My3Username

Last I heard of him he was rehabbing with Lincoln Holdzkom in Jupiter last season. Is he still with the organization? what has happen to him? was he released? Does anybody know how old Carlos Martinez is? I have heard 19,20 and 23. Does anybody know what his exact date of birth is?

ya but the reds had 7 million outfielders. they are in desperate need for pitching. they almost had to do this deal. Kinda of like the Devil Rays right :whistle

This is for you MarlinsLou. What type of projection and potential do you see in Bronson Arroyo? because he just got traded for Willy Mo Pena. This just confirms the Marlins have more valuable chips and the upper hand on the rays like many here will agree.

Guess what? Admin Beinfest rejected last year a Bronson Arroyo and Anibal Sanchez for A.J Burnett trade last year. Many of you in this board where against trade also saying that Arroyo is a scrub etc...anyways nothing we can do now.

I disagree on all points. Gathright will not be moved for a PTBNL. Tampa isn't stupid. I never said Gathright was proven also. And likewise, none of the Marlins pitchers are proven, except a little bit for Vargas. If you want to argue lack of big league experience, it goes both ways. The Devil Rays can sit Gathright on their bench just as easy as the Marlins can send Olsen to AAA if need be. Neither team has any more/less bargaining power. Neither team is contending, neither team is in a rush. If the Marlins can't get Gathright for what they are willing to give up to him, simply don't do it. We have plenty of holes to fill to not overspend. I think Johnson is a good offer, but if they turn it down and demand Olsen? Move on unless they want to talk about Dukes, or throw in something else that's good for us and makes sense. Let's compare Andruw Jones to Juan Pierre next ok? Because that's how stupid that comment is. He's not avaliable, and he would cost you Olsen + Gaby or better. Also, I never said you build around Gathright. I said he is a complimentary player that is perfect for the marlins. "Complimentary" doesn't mean non-starting calibre on other teams, it means he is just perfect for the Marlins considering who we have and Gathright's personal strengths. An average OBP in the leadoff spot is not bad if you are hitting some extra base hits and stealing 55+ sb, and only getting caught 20 times. That's a good leadoff hitter, and a good offensive ballplayer. No one is confusing him with Sizemore. With what I think, Johnson does not have ace potential, you AGREED with me on this as well. He projects as a # 3 starter in the mold of a Chris Young. I think considering we have numerous prospects that profile higher - Vargas, Olsen, Petit, Anibal, he is well worth Gathright. He'd be an amazing fit for the team if we can get him. Career minor league OPS. Gathright .751, Reggie .721, Reed .703. What happened? Guess whose youngest also, and has played the most against higher levels of competition. Reed and Gathright have identical minor league slugging numbers, Reggie obviously on top here because he's knocking HR off mostly single A pitchers. I don't find this very notable when you can't hit .260 in double AA as a 25 year old. I also never said Gathright was as good defensively as either. I have always said Reed is going to be a dominant defender, and Reggie slightly above league average, which is slightly better then Gathright. Neither players hurts you defensively even if they aren't an outright plus fielder like Reed. Arm strength is not the only factor in determining defensive value. I hope you realize that. Concerning Gathright's ability to take walks, the last three seasons he has produced 46, 32, and 39 BB in 415-430 AB. A lowball projection of future BB totals could be 45-50 times a year. His BB rate has stayed constant moving up levels, and it's not a far cry to think he could add another 10 walks to that total. Do the math. Maybe you don't consider that enough BB potential to warrant it a "skill." Who knows with you. But I think that's a solid amount of walks, and there is no reason to believe that total should drop significantly. Abercrombie would be lucky to walk 25 times in a full season, and Reed maybe 35. That's a big jump, and like you said, Gathright hits better regardless and has always displayed a better average. The OBP gap will be tremendous, over 40-50 points more then likely. There is no argument to who the best player is now, and for the long term, among those 3. Gathright is light years ahead of those two offensively, and is not a bad defender despite whatever "poor arm" scouting reports you will surely repost for an 11th time. The only question should be what is Gathright worth? There shouldn't be an argument to if Joey is a player or not, which is the only reason why I continually defend Gathright on an abilities level on this board. He is not a bum. He might not be worth Olsen, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to be a ballplayer. My answer to that question, considering TBs needs for SP, and our glut of young SP that is just about major league and our very strong SP in the lower levels of the minors, is Johnson or Nolasco. I think it's very fair and realistic. And I have never said he is a bad player or that he ain't better than Reed or Abercrombie. I just have always said he ain't worth Josh Johnson (who you yourself project to be Chris Young), Olsen(who you wanted out of town at one point), Petit or Sanchez. Gathright is not gonna be much better than Abercrombie or Reed long term and for 2006 a Abercrombie and Reed platoon will likely put of better # than Gathright. For like the 15 time why do you want a player like Gathright who is a complementary (like you said) for someone like Johnson when we are not gonna contend for atleast another 3 years? That is like saying we should trade Ricky Nolasco for Ray King because he we have no complementary lefty in the pen. Luckily alll those rumors are going away and recent reports suggest the front of office doesn't think like you.

