Position Analysis: Second Base

Unlike First Base, there is no open competition for the Second Base job.   Unless he is injured prior to the season, All-Star Dan Uggla will be keeping his spot on the infield on an everyday basis.   That being said, there are a few other players who should see some time at 2B during the season.   Let’s take a look at Uggla and all those other players now in today’s Position Analysis.

Dan Uggla - Another solid season in 2008 gave Uggla his second All-Star Game nod in three Major League seasons and led to him being one of a record setting group of infielders as he crushed 30 home runs and brought home 92 runs.   He carried the team in May putting up a .347 average with 12 home runs and 26 runs batted in.   While Uggla’s defense could still use improvement, he showed a lot of positive signs with the glove.     The starting job is his regardless of his production in Spring Training.   Uggla’s main concern is cutting down on his strikeouts in 2009 as he whiffed 171 times this past season.

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.

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.

There is little chance the Marlins acquire further help with 2B in mind either via free agency or trade before the season.   These should be the only four players spending time at the position in 2009 unless a need arises as the season goes on.

The next Position Analysis will be Shortstop and that is scheduled for December 27, 2008.