Former University of Miami catcher Jorge Fabergas is the newest member of the Florida Marlins. The Marlins received Fabergas and $500,000 from the Mets in exchange for pitcher Oscar Henriquez. Henriquez was acquired in the Alou trade. Fabergas is joining his fifth team in two seasons. The 28 year old hit below .200 with 2 home runs and 35 RBI while missing most of the season with an ankle surgery. Fabergas will make $1.85 million next season, and is a career .255 hitter with 12 homers and 135 RBI in 397 games.

The Marlins filled their fourty man roster with minor leaguers, mostly to protect them from the Rule V draft. The newest members are: Hector Almonte (P), Brent Billingsley (P), A.J. Burnett (P), Jaime Jones (OF), Nelson Lara (P), Bobby Rodgers (P), Nate Rolison (IF), Michael Tejera (P). As a result, the Marlins designated for assignment the contracts of catcher Gregg Zaun, outfielder Bruce Aven, infielders Josh Booty, Kevin Millar, and John Roskos, and pitchers Eric Ludwick and Rob Stanifer. The Marlins must trade the player, assign him to the minors, or release him. Booty is likely to end up back in AAA.

The Marlins brought back Russ Morman from Tampa Bay. The first baseman was part of the Marlins organization for 4 seasons.

The Marlins signed free agent DaRond Stovall to a minor league contract. The 25-year old switch hitting outfielder was invited to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. Stovall started last season on the Expos major league roster before being sent down to AAA.

The Marlins did not raise ticket prices for the coming season. See prices in stadium section.

Prospective owner John Henry and Marlins owner Wayne Huizenga have once again claimed they have no deal only to return to the negotiation table. Clearly two serious businessmen playing the negotiation game.

Dave Littlefield, Montreal Expos Director of Player Development, has been named the Marlins Assistant General Manager. Former pitcher Dave Stewart decided not to take the job, leaving Littlefield as the only other candidate.

The Marlins announce the claiming of OF Bruce Aven off waivers from the Cleveland Indians. The 26 year old Aven struggled in AAA Buffalo due to a ligament transplant surgery on his right elbow. He made his Major League Debut on August 27, 1997 at Anaheim. Aven .211 with a double and two RBI in 13 games in the Major Leagues. Aven had an excellent 1997 at AAA Buffalo, hitting 17 home runs, 27 doubles, and 77 RBI while being named to the AAA All-Star team.

Henry and Huiznega have apparently completed their deal, but will not formally announce, as per Major League Baseball’s request, until the end of the World Series.