It's been said on several occasions that Andino must feel like the shortstop prospect in New York who has to play behind Derek Jeter. Because of Ramirez, Andino is not going to play much shortstop, and Uggla presents a similar situation at second base. Then, Andino has to deal with versatile utility player Alfredo Amezaga, who basically does everything he does. Toss in Emilio Bonifacio, who also plays second base, shortstop and third, and Andino probably is squeezed from making the Opening Day roster.

A second-round pick in 2002, Andino is out of options, so I suspect the team will look to trade him before the season starts. Florida has talked about moving Andino since the Winter Meetings, specifically with the Pirates. Most likely, Andino will be showcased in Spring Training. He's helped by the fact that the World Baseball Classic is going on, and Ramirez (Dominican Republic) and Amezaga (Mexico) will be playing for their native countries. With those two gone, Andino should get more playing time in Spring Training games.

Are there any plans by the Marlins' front office for Alejandro De Aza? It's a shame that he won the center-field job each of the last two seasons in Spring Training, and then was injured. I know Cameron Maybin looked great in September and will be the starter, but will De Aza have a chance to compete for a backup outfield spot? It would be terrible to see two fluke injuries ruin his career.
-- Paul W., Bradley Beach, N.J.

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Maybin is regarded as a future star, and he clearly is being looked at as the center fielder. That's why he is opening Spring Training as the front-runner to start. If for some reason Maybin isn't ready, Cody Ross and Amezaga are more likely to fill center field than De Aza.

Foremost, De Aza has to show he can stay healthy. He hasn't been able to do that, missing all of last year. Injuries limited him to 144 at-bats in 45 games, hitting .229, in 2007. There will be plenty of outfield competition, and De Aza has an uphill climb to show he is more deserving of a roster spot than Brett Carroll, Jai Miller, John Raynor, Scott Cousins, Jay Gibbons, Michael Ryan and Logan Morrison.

De Aza, a non-roster invitee, had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle last July, and he's now missed more than a full season. As noted before, there will be competition, and De Aza will get a chance. But his chances are becoming more limited.

After the great season Dallas McPherson had in 2008, why is there little talk about him being part of the club this year?
-- Gary R., Rochester, N.Y.

McPherson paced all Minor Leaguers with 42 home runs last year. He is a lefty batter, which is an advantage since the team lost left-handed power when Mike Jacobs was traded to Kansas City for reliever Leo Nunez. Entering Spring Training, the Marlins are planning on going with Jorge Cantu at third base and rookie Gaby Sanchez will be given a long look at first base.

That's the way it is drawn up now, but performance and injuries could change things. Perhaps McPherson's best shot will be at first base. He is out of options, so it will be interesting to see if he makes the club or is used in trade talks.