The subject of switching Hanley to the outfield was brought up at the Winter Meetings, and team president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said the commitment is to keep the All-Star at shortstop. Ramirez certainly is athletic enough to play the outfield, but the problem you encounter with star players is trying to move them out of their comfort zone when they aren't ready in their own mind. We've seen him play very well in the field at shortstop, but sometimes he doesn't maintain that focus, and it shows on occasions.

To me, if the time comes where Hanley changes from being a shortstop, I think third base would make more sense than outfield. Bigger shortstops like Alex Rodriguez and Cal Ripken Jr. made that change.

Why doesn't Alfredo Amezaga have a regular position? The guy can do pretty much everything, he deserves a regular spot. If not, let him play for another team.
-- Marco W., Miami.

You are certainly correct that Amezaga can play just about anywhere. The fact that he can makes him extremely valuable, and many teams would covet a player like him. My best guess on why he isn't a regular with the Marlins is because his offensive numbers may not hold up if he played every day. Some players are cut out to be used more sparingly than others. Amezaga, a switch-hitter, has traditionally hit much worse from his right side. So that means he wouldn't start much against left-handers. He still gets a great deal of playing time, and he's valuable in the late innings because he can handle the bat to bunt or hit-and-run. He can run, and he is above average in the field, no matter where you put him. The Marlins don't want to lose him.

If Jorge Cantu stays at third base, where does that put Dallas McPherson? He is already 28, and he is healthy. He has yet to complete a full season in the big leagues. Will he be traded or will he once again spend the season in the Minor Leagues?
-- Cristina N., Miami.

For now, at least, it looks as if Cantu will stay at third base and Gaby Sanchez will get the early nod to be the regular first baseman. That's part of the evaluation process the team seems to have made. Whether that is how it pans out for Opening Day is another story. Spring Training will provide the answers. We can speculate all we want now, but circumstances change. Cantu last year signed a Minor League contract with the Marlins, and he was in the mix with McPherson and Jose Castillo for the third-base job. Based on his performance in Spring Training, Cantu won the job.

McPherson will get a chance in Spring Training. An advantage he has is the fact he's a left-handed hitter with power. The team lost Mike Jacobs in a trade with Kansas City, so McPherson could help pick up the slack. He also is an option to play first base.

Why don't the Marlins try to sign Brad Penny? He's a free agent and he could be affordable because of all the injuries last year. What do you think? Have you heard anything on that front?
-- Erwin R., Homestead.

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There is nothing on Penny returning to the Marlins. It doesn't look like there is a fit. Carl Pavano, on the other hand, is a name that keeps coming up. Pavano is a free agent to watch, if he remains unsigned in January.

Back in November, you said the renderings for the new stadium would be released to the public. I have yet to see anything. I'm sure I speak for a lot of Marlins fans in saying that we are very excited to see these plans. Is there a set date on the release?
-- Mark M., Winter Springs, Fla.

You certainly make some excellent points. Obviously the delays on releasing the renderings is frustrating. The team is aware the public wants to see pictures, but there is a process to everything right now. They don't seem to want to jump the gun, especially since some final documents still must receive approval from the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County commissioners. The hope is that will come in January. My best guess is the renderings will come out shortly after the final votes are completed. I know that means more waiting, but it could be about a month away if all goes according to plan.

Will Jeff Conine visit Jacksonville's new franchise now that he is a special assistant to the team president? That would be awesome for the fans in North Florida. We will have a huge impact on the rising popularity of the club.
-- Melinda R., Fleming Island, Fla.

One reason the Marlins are happy to have switched their Double-A affiliate from Carolina to Jacksonville is to increase the visibility of the franchise in the northern part of the state. Special assistants for the club typically make trips to the Minor League affiliates to either help evaluate or work with the Minor League players. I'm not sure how much travel Jeff wants to do, but I wouldn't be surprised if he made an occasional trip to Jacksonville.

Adding Conine to the staff now gives the franchise another high-profile special assistant. Hall of Famer Tony Perez and Andre Dawson also are assistants who frequently visit the Minor League clubs. Then there is Jack McKeon, a special adviser to team owner Jeffrey Loria. McKeon still goes to Minor League games as well.