Submitted by C.Crounse from East Berne, NY

Q: What's the latest on prospect Chris Coghlan? I see that he's been in games this spring, but he has no average?

Answered 03/20/09 22:49:51 by Manny Navarro

A: The Marlins like Chris, and he may very well be the second baseman of the future. He isn't ready now, but there's no rush because of Uggla. Morrison at first, Coghlan at second, Hanley at short and Matt Dominguez at third -- and Michael Stanton, and Cameron Maybin in the outfield. That is going to be a pretty scary lineup. It's coming sooner than you think.

Submitted by hg from miami, fl

Q: If the Marlins stadium is approved and built in time for 2012, do you think the World Baseball Classic would consider having one of the rounds at the new stadium in 2012??

Answered 03/20/09 22:46:47 by Manny Navarro

A: Great question. If the Marlins get the new ballpark, they will eventually be the host city for the finals of the WBC, and in a matter of a few years the Marlins will be the host city for the All-Star Game as well. No one ever mentions those things when they talk about the new ballpark.

Submitted by Holly Williams from Jupiter, Fl

Q: Why does MLB have the World Baseball Classic during spring training when its obvious based on the amount of injuries occurring that the players are not physically ready to play games? Would it make more sense to hold the WBC at the end of baseball season?

Answered 03/20/09 22:44:49 by Manny Navarro

A: I hate the spring training format, and the WBC will be in trouble the next time, because teams are going to be relunctant to send their best players to the WBC. Everyone says "oh injuries can happen at any time,'' but privately baseball bosses are angry over all the injuries. The other problem with the spring format is that it's just bizarre. You have ML players playing in spring traning games that mean absolutely nothing, and at the same moment you have ML players in games that supposedly mean everything.

Submitted by Eddie S from Highland Beach ,Fl

Q: Hi Mike, I know it's early in spring training, but to watch Gaby Sanchez at 1st base and at bat has been a disaster.I went to the game on Sunday and saw Sanchez make a bone head play at 1st.And at the plate , he did not have a clue. Last year at 1st base Sanchez made 6 errors in 69 games. Just watch as McPherson(42 hrs 14 sb's last year) become the 3rd baseman and move Cantu at 1st . Dosn't that make sense to you?

Answered 03/08/09 00:41:38 by Manny Navarro

A: I saw the play Sunday. He went far to his right and then made a bad throw to Andrew Miller, who was a little late getting to first. He probably should have let Uggla field that ball. He has hit some balls hard. Personally, I don't think anyone on this club is under more pressure than Sanchez, because he is trying to make the club in the city where he grew up, and because the Marlins have said it's his job to win. It seems like there is a bigger magnifying glass on Sanchez than anyone. I'm aware of the 6 errors last, but no one knows what kind of player he can grow into. Edgar Renteria was horrible in his first spring training camp. Give Sanchez a chance. His glove is better than Jacobs'. It's too early to be cutting up this kid. If he can' make it, the Marlins know they have the Cantu at first/McPhearson at third option, but if Sanchez doesn't start they are more likely to start Bonifacio at third. McPhearson can make ths club, but he is going to need to have a big spring. There's plenty of time to find out Who's On First.

Submitted by Paolo from miami, fl

Q: Mike, with the injury to Alex Rodriguez -- Do you think the Marlins will maybe try and deal Robert Andino who is out of options with this team? What exactly would the Marlins ask or get in return from the Yanks in a trade for Andino, who I think has a great deal of talent both offensively and defensively and can be quite a player if given the chance.

Answered 03/08/09 00:26:51 by Manny Navarro

A: The Marlins will shop Andino, but probably a little later this spring. He is out of options, and probably wouldn't clear waivers (someone would pick him up) so the Marlins will probably try to trade him. The Marlins won't get much for a utility infielder who is out of options. There's still a chance he could make the club (it's a long shot, because the Marlins have Amezaga, and will keep Wes Helms as the second backup infielder, and in all liklihood they will keep Bonifacio.

Submitted by Phil from Miami, FL

Q: Mike - How do you see the Marlins bullpen shaping up this season? Lots of arms, lots of power, but how do they line them up?

Answered 03/08/09 00:21:07 by Manny Navarro

A: I have no problem with Lindstrom as the closer, and if Proctor is healthy (there's a question about his elbow now) he will be the setup man. I like Kiko Calero a lot, and he'll probably be the 7th inning guy. The guy who can have the biggest impact on the pen is probably Ryan Tucker, who will be a late innings guy. It looks like we are stuck with Pinto as the No. 1 lefty in the pen, so that's scary. Let's hope Tankersley bounces back and has a big season and can emerge as the No. 1 lefty. LH Dan Meyer has a chance to make this team, and Logan Kensing is another guy who will be in the pen -- an earlier inning guy, 6th, 7th. People forget, before Kevin Gregg went south and started blowing saves in August the bullpen was one of this team's biggest strengths a year ago. It isn't right now.

