Position Analysis: First Base

First Base is one of the positions up for grabs heading into the 2009 season.   After being occupied by the now departed Mike Jacobs for the past three seasons, a new player will need to take over the right side of the infield.    Soon after the 2008 season concluded, the Marlins signed Wes Helms to a two year deal that surprised some fans.   That move makes more sense now with a roster that has no starter penciled in as of yet on either corner of the infield.   In the first of a new daily series, we will take a look at the potential candidates for time at first base in 2009.

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.

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.

Gaby Sanchez - One of the Marlins’ highly touted prospects cracked the big leagues in September of 2008 and impressed in his eight at bats where he had three hits including two doubles.   If Cantu keeps his job at third base, Sanchez would be the most likely new starting first basemen.     His chances of winning the first base job rely heavily on what the Marlins do with Cantu.    With a good Spring, Sanchez could pressure the Fish into giving him the chance to show what he can do on an everyday basis in the big leagues.    Prior to Spring training, Sanchez is considered the odds on favorite to win the first base job as he is an inexpensive option and has already shown what he can do in the minor leagues.

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.

Besides these players, it’s possibly Alfredo Amezaga could see limited action at first base in order to keep him in a game depending on defensive switches and pinch hitters throughout a game he is already in.     It’s unlikely the Marlins will sign anyone in the free agent market for first base and will allow one of the above players win the job and take it over for the 2009 season.

The next position to be analyzed will be Second Base which is scheduled to be posted on December 26th.