Position Analysis: Third Base

Third Base is up for competition in Spring Training and relies heavily on the progress of prospect Gaby Sanchez at First Base.   Should Sanchez come away with the starting job on the right side,  the Third Base job will no longer be up for competition as it will go to Jorge Cantu who held it in 2008 and should be in the everyday lineup once again in 2009.    Let’s take a look at Cantu, and all the other players who should see some time at Third Base in 2009 in today’s Position Analysis.

Jorge Cantu -  The third basemen from 2008 is the most likely choice to come out of Spring Training with a starting job.   With his solid offensive season, it’d be a shock if Cantu was not in the everyday lineup.   That being said, his defense at third was not gold glove caliber by any means and he was often shifted to first base in late inning defensive changes.    With the first base job up for grabs, it seems to make sense for Cantu to start there and play all nine innings rather than shift later in the game.   His defensive liability will be lessened at a much less important position while his important bat will remain in the lineup.   However, the Marlins from all signs would like to see Gaby Sanchez take the First base job which would leave Cantu at Third Base in 2009.

Dallas McPherson - The lefty slugger tore up AAA in 2008 and made it up to the bigs in September where he saw time mainly as a pinch hitter but did have two games in which he played third base.     McPherson has previous Major League experience at third base and could possibly win a starting job in Spring Training.   While third base is an option, the Marlins may feel more comfortable keeping Cantu there and giving McPherson the first base job since Cantu played on the left side for the majority of 2008.   There is a good chance McPherson does make the team out of Spring Training either way but he may turn into a pinch hitter utility player filling in at first and third when needed.

Wes Helms – The veteran who returned to the Marlins shortly after the 2008 season started turned in a respectable season that led to him being inked for two more campaigns.   Besides his ability to pinch hit and fill in at first and third base, Helms provided veteran leadership to a young team.   He’ll be looked at to do this once again and could so increased starts at both first and third depending on who wins the everyday job at each corner.   The chances of Helms winning a starting job at first or third going into the season are slim but a possibility if McPherson and Sanchez both fail to impress.

Alfredo Amezaga -  The Amazing Amezaga should be filling the same role he’s had for the past three seasons in 2009.   That role would be basically anything the Marlins need.   He has seen time at nearly every position with the exception of Pitcher and Catcher in his time as a member of the Fish.    With exceptional defense and a reliable bat, Amezaga will not only see spot starts at these positions but should be a consistent pinch hitter, pinch runner and double switch candidate all season long.   The versatility that Amezaga provides allows Fredi Gonzalez to keep him in games longer than any other bench players as he can be moved around the field as needed.

Emilio Bonifacio -  It is possible Bonifacio, the key player in the Nationals deal this off-season will get a chance to spend some time at Second Base when Dan Uggla needs a day off.    Bonifacio will also be given a look at Third Base and possibly an Outfield spot, as the Marlins try to find a way to give him playing time.    There is a chance that Bonifacio will not make the team for Opening Day as well if the Fish elect to give him starts everyday in the minor leagues.   His roster position is greatly dependent on his production in Spring Training as well as the production of other utility and bench players vying for spots.

Position Analysis: Shortstop

There is no question on who will start at Shortstop on an everday basis with the exception of an injury.  Off days are rare for Hanley Ramirez as well so finding time for others at SS will be something Fredi Gonzalez hopes he doesn’t have to even think about.   There will be a few options on those rare times however so let’s take a look at them as well as Ramirez now in today’s position analysis.

Hanley Ramirez – The All-Star Shortstop is rumored to be heading to the third spot in the lineup after spending the majority of his Major League career at the leadoff spot.  This should lead to more runs batted in and more productivity from Ramirez who was already the team’s most potent bat.    The reason for the lineup switch is Cameron Maybin who is taking over Ramirez’s old spot at the top of the lineup.     Defensively, Ramirez improved again in 2008 reducing his error total by two for the second straight season.   Even with this, he commited 22 errors and will look to improve that as the Marlins overall look to improve team defense in 2009.

Alfredo Amezaga -  The Amazing Amezaga should be filling the same role he’s had for the past three seasons in 2009.   That role would be basically anything the Marlins need.   He has seen time at nearly every position with the exception of Pitcher and Catcher in his time as a member of the Fish.    With exceptional defense and a reliable bat, Amezaga will not only see spot starts at these positions but should be a consistent pinch hitter, pinch runner and double switch candidate all season long.   The versatility that Amezaga provides allows Fredi Gonzalez to keep him in games longer than any other bench players as he can be moved around the field as needed.

Robert Andino -  After spending all his time as a Shortstop in the Major Leagues before 2008,  Andino saw time also at 2B, 3B and CF this past season.    Things got off to a quick and great start for Andino who hit a walk-off home run in the second game of the season against the New York Mets.    That blast was the first of his career and he’d add another home run less than a week later.    Andino however started to swing and miss a little too much before being optioned back to the minors.    Being optioned is something Andino no longer has to worry about because he’s out of options.   If Andino does not make the team out of Spring Training, the Marlins will need to waive him and there’s a good chance another team would claim him.   This increases the likelihood Andino will be given a roster spot unless he is traded beforehand as rumors have stated is a possibility.    After showing his versatility in 2008,  Andino would be looked at to do more of the same serving as a backup at Second Base, Third Base, Shortstop and in the Outfield.    He will also be looked to for pinch running duties.

It is possible that Emilio Bonifacio will see some time at Shortstop as well if the Marlins try to keep more speed in the lineup on Ramirez’s days off.   The next Position Analysis will be for Third Base and that is scheduled for December 28th.

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