Do you see the Marlins trying to acquire either Hank Blalock or Jim Thome for the bench?
— Alex F., Cape Coral, Fla. The Marlins certainly are looking for a left-handed bat off the bench. Of the two you mention, I’d say Blalock would make the most sense. Thome probably is headed back to the American League, where he can be a designated hitter. Keep in mind, not every player who has been a starter is comfortable making the switch to coming off the bench. The Marlins were fortunate last year to find Ross Gload, who was productive as a situational player and pinch-hitter. Wes Helms has adapted nicely to the role, and he contributes while playing whenever called up. But still the search is on to find a left-handed-hitting pinch-hitter/bench player. Whatever happened to Carlos Martinez? He had good numbers coming out of the ‘pen. — Isaac T., Miami In 2006, Martinez showed promise early in the season, before he encountered elbow troubles. He eventually had Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, and he wasn’t the same. Martinez pitched at Triple-A New Orleans in 2009, and he
