Submitted by Jose Sosa from Hialeah,Florida

Q: Hey mike I heard about the Marlins persuing the services of outfielder Luis Gonzalez.He would be a great fit to help the young marlins with a bat and leadership for young outfielders like Cameron Maybin.I would think he would fit in the Marlins price range and maybe sign him for two years.My questions are Would this rumor come thru? When could we see this happening? and why dont we see the marlins persue a veteran arm reliever or starter? Is there any rumors that you have heard of.

Answered 01/26/08 03:32:03 by Mike Phillips

A: Luis Gonzalez is exactly the type of person the Marlins need -- he's a fine baseball player, but an even better person off the field, a class act in a league of his own. The Marlins would like to add him, but the price has to be right (and that means the bottom dollar with the Marlins). The reason the Marlins aren't in the market for a veteran arm is because veteran starters cost too much, and they have a good bullpen right now.

Submitted by Eddie from Kew Gardens, NY

Q: At first I was very happy that the Marlins got Jorge Cantu. I beleive the reason they gave him a minor league contract was for his inept defense at 3rd base. In 2005 which was his banner year at the plate, Cantu made 12 errors in 62 games for a fielding percentage of .912. His fielding statistics are acceptable at 2nd base. Although, the Marlins do not want to move Uggla to 3rd, unless Cantu improves at 2nd. The plus with Cantu is his ability to play 1st against tough lefties. Don't you think Castillo would be a better fit at 2nd for his defense? Would the Marlins keep Castillo even though he is a lifetime 250 hitter? What are your thoughts?

Answered 01/26/08 03:28:23 by Mike Phillips

A: The idea is for those two to compete for the third base spot this spring. The Marlins don't want to move Uggla to third base. That was always a thought in an emergency situation and a thought that came up when they were talking to the Angels about a deal involving Howie Kendrick. They gave Cantu a minor league deal because they could (it's cheaper), with the idea that he can get a better contract if he makes the club this spring, Castillo is a better defensive third baseman than Cantu, and he hit well this winter, but there are a lot of questions about Castillo playing every day because of his bat. This gives the Marlins another option at third and makes spring training a little more interesting.

Submitted by Anonymous from Boynton Beach, FL

Q: I haven't read anything about Andino recently. He proved able to MLB pitching, probably better than any of the recent acquisitions. Could he play 2B with Uggla going to 3rd? Can we trade Loria for someone who can afford to own a team? (Athletes who cost more than the bargain basement team now in place)

Answered 01/26/08 03:22:13 by Mike Phillips

A: I haven't heard any trade talks involving Loria, so it looks like he will be here for a while. Andino probably helped himself last year, but it will be very difficult for him to make the team this spring. His biggest hurdle is Amezaga, who is the ultimate utilty player.

Submitted by Joe Peterson from Queens,NY

Q: Why didnt the Marlins try to get Lasting Milledge before the Cabrera/Willis trade. The a package of Miguel Olivo and Cody Ross and another player would have been better package than what the Mets got. The Marlins then could have acepted the Angels trade of Kendrick,2 pitchers and Mathis for Cabrera and Willis.

Answered 01/26/08 03:16:57 by Mike Phillips

A: It's difficult to know just what the Mets would have taken for Milledge. Only the Mets knoiw what they like. They may not think as highly of Ross and Olivo as you do. Besides, everyone knew the Marlins were not going to rsign Olivo, so anyone interested could just pick him up as a free agent, so trading for olivo would have been foolish. I'm very, very happy the Marlins didn't make the deal with the Angels. I never liked any of the packages in the trade talks. They made a much. much, much better deal with the Tigers.

Submitted by Joe Peterson from Queens,NY

Q: Will Gaby Hernandez be ready for opening day? Who will be the ace of the Marlins this year?

