Because of his age and injury history, Fox could be had for $1 million.

 

PH LENNY HARRIS

 

Comment: Adding this veteran to the fold bolstered the bench. Harris, the all-time leader in pinch hits, was 4 for 14 for the Marlins.

 

Postseason: Had a clutch single to load the bases in Game 2 of the Division Series.

 

Future: Miami native came home to win a World Series, but at 38 there's no way the Marlins will re-sign him at $600,000.

 

RHP RICK HELLING

 

Comment: In another reach into the past, Helling was acquired late in the season to provide insurance in case any more starters went down. He unselfishly provided solid middle-inning relief, going 1-0 with a 0.55 ERA in 11 games.

 

Postseason: He had a 7.47 ERA in four appearances.

 

Future: Free agent making $500,000 wants to start, but it won't be for the Marlins.

 

1B DERREK LEE

 

Comment: Product of one of the early dismantling moves that has reaped dividends. Lee has blossomed into one of the finest fielding first basemen in the majors, and this season he reached career highs in homers (31), RBI (92) and steals (21). He picked up the slack after Lowell went down.

 

Postseason: His penchant for not hitting in the clutch popped up again in the postseason (.208) and he was dropped from the cleanup spot. He did deliver a game-tying, two-run double in the remarkable eight-run eighth inning of Game 6 in the NLCS, and singled in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning of Game 7. He capped a three-run first inning outburst against Roger Clemens in Game 4 of the World Series with an RBI single.

 

Future: It's likely either Lee or Lowell will be traded, simply because of the emergence of Cabrera, who can play third base or outfield. If Lee, who is eligible for arbitration for an estimated $7 million, is traded, then Jeff Conine will play first. This is perhaps the toughest offseason decision.

 

RHP A.J. BURNETT

 

Comment: Supposed to be the staff ace before Tommy John surgery ended his season after four starts.

 

Postseason: Inactive.

 

Future: Is targeted for a May 1 return, but industry insiders believe the Marlins will not tender him an offer in arbitration and save $3 million.

 

C RAMON CASTRO

 

Comment: Like Redmond, has unselfishly sat behind Rodriguez despite knowing he is capable of being an everyday player. Has had to cope with a rape charge while continuing to provide clutch pinch hits, including a walkoff homer against the Dodgers in August.

 

Postseason: Inactive.

 

Future: If Pudge departs and Castro is cleared of all charges, look for the Marlins to retain him for $375,000 in arbitration.

 

RHP BRADEN LOOPER

 

Comment: Another post '97 deal that has proved beneficial. Looper was instrumental in the Marlins' success this season, saving 28 of his first 32 chances before a late-season slump changed his role.

 

Postseason: He was his usual erratic self, nearly blowing a 6-1 lead in Game 5 of the World Series. But he wound up 2-0 with a save in eight appearances, including a crucial victory in Game 4 when he got out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam and then pitched a scoreless 12th inning.

 

Future: It'll come down to him or Urbina, with Looper the more likely at a more affordable $2.8 million price tag (through arbitration).

 

LHP ARMANDO ALMANZA

 

Comment: He was supposed to be the left-handed specialist out of the bullpen, but he was unable to throw strikes early in the season and was pounded (4-5 with a 6.08 ERA). He underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery on Aug. 28.

 

Postseason: Not on roster.

 

Future: If Almanza's elbow is sound, the Marlins are still void of a power-pitching left-handed reliever, so he may be brought back for about $900,000.

 

3B MIKE LOWELL

 

Comment: Team leader posted career highs in homers (32) and RBI (105) before a broken left hand from a Hector Almonte fastball sidelined him for the final month.

 

Postseason: Hit a game-winning, pinch-hit homer in the 11th inning of Game 1 of the NLCS to earn his spot back, much to Juan Encarnacion's chagrin. He added another key two-run homer in Game 5 of the NLCS to support Josh Beckett's two-hit gem. He slumped (.217) in the World Series but had a clutch two-run bloop single in Game 5.

 

Future: Hometown hero would like to stay, but Marlins would have to cough up about $8 million in arbitration. A trade to the Yankees may be more realistic with Cabrera moving to third.