It amazes me how much you like Gathright. I don't know what you mean by "high ceiling pitching" because at one time you where ready to give up Scott Olsen who is in my top 10 in terms of ceiling out there in the minors. There was a time I believe when you said he wasn't a top 50 prospect and guys like Jeremy Sowers are much better than him. What to you is high ceiling? I'm not going to even explain why Gathright is much better then Reed or Abercrombie. And I would trade Olsen for Sowers straight up any day of the week. High ceiling is more then Chris Young, which is who I think Johnson turns into in his best case scenario. That's a good pitcher, but not someone you build around. Why o why does anyone care whether Gathwright gets an extra base hit from the leadoff spot. This guy is a force to be reckoned with, he can get a single, wreak havoc on the pitchers head, steal second, or allow the number two hole hitter to get on because the pitcher is concerned about Gathwright. That's as good or better than a double anyway. If this guy was needed to hit in our number three spot then we would have issues, but most people here seem to forget what a leadoff hitter's job is. People get too obsessed with slugging when at times the ability to get hits and get onbase at the top of the order is extremely valuable. Power is always important. If he can get to 2B or 3B without stealing, that's great. That's the whole point with leadoff hitters. What your missing is, Gathright does not have .360+ OBP potential like this other top leadoff hitters. It's going to fall in the .330-.345 range, which is league average. If you aren't getting on base as much as a guy like Pierre (non 2005 version), you better be making up for it with more more extra base hits a seaosn, and 10 more cumalitive SB/not getting CS. Gathright does that. You have to look at more then basepath disruption when judging a player. Reed could swipe 40 SB and cause havok on the base paths, but that does not mean he's good when he has a .280 OBP. He can get singles...when he actually hits. Which he has not shown he can do consistently at the MLB level. Plus, he's bad defensivley in CF. We can do better with what we already have. He also has no work ethic and makes no attempt to improve. He is not as "bad" as perceived defensively, and I think most Devil Rays fans would seriously attack you at believing his work ethic. He isn't a misfit. We can do better with what we have? You would be crazy to take Reed, Abercrombie, Aguila, or any CF prospect in the Marlins organization over Gathright. My3username, my opinion can't change? And throwing in another player isn't 1-1, which is being argued. The fact that I now see middling reports of Anibal being viewed as a future closer because of his mechanics doesn't change the outlook of wanting to keep Olsen, or other top end SP prospect? What are you trying to prove by attempting to call me out, that you are a jerk? Me jerk y? anyways I don't care :lol thats beside the point. lets get back to talking baseball here. All types of things can happen to a prospect. They can experience arm problems ex: Ryan Anderson, Wes Anderson, Garret Berger etc, control problems ex: Rick Ankiel, David Marchbanks, off the field problems ex: Jeff Allison, Josh Hamilton. That is one of the reason's I believe you don't trade players with all star potential for MLB average potential. (Atleast not when you ain't contending) I'm not going to even explain why Gathright is much better then Reed or Abercrombie. And I would trade Olsen for Sowers straight up any day of the week. High ceiling is more then Chris Young, which is who I think Johnson turns into in his best case scenario. That's a good pitcher, but not someone you build around. If your not gonna compare Gathright vs Reed, Abercrombie then I will. Gathright makes more consistent contact and is faster. Now as for Defense, power, ops, arm, slg, or anything stat that measures power Reed and Abercrombie come out on top. Before you point out OBP Gathright takes this because of contact but neither he, Reed, Abercrombie have the skill to take a walk yet.(Gathright is ahead of the two) Is this realistic and correct? if not let me know so I can bring in the scouting reports and stats. Secondly which system do you use to evaluate players? please explain Is Gathright someone you build around? because you said yourself a leadoff hitter who projects to get OBP at a .340 is just average. This question is not for you Lou but for the other posters here on this forum. Who is a better building block for a MLB ball club? Joey Gathright or Chris Young http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/Y/chris-young.shtml http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/j...gathright.shtml