Answered 01/26/08 03:13:20 by Mike Phillips

A: The Marlins will give Hernandez a look this spring and he might make the team. The ace? Right now the first two pitchers in the rotation would be Scott Olsen and Sergio Mitre, but I don't know who Fredi will start on opening day. Spring training will decide who gets the nod. Miller could end up being the ace. I hope Olsen bounces back and has a big season.

Submitted by Joe Peterson from Queens,NY

Q: What can the Marlins expect of Eulogio De La Cruz? Could he be a factor in the bullpen this year? When will the other 2 prospects beready>

Answered 01/26/08 03:09:58 by Mike Phillips

A: The Tigers were high on him because of his velocity, and I would be surprised if he wasn't given every chance to make the club this spring.

Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida

Q: Do you believe that Jose Castillo will be able to produce for the Marlins at third base both with the bat and the glove in order to help this team be successful. I have read many articles saying he is no Cabrera and really there is no need to read any articles to know that, but do you think he can be a true threat in the batting order for us. Like me, would you rather see him play third and keep Dan Uggla at second, or would you like them to flip-flop positions?

Answered 01/26/08 03:07:54 by Mike Phillips

A: I would rather keep Uggla at second for many reasons. He and Ramirez make a decent double-play combo. Uggla worked hard to improve his defense and now feels comfortable at second. Why risk a decline in defense with an awkward move to third? No one is going to replace Cabrera's bat. So forget about any comparisons with anyone at the plate. But almost anyone will be a better fielder at third base. It's silly to try to make comparisons when the Marlins lose a player like Cabrera. They didn't trade him because he wasn't a great hitter (he's probably going to end up in Cooperstown). They traded him because they didn't want to pay him, and unfortunately Marlins fans know this game all too well. This is Marlins' Baseball. They refuse to pay for stars. Instead, they will put a make-shift "this is the best we can do" team on the field and hope young players rise to stardom (i.e. Ramirez). Hopefully, they can get enough production from eith Castillo or Cantu at third base to help compete this season.

Submitted by John Valdes from miami Fla.

Q: Mr. Mike Phillips: I truly believe that Freddy Gonzalez "probably" does know how to "play" baseball, but he has no idea about running a team and get the job done with a victory which is another story. The Marlins lost a lot of games last years by "one run", and quite a few more by "two" runs, why ?...because he never ever moved the runners properly and also a lacks of "bunting" in crutial plays at the rigth times,instead, he always wait for the big hit... and that shows his lack of knowledge as a skipper. In my opinion you have to... "move on, move over, and move in" the runners more often if you wanna win more games, otherwise you become a losser. What do you thin about it ? Truly yours, John Valdes.

Answered 01/26/08 03:00:09 by Mike Phillips

A: The Marlins did not maufacture many runs last year, but they do hit a lot of doubles and home runs and they do score a lot of runs. Did you realize that the 2007 Marlins hit more home runs and scored more runs than the 1997 World Series champs and the 2003 World Series champs? I would like to see them manufacture more runs this season, but their problems are simple -- pitching and defense. With addition of Cameron Maybin they will have two bigtime basestealers in Maybin and Ramirez. I would like to see Jeremy Hermida move into the No. 2 spot. Uggla hits a ton of doubles and home runs, but he is better suited in the fifth spot in the order. It's difficult to have a hit-and-run with Uggla, who strikes out far too much. Hermida is a better contact hitter and the idea of Maybin, Hermida and Ramiriz hitting in front of Willingham, who should drive in more runs this year, Uggla and Jacobs could make this a decent lineup.

Submitted by Eddie from Highland Beach, Fla

Q: Obtaining Jose Castillo is an interesting thought but I do not think he is the answer. Although,Jose is a very good defensive infielder, he is only a lifetime 250 hitter. What's rather unusual is when he was batting 8th in the batting order in 2006, he had a 308 average. Could he be a late inning replacement at 2nd and 3rd base? What's the purpose of getting Castillo when Ensberg and Cantu are still available? What are your thoughts?