 

RHP BRAD PENNY

 

Comment: Injuries and sudden meltdowns seem to be in his past as Penny became more a pitcher than a thrower this season while recording career highs in wins (13), starts (32) and innings.

 

Postseason: In the most shocking postseason reversal, Penny was taken out of the rotation after two horrid starts in the first two rounds before turning it around by notching a victory with an inning of scoreless relief in Game 7 against the Cubs and then going 2-0 (2.19 ERA) in the World Series.

 

Future: Will most likely return for a reasonable $3 million arbitration figure.

 

RHP VLADIMIR NUNEZ

 

Comment: A season removed from notching 20 saves for the Marlins, Nunez was shelled in April (0-3, 14.90 ERA), giving up seven homers in 92/3 innings and was demoted to Albuquerque.

 

Postseason: Not on roster.

 

Future: The Marlins will trade his projected $1.5 million salary or dump him.

 

RHP NATE BUMP

 

Comment: Before Urbina and Fox arrived, Bump filled the setup role (4-0) as well as doing occasional mop-up duty.

 

Postseason: In Game 4 of the NLCS, he retired six of seven batters he faced, allowing only Aramis Ramirez's solo homer.

 

Future: Probably returns for a bit above the major league minimum to share setup role with Fox.

 

INF ANDY FOX

 

Comment: A consummate professional who is always ready to contribute at all four infield positions and in the outfield.

 

Postseason: Clutch hitting by Mike Mordecai usurped Fox's utility role and led to him being left off the roster in the NLCS and World Series.

 

Future: It is doubtful he'll be retained for his current $800,000.

 

LHP DONTRELLE WILLIS

 

Comment: This modest, down-to-earth rookie with the funky delivery drew national attention when he blazed to a 9-1 start. If Juan Pierre was the catalyst, then Willis was the spark that ignited the Marlins' season after being called up from Double-A Carolina when three starters were lost to injuries in May. Showed some fatigue in the second half.

 

Postseason: Had control problems and was inconsistent as a starter, but sparkled in Game 1 of the World Series, when he pitched 21/3 scoreless innings of relief. Overall, he was 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA.

 

Future: He is under Marlins' control and should receive a deserved raise to $400,000.

 

RF JUAN ENCARNACION

 

Comment: Encarnacion has quietly provided power, clutch hits and sparkling defense. He drove in a career-high 90 RBI with 18 homers while not making an error.

 

Postseason: After a slow start in the playoffs, he was benched to get Mike Lowell back in the lineup, but he did play in every World Series game (2 for 11), getting three starts the DH. His homer in Game 1 of the NLCS gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead and his sacrifice fly in Game 6 of the World Series gave Josh Beckett a 2-0 cushion.

 

Future: After shocking benching, arbitration-eligible outfielder may be looking elsewhere, and at $5.8 million the Marlins may accommodate him.

 

INF MIKE MORDECAI

 

Comment: Valuable member of the Marlins' remarkable bench brigade. He has taken over Andy Fox's utility role because of his more potent bat, which accounted for two walkoff home runs.

 

Postseason: Mighty Mordy delivered again when he crushed a game-breaking, three-run double in the eight-run eighth inning of Game 6 of the NLCS. Didn't get any at-bats in the Series.

 

Future: At 35, Florida seems as nice a place as any to finish up a career. McKeon will love to have him, particularly at a bargain rate.

 

RHP CARL PAVANO

 

Comment: Although he faltered in the final two weeks, Pavano set career highs in nearly every pitching category and was one of the best No. 5 starters in the NL. Instead of blowing batters away like Josh Beckett or Brad Penny, Pavano lulls them to a quiet 0-fer with his pinpoint control and two-seam sinker.

 

Postseason: Reluctantly, yet unselfishly, Pavano accepted a demotion to the bullpen at the start of the postseason. He excelled in relief, so when Penny and then Mark Redman slumped, Pavano regained his starting role. He helped save the season in Game 6 of the NLCS, then outpitched his idol Roger Clemens in Game 4 of the World Series, only to have the bullpen blow his victory before Alex Gonzalez's 12th-inning heroics. He finished 2-0 with a 1.40 ERA in 191/3 innings with 15 strikeouts.

