Darren Daulton officially announced his retirement after 17 years of professional baseball. Daulton was a member of the Phillies organization for all but the last three months of his career, when he joined the Marlins (in exchange for Billy McMillon) and helped them to a World Series Championship.

Marlins trade utility infielder Kurt Abbott back to the team where they found him four years ago, the Oakland Athletics. Abbott, who made $650,000 last year and was headed to arbitration lost his starting 2B job when the Marlins acquired Craig Counsell. With a wealth of young talent available in the infield, including Alex González and Luis Castillo, Abbott became expendable. In return, the Marlins receive much needed pitching help with RHP Eric Ludwick.

Marlins traded Dennis Cook and his $850,000 to the New York Mets for minor leaguer outfielder Fletcher Bates and pitcher Scott Comer. The Marlins’ payroll is now down to $31 million. Subtracting the $5 million the Marlins will probably receive in insurance for Alex Fernandez’s injury, the Marlins have reached the general range they wanted their payroll to be. Al Leiter and jim Eisenriech are the next players to go.

Marlins trade their staff ace Kevin Brown for P Rafael Medina, P Steve Hoff, and 1B Derrek Lee. Lee and Medina were the top two prospects in the Padres system. Medina was obtained by the Padres in the Irabu trade.

Marlins designated Alex Arias for assignment, releasing the last member of the original 1993 Florida Marlins. The 30 year old Arias was one of the leagues best pinch-hitters during his stay with the Marlins. He was originally acquired from the Cubs in 1992 on expansion draft day.

Also, the Marlins picked up Brandon Cromer of waivers from the Pirates. The 23 year-old Cromer hit .232 with eight homers and 36 RBI in 68 games at Triple A last season.

Jerry Manuel, who served as the Marlins bench coach this season was hired as the new manager of the Chicago White Sox. Lorenzo Bundy has been named as his replacement.

Marlins left-handed starter Tony Saunders was the first selection in the 1997 expansion draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Left handed minor league reliever Mikue Duvall was taken in the second round by Tampa Bay. The Devil Rays also chose minor leaguer Randy Winn in the third round. No more Marlins can be taken in the draft. The loss of Saunders along with the injury to Fernandez and the potential trade of Brown and Leiter means that none of the Marlins starting rotation on opening day of 1997, will be around next year (Hernandez joined the team in mid-season).

Jim Leyland announced to day that he will manage the Marlins next year. Leyland stated that he wanted to give Don Smiley a chance to buy the club and get a new stadium. Leyland will evaluate the situation again at the end of next season. Should the Marlins get a new stadium, it is likely that payroll can be raised again and Leyland will stay.

The Marlins took the first step in reducing their payroll by trading team MVP Moises Alou to Houston for closer Oscar Henriquez and pitcher Manuel Barrios, and pitcher Mark Johnson. Both pitchers are right handed and 23 years old. The 31 year old Alou hit .292, slugged 23 HR, and drove in 115 RBI this year, leading the Marlins in HR and RBI. The Marlins reduced their payroll by $20 million over the next 4 years.