Answered 01/26/08 02:50:30 by Mike Phillips

A: The Marlins like him, and he is cheap. There is llittle doubt the Marlnis will have the lowest payroll in baseball. It's a shame they won't any money, becuse they could have borught in a better third baseman.

Submitted by Eddie from Highland Beach, Fla

Q: Perhaps the strongest part of the Marlins is their bullpen. With Miller, Pinto Lindstrom, Kensing and Gregg, it seems this could be the stable part of the Marlins. Last year Henry Owens did a good job in the bullpen until he got injured. Will he be ready for spring training?

Answered 12/22/07 17:28:41 by Mike Phillips

A: Owens will probably be ready, and yes, the bullpen is one of the strengths of the team.

Submitted by Ron Rodriguez from Naples, Florida

Q: Wes Helms has never had success as an everyday player, I like the Ensberg and Cantu options. Both were good players at one time...what happened? The Marlins had their pitchers on a strict pitch count, how has that worked out with all the arm injuries??

Answered 12/22/07 17:27:50 by Mike Phillips

A: I agree. I like Ensberg. Helms is not the every day answer. The pitch counts were there to protect the pitchers, but you have to remember that pitchers such as Johnson, Sanchez and Nolasco had never thrown as many innings as they did in 2006. Mitre was so burned out last season that when he hit the wall there was nothing left in September.

Submitted by john from miami.fl

Q: hey, what is stoping the marlins from getting cantu and do you think nolasco or anibal sanchez will be ready for opening day?

Answered 12/22/07 17:24:52 by Mike Phillips

A: No one is sure whether either Sanchez or Nolasco will be ready for openings day. The hope is both will be ready, but my guess is that it may take a little longer for Sanchez. The Marlins are taking their time getting a third baseman. They still have plenty of time to fill the position.

Submitted by Matt J from Boynton Bch

Q: I don't believe that Gregg is "proven" as a closer yet. He had a good season, don't get me wrong, but proven? Seems like a bit of a stretch. Lindstrom could take over for Gregg, who had only a RESPECTABLE 3.54 ERA. If Carlos Martinez is capable of being the pitcher we thought he'd be and Kensing can stay healthy, Gregg could be more than expendable. And you raised a point that contradicts your argument. The Marlins were under .500 even after Gregg took over. So who cares if cares if he stays? An every- day player is more important than a reliever anyways... Especially if Longoria is the type of player he's projected to be.

Answered 12/19/07 08:53:29 by Mike Phillips

A: It's true the Marlins were under .500 with Gregg as the closer, but he did a decent job in his first season as a closer. They may have other options with Owens and Lindstrom. I don't like the idea of a rookie as a closer. I think Kensing will be one of the biggest surprises of this season. He came back from Tommy John and had great stuff when he did pitch at the end of the season. I don't know what role he will play, but my guess is Kensing is ready for a breakout season. I think he could close if he had a chance. I do like the Marlins' bullpen. It's a strength on a team that doesn't have many. Gregg may not be Valverde, but he did a decent job for a last place team. I would like to see the starters go deeper in games to give Fredi a chance to manage. It's impossible to manage when your starters are getting knocked out early almost every night. I hated the Benitez experiment and am glad that's over, because he was more costly on the mound than even in the pocketbook. This bullpen has the potential to be really good.

Submitted by Eddie from Kew Gardens, NY

Q: What is taking so long for the Marlins to act on a 3rd baseman? Who could be better than Morgan Engsberg or Cantu. Both has had success in their careers. With both Miguels leaving(Cabrera and Olivo) we are losing 50 homers. Hopefully with a good defensive 3rd baseman and a good defensive catcher and a strong centerfielder like Maybin (if he's ready) we can make up the defensive flaws . To sum up what's taking the Marlins so long to get a 3rd baseman?