Marlins in talks with Rays for Gathright, for Olsen? (merged) MarlinsLou Posted on: Dec 13 2005, 10:19 PM I'm new, just found this board existed, but I'll chime in. I trade JJ or Olsen for Gathright without any hesitation, and demand Green or Colome as throw in's. Both are useful, will help the marlins over the next 3-4 years, and TB wouldn't let them hold up a deal for any sort of SP. You do this because as what someone said before, you want this team to grow. 20+ P with potential in the minors, and nothing, absolutely nothing, in the farm system with position players. This team doesn't grow with Aguila, Reed, and Abercrombie playing in LF/CF. This team has ZERO options, except trade and free agency to get better in the OF and at 2B. Something has to change. You can have all the SP depth in the world in the minors, none of it is guarenteed to pan out. JJ would be the obvious choice. He is clearly at the bottom of the "first tier" level of Marlins prospects that are double AA and up and TB could insert directly into the rotation. Olsen is a nice pitcher with a fine upside also, but he also has question marks. His stats I can't argue with, they are awesome. But for me longterm after seeing him pitch, he is a two pitch pitcher. He can locate the fastball, but does not have well developed breaking pitches. I'm fine if you believe he will develop a change, or a wicked cutter, since he is so young and can mature as a player, but at the MLB level, I see him getting overexposed. Much like Heilmann, and how NYM are FINALLY getting smart and going to let him turn into the Ace RP he is. You can get away with this stuff in double AA like Olsen has, not necessarily in the bigs. Maybe I'm wrong, this is just how I see it. I disagree completely with the Mulder and Finley comparisons I have seen around the web for him. He is a different pitcher then them. I think the only untouchable pitchers are Vargas, Anibal, Petit, Volstad, Bowyer, Tyler, and maybe Gaby, in discussions to bring in another player. They have to bring in an OF. Also don't get me wrong, I dont want to trade just because I have tradelust, I think losing JJ or Olsen would suck. I would love for the Marlins to keep both of them because I think both have a great shot at being strong contributers, and for Admin to have been smart and got Milledge, or found some way to pry Pie, or even Murton, from the Cubs, but this is what we have to work with. A very nice 3-4 player position core, insane young P depth, and nothing in half the field. They need to get young complimentary players to fill out the roster. If they break camp with Aguila, Reed/Abercrombie, and Josh Wilson as three starters.... talk about ridiculous. That's not even a good triple AAA bottom 3 of the order, and there are no prospects a year away to even threaten their playing time. Also, Gathright has a bad rap. To say first, I do not think he will ever be a world beater, but I think he will be an above average MLB. He has consistently produced a .380-.410 OBP in the minors, averages a walk per 10 AB which is solid (even if the K's are high), he has 50 SB potential, is cheap, and fills a GLARING GLARING position of need for the Marlins. Both in 06, and longterm. He is exactly the OBP threat this team needs on top of the order to groom as a leadoff hitter. Hanley isn't the answer there, and what, Willingham is the best guy for the job right now? I can see Gathright growing into a .350-.360 OBP guy, with tons of steals, emerging double/gap power (he is not a slap and run hitter), and reasonable defense. Same problems with D w/ Pierre. Tons of range, bad jumps sometimes, average to below average arm. Overall, that is a pretty good baseball player, and even if JJ or Olsen pan out into a better player, you still have something pretty nice in value and you still have the other 19 or whatever P prospects with potential in the minors. Sometimes you have to suck it up and give up the slightly better player, to bring in a position of NEED. Especially if you get one of those thrown-in's above who also help you. It's not a bad trade by any stretch of the imagination. Rival GM's aren't going to settle for Nolasco or Tankersly. JJ or Olsen gets you Gathright. I say DO IT. Feel free to start yelling. This is just how I see it. They need Gathright a lot more then they need two entire pitching staffs of 20-22 year olds. Your problem is you look at prospect lists, and listen to ancillary evidence from scouts in judging guys. He doesnt have the right body type. He doesnt have the huge gun number. Please, I want pitchers who get outs. Olsen isn't one of the top 5 pitchers on the Marlins at getting outs, let alone among baseball prospects. McCarthy? Verlander? Sowers? Hughes? Zumaya? Papelbon? Lester? Liriano? That's just off the top of my head. No way top 5 in baseball among pitchers or top 50 overall, he might barely be a top 5 lefty. I think Olsen has more question marks then Petit and Anibal who you cite. Petit just kills everyone. I'm glad scouts "question" his stuff. All he does is allow a sub 1.00 whip and over 11 K/9. That's retarded good. He has a funky motion also that "scouts" don't like.... sounds a lot like some double aa kid named Dontrelle who scouts questioned relentlessly, and Petit whiffs A LOT more then him. Petit is the best we got. Much better prospect then olsen. Anibal is back from inury and fine. Pitchers get stronger after Tommy J surgeries