Bullpen blues for Piniella

Kevin Gregg walked three straight batters in the eighth against Arizona, including walking in a run. His ERA climbs to 6.23. Don't panic, Gregg owners, because Carlos Marmol's ERA jumped to 6.75 as he walked in two Diamondbacks earlier in the game. Gregg is the Cubs closer, Marmol is the setup man and Jeff Samardzija might be the dark horse to leap both for the closer role. Samardzija struck out two of the three Diamondbacks he faced, although he did give up a 2-RBI double to Justin Upton. Both of the runs were charged to Marmol as the Cubs lose 10-0.

Fantasy Impact: We're not speculating that Samardzija will earn the closer job imminently, but we're thinking Lou Piniella might need to get creative if he wants to solidify his 'pen. Samardzija is an intriguing talent - a hard-throwing stud with movement and a steady demeanor. If Marmol and Gregg continue to implode, Piniella's hand may eventually be forced. Keep an eye on the situation, especially if Samardzija begins to take off in his setup role.

Fish wallets open wide(r)

It won't compete with the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers or Cubs, but the Florida Marlins will open the books (a little bit) in 2009. Owner Jeffrey Loria is backing a team payroll of up to $40 million, nearly doubling the Marlins' spending for 2008.

Such a hefty increase over the $22 million the team spent this year would represent an 82 percent hike. Increased revenue sharing, along with the expectation of a new ballpark as soon as 2011 and the World Series run of the low-budget Rays, have emboldened the Marlins to open their wallet again.

That doesn't mean there won't be significant alterations to the roster that won 84 games and finished third in the NL East this season. But it does mean the Marlins probably won't be in the position of dumping salary for that purpose alone.

Deposed closer Kevin Gregg is readily available, as is power-hitting first baseman Mike Jacobs. Lefty Scott Olsen could be dealt as well due to a surplus in the starting rotation.

Gregg, Jacobs and Olsen are all expendable, and the Malins will still have to get creative to compete with the big boys. Still, it could be an entertaining offseason in South Florida.