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.