 

Future: It won't take much to keep Pavano (12-13 in regular season), so expect him to return for about $2.5 million (arbitration).

 

CF JUAN PIERRE

 

Comment: Was voted the team MVP by the Marlins' beat writers for good reason. Pierre drove the opposition crazy with his amazing bunting prowess and speed (stolen-base king), not to mention a .300 average. If the ball was in the park, Pierre would track it down. With Pierre and Castillo setting the table, Lowell, Lee, Rodriguez and Encarnacion feasted on RBI, not ribs.

 

Postseason: After a slow start he finished on a roll, going 12 for 31 with four RBI and four runs. He batted .333 (9 of 27) with five walks in the World Series. His clutch two-out single in the fifth inning of Game 6 set up the Marlins' first run in a 2-0 victory.

 

Future: Pierre is locked up for next season at $2.3 million and will certainly get an extension at the appropriate time.

 

RHP TIM SPOONEYBARGER

 

Comment: This 23-year-old tattooed free spirit was on his way to becoming the Marlins' primary setup reliever before elbow surgery shelved his season in June. McKeon leaned on him early, and he provided six holds while holding opponents to a .190 average (1-2 with a 4.07 ERA). Spooney pitched in 33 of the Marlins' first 66 games before complaining of elbow pain.

 

Postseason: Inactive.

 

Future: Coming off major surgery, it is unlikely he'll command much attention, so expect the Marlins to retain him for $350,000.

 

LHP MARK REDMAN

 

Comment: Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski might want to take this deal back, as the team's No. 3 starter provided veteran poise to a baby-faced staff. He set a career high in victories (14).

 

Postseason: After a decent first postseason start against the Giants, it was all downhill as Redman (0-1, 6.50 ERA) got roughed up in his final two starts before McKeon yanked him from the rotation. It was his ineffectiveness in his only World Series start (15.43 ERA in 21/3 innings) that moved McKeon to start Josh Beckett on three days rest in Game 6.

 

Future: Marlins may trade his anticipated $3.2 million projected salary to help sign Burnett.

 

RHP UGUETH URBINA

 

Comment: Was a key contributor down the stretch, using his full assortment of power pitches. Ugie went from sterling setup man to lights-out closer (3-0, 1.41 ERA, six saves) after Looper slumped.

 

Postseason: Had a rocky World Series, blowing a Game 4 save and nearly doing it again the following night. He finished the postseason at 1-0 with four saves and a 3.46 ERA in 10 games.

 

Future: If free-agent closer would take less than the $5 million he'll command to remain in South Florida and play with several Venezuelan countrymen, then the Marlins may retain him.

 

LF/1B JEFF CONINE

 

Comment: The final piece of the puzzle, Conine not only brought back memories from '97, he brought back his classy leadership, solid defense and clutch hits . He almost single-handedly eliminated the Phillies with three key home runs down the stretch.

 

Postseason: Mr. Marlin delivered all postseason, hitting safely in 14 of 17 games while batting .367 with five RBI and a homer.

 

Future: Along with Pierre, the only Marlins under contract for next season. Conine is due about $6 million over the next two seasons. He may shift to first base if Lee is traded.

Great article, and it does not sound cataclystic. Very reasonable, but I specially like this:

 

C PUDGE RODRIGUEZ

Future: Whatever it takes, he must be re-signed. Local hero should take a hometown discount of $24 million over three years.

 

I just hope they do it :unsure :

The article isn't pointing a finger at management, but rather at Pudge. Basically he should suck it up and take less money to stay home. I don't know about that.

OF/3B MIGUEL CABRERA

 

 

 

Postseason: Albert Pujols in the making.

Music to my ears....

 

also they said Pierre would get an extention which i wasnt sure about, but is great news to any fan. :thumbup

we need 2 keep pudge!

he wants 2 stay here also.

it should be easy

i hope it works out

OF/3B MIGUEL CABRERA

 

 

 

Postseason: Albert Pujols in the making.

