Bonifacio's talent can address a need

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By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

12/09/09 1:01 AM EST

INDIANAPOLIS -- To be an everyday player, Emilio Bonifacio must get on base.

If he does, the 24-year-old speedster from the Dominican Republic has a chance to become one of the most exciting players in the league. If Bonifacio doesn't, his career path may be that of a utility man.

The Marlins envision Bonifacio being a regular, not a reserve.

"When we got him, we thought he was an everyday player," president of baseball operations Admin Beinfest said on Tuesday at the Winter Meetings.

Even after an inconsistent 2009, Bonifacio will be given every chance to become a big league regular when Spring Training begins in February.

If Florida trades Dan Uggla, who is actively being shopped in Indianapolis, Bonifacio may wind up becoming the second baseman. The other second-base choice is Chris Coghlan, the National League Rookie of the Year Award winner who played left field this past season.

Coghlan solidified the leadoff spot, but if Bonifacio makes a case to start, he could take over that position because of his speed. Either way, the Marlins would consider hitting them first and second, ahead of All-Star Hanley Ramirez.

As for Uggla, Beinfest didn't address his status on Tuesday.

Florida, however, has been in discussions with several teams about Uggla. The Giants had shown interest, but as of early Tuesday night, those talks appeared to have stalled.

The Marlins also have talked with the Orioles about Uggla. Thus far, those discussions haven't progressed. The talk in the Marriott lobby is the asking price for Florida's two-time All-Star is high.

Relievers Matt Lindstrom and Renyel Pinto are also being shopped, and there remains strong interest in both.

Without getting into specifics, Beinfest indicated the Marlins could make a trade or two before they leave the Winter Meetings on Thursday.

"There's a chance," he said. "I think people get into [the Winter Meetings] a little bit. It's a tradition. You get into the mood and the mode that it can happen anywhere and any time."

While there will be changes, they won't be wholesale.

"We have stuff that we'd like to do," Beinfest said. "We'll adjust the roster. There will be some familiar faces of the '10 Marlins. I know that."

Bonifacio will be one of them.

Florida acquired the switch-hitting infielder from Washington after the 2008 season for outfielder Josh Willingham and left-hander Scott Olsen.

Bonifacio was the Marlins' regular third baseman until first baseman Nick Johnson was acquired from the Nationals at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline and Jorge Cantu was moved to third. Getting on base was a problem for the speedster, who batted .252 to go along with a .303 on-base percentage.

"He's an exciting player," Beinfest said. "He does a lot of little things that maybe aren't appreciated, like going from first to home. He puts pressure on opponents. If he gets on base, he's going to be a good player."

Bonifacio currently is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and he's improving at the plate. Through 24 games, he has done a better job, batting .263 with a .352 on-base percentage.

This offseason, the Marlins hired Dave Collins as their new outfield coach, and he will work with Bonifacio on bunting.

On the second day of the Winter Meetings, Beinfest said he fielded a lot of text messages from other clubs. There weren't many face-to-face meetings, and team representatives continue to discuss possible moves.

The Rays have interest in Lindstrom and Pinto, and they also are weighing whether to pursue free-agent reliever Kiko Calero.

The Marlins are also receptive to reopen negotiations on a multiyear contract for ace Josh Johnson.

"We're open to it," Beinfest said of trying to get a deal done with Johnson and his agent, Matt Sosnick.

A few weeks ago, talks broke down to lock up the right-hander long term. Johnson is projected to earn about $4.2 million in his second season of arbitration.

An All-Star for the first time in 2009, Johnson won't be eligible for free agency until after the '11 season.

Also, Florida has no intention of trading Johnson. On Tuesday, its ace was once again floated in discussions.

Texas inquired, dangling prize prospects Neftali Feliz and Justin Smoak for Johnson.

In the eyes of the Marlins, Johnson will be a bargain at a salary of around $4.2 million next year.