The Marlins have agreed to a 1-year $7.8MM deal with Dan Uggla, avoiding what could have been an ugly arbitration hearing (aren’t they all?). Despite the edict to spend more money, the Fish are apparently still shopping Uggla around. But, at this point, it’s very likely that Uggla will be the opening day second baseman.

In another reminder why it’s good that the Marlins are moving into their own ballpark, we learn today that Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphin/Landshark Stadium will now be known as Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins have signed a 5-year deal with Sun Life Financial at an average of $7.5MM per year. Let’s hope this deal actually lasts the two years the Fish have in the Stadium.

The Marlins and Josh Johnson have agreed to a 4-year $39MM deal which buys out his first two years of free agency. The deal matches JJ’s original demand of a Greinke-like deal (4 years at $38MM) which suggests the Marlins relented after the recent pressure from MLB and MLBPA.

From ESPN:

“I’m excited,” Johnson said. “It sets up me and my family for life. One of the best parts is knowing where I’m going to be the next four years. I won’t have to hear about any trade rumors or anything like that. I’m happy to be in South Florida.”

The contract buys out the final two years of salary arbitration eligibility and the first two years of free agency for Johnson, who has a 34-16 record and a 3.40 ERA in parts of five seasons with the Marlins.

With Hanley Ramirez anchoring the offense, Josh Johnson now becomes the long-term ace of the pitching staff as the Fish make another run to the playoffs and as they look towards opening the new ballpark in 2012.

Update: A few more details. JJ will earn a mere $3.75 million in 2010, $7.75 million in 2011 and $13.75 million in 2012 and 2013. Incentives include $50K for making the All-Star team, $500K for wining the Cy Young and $1MM for World Series MVP.

Andre Dawson has finally been elected to the baseball Hall of Fame.

“The Hawk”, who finished out his career with the marlins in 1995 and 1996 and is currently a member of the Marlins front office is a former NL MVP and ROY. He was an eight-time all star, retired with 438 home runs and 1,591 RBI.

A Miami native, Dawson becomes the first Marlins player inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Update: Dawson received 77.9% of the vote.

• Marlins remove all references to "Florida" from uniforms (except for "F" logo on cap). http://bit.ly/5Rb56m #

The transformation from the Florida Marlins to the Miami Marlins is beginning to take shape.

Except for the “F” logo on the baseball caps, the 2010 Marlins uniforms will no longer contain references to Florida. The most noticeable difference will be on the road uniforms where “Florida” will be replaced with “Marlins” as it appears in the home uniform. Additionally, the uniform sleeves will no longer have the “F” logo patch.

More details on the Marlins website.

Sarah Talalay has an update on that animatronic marlin planned for the outfield of the new ballpark here. It will definitely be unique… check out the video.

• As we say goodbye to Lindstrom, let's not forget that Omar Minaya, the worst GM in baseball, gave us Lindstrom and Owens for Jason Vargas #

Third baseman Jorge Jimenez became the player to be named later in the Matt Lindstrom trade when Houston picked him on behalf of the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft. Originally from Puerto Rico, Jimenez hit .298 with 13 home runs and 87 RBIs for the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). The Marlins will likely give him a shot at winning the starting 3B job.

On the other end of the Draft, the Marlins, as expected, lost John Raynor when the Pirates took him with the second pick. Raynor performed well in the minors but was left exposed because the Marlins decided to protect pitchers.

Dethroned closer Matt Lindstrom is heading to the Houston Astros (literally, he is on his way to Houston for a physical). Will update once we hear who the Marlins got in return.

Update: Peter Gammons is reporting that the Marlins received two minor leaguers and a player to be named later.

Update 2: Minor leaguers coming back to the Marlins are RHP Robert Bono and SS Luis Bryan.