Marlins must decide on out-of-option players

JUPITER, Fla. -- The business of baseball will eventually factor into several roster decisions that must be made by the Marlins.

The club has four big league-tested players -- Gorkys Hernandez, Justin Ruggiano, Mike Dunn and Wade LeBlanc -- who are out of options, meaning they can't be sent to the Minor Leagues without the risk that the organization will lose them.

All four have a very strong chance of being with the club on Opening Day. Ruggiano is the front-runner to start in center field, and Hernandez is competing for an outfield spot. LeBlanc, a left-hander, is in the mix to be the fifth starter, and he offers versatility because he can also pitch out of the bullpen. Dunn projects to be the primary lefty reliever.

If the four don't appear to be in Miami's plans, they will become candidates to be traded.