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.