typically. Andrews track record is pretty phenomenal. There are 30 success stories, and then poor Spooney happens. If it worries you though, so be it. His stuff smokes Olsen and until he gets seriously injured again, I don't see a trend or pattern of injury proneness. If this is a biased approach with Anibal, I'm sorry. Gaby is 19 and needs work on a curveball. If he is still having that problem at 21, like Olsen is with his slider, change, and cutter, I will surely knock Gaby just as I do Olsen saying he projects into this awesome RP and not a SP. But I give all prospects the benefit of the doubt until they start getting to year 4 and 21/22. You can see guys emerging at that point and really project them with 350+ innings and not just 100+. Olsen is just not the prospect people are making him out to be. He is REALLY good, but not an elite one. Petit, Anibal, Gaby, and Dontrelle/Vargas in the minors, all of them out WHIP'd Olsen, have higher or relative K/9 (except Willis, his was lower), and K/BB, were the same age or younger at similar levels of competition, and did better then him at those levels. If it isn't obvious, I have a very sabermetric approach. I always clash with "scout" people. long-term plans, meaning 2008. Willis, Petit, Anibal, Vargas, and the best of Johnson, Nolasco, Pinto, and Gaby, if he's ready, in the rotation. Bullpen, Resop, Bowyer, Tankersly, the three of those not in the rotation, and whoever as the 7th man. Get Gathright for Olsen, lineup him, Hanley, Mida, Cab, Jacobs, then see if Willingham can play at C, or LF, and get free agents to fill the last two positions of C/LF or 2B. Fill out the bench with cheap vet types like Easley, because they aint getting any kids because this team has zilch with position players pretty much. That is a pretty good team if everyone turns out how we all believe, and you still have money for whatever holes because only Willis, Cabrera, and Vargas will be in arbitration among regulars besides potentially C/LF and 2B. Also have what I call "wave three" of SP is almost ready to rock with Volstad, West , and Thompson so you have nice tradebait with them, or with any of the other pictures they can sub in and out. And if you are able to keep Olsen, and move Johnson (which is ideal but I doubt it will happen), or whoever for Gathright, Olsen is closing on my team, and just insert whichever of the other 3 SP as the 5th. Either way, I'm really happy with that team. And I think you are two. What I do agree with you though, is if baseball values Olsen so highly, I have no problem going to arizona to get young. But I doubt they would trade him now just acquiring. That's the pont, where are they getting a young CF or a young 2B that can leadoff? It's not free agency or home grown. Gathright is a perfect opportunity for them. He is not a scrub. Every scout prior to this season said he would be challenged in triple AAA because he is a light hitter, and pitchers could overpower him and he'd lose his walking prowess and still have no power. What did he do? Produce the highest percentage of extra base hits in his minor league career, and a walk every 7.8 AB. I disagree that Pierre was a liability.... he was awesome for us in 03 and 04. He disrupted the rythm of pitchers, got on base great, and his one offense knock, SB % in those years, Gathright is better at. They need speed in CF for this ballpark, even if he doesn't have the best arm. CF is so deep, it would take Andruw, Kotsay, or Edmonds to effectively cover and throw in that space. I think everyone here underrates Joey, and sees Olsen in a different light then these new pitchers because he has been here longer and we hate to give up the kids we bring up. And you misunderstood Hanley completely. It's not that Gathright is better then Hanley, no. It's that he is more important right now in short term rebuilding, as in the Marlins will have two of the worst three starting OF in baseball if Aguila and Reed start. They have to get some production out of these positions. They have to get a leadoff hitter. Gathright does this and lets the offense grow by letting the 3-4-5 bats hit with more runners on right now, in the future because Joey is going to be pretty good, and not having to throw Hanley into a pressure 1 or 2 batting situation right now, when he clearly needs more seasoning. He is going to be awesome, or atleast I think so, but he isn't ready for big time contributions yet. They will easily lose 100+ games if Wilson/Almezaga/Uggla, Aguila, and Reed get 500 AB each. That will be 4 .300ish OBP hitters in the lineup w/ the pitcher, maybe even 5 because I am not convinced Hanley is ready. I really wish he could play half the year in double and triple aaa and be an August callup. Mitre and Moehler are going to pitch atleast 300 innings... The bullpen, is going to be an absolute nightmare. Losing is one thing, being atrocious is another. Like I said before, they can't send out the kids to get murdered. They need a young leadoff bat, Gathright is perfect. They need to sign a Davanon or Terrance Long type LF to provide atleast a lick of offense, or more then Aguila (he is awful), and I'd like to see some sort of vet middle infielder to platoon with Hanley, and the cluster at 2B. Some RP would be nice also..... but all these guys will have to be near-minimum. Have to see who wants playing time on a bad team, versus sitting on the bench for a good team.

