Of course they will still be the Marlins. Once they move into their new ballpark, they will change to the Miami Marlins. That was made public since early in the year, but the switch won't occur until they are in the new park.

The team also has talked about getting a new look, meaning a revised uniform. Exactly how that would look is a mystery, and it, too, is a few years away. I know a number of fans like the teal from the early years of the franchise, but that color has been downplayed since 2003. Perhaps there will be a touch of teal in the new uniforms down the road, but unless there is a change of thinking within the organization, I don't think teal will be a prominent color.

Why on Earth would the Marlins think about trading Dan Uggla? They could easily build a very good team around Uggla and Hanley Ramirez.
-- Woody B., Fort Myers, Fla.

The team hasn't come out and said they will trade anyone. But when you consider Uggla's salary in arbitration will jump to between $5-6 million, cost becomes a factor. I think the team is going to be pretty strong in '09 based on some of the players I feel will definitely be back. My optimism is based on the fact that Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad will be as strong a trio of top three starters as any in the National League East. If the team can get quality in return for Uggla -- or any of the other young power hitters heading to arbitration -- then they will explore that. It's not automatic that Uggla will be moved. My belief at this time is I wouldn't be surprised if he is moved.

What the latest on Hanley Ramirez's shoulder? I hope he gets the best medical advice possible, and if surgery is recommended that he doesn't delay. From what I've seen, if not corrected, it will continue to bother him every time he swings hard and misses or dives and lands on it.
-- Doug M., Boca Raton, Fla.

Hanley had surgery on his left shoulder in October 2007 to repair a labrum tear. He aggravated the shoulder late in the season, but it isn't believed to be serious. From time to time over the course of the season, the shoulder has bothered him. It's nothing more than the typical wear and tear. For example, players who have knee surgery typically are icing and treating it regularly afterwards. With rest, Hanley will be fine for Spring Training. Hanley plans on playing in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic.

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This year at the trade deadline we were trying to get Manny Ramirez. Do you think we could still get him? Look at him now and he led the Dodgers into the playoffs.
-- Joseph C., Boca Raton, Fla.

Now that you mention it, in hindsight, perhaps if the Marlins pulled the trigger on the Manny Ramirez trade, they may have made it to the postseason. That said, the club didn't want to part with prize prospect outfielder Michael Stanton, so the deal wasn't made. Ramirez will become a free agent after the season, and the veteran slugger will not be someone the Marlins pursue. His dollar figure will be extremely high -- four years at $80 million (or something in that neighborhood). The Marlins will consider more affordable options.

Why do I not see any talk of Dallas McPherson? Is he going to see any action in the bigs or what? He's healthy and he hit a ton of home runs in Triple-A. I'm an Angels fan and I loved him when he was healthy.
-- Steven S., Upland, Calif.

McPherson, who came up in the Angels farm system, is up for arbitration and he projects to get a shot to win the third-base job in Spring Training. If Mike Jacobs is traded, then the Marlins would either look to keep Jorge Cantu at third or switch him to first. If Cantu goes to first, McPherson would be in line to win the job at third or platoon with Wes Helms.

How about the bullpen -- major or minor changes? As for the catcher position, it's John Baker, right?
-- Edwin G., Miami.

Arthur Rhodes and Kevin Gregg may not return, but there are quality arms expected back, and others in the system ready to move up. Matt Lindstrom will be a frontrunner to close. Ryan Tucker could play a big part of the 'pen next year. But in years to come afterwards, he may become a starting-pitcher candidate again. You are correct, though, the pen will have to be addressed. I see changes, but not wholesale moves in the bullpen.

A number of you have asked about Baker being the catcher. I will cover him here. From what he showed, especially offensively and his ability to compete, Baker will likely head into Spring Training as the frontrunner to win the starting job. I do think the club will explore the market for a catcher, and that will be an area that will be seriously evaluated. The market for catching, however, is pretty thin. I think the team will be creative. At worst for Baker, he becomes the backup. He did a great job being thrown into a tough spot, replacing Matt Treanor in July and then playing regularly the rest of the way. Because of the wear and tear at that position, teams need several options. Even late in the year, Baker had some bumps and bruises to his legs.

How realistic is it that the Marlins will keep Cantu and Alfredo Amezaga? Cantu showed he can really hit in the clutch and with power.
-- Gibran J., Monterrey, Mexico.

I think it is very realistic that both will be back. The two are high priorities to retain. Now, it will be a matter of fitting their salaries within the team budget and getting the signings done.