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FLORIDA MARLINS

2005 finish: 83-79, tied for 3^rd place in NL East

Manager: Joe Girardi (1^st season)

Free agents: RHP A.J. Burnett, RHP Todd Jones, OF Juan Encarnacion, RHP Antonio Alfonseca, RHP Brian Moehler, IB/OF Jeff Conine, IF Damion Easley, RHP Ismael Valdez, IF Lenny Harris, IF Alex Gonzalez, RHP Paul Quantrill, RHP Jim Mecir

On the block: CF Juan Pierre, 1B Carlos Delgado, 3B Mike Lowell, C Paul LoDuca

Looking for: Corner outfielder, relievers

What’s going on: Talk about your basic change in philosophies — Joe Girardi, Northwestern graduate and still in playing shape, replacing folksy grandpa Jack McKeon as manager. Girardi’s imprint certainly will be different, and look for him to bring along a Colorado connection on his staff that will include Bobby Meacham. The payroll would jump from $65 million to $80 million with the current roster, but ownership wants it cut to under $60 million. So look for a salary dump or two beyond A.J. Burnett, who will follow Carl Pavano out of South Florida for big money. Shortstop Alex Gonzalez could be allowed to leave through free agency. Juan Pierre could be traded after a sub-par season. Dealing Carlos Delgado’s big contract is another possibility that could solve a big chunk of the money problems with one move. They also would like to deal Mike Lowell, but finding a taker will be tough unless they eat some of his salary. Pittsburgh could be a possibility. They will try to re-sign Damion Easley, Jeff Conine, Brian Moehler and Lenny Harris, but don’t expect Todd Jones, Juan Encarnacion and Ismael Valdez to return. Reliever Jim Mecir is retiring.

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Tony Gutierrez / AP

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