Answered 12/19/07 08:36:07 by Mike Phillips

A: They have talked about Cantu and also about Wes Helms. Ensberg would be a great fit. They have some time, but I am like you. I would like to see somethng get done in the near future. There are about seven to eight weeks left before spring training. The Marlins don't lose 50 homers. Sure Cabrera hit 34 and Olivo hit 16. But if the new third baseman hits just 15 homers and Rabelo hits 10, that's 25 homers. Maybin is going to hit 20 or more in centerfield -- that's 18 to 20 more than Amezaga and De Aza would have hit. Besides, the Marlins can afford to lose a few home runs. Olivo struck out far too much and Rabelo, a switch-hitter, is a much better contact hitter and will have a much better on-base-percentage than Olivo. Yes, the Marlins will miss Cabrera's bat. He is a tremendous hitter, but the problem with the Marlins last season was not hitting home runs or scoring runs. They set team records in both, and still finished last. Arizona was outscored and won the Division title in the West. This team has to play better defense to win, and Cabrera and Olivo were both horrendous defensively.

Submitted by Tony from Pembroke Pines, FL

Q: With the questionable health of Anibel Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco as well as the questionable stanima of Sergio Mitre I think the Marlins are currently pretty thin on starting pitching. Wouldn't you agree they need a veteran who can eat up some innings and add a little experience to the staff. Who have you heard are the Marlins targeting and how likely would an addition to the staff be?

Answered 12/19/07 08:23:04 by Mike Phillips

A: I would love to see the Marlins add a veteran to the rotation, but it's not likely. You're right, there are a lot of question marks about the rotation with the return of Sanchez at the top of the list.

Submitted by Julio Díaz from Miami. Fl.

Q: After the trade we're still weak @ third and behind the plate. Rabelo will some day be an every day catcher but is still inexperienced. Moving Uggla to third won't help either. Do you see any more trades coming, or are any veterans out there we could afford for these two spots? Our bullpen looks good and the starting rotation could be a pleasant surprise like in 2006.

Answered 12/19/07 08:18:15 by Mike Phillips

A: They are going to have to address third base. The Marlins have talked to the Phillies about Wes Helms, and they have a few other free agent options at third. The Marlins would rather keep Uggla at second base, so they will probably make some kind of move at third base. They are fine behind the plate, because they can use both Rabelo and Treanor, and the bullpen is a strength. The rotation has a lot of questions, including how will Scott Olsen pitch this season and how well and when wll Anibal Sanchez pitch. Mitre hit the wall last season, so there are questions about him too, even though he was clearly the best starter until August. Miller will be in the rotation, but there's no clear cut No. 1. It is probably Olsen, but Miller or Mitre have bi springs they could get the nod. To me, Sanchez is the biggest question mark. If he returns and pitching anythng like he did in 2006 then the rotation should be just fine. I think Olsen will have a much better season, and I am anxious to see how well Miller does in the NL after a short stint with etroit last season.

Submitted by Eddiey from Deltona, Fl.

Q: I'm hearing that the design of a new Marlins ballpark may be open air along the lines of what the Rays are proposing in St. Pete. Do you think that would work in South Florida? Will Marlins fans start going to games if they are assured that the team is staying with no more fire sales?

Answered 12/15/07 18:55:35 by Mike Phillips

A: No, there is no need to build a ball park without a retractable roof. That would defeat everything the Marlins have been complaining about (and for good reason) for years. It's hard to tell what it will take to get fans to watch the Marlins. They won in '03, and didn't have a fire sale, and no one showed up in 2004 to watch the World Series champs play. The Marlins didn't draw anyone in '03 either. The hope is with a roof and dry seats and air conditioning fans will be more comfortable and willing to watch baseball.

Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida

Q: do you think the potential new owners of the Fins would be interested in buying the Fish and maybe speed up the stadium deal process? they seem to have deep pockets and an owner like that is what the Marlins need... If a stadium deal is struck, would that mean the team will be on sale or sold to someone else, if so are these guys real candidates?