Music to my ears....

 

also they said Pierre would get an extention which i wasnt sure about, but is great news to any fan. :thumbup amen :lol :arms

The team would be crazy not to keep Burnett at $3 million. That would be absolutely insane. The history of pitchers coming off Tommy John surgery is just too good to even think about letting him go at that price. That was one of the most surprising things I read in this article. Let Redman walk to keep Burnett? Abso-freaking-lutely. And the other thing that made me go "huh?" Keeping Almanza at $900,000? Ok, to begin with, how is he going to command that much? And, second, why would we even think about retaining him at that price?

 

Reading this article...I would send Castillo, Enc, and Lee packing, even though I like all of them. I just don't think the value is there. And Redman and Urbina, too, I guess. That drops about $28 million if you believe everything written here. Tough decisions to make. But if the rotation keeps progressing, I still think we'd have enough offense to get it done.

I love that article! It makes me feel secure about AJ Staying....

 

I hope the pitching staff can stay and trade Redman so we can help sign AJ and so AJ can have a spot in the rotation without having to send Pavz to the Pen. I would Love the rotation like that

 

I perfer Lowell to leave than Pudge. Pudge is a team leader and handles our pitching staff very well, which is the key, making our pitchers feel comftable. Plus we can move Cabs to third. Im not saying i dont want Lowell because i do but i would take Pudge over Lowell.

 

We need to re-sign Urbina. I dont want to depend on loop to close out games. I rather stay secure and sign Urbina. He did a heck of a job in the season, saving our asses.

 

I think Wilson Valdes will take over Castillo because Louie wants to much money which i doubt the Marlins will take.

The team would be crazy not to keep Burnett at $3 million. That would be absolutely insane. The history of pitchers coming off Tommy John surgery is just too good to even think about letting him go at that price. That was one of the most surprising things I read in this article. Let Redman walk to keep Burnett? Abso-freaking-lutely.

I agree about keeping Redman and dealing Burnett. Bottom Line- Burnett has a MUCH bigger upside than Redman, and $3 mil. is practically a bargain.

I love that article! It makes me feel secure about AJ Staying....

 

We need to re-sign Urbina. I dont want to depend on loop to close out games. I rather stay secure and sign Urbina. He did a heck of a job in the season, saving our asses.

This:

 

"Future: Is targeted for a May 1 return, but industry insiders believe the Marlins will not tender him an offer in arbitration and save $3 million."

 

makes you confident about him staying? Your faith is not easily shaken...

 

 

Also, I'd like to keep Uggie...but if it's $5 million or more can you really justify that expense? I mean it's only like 2 mil from there to keep Castillo or Lee. Frankly, I wouldn't have a problem if they let Loop AND Uggie go in order to hold on to Castillo or Lee. It's very possible that if they hold on to AJ they won't ask him to start next season, so he could definitely close just for next season.

The article isn't pointing a finger at management, but rather at Pudge. Basically he should suck it up and take less money to stay home. I don't know about that.

like he needs anymore money

 

he should take one for the team

 

unfortunately, i dont think he will

dumb article. wild card does better ones.

 

doesnt gerald willams make 325k? why does miguel deserve a raise to 400 k? he already has alot of money from the venezuela signing. he needs to stay at 300 k if possible.

oh shut up pubes, a $125k upgrade to a player that was awesome isnt going to break the bank

like he needs anymore money

 

he should take one for the team

 

unfortunately, i dont think he will

 

oh and mabdul, ajburnett34 has a problem reading for comprehension

 

I don't remember where, but I read somewhere many Marlins players have already said they'd be willing to take pay cuts. Maybe Pudge is one of those players. And maybe his family can convince him to stay here. On a contender, at home, with his family.

OF/3B MIGUEL CABRERA

 

 

 

Postseason: Albert Pujols in the making.

Music to my ears....

 

also they said Pierre would get an extention which i wasnt sure about, but is great news to any fan. :thumbup Juanpy should be signed until the End of Time

Pierre is the key player and MVP of this team. He is one we need to keep along with Pudge, Beckett and Cabrera.