MIAMI -- Barring any unforeseen developments, the roster you see for the Marlins now is pretty much what you'll get when Spring Training opens.

In the eyes of the front office, it's not a bad team.

 

The Marlins feel that the pieces are in place to make a respectable showing in defending their World Series title. The foremost goal is to make the playoffs, and if they do so, it once again will be on the strength of stellar pitching, solid defense and opportunistic hitting.

 

Unlike last January, when the Marlins made a big splash by signing catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a one-year, $10 million contract, the defending champs seem more content to build on what they have.

 

Though the Marlins inquired about signing slugger Vladimir Guerrero, they never were a serious bidder. Now that Guerrero is on the brink of joining the Angels, the Marlins move forward with more modest personnel objectives as Spring Training approaches.

 

Adding depth to the bullpen and bench are the two areas receiving the most attention.

 

"We're still looking," said general manager Admin Beinfest. "We're within our budget parameters. We're looking for as much depth as possible on our pitching staff. We'll see what happens."

 

Through some shrewd moves and tough decisions, Beinfest has put together a competitive squad for less than $60 million. Bringing back everyone from the World Series squad would have cost roughly $90 million.

 

Key departures are Rodriguez, Gold Glove first baseman Derrek Lee, right fielder Juan Encarnacion, starter Mark Redman, and relievers Braden Looper and Ugueth Urbina.

 

Major signings included locking up All-Star infielders Mike Lowell and Luis Castillo to multiyear deals. Also signed for two more years is shortstop Alex Gonzalez, which means that the entire infield can be together for at least two more seasons. Setup reliever Chad Fox also returns, and taking over as closer is Armando Benitez, the team's first priority when free agency started.

 

Unproven but promising Hee Seop Choi replaces Lee at first base, providing a left-handed bat with some power potential.

 

The biggest name left on the market is starter Greg Maddux. From the sounds of it, the Marlins aren't interested unless owner Jeffrey Loria agrees to bump up payroll.

 

"Given our budget parameters by the owner, we are there," said Beinfest. "If you are going to talk about a big-ticket item who is going to require some kind of budget expansion or something else, that is not something I've been authorized to do. We're talking about support positions basically at this point.

 

"If you are talking about a big name, that's not something that would fit within our budget right now."

 

As is, the Marlins Opening Day lineup could look like this:

 

1. Juan Pierre, CF

2. Luis Castillo, 2B

3. Miguel Cabrera, RF

4. Mike Lowell, 3B

5. Jeff Conine, LF

6. Hee Seop Choi, 1B

7. Mike Redmond/Ramon Castro, C

8. Alex Gonzalez, SS

9. Josh Beckett, P

 

In 2003 the opening lineup was:

 

1. Luis Castillo, 2B

2. Juan Pierre, CF

3. Ivan Rodriguez, C

4. Derrek Lee, 1B

5. Mike Lowell, 3B

6. Juan Encarnacion, RF

7. Todd Hollandsworth, LF

8. Alex Gonzalez, SS

9. Josh Beckett, P

 

Arguments can be made that the team is just as strong -- or stronger -- than it was on Opening Day 2003. If nothing else, the experience of winning it all should improve a number of players.

 

Returning from the holidays, the front office had a meeting last week to discuss the roster.

 

Upgrading the bullpen is a priority, especially if a left-handed pitcher is available and affordable.

 

Regarding budget, not overspending on a big name now gives the team flexibility to pursue upgrading as the season progresses. Last year that formula worked, as the Marlins were able to add Fox, Urbina and Conine during the season.

 

"There are still some players out there who are of interest to us," said Beinfest. "I think affordability is going to be a major factor for us. We're just going to see if we can fit anyone in. We brought in a number of arms who are non-roster invitees. We'll see if they can provide some depth to our pitching. We're continuing to monitor pitching that is out there to add as much as depth as possible."

 

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GREAT article..

The biggest name left on the market is starter Greg Maddux. From the sounds of it, the Marlins aren't interested unless owner Jeffrey Loria agrees to bump up payroll.

Just like they weren't interested in Pudge unless he agreed to bump payroll?

 

Something smells fishy, and it's the FO.

Pudge is still out there :shifty