Answered 12/15/07 18:51:56 by Mike Phillips

A: I don't know of anyone who would want to own both a football and baseball team -- or have the money to afford either in this market. I would like to see a Marlins owner with deep pockets. Oh yeah, we had one, John Henry, who now uses his deep pockets to win World Series titles in Boston. It's a shame Henry didn't get a ball park deal done, because back in 2001 when it appeared the deal was going to happen, Henry was already projecting future budgets for the Marlins and by 2004 he was estimating a budget in the $75 to $80 million range. You can bet, if he had gotten a ball park the Marlins' payroll in 2007 would have been at least $100 million. Beckett, Penny, Lowell, Lee, Cabrera and others would have been popping those bottles of champagne instead of the Red Sox. Huizenga also went to his deep pockets in '97, before the first dismantling. I don't understand your question about if a stadium deal is struck. The Marlins wouldn't be for sale unless Loria wanted to sell them.

Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida

Q: Mike, with final exams and all this other school stuff I have going I can only watch the things going on in Baseball and the Steroid Issue. I have not had the time to go over the Mitchell Report and read about the names involved. With that said, I hope you have and can provide me with some of the names involved in particular the names on there that involve any current or former Florida Marlins players.

Answered 12/15/07 18:43:59 by Mike Phillips

A: Kevin Brown, Gary Sheffield, Paul Lo Duca, Gregg Zaun and Benito Santiago were the big names who are former Marlins, but none of these players was with the Marlins at the time they were identified in the report. Sheffield and Santiago are BALCO related and Brown and Lo Duca were with the Dodgers when they were implicated. Zaun was with the Royals when he was implicated. There were other smaller role players such as Villone, Herges, Chad Allen, and Ismael Valdes but they were not identified with the Marlins. Ricky Bone is the only Marlin who was identified in the report. In 2000, the Marlins found six syringes and six vials of steroids in Bones' locker. Dombrowski turned the matter over to the commissioner's office. Bones met with MLB officials and explained he had the steroids from his physician in Puerto Rico to self-administer pain-killing drugs for his degenerative hip. After he retired, Bones had hip replacement surgery.

Submitted by rexpacken from ft worth, tx

Q: Phillips, I'm absolutly puzzeled why you have no alligence what-so-ever to Cody Ross. You write about Maybin as though he is the second coming of christ! have you actually looked at Ross's numbers- why on earth would anybody with any baseball knowledge not know that Ross's will be the super-star! He plays he'll be the one that hits 30 or more HR'S. 173 At bats 335 with 12 HRs do the math! Cut this out and paste it to your desk.

Answered 12/15/07 18:37:49 by Mike Phillips

A: I love Cody, but I don't like him in centerfield, because he doesn't have the spped or range to play that position in cavernous Joe Robbie Stadium. If you want to swap Cody for Hermida, that's one thing, but Hermida improved his defense dramatically over the last two months of the season and he was born to hit .300. I have always believed Hermida would hit, but questioned his defense in right field. I think if Cody played every day he would hit 25 to 30 home runs. The reason I am high on Maybin is because the Marlins are in dire need of a centerfielder who can run. Let's face it, Willingham does a nice job in left and works hard, but he's not going to get to a lot of balls in the gap. Hermida, while improving, doesn't have great speed either. Because of the large outfield at Joe Robbie, the Marlins can't survive without a center fielder who can run down balls and take away doubles and possibly triples. Maybin can cover the ground, and his speed will make Hermida and Willingham better defensively. Maybin has a domino effect on the outfield defense that won't show up in any stat book, but Devon White gave the Marlins that kind of presence in 1997 and Juan Pierre took away a lot of extra base hits in '03. Getting a centerfielder with speed changes this team in many ways. Maybin is also a perfect leadoff man, and with Cabrera gone, Hanley will move to third, where he will drive in more runs. Imagine, with Maybin and Hanley, the Marlins have two guys who can each steal 50 bases and put pressure on the opposing pitcher. That also has a domino effect.