Nick Johnson Out With Flu; Leo Nunez A Likely Keeper; Lineups

Ross Gload gets the start at first tonight for the Marlins as Nick Johnson is home with the flu. Johnson is mired in a 0 for 21 slump. Gload set a club record Friday night when he collected his 20th pinch hit, breaking the old mark of 19 held by Lenny Harris.

The Marlins have some roster decisions to make this winter, but closer Leo Nunez -- despite Friday's ninth-inning meltdown -- should remain in the fold, even though he'll command a hefty raise as a first-year arbitration eligible player. Look for Nunez to make in the neighborhood of $2 million, or similiar to salaries received by relievers Mike Gonzalez ($2.35 million), Jose Valverde ($2 million) and Jonathan Broxton ($1.85 million) in their first arb years. A bigger question might be what to do with Matt Lindstrom, who is another first-year eligible. Lindstrom should fit in the $1 million to $1.5 million range.

By the way, last night's loss by the Marlins was only their third this season in which they held a lead after the 8th. They are now 70-3 when they lead after 8 but 6-62 when they trail after the 8th.

    The lineups:

Marlins: 1. Chris Coghlan, lf; 2. Ross Gload, 1b; 3. Hanley Ramirez, ss; 4. Jorge Cantu, 3b; 5. Dan Uggla, 2b; 6. John Baker, c; 7. Cody Ross, cf; 8. Brett Carroll, rf; 9. Sean West, p.

Mets: 1. Angel Pagan, lf; 2. Luis Castillo, 2b; 3. David Wright, 3b; 4. Carlos Beltran, cf; 5. Jeff Francoeur, rf; 6. Fernando Tatis, 1b; 7. Omir Santos, c; 8. Anderson Hernandez, ss; 9. John Maine, p.