ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Florida right-hander Vladimir Nunez became the second player to go to salary arbitration this year, asking a three-man panel Friday for a raise from $360,000 to $1.75 million.

	Nunez

The Marlins countered at $1.4 million. A decision by arbitrators Kenneth Perea, Jack Clarke, I.B. Helburn is expected this weekend.

Nunez, 27, was 6-5 with 20 saves and a 3.41 ERA for the Marlins last season and became eligible for arbitration for the first time.

In the first arbitration decision this year, Cincinnati beat pitcher Bruce Chen, who got a raise from $300,000 to $700,000 instead of the $830,000 he asked for. Chen and Nunez both are represented by Scott Boras.

Boras also represents four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux, the biggest name among the 16 players remaining in arbitration. Maddux has asked for $16 million, and the Braves have offered $13.5 million.