The signing period will start shortly after the World Series, and players will go through the process of filing for free agency. The Marlins most likely won't be looking to sign a high-profile player like Manny Ramirez or CC Sabathia, because their price tags will be too high. I expect them to covet some more modestly priced free agents. Trades certainly are possible, and in fact they are probable.

If the team seeks to move some arbitration players, we perhaps could see a deal where say, Mike Jacobs and Kevin Gregg are packaged. You are hearing rumblings that Jeremy Hermida could be dealt, and chances are high that could happen. The Marlins are high on retaining Alfredo Amezaga. As of now, there is nothing specific on moves, but I do anticipate a busy offseason and some player movement.

Why did the Marlins only play 161 games, and will they ever make up that last game?
-- David H., Miami

The Marlins' Sept. 25 game at Washington was rained out. That was set to be the home finale for the Nationals, but the unplayable conditions washed that away. So rather than play all 162 games, the Marlins finished with 161 -- going 84-77, good enough for third place in the NL East.

If the game had playoff implications, it would have been made up -- most likely on Sept. 29, the Monday after the season ended. Since it didn't, the game wasn't made up.

The last time the Marlins played 161 games was the 2000 season, when they ended up with a 79-82 record.

The fewest games the Marlins played in a season was the 1994 campaign, which was cut short because of a labor conflict. In all, the Marlins played 115 games, and went 51-64, in what was the franchise's second season. Because the labor impasse carried over into 1995, that season resulted in 143 Florida games played. The team went 67-76 that year.

What is the status of Taylor Tankersley?
-- Pat O., Pelham, Ala.

The 25-year-old lefty reliever, and first-round pick out of the University of Alabama in 2004, struggled early and he was optioned to Triple-A. In 25 games for the Marlins, he struck out 13 and walked eight. In 29 games for Albuquerque, he posted a 1.71 ERA, and he struck out 28 in 31 2/3 innings. He did walk 17, though. Tankersley was bothered by a left elbow problem down the stretch and he was shut down. With rest, he should be healthy for Spring Training, where he will be given a chance to regain his status as a late-innings situational lefty.

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Here's a good one for you. A fun little game, if you will. Give me what you think our starting lineup will look like next year.
-- Chad B., Niceville, Fla.

With indications that there will not be drastic turnover, the lineup will have a familiar look. I'll address this by dealing with players currently on the roster who I feel will be back, at least at this time. My early batting order would be: Cameron Maybin (center field), John Baker (catcher), Hanley Ramirez (shortstop), Jorge Cantu (first base), Dan Uggla (second base), Dallas McPherson (third base), Josh Willingham (left field), Cody Ross (right field) and Ricky Nolasco (starting pitcher).

I just saw a piece that said the Dodgers may look to trade Russell Martin. Could the Marlins look to the Dodgers again for their starting catcher? We could send them one of our arbitration-eligible outfielders and Scott Olsen for Martin and maybe a pitching prospect. I know Olsen is a good pitcher, but you need to give up something to get something.
-- Matt S., Davie, Fla.

I'm not convinced Martin is available, but if he is, the Marlins certainly have some young players they could package for the All-Star catcher. I'm not sure the Dodgers need any more outfielders, depending, of course, on whether they can sign Manny Ramirez. It should be a fun offseason, with speculation surrounding so many players. It seems clear, though, that Paul Lo Duca will not be back. In 2004, the Marlins did bring in Lo Duca from the Dodgers as part of the Brad Penny trade.

It's pretty well-known that Hanley Ramirez and Manny Ramirez are very good friends. While both were in Boston, Manny took Hanley under his wing. Do you think that their friendship is strong enough to impact Manny's decision of where he signs?
-- Mike B., Wellington, Fla.

Manny's friendship might be strong with Hanley, but the dollar figures that the slugger will command will clearly be out of the Marlins' price range. Even if the Marlins had made the trade for Manny in late July, it was understood that he would be a summer rental. The beauty of free agency is to speculate on such big signings, but that isn't a realistic option for Florida. Perhaps when the team gets into the new stadium in a few years it could entertain such high-profile signings.

What is the latest news on Luis Gonzalez? I checked the Marlins' Web site a few days ago and it said that he's thinking about leaving the Marlins. In my opinion, that's not good for our team.
-- Christian L., Miami

Most likely, Gonzo and the Marlins will move in opposite directions. You never want to say never, but the 41-year-old probably will get a chance to play elsewhere, perhaps in the American League where he could be a designated hitter. Without question, Gonzo played a big role, especially, offering leadership. The team may be thinking of putting that $2 million elsewhere.