Submitted by Eddie S from Kew Gardens, NY

Q: Hi Mike, Why in the world have the Marlins placed Gaby Sanchez as their starting 1st baseman? Last year he made 6 errors in 69 games .At that pace Sanchez would have made 14 errors for the season .So far he has made 3 bad errors in 5 games and is 1 for 11. Last year he also made 12 errors at 3rd base. What are the Marlins thinking?

Answered 03/08/09 00:13:22 by Manny Navarro

A: Give the kid a break. It's five games in spring training. The 1 for 11 is misleading, because he has hit some balls hard. The Marlins believe he will hit well enough to start at first, and he is a big improvement defensively over Mike Jacobs. If Sanchez doesn't start, that means Cantu moves to first and Bonifacio probably starts at third. So who do you want in the lineup, Sanchez or Bonifacio? I'll take Gaby 10 out 10 times on that question. I'm already tired of the Bonifacio comparisons to Luis Castillo. Bonifacio couldn't carry Castillo's shoes, let alone his Gold Gloves. Sanchez is the best fit at first base for a lot of reasons. If he were a pithcer we would all be willing to give the rookie a chance to grow into the role. Give him a break, and let's find out what he can do.

Submitted by skip from Cedar rapids

Q: How do you think the bullpen is playing out? Do you think they will carry 2 or three lefthanders, and will Tucker be in the bullpen?

Answered 03/08/09 00:01:04 by Manny Navarro

A: The bullpen is a big worry right now, because a year team's biggest strength, but the Marlins ripped it apart over the winter. I don't have a problem with Lindstrom as the closer. There are questions about Scott Proctor's elbow, and he's the guy who would be the setup man. There are questions about Leo Nunez's ability. I don't think there is any way Tucker is not in the bullpen, and his addition might go a long way to help this pen. I think the darkhorse in the pen is Kiko Calero, who could really help. The Marlins would like to have 2 lefties. Pinto (don't ask me why) will be one of them. Taylor Tankersley might be the second one. LH Dan Meyer has a chance to make the club.

Submitted by paolo from miami,fl

Q: Mike, I am devasted over what went on with regards to the stadium deal today. I was there along with my very best friend. Two disabled young men who have grown up watching this team that mean everything to them, and were hoping we would be able to watch them in a retractable-roof stadium for years to come. What are your thoughts over what went on today and the votes coming in March? By the way, thanks for answering my previous question -- it was great to get your thoughts on it.

Answered 02/16/09 07:52:36 by Manny Navarro

A: It was a setback, but not a devasatating one. At least I don't think it was. I believe there will be some compromises and the Marlins will get the votes in March at the next meeting. Hopefully, this is the last round of the give-and-take procedure it takes to get this done.

Submitted by paolo from miami,fl

Q: Mike, I know your a Chicago native -- Cubs fan? What, if any kind of investment do you have towards the Marlins? I know you cover them for the Herald, but do you root for him aside from your Cubbies or White Sox? Or is it all strictly professional and really don't care about this team in that regard? Just wanted to know your personal thoughts on the MLB team you cover.

Answered 02/13/09 01:12:49 by Manny Navarro

A: I was never a White Sox fan (I like them now more than I ever did, but that's because I like Ozzie). I owe the Cubs everything, because my love of baseball comes from growing up in Wrigley Field. I also saw the Sox play because I wanted to see the teams and stars in the AL. The Marlins? When you cover a pro team you are always objective, and I think my writing reflects that, but it's human nature to like some people and dislike others, and over the years there have been a long list of Marlins players I couldn't help but like. For instance, I still want Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett to do well, and two big reasons I like the Cubs today are Ryan Dempster and Derrek Lee.

Submitted by H G from Miami, FL

Q: With Bobby Abreau singing with the Angels, Adam Dunn signing with the Nationals, and Manny Ramirez definite out of the question(way to expensive), You think the Marlins should go after a free agent outfielder like Garret Anderson, then trade Armeda for maybe some more pitching? And do you think Dan Uggla will lose his arbitration? I hope so

Answered 02/13/09 00:38:27 by Manny Navarro

A: Uggla deserves the $5.35 million, and the Marlins should have known better than to go to arbitration with one of the most prolific power-hitting second basemen in history. The Marlins should have added a free agent outfielder (Abreau) was a perfect fit here, because of his strong arm, his left-handed bat and the fact that all he does is drive in 100 runs a year. I have written before that I believe Hermida may have a breakout year, and since the Marlins apparently don't want to spend any money to upgrade their outfield, I sure hope he does.

Submitted by Eddie S from Highland Beach, Fla

Q: Don't you think the public should know about the other 103 ballplayers that could be on the list who failed. Otherwise this would drag on and on. Otherwise the innocent could be looked on as a possibility? Example Pudge no longer should be called Pudge.I'm sure no one would ever think that Manny or Albert would be on the list ,but why even raise a slight doubt? What are your thoughts?

Answered 02/13/09 00:33:18 by Manny Navarro

A: I totally agree. I have dicussed this with several people over the past few days. It is ridiculous that -- now that the list has exposed A-Rod -- that the other names aren't released. It's another episode of how MLB has mismanaged the steroid problem. It seems at every turn when MLB can do something to help solve the problem, the powers that be fail. That's one reason the steroid problem is still looming over the game. I'm not defendng A-Rod, but why should he pay just because SI released his name and no one else's?

