Cantu likely to remain a Marlin

Because the Marlins are willing to listen to possible trade scenarios for just about every one of their players, speculation has surfaced that Jorge Cantu will be dealt.

Indications are that won't be the case.

MLB.com has learned that it is "almost 100 percent" certain that Cantu will be a Marlin in 2010. The 27-year-old is entering his final season of arbitration. He made $3.5 million in '09, and he ended up with 100 RBIs, hitting cleanup behind Hanley Ramirez.

Cantu's salary should be above $5 million, a price the team appears willing to pay to keep one of its steadiest performers.

Now, the Marlins may consider a trade if they are presented with an offer they feel can't be passed up. But the club isn't actively shopping him.

Cantu opened 2009 at first base, and he was moved to third after Nick Johnson was obtained in a July 31 trade with the Nationals.

The Marlins have a couple of first base prospects, Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison. Both will be competing for jobs in Spring Training.

If Cantu returns, he could play third base should either Sanchez or Morrison win the first base job. If either of them don't, Cantu could again be at first base.

Cantu batted .289 and he added 16 homers and 42 doubles.

-- Joe Frisaro