Marlins not mandated to dump salary

Money won't be the deciding factor if the Marlins make any moves at the Winter Meetings.

Florida, obviously, is a cost-conscious team. Its $22 million payroll in 2008 was a league low. Look for that figure to rise to about $35 million in 2009.

Team president David Samson on Monday night dismissed speculation that the team is looking to unload salary. 

"There are some rumors out there about us moving money," Samson said. "I will just tell you that we met with [owner] Jeffrey [Loria] and there is no mandate of any kind to do any moves at all at these meetings. He's ready to go play as is."

Already this offseason, the Marlins have completed three trades where four impact players from this past season were dealt. Mike Jacobs went to the Royals, while Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham were moved to the Nationals. Kevin Gregg also was sent to the Cubs.

All four of those players are eligible for arbitration, and the price tag to retain them would have been around $13 million.

-- Joe Frisaro