Total cost of retaining all 18 players for 2009 could approach $33 million (see chart), a figure the Marlins haven't reached for their 25-man roster since 2005. Bringing back the most vital contributors from this year's team could cost $44 million.

Marlins' projected payroll, player-by-player Topping the arbitration list are All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla (27 home runs), right-hander Ricky Nolasco (13 wins) and two-year closer Kevin Gregg (29 saves). That trio could see its 2009 haul hit a combined $12 million, with Uggla leading the way at a projected $5 million.