At this moment forget Gathright, lets get the outfielder with the highest upside, doesn't matter if he is a CF or corner OF? I can actually live with an Abercrombie/Reed platoon if we can get a CF like Taveras it would gives a lead-off hitter as well and Abercrombie would be fine in LF. If Stokes can play a decent outfield it would be nice to get his bat in the lineup as well Willingham still needs to prove it at the MLB level. Let's see how he reacts when he routinely has to deal with Reyes, Beltran, Wright, Rollins, Abreu, Utley, M. Giles, Renteria, Francoer, and Soriano on the base paths. That's just the NL East, and those guys all have the ability to steal 20+ if not way more. Plus, trying to block all the junk Bowyer and Messenger throw at him out of the pen. He's still a work in progress, it's to early to be saying he is going to be a long term option at catcher and start trading high ceiling pitching for a young corner OF. What we do know is, we have no viable CF in the entire organization. Abercrombie and Reed are not going to hit for much. Aguila is a stopgap at best, is a 4th or 5th OF type. Whose next best? De Aza? Jai Miller? Right. We actually have some potential corner OF prospects in Harvey, Restko, maybe McCann can play out there also, that might be ready in 1-2 years. Plus you can always find cheap veterans if you have to. 2B is a concern too, but we have a potential nice option in Andino if he works on his contact/plate discipline a little and accepts the position change. In CF, nothing. It's the biggest weakness in the short and long term, and it has to be addressed out of house. CF is the position you trade for if you do it at all. You talk about about how we shouldn't trade pitching or "high ceiling pitching" for a corner OF because nobody sure Josh Williangham can handle being a catcher at the major league level. Well you do know if we trade "high ceiling pitching" we should and will most likely get someone better than Williangham right? Which means Williangham either then is a reserved or gets traded to a team like the A's who will appreciate him more than us. How do know Reed and Abercrombie are not going to hit for much? (I don't think they will) and that Gathright is going to hit? what is Gathright much better than Reed and Abercrombie at? what are Abercrombie and Reed much better than Reed at? Don't you think there cheap CF options out there in during free agency juts like they are corner Of? It amazes me how much you like Gathright. I don't know what you mean by "high ceiling pitching" because at one time you where ready to give up Scott Olsen who is in my top 10 in terms of ceiling out there in the minors. There was a time I believe when you said he wasn't a top 50 prospect and guys like Jeremy Sowers are much better than him. What to you is high ceiling?

