Florida Marlins sign Dallas McPherson

The Marlins avoided arbitration with Dallas McPherson and signed him to a new contract.

The Marlins avoided arbitration with third baseman Dallas McPherson on Thursday, settling on a one-year, $500,000 contract.

McPherson, who made $425,000 last year, was coming off back surgery in 2008 and reemerged in a big way. While playing for the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, N.M., the 28-year-old left-handed hitter batted .275 with a Minor League-leading 42 home runs and 98 RBIs. In 11 games with the Marlins, he went 2-for-11 with four walks.

McPherson is expected to go into Spring Training in competition with Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison for a starting job.

First off, I will be very surprised if Morrison makes the big club.  He will one day, but he is probably still a year away.

In all honesty, McPherson is up against Emilio Bonifacio for a slot on the 25-man roster.  If Gaby shines in spring training and wins the slot at first, it will mean Cantu will be the everyday third baseman.  With Gaby and Jorge being backed up by Wes Helms.  So it comes down to who is the better bench player, does the team go with McPherson's power or another light hitting glove man in the form of Bonifacio.

McPerson is out of options, Bonifacio isn't, so that could weigh into the decision, maybe.  Let's face it, the front office traded Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham and got in return Bonifacio and he will be given every benefit of the doubt.  And probably then some.

It should be an interesting spring.