Florida Marlins: There’s not much for Marlins fans to like about what’s happened with their team this winter (unless you’re a Marlins fan in Portland or Las Vegas). The deconstruction of the team has left the roster filled with minor league players who will be forced into action, and barring a miracle, will also mean a finish at the bottom of the standings for 2006.

Despite all the steps back, the Marlins made a strong move forward by signing Dontrelle Willis to a one year deal worth $4.35 million on Monday. They are giving him much more money than he might actually receive in his first year of eligibility in arbitration; so much that it’s a record for a starting pitcher in such situations.

But this generous contract will go a long way in soothing any misgivings Willis might have over losing so many of his teammates and being forced to play on what will surely be a non-contender. The deal might even help save money in the future, because in the long run, when the Marlins and Willis get around to a long-term deal, the pitcher might remember their kindness and offer them a “home town discount” and remain with the club. Unfortunately for the Marlins fans, the team might no longer be in Florida by then.

Los Angeles Dodgers: What will happen now that the Dodgers just acquired a closer? Eric Gagne should be their closer for this year, at least to start. But what a big-time trading chip he’d be at the deadline, or he could be a free agent after the season. The Dodgers have a $12 million club option, but with Danys Baez now in the fold, they could simply pass on Gagne.

And since we’re speaking of closers, Mariano Rivera might just end up being a free agent at the end of 2006 as well. His deal includes a $10.5 million option, which would kick in if he reaches 114 saves between 2005 and 2006, but that’s not likely (he saved 43 games last season). Otherwise, the option is for the Yankees to decide on.

Now I’m not saying that the Yankees won’t exercise that ‘07 option, but $10.5 mil for a 38 year old closer is just a little risky. If anybody is worth it at that age, it’s Rivera, even with all the mileage he’ll have at that point. But for argument’s sake, Gagne could be available, he’ll be 31 for the ‘07 season, and the Yankees could theoretically afford them both. Perhaps even with a similar thing like what happened with Bernie this year; refuse the option, then work out a cheaper deal in the off season.

Guess who else has a closer who might only remain with his club if an option is picked up for the 2007 season? The Red Sox and Keith Foulke. That option is for $7.5 million, and while it’s affordable compared to Gagne and Rivera’s options, it most likely won’t be exercised by the Sox.

Gagne is coming off of elbow surgery, and might not be ready for opening day. When he does return, it’s unclear if he’ll be the same dominant closer than he was in the past. For the Dodgers, Baez is younger, cheaper and healthier right now (and maybe for the future). So why wouldn’t the Dodgers take it slow with Gagne, get him healthy, prove he can pitch and maybe trade him at the deadline? Wouldn’t the Red Sox be tempted to give up Craig Hansen for him? Or would the Yankees give up Brent Cox? A healthy Gagne for the stretch run to the playoffs would be an amazing asset for any team, and the Dodgers would surely land a number of prospects in return.

Even if the Dodgers hold on the Gagne for the whole season, it is likely that they might let him walk, as he’ll demand a big contract from whoever wants him and LA will still have a decent closer in Baez. Either way, this most recent acquisition of the Dodgers certainly poses some interested questions for the future.