Brandon Watson - OF - Nationals Brandon Watson went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a sacrifice against the Orioles today. Watson is outhitting Ryan Church .342 to .219 so far. Church closes the gap a bit with his nine walks, but Watson actually has five in 38 at-bats. Since manager Frank Robinson clearly wanted Watson to win the starting job in center, it might be that Church will turn into trade bait for pitching help. Mar. 17 - 5:08 pm et :whistle IMO way better option than Gathright, cost in terms of prospects. God forbid we have to give up one of the big 4 I rather give them up for him that Joey Gathright. Line-up could look similar to this. (Lots of possibilities) SS Hanley Ramirez RF Jeremy Hermida C Josh Williangham 3B Miguel Cabrera LF Ryan Church 1B Mike Jacobs 2B Dan Uggla CF Eric Reed

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article...t=.jsp&c_id=mlb Looks like the Nationals need to find themselves some more pitching. :mischief2 Randy Messenger, Renyel Pinto for Ryan Church ? Hell I would trade Travis Bowyer and Pinto for Ryan Church

little strikes out, randal up randel gets robbed...reed up reed walks...niles batting for andino reed steals second on a pitch out...damn hes fast and dont look now...but reed is hitting .312 niles grounds out, sux comin up and Reggie .444 . While Gathright is at .267

I would absolutely love to get Granderson from the Tigers. Kid is gonna be a stud. And you know Dombrowski will take pitching any day of the week. Granderson is as avaliable in trades as Hermida. They are building the team around him, Shelton, and the pitchers (Bonderman, Verlander, Zumaya). Granderson isn't as untouchable as Hermida. He also doesn't project to be nearly good as Hermida and he strikes out a ton. FutureGM Posted Yesterday, 09:38 PM I would certainly take Reed, Granderson, or Taveras. Reed and Granderson are likely not available and like MarlinsLou said Taveras will likely cost Olsen. The guy who I think we should go after is Ryan Church. I think he is MLB ready can likely get on base at a .340 rate, OPS of 800, .Avg around 280 and hit 15-20 HR's if he plays everday. If Guillen is healthy there is a very good chance he gets traded. I think Bowden bites if we give up Pinto and Bostick(might even do it straight up for Pinto. I didn't say Granderson was going to be as good as Hermida, I said he is untouchable just like Hermida. He's their best young position player along with Shelton. They are not trading him for anything, let alone more pitching when they have three potential aces, and solid backend guys like Maroth and Robertson - who could break out also. Detroit is going to be very good in 2-3 years. Concerning Church, he'll be starting in CF for the nationals, and it's not going to take Pinto/Bostick. It will again take Olsen, atleast Johnson. Bowden is an idiot, but he isn't that stupid. I'm with Ramp, if it has to be Olsen, "gimme Dukes." If not, sit on the pitchers and deal with the problem later. Im pretty sure it won't take none of the big four or any top flght prospect in order to acquire Ryan Church. Granderson is not that special of a player. He was the best OF in a weak Detroit Tigers Farm system (they made a big leap this year in ranking because of Verlander, Zumaya and drafting Maybin). Anyways the Tigers ain't trading him unless soemone over pays. Also MarlinsLou I would like to thank you for teaching those Devil Rays fan's a thing or two over at there board. We may have difference of opinions....but I respect your opinion's.

