Gonzalez, McPherson Sign

Luis Gonzalez, a career .284 hitter who last played with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 has signed a one year contract with the Marlins. The deal is worth a guaranteed $2 million with an additional $1 million possible in incentives. Gonzalez is expected to serve a reserve role for the Marlins.

Dallas McPherson, a former top prospect in the Angels system signed a one year deal as well and will battle in Spring Training for the starting job at third along with previous signees Jorge Cantu and Jose Castillo.   Should McPherson fail to win the job, he could make the team as a reserve.

Will 2008 Be Hermida’s Year?

Jeremy Hermida was a top prospect in the Marlins system.  He was looked to as the next big addition following in the footsteps of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in 2003.  Unfortunately, up until now Hermida has not been everything Marlins fans expected him to be.

In 2005, Hermida made his major league debut in grand fashion literally.  He came up to bat and promptly hit a grand slam in his first major league at bat.  Immediately Marlins fans had to feel excitement for the future even if this was one just one at bat.  What followed is something not many expected.    After only 41 at bats in 2005, Hermida opened 2006 as the starting right fielder.  Over the course of the year, Hermida’s statline was as follows: .251 AVG, .332 OBP, 5 HR 28 RBI in 307 at bats.    Worse yet, Hermida’s defense was not up to par either as he had a .952 fielding percentage.

Even though 2006 was a poor rookie season which seemed even worse than normal because of high expectations — Hermida opened the 2007 campaign as the starting right fielder again.   In 2007, Hermida had a .296 AVG, .369 OBP, 18 HR, 63 RBI in 429 at bats.  His defense continued to suffer with a .966 fielding percentage.   An important note on Hermida’s stats is the fact he missed a good portion of the season with an injury.   His 2nd half was exceptional at the plate and his defense slightly improved as the year went on as well.

Based on his 2nd half in 2007, Hermida seems destined to realize his potential in 2008 or at least come closer to approaching it.  If he can stay healthy, 2008 should turn out to be a tremendous season — and the Marlins are going to need it with their depleted lineup following the loss of Miguel Cabrera.  If Hermida improves even more at the plate, it might allow him to relax more in the field and improve on his defense as well.    Let’s not forget that Jeremy Hermida is only going to be 24 years old when the season starts and the best is yet to come for him and the Marlins.

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