Marlins out to make splash in free agency http://tinyurl.com/3lvyk6d florida.marlins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111027&content_id= 25804402&vkey=news_fla&c_id=fla&tcid=tw_article_25804402 On Nov. 11, the organization officially changes to the Miami Marlins in anticipation of moving into its 37,000-seat, retractable-roof ballpark. There will be a new logo, new uniforms and a new way the franchise conducts business. For the first time in team history, the Marlins will be more on an even playing field with the majority of the league when it comes to payroll. The days of frugal spending are over, and the team now anticipates going on the biggest free-agent shopping spree in franchise history. The 2005 Marlins had a $60 million payroll, and the 2012 figure could approach $90 million. In years past, sharing Sun Life Stadium with the Miami Dolphins, the dollars simply weren't there to make a big splash for elite free agents. Now, the club is plotting how to approach the top two names on the market -- Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. If those two are not attainable, the team will be considering proven free agents like C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle, Ryan Madson, Aramis Ramirez and perhaps Jose Reyes. On the trade front, James Shields could draw interest. Moving into their own ballpark represents a new beginning. But management knows the best way to generate fan interest is to provide a winner. The sense of urgency increased after a disappointing 72-90 finish. Eager to turn the page, the team began looking ahead to next year before the final out was made in its 2011 season. In late September, the Marlins signed second baseman Omar Infante to a two-year, $8 million extension, and they hired a high-profile manager in Ozzie Guillen. The team will have to make some tough personnel decisions. Already on the books for 2012 is $49.25 million locked up in six players -- Hanley Ramirez ($15 million), Josh Johnson ($13.75 million), Ricky Nolasco ($9 million), John Buck ($6 million), Infante ($4 million) and Randy Choate ($1.5 million). "I have a lot of confidence in this organization," Guillen said. "In the past, this has been a very smart organization. They know what they're doing." Contract issues: Free agents: INF Greg Dobbs, INF Jose Lopez, RHP Javier Vazquez. Eligible for arbitration: RHP Burke Badenhop, C John Baker, 3B/CF Emilio Bonifacio, RHP Clay Hensley, RHP Edward Mujica, INF Donnie Murphy, RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez), RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Chris Volstad. Mutual options: None. Non-tender possibilities: Baker, Badenhop, Murphy, Hensley, Oviedo. Areas of need: Starting pitching: Johnson's shoulder injury had a crippling impact on the entire staff. The starters had a combined 4.23 ERA, which was the 12th highest in the National League. Bolstering the rotation will be a primary objective, and the team will look to add a veteran left-hander. The rotation also could be without Vazquez, who made $7 million this past season, but he may be leaning towards retirement. Third base: Top prospect Matt Dominguez gained some big league experience as a September callup. The question will be if he is ready to win the starting job in Spring Training. In case the 22-year-old needs more seasoning, the Marlins will likely explore the market for veteran experience. Another possibility is Bonifacio. Closer: Oviedo remains on the restricted list as he deals with identity issues (he's played his entire big league career under an assumed name). The right-hander also is lined up to make about $6 million in arbitration, and the Marlins must decide if they are better off retaining him or pursuing other options on the market. Center field: Chris Coghlan endured an injury-plagued 2011, and center field became a patchwork position for most of the season. Mike Cameron was brought in, but he was eventually released. Bryan Petersen did a solid job when given a shot, and Bonifacio may find himself in the mix, depending how third base shapes up. 2012 Payroll: The club doesn't officially announce its figure, but with the new revenue streams provided by the new ballpark, payroll promises to jump significantly. It was about $58 million in 2011, and projections for 2012 are in the $85 million range. The total could exceed $90 million if the team signs a big-ticket free agent like Pujols or Fielder. -- Year Age G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO AVG OBP SLG HBP SH SF IBB 2007 22 11 23 2 5 1 0 0 2 0 1 4 3 .217 .333 .261 0 0 0 0 2008 23 49 169 29 41 6 5 0 14 7 4 14 46 .243 .296 .337 0 0 3 0 2009 24 127 461 72 116 11 6 1 27 21 9 34 95 .252 .303 .308 2 8 4 0 2010 25 73 180 30 47 6 3 0 10 12 0 17 42 .261 .320 .328 0 1 3 0 2011 26 152 565 78 167 26 7 5 36 40 11 59 129 .296 .360 .393 1 11 5 1 --

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