Notes: Mitre making his bid Right-hander hoping strong spring solidifies spot in rotation By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Sergio Mitre made 21 appearances, including seven starts, for the Cubs last season. (Bob Jordan/AP) Related Links JUPITER, Fla. -- There are very few guaranteed spots in Marlins camp. But the way Sergio Mitre is throwing, it will be tough to keep the right-hander out of the rotation. In facing a Cardinals lineup that included David Eckstein, Jim Edmonds, Scott Spiezio and Admin Bigbie on Wednesday, Mitre yielded one run on two hits over a spring-high five innings. The game ended in a 2-2 tie after 10 innings. In three Grapefruit League outings, including two starts, Mitre has a 1.80 ERA. The lone run he allowed to St. Louis came on Bigbie's chopped RBI single to right field over a drawn-in infield after Spiezio doubled. After that, Mitre struck out Gary Bennett and Junior Spivey to end the frame. Obtained from the Cubs as part of the Juan Pierre trade, Mitre has battled all spring, and his experience with Chicago is showing. "He's been a starter most of his career, but in Chicago, because of the depth in their rotation, he pitched out of the bullpen," Marlins manager Joe Girardi said. "He has looked very good in Spring Training. He is in the mix, along with a few other guys, but he continues to impress us." Competing for a spot is something Mitre welcomes. "I feel good physically and mentally," the right-hander said. "I've got to keep throwing and having good outings, and everything will take care of itself." Asked if he feels he deserves a rotation spot, Mitre said: "That's up to the staff. I can only take care of what I'm doing. It's up to us [the contending starters] to make it hard for them." Because the Marlins have their one Spring Training off-day scheduled on March 20, the day Mitre is next slated to start, he will stay on schedule by throwing to Triple-A hitters in Jupiter. Roster moves: Seven pitchers were optioned to the Minor Leagues on Wednesday, including Anibal Sanchez and Renyel Pinto. The Marlins optioned left-hander Adam Bostick and right-handers Sanchez and Scott Tyler to Double-A Carolina. Pinto, a left-hander projected to start, was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. Optioned to Class A Jupiter were right-handers Jesus Delgado, Harvey Garcia and Jose Garcia. "They did everything we asked them to," Girardi said. "These guys need innings. You see their faces when you tell them -- this is not the part of the job you enjoy." Acquired from the Red Sox, Sanchez entered Spring Training expecting to battle for a rotation spot. However, the right-hander experienced tightness in his right shoulder the first week of camp, and he has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game. On Thursday, Sanchez is expected to throw live batting practice. Because Sanchez was so far behind the other pitchers, the team wants him to build up innings in the Minor Leagues without feeling the pressure of having to impress Girardi in a short period of time. "He's not going to get the innings he needs to get," Girardi said. "He's a starter, and he's behind. I told him, 'It's kind of a speed bump. When you had that injury, it was a speed bump. You're the one who determines when you're going to get back.' ... He's not ready enough to compete as a starter." Cabrera to return: Now that Venezuela has been eliminated from the World Baseball Classic, two-time All-Star Miguel Cabrera is expected to return to Marlins camp in a day or two. With the Marlins at the Dodgers in Vero Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Cabrera wouldn't make that trip anyway. The team also will be on the road Friday, visiting the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla. Girardi said the earliest Cabrera would be back in the lineup is Saturday, in a game against the Yankees at Roger Dean Stadium. "He's played in some intensity-filled games, and he will fit right in," Girardi said of the return of his power-hitting third baseman. Nolasco solid: Ricky Nolasco continues to steadily make progress. The right-hander, who is opening eyes as a starting candidate, tossed four scoreless innings on Tuesday in a split-squad game against the Nationals. Starting for the Marlins in Viera, Fla., Nolasco yielded two hits and walked two. Florida rallied in the late innings for a 2-1 win. Nolasco threw 52 pitches and is in line to pitch again on Sunday. "I thought I used my fastball good. I got some outs with my fastball with two strikes," Nolasco said. "That's something I've been trying to work on. I got some key double plays to get some outs. My defense helped me out. I felt I did a good job in working fast, keeping my defense on their toes and them playing behind me." Nolasco also gained some insights from watching Washington starter Livan Hernandez. "One thing, for sure, is he stresses the fact that command is the most important part of pitching," Nolasco said. "He's not up there throwing hard. He's mixing up pitches and keeping guys off balance. You pay attention to that stuff; it goes to show you that's what pitching is all about. It's not about throwing 100 mph." The way Nolasco is pitching, he's making a case to win a rotation spot. In three games, with two starts, he hasn't given up a run in 8 2/3 innings. "Everything we've seen from him this spring has been positive," Girardi said. "These guys are making it really hard on me." Trade possibilities? The Marlins are in the market for an outfielder who can either play left field or center field. For months, there have been conversations with the Devil Rays regarding center-field speedster Joey Gathright. The Marlins, however, don't seem interested in parting with Scott Olsen or Josh Johnson, two of their frontline starting pitcher prospects. Along with talks involving Tampa Bay, the team has expanded its focus. With limited dollars to spend, Florida is looking for affordable players without much service time but who have a high upside. For the right fit, the club would part with some young pitching. The Marlins appear ready to go with Reggie Abercrombie in either left field or center field. One potential trade option is with the Yankees for backup Bubba Crosby. Girardi, formerly the Yankees bench coach, is familiar with Crosby, who can play center Some more good news regarding Olsen and our other starting pitchers.

