Who is out of options factors into finalizing every big league roster.

A year ago, because shortstop Robert Andino was out of options, he became a primary trade target because he was blocked by All-Star Hanley Ramirez. So late in Spring Training 2009, Andino was dealt to the Orioles for right-hander Hayden Penn, who also was without options.

The Marlins currently have seven players who are out of options, which means they have to be on the 25-man roster, or the club risks losing them.

When a player has options, he can be sent up and down to the Minor Leagues all season.

Here are the seven Marlins without options for 2010: Penn, Dan Meyer, Renyel Pinton, Brian Sanches, Wes Helms, Cody Ross and Leo Nunez.

-- Joe Frisaro

The Marlins are not seeking to bring in veteran first baseman Russell Branyan, which was speculated a few days ago in an ESPN.com report.

According to a source, the Marlins didn't make an offer to Branyan. The team didn't even have a serious conversation with the slugger, who was with the Mariners in 2009.

The Marlins are in the market for a left-handed bat off the bench. The club is planning on having Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison compete for the first base job.

-- Joe Frisaro

One of the most versatile players to wear a Marlins uniform in recent years has found another job.

Alfredo Amezaga has reached agreement on a Minor League deal with the Dodgers. The 31-year-old utility player has an invitation to big league camp.

If Amezaga makes the Dodgers, he will earn $650,000, and if he meets all his incentives, he can earn another $800,000.

The 31-year-old has been with the Marlins since 2006. A switch-hitter, Amezaga has a career batting average of .251 with a .311 on-base percentage. A knee injury limited him to 27 games last year, and over the summer he underwent microfracture surgery after experiencing a bone bruise.

He was cleared to run in January, and worked out recently for four clubs. 

The Marlins maintained interest in bringing Amezaga back. While Amezaga enjoyed his tenure with Florida, he felt this was his best opportunity.

Because Amezaga is recovering from microfracture surgery to his left knee, the Marlins felt it was too risky to tender him a contract in December. A natural middle infielder who is an above average defensive center fielder, Amezaga made $1.3 million this past year and he appeared in just 27 games.

At the Winter Meetings in December, the Dodgers and Cubs explored acquiring Amezaga in a trade. But Amezaga wasn't medically cleared at that time.

A natural middle infielder, Amezaga saw substantial time in center field. And he played every position but pitcher and catcher as a Marlin.

Emilio Bonifacio is the frontrunner to assume Amezaga's utlity role.

-- Joe Frisaro

Perhaps the Marlins have found their answer to a left-handed bat off the bench.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Marlins have made a contract offer to veteran Russell Branyan. Stark reports the offer contains a low base salary with plenty of incentives.

The 34-year-old Branyan spent 2009 with the Mariners, where he earned $1.4 million while appearing in 116 games. Branyan belted 31 homers and drove in 76 runs.

The Marlins have been saying they are ready to give prospects Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez the chance to win the first base job. Branyan now appears primed to compete for a starting job. And if he doesn't win it, he could fill the role of left-handed bat off the bench.

Branyan has 12 years in the big leagues, and he's a .234 career hitter with 164 lifetime home runs.

Ross Gload was Florida's primary left-handed pinch-hit option in 2009. A couple of months ago, Gload signed as a free agent with the Phillies.

If Branyan signs, his arrival pretty much secures Jorge Cantu at third base. Cantu is a fallback option to play first base.

Like Branyan, Morrison is a left-handed hitter. Morrison also can play a corner outfield spot.

-- Joe Frisaro

Looks like another former Brewer will be in Marlins camp when pitchers and catchers begin Spring Training on Feb. 20 at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla.

Seth McClung, who will turn 30 on Super Bowl Sunday, is close to finalizing a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

Last Friday, the Marlins announced they have signed former Milwaukee All-Star closer Derrick Turnbow to a Minor League contract.

If Turnbow makes the team, he will make $600,000 with a chance for $50,000 in incentives.

McClung will compete for a spot in the bullpen.

McClung also strongly considered the Cardinals, Giants and Nationals.

-- Joe Frisaro

A former Marlins reliever could be returning to Florida.

The Marlins have made a contract offer to veteran Kevin Gregg, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

MLB.com has confirmed the Marlins indeed have interest in Gregg as an eighth-inning setup reliever for closer Leo Nunez.

After spending 2007 and 2008 as the Marlins closer, Florida traded Gregg to the Cubs for reliever Jose Ceda, who was injured for all of 2009.

The Marlins are seeking veteran relievers.

A free agent, Gregg has appeared in at least 70 games in three straight seasons. With the Cubs last year, he was 5-6 with a 4.72 ERA in 72 games. He added 23 saves in 30 chances before losing his position.

With the Marlins in 2007, Gregg saved 32 games in 36 chances. The right-hander had his struggles in the role in 2008, posting 29 saves in 38 opportunities. He was bothered by a left knee injury late in that season.

On Friday, the Marlins announced they signed Derrick Turnbow and Jose Veras to a Minor League contracts with a Spring Training invitations.

-- Joe Frisaro

Cody Ross will find out his salary for the 2010 season on Feb. 15.

That's when the Marlins outfielder will have his arbitration hearing in St. Petersburg, Fla.

In his second year eligible for arbitration, Ross and the Marlins were unable to reach agreement on a one-year deal by the Jan. 19 deadline to exchange contract figures. Team policy is if no agreement is struck by the deadline, then the matter would head to a hearing.

The three arbitrators will listen to arguments from both sides, and pick either the $4.45 million Ross is seeking, or the Marlins counter offer of $4.2 million.

Marlins pitchers and catchers begin workouts for the start of Spring Training on Feb. 19. So Ross' contract will be decided before camp begins. However, because he is not yet signed, it is doubtful Ross will participate in the upcoming Marlins caravan or FanFest, which is set for Feb. 13.

-- Joe Frisaro

Continue reading 'Mermaids squad finalized'...

Perhaps the next major, multiyear signing news conference at the Orange Bowl will be for right-hander Ricky Nolasco?

The Marlins on Thursday formally announced the signing of ace Josh Johnson, who has signed a four-year, $39 million contract.

Nolasco, meanwhile, is projected to be Florida's No. 2 starter. The right-hander recently signed a one-year, $3.8 million contract, avoiding arbitration.

After 2010, Nolasco will be entering his third and final season of arbitration. The Marlins have already spoken with Nolasco's agent, Matt Sosnick, who also represents Johnson, about doing a multiyear deal next offseason.

The condition is if Nolasco has another solid season, the squad would be receptive to locking up the right-hander long-term.

-- Joe Frisaro

The Marlins have scheduled a news conference on Thursday to announce the signing of Josh Johnson.

The event is taking place at the Orange Bowl, site of the Marlins new ballpark.

Last week Johnson reached agreement on a four-year, $39 million deal.

-- Joe Frisaro