Submitted by Eddie S from Kew Gardens,NY

Q: Hi Mike, What's your feeling about the vote on Feb 13th for the new stadium ? I believe if Brahman didn't attempt to sue the Marlins it would have been easier last year. However, because of the rough economic times, this may be a good thing since this could establish many new jobs. I'm hoping for a positve result on Feb 13th. On a scale from 1 to 10 what are thoughts about the vote?

Answered 02/08/09 21:11:26 by Manny Navarro

A: I think they will get the votes. It's been a long time coming for the Marlins -- 3 owners, 2 World Series and the most apathetic baseball market in the nation.

Submitted by mendel korf from hollywood fl

Q: does loria not realize a playoff spot can be bought for the cheap in dunn or abreu? put one of those guys behind hanley and he will put up mvp like numbers!

Answered 02/08/09 21:08:16 by Manny Navarro

A: I agree. I would love to see Abreu hitting behind Hanley in the Marlins lineup. All he does is drive in 100 runs a year, and he is a big upgrade in the outfield, where he still has one of the best arms in baseball.

Submitted by karen slowe from boston ma

Q: Have you heard anything about the red sox trying to acquire Hanely Rameriz?

Answered 02/03/09 06:16:30 by Manny Navarro

A: The Marlins are not trading Hanley.

Submitted by David kruper from Mesa, Arizona

Q: What is the status of Harvey Garcia RHP from Venezuela ? What was his injury in 2008? Did he have surgery? Is he still in the mix for the 2009 season? Any chance of spending some time with the Marlins in 2009, or will he spend most of 2009 in minors to rehab? I see he's still on the 40 man roster, what are the Marlins long term plans for Garcia? Thanks Dave K. Mesa,Az

Answered 02/03/09 06:15:47 by Manny Navarro

A: Garcia was activated last month and moved off the 60-man DL, but he is still having trouble recovering from an injured shoulder. He will be in spring training, but at this point it looks like he will be limited and likely start the season in the minors still rehabbing.

Submitted by Skip from Cedar Rapids, Ia

Q: Mike, of the new pitchers that have been brought in are there any that you think will help the team this year? Excluding Proctor, who should if healthy. Thanks

Answered 02/03/09 06:05:46 by Manny Navarro

A: The Marlins are counting on Leo Nunez in the pen, and Rule 5 pickup Zach Kroenke has to make the 25-man roster or the Marlins will have to send him back to the Yankees with $25,000. Kroenke is a situational left-handed reliever. The Marlins claimed lefty Dan Meyer from the A's, but he's 27 and has never won a game in the big leagues (0-6, 7.63 ERA) and he was 0-4 with a 7.48 in 19 games with the A's last year. Somebody will havve to pitch for the gutted bullen, but the jury is out (and in some cases way out) on the new group of relievers.

Submitted by Carlos from W. Kendall, Fl

Q: For over 2 months now I havent heard anything else about the building of the ballpark in the old OB grounds. Is it going to happen finally or not ?? I understand the Marlins NEED to be out of Dolphin's Stadium at the end of the 2010 Season Thanks

Answered 02/03/09 05:28:27 by Manny Navarro

A: There is one final hurdle -- a vote on Feb. 13. The Marlins need 4 of 5 city counslers and 9 of 13 city commissioners to vote in favor of the new ball park, which wouldn't open until 2012.

Submitted by eric s stein from tampa,fl

Q: do the Marlins have the right player mix to seriously content? or,what key position should be improved on with a trade or free agency?

Answered 02/03/09 05:25:46 by Manny Navarro

A: They don't. They could have made some moves and improved enough to be a contender, but did nothing this winter except weaken the bullpen. I would have liked to have seen them add Bobby Abreau to give them better defense in the outfield and a 100-RBI guy who hits from the left side. They can still sign him, and that move would go a long way to hel them. They still need hel behind the plate, but it doesn't appear as if they will go after Pudge Rodriguez. I like Baker a lot, but this team needs a veteran guy like a LoDuca (they don't want him either) or Pudge to help Baker. I hate the idea of starting the season with Mike Rabelo as the backup to Baker. There's still time to make a move to add a bat to the outfield and get a catcher, but the Marlins just seem reluctant to do anything. Things might change once they get the final vote on the stadium Feb. 13, a day before sring training begins.

Submitted by Eddie from Kew Gardens, NY

Q: Hi Mike Last year when Treanor was injured, the Marlins brought up LoDuca who performed admirably for them. I am happy with Baker , who should really platoon with a right handed catcher. If the Marlins don't bring up a catcher from the minors and LoDuca is still available at a resonable price, wouldn't it make sense to get him? One of the biggest problems the Marlins had last year was strikeouts and moving batters up. Wouldn't Loduca be perfect?

Answered 01/29/09 16:09:00 by Manny Navarro

A: LoDuca makes a lot of sense, but there are people in the Marlins front office who aren't crazy about LoDuca. Pudge is still out there and that remains a possibility. The Marlins need to bring in a veteran.