I would absolutely love to get Granderson from the Tigers. Kid is gonna be a stud. And you know Dombrowski will take pitching any day of the week. Granderson is as avaliable in trades as Hermida. They are building the team around him, Shelton, and the pitchers (Bonderman, Verlander, Zumaya). Granderson isn't as untouchable as Hermida. He also doesn't project to be nearly good as Hermida and he strikes out a ton. FutureGM Posted Yesterday, 09:38 PM I would certainly take Reed, Granderson, or Taveras. Reed and Granderson are likely not available and like MarlinsLou said Taveras will likely cost Olsen. The guy who I think we should go after is Ryan Church. I think he is MLB ready can likely get on base at a .340 rate, OPS of 800, .Avg around 280 and hit 15-20 HR's if he plays everday. If Guillen is healthy there is a very good chance he gets traded. I think Bowden bites if we give up Pinto and Bostick(might even do it straight up for Pinto. I thought Guillen was already injured and going to miss roughly have the season. From rotoworld.com Jose Guillen - OF - Nationals took live batting practice with his teammates on Wednesday for the first time since having his left wrist examined two weeks ago. Guillen took 40 swings and didn't feel any pain, so the cortisone is working. He'll do the same on Thursday, and if that goes well, his spring debut should come Monday. Mar. 15 - 10:56 pm et Source: Nationals.mlb.com

I would absolutely love to get Granderson from the Tigers. Kid is gonna be a stud. And you know Dombrowski will take pitching any day of the week. Granderson is as avaliable in trades as Hermida. They are building the team around him, Shelton, and the pitchers (Bonderman, Verlander, Zumaya). Granderson isn't as untouchable as Hermida. He also doesn't project to be nearly good as Hermida and he strikes out a ton. FutureGM Posted Yesterday, 09:38 PM I would certainly take Reed, Granderson, or Taveras. Reed and Granderson are likely not available and like MarlinsLou said Taveras will likely cost Olsen. The guy who I think we should go after is Ryan Church. I think he is MLB ready can likely get on base at a .340 rate, OPS of 800, .Avg around 280 and hit 15-20 HR's if he plays everday. If Guillen is healthy there is a very good chance he gets traded. I think Bowden bites if we give up Pinto and Bostick(might even do it straight up for Pinto.

Spring Training Dish by Chris Kline March 15, 2006 Editor's note: Assistant editor Chris Kline begins three weeks of spring training coverage in Florida's Grapefruit League. First stop: Marlins camp. Coming Thursday: Mets camp in St. Lucie. JUPITER, Fla.--Don't blame Dan Uggla if he sounds a little excited. At this very moment, he's penciled in as the 2006 starting second baseman for the Marlins, since Pokey Reese unexpectedly flew the coop. "It's been going good, man," Uggla said. "I'm real excited to be here, basically. I guess for the way it's started off, I really can't ask for anything more. I know there are no guarantees. The only thing I can do and have control over is how hard I play out there and the effort I put out to get all my other work in. "You never know what's going to happen in this game, I'm telling you." Needless to say, it's a long way from last season, when he spent the summer at Double-A Tennessee. Through Tuesday, Uggla was batting .303/.333/.455 with a homer in 33 at-bats in big league camp. Obtained in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft last December from the Diamondbacks, Uggla is not only poised to stick with Florida, but appears to be the frontrunner as the Opening Day second baseman when camp breaks in April. "He's a baseball player," vice president of player development and scouting Jim Fleming said. "He's a hard-nosed kid who wants to play and is playing himself onto this team. He's got a determination about him that you really like." An 11th-round pick out of Memphis in 2001, Uggla was always known for his solid bat and defensive versatility in the Diamondbacks' system. But he was viewed as more of a utility player than anything else. Until 2005, that is, when he followed a career season with a breakout Arizona Fall League performance. "I'll tell you what, he's made remarkable strides on defense," a scout with a National League club said. "The bat always seemed to speak enough for him to continue to move up through the minors, but the defense was always a question mark. Not anymore, especially since it looks like he'll have a definitive position. And you've got to love the gamer in him." But don't say anything to Uggla about having a set position. Sure, he feels more comfortable at second base than anywhere else, but he'll play wherever he can to work himself in the order. "I can play them all," Uggla said. "I mean, I'm not an everyday shortstop, but I can play third probably everyday . . . but for me, second is where it's at. Maybe that's just me, but that's where I feel at home." Uggla hit .297/.378/.502 with 21 homers and 87 RBIs at Tennessee last season, and built on that success in the AFL, hitting .304 with seven home runs in 102 at-bats for the Peoria Javelinas. He was the only Diamondback on the Peoria team as a late addition to the league. The remainder of the Arizona prospects