Marlins' Casey McGehee acknowledges higher expectations for 2015

-Frisaro: Teams Calling About Garrett Jones Already

There is no guarantee that the Marlins move Jones according to Frisaro, who may choose to use Jones off of the bench, or move him around both the outfield and first base as part of a platoon. He provides solid left-handed power and doesn’t cost the Marlins much to keep on the roster. The other alternative for the Fish, is to move Jones for a needed piece, and promote Triple-A first baseman Justin Bour, who could serve in the same bench capacity as Jones, but at a much cheaper rate.

-Marlins Derek Dietrich's Winter League Season Ends

During a play at second base during a Dominican Winter League game Tuesday evening, Miami Marlins’ infielder Derek Dietrich suffered a serious ankle injury that has, in fact, ended his winter league season according to Juan Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel. Per the report, Dietrich was attempting to make a play at second on an stolen base, which resulted in the base runner and Dietrich colliding at the bag.

-Marlins Park appealing to newcomers Dee Gordon, Mat Latos | The Miami Herald

Dee Gordon should find Marlins Park to his liking. So should Mat Latos. The two key trade pickups by the Marlins at the winter meetings already have found the spacious ballpark to their liking in previous visits, and Miami is hoping that continues.

-Pirates' Frank Coonelly apologizes over Stanton contract comment - Sun Sentinel

Marlins President David Samson has been in touch with Pittsburgh Pirates' counterpart Frank Coonelly since his comments about Giancarlo Stanton's 13-year, $325 million contract. A former senior vice president in the Commissioner's Office, Coonelly told Trib Live Sports the Marlins weren't counting on paying Stanton more than the $107 million he's due through the first six years of the deal.

-Busy offseason has expectations rising for Marlins | marlins.com

A taste of winning in 2014 has the Marlins hungry for more. So much so that the organization has made a series of bold moves that have converted the club into a contender in the National League East.

-Latos embraces homecoming with Marlins | marlins.com

Mat Latos' playing career is coming full circle. The 27-year-old, who grew up a Marlins fan and played high school and college ball in South Florida, is now looking to help take his hometown big league team to the next level. At age 5 in 1993, Latos attended the Marlins' inaugural game. And growing up, he regularly rooted on the club at Sun Life Stadium. So when the right-hander learned he was acquired from the Reds at the Winter Meetings last Thursday, he embraced the opportunity to go home.

-Morse, Marlins finalize 2-year, $16 million deal | marlins.com

The Marlins' power play is now completed. The club on Wednesday announced the signing of free agent Michael Morse, who will take over at first base while providing additional pop to the middle of the lineup. Morse, who reached an agreement with the team on Tuesday, becomes an imposing figure to bat cleanup behind Giancarlo Stanton, the National League home run champion.

-McGehee: Miami ready to face high expectations | marlins.com

As an organization, step one for the Marlins was assembling the necessary parts to make the team a contender. The front office believes it has done so with the additions of slugger Michael Morse, frontline starter Mat Latos and speedster Dee Gordon. Step two falls into the hands of those in uniform: manager Mike Redmond, his coaching staff and the players. Third baseman Casey McGehee says the challenge now is living up to expectations.

Around The League

-Kemp reportedly has arthritis in both hips | MLB.com

It's been one week since the Padres and Dodgers agreed to a blockbuster trade that would send Matt Kemp to San Diego. The deal has yet to become official, though, and reports are surfacing as to why there has been a delay.

-Rehabbing Medlen joins Royals on 2-year deal | MLB.com

The Royals would love to see Kris Medlen return to the form that made him one of the breakout pitching stars of Major League Baseball in 2012 and 2013. That's why they're willing to wait a bit longer for it to happen. Kansas City didn't wait a day longer to sign Medlen, however, and on Thursday made official a two-year deal loaded with incentives for the pitcher, who is attempting to come back after his second Tommy John surgery. Medlen was introduced at a news conference in Kauffman Stadium and assigned uniform No. 39.

-Source: Padres land catcher Norris in deal with A's | MLB.com

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres continue to be active this offseason, particularly when it comes to outfielders and catchers -- and offensive upgrades. On Thursday, on the heels of agreeing to a deal that landed outfielder Wil Myers from the Rays and while closing in on finalizing their trade to get Matt Kemp from the Dodgers, the Padres acquired catcher Derek Norris in a trade with the A's that also netted San Diego right-handed pitcher Seth Streich and an international-signing slot.

At Fish Stripes

-Marlins signing Michael Morse is better than first baseman trade - Fish Stripes

The Miami Marlins were considering trading their pitching depth for a first baseman like Justin Morneau. Signing Michael Morse to a two-year deal was a far smarter move.

-Miami Marlins likely to trade Nathan Eovaldi - Fish Stripes

The 24-year old starter could be dealt before Spring Training.

-Marlins poorly analyzing Nathan Eovaldi, starting pitchers - Fish Stripes

The Miami Marlins are doing a terrible job of analyzing the quality of their starting pitchers, in particular Nathan Eovaldi, whom they are considering trading.

-Miami Marlins get best available option in Michael Morse - Fish Stripes

By signing Michael Morse, the Marlins upgraded at first base for a reasonable price.