Will Don Mattingly be back? I’m hoping he will be. This team has fought all year and at times played over its heads, though too young to be consistent.
-- @dkobert

Chief executive officer Derek Jeter recently stated that, in fairness to Mattingly, he hopes to address his future as Marlins’ manager by the end of the season, or shortly after it ends in Philadelphia on Sept. 29. Mattingly has said he would like to be back, but only if he's wanted.

It basically comes down to where the organization believes it is in its building process. Do the Marlins want to stick with the continuity with Mattingly managing, or go with a different voice and a new message?

Something else to consider is salary. When Mattingly was hired in 2016 by previous owner Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins had a roster more equipped to contend for the postseason. Mattingly, although his exact salary figure is unclear, is believed to be making at least a couple of million dollars, maybe more. With a roster that is not ready to contend, the organization may not want to allocate at least $2 million on its manager. So, perhaps working out the salary could come into play.

Whichever direction the organization goes, you are correct in stating that Mattingly, and let's not forget his staff, have done an excellent job preparing this team. The Marlins play hard and have bought into the longterm plan.

With Starlin Castro’s performance in the second half, will the Marlins keep him next year or buy him out?
-- @real_fish_fan

Until a few days ago, I never considered bringing Castro back as a possibility. But I haven’t ruled it out. Castro is making $11 million this year, and he has a club option for $16 million in 2020 with a $1 million buyout. The Marlins are not expected to pick up that $16 million club option, which would make Castro a free agent.

Castro would clearly look at all options with other clubs. But if he doesn’t find a better fit elsewhere, I wouldn’t rule out the Marlins approaching him on a one-year deal, perhaps in the $5 million range. I know Isan Diaz is considered the second baseman of the future, but what if he isn't completely ready? Castro also has shown he can play third base and shortstop.

Explain why the Marlins got rid of a good young pitcher like Nick Anderson? Trevor Richards, I thought, had potential. Ryne Stanek has been bad. Is Jesus Sanchez really worth making that trade?
-- @hookemhorns51

The trade you are talking about came at the July 31 Deadline with the Rays. Clearly, Stanek has had his struggles in the closer role, but he’s also a veteran who has had big league success. The key with him will be finding the right role, maybe that is in the back end of the bullpen, or as an opener, or even in setup situations. One month is hardly enough to write off anyone, but obviously the performance has been shaky.

The answer to Jesus Sanchez is, yes, he is really an exciting prospect. A left-handed-hitting outfielder with power, he’s the Marlins’ No. 3 prospect, and is rated 39th in the Top 100.

Sanchez finished the season at Triple-A New Orleans, and I wouldn’t rule him out from being in the Marlins’ Opening Day lineup, or at least being in the big leagues early in the 2020 season.

Who are the Marlins prospects playing in the Arizona Fall League?
-- @ThatsSoCory13

The Marlins will have seven prospects playing for the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League. That club is managed by Keith Johnson, the Marlins’ Triple-A New Orleans manager.

The players who will be headed to Arizona are: outfielders Victor Victor Mesa and Jerar Encarnacion, infielder Jose Devers, and pitchers Nick Neidert, Vincenzo Aiello, C.J. Carter and Alex Vesia -- the only lefty in the group.

Mesa just finished his first full season of professional baseball, starting off at Class A Advanced Jupiter and finishing at Double-A Jacksonville. The organization wants him to get as much playing experience as possible.

It’s an interesting group, and Devers is someone to watch closely, because he missed most of the season due to a right arm injury. Neidert, a starter, is one of Miami’s top pitching prospects, but he also missed substantial time due to a right knee injury. Carter is a reliever to watch.

With outfielders like Victor Victor Mesa, Magneuris Sierra and Monte Harrison rising through the farm system, where do you see a player like Lewis Brinson ending up next season?
-- @drakeaustin13

No question, the organization is seeking improvement from Brinson. There have been some flashes, but not consistent success. I’m a believer that you don’t quit easily on talent, and you don’t always know when players will figure things out. But I do feel that the Marlins will pursue other center field options for next season if, in their eyes, Brinson hasn’t shown enough signs that he can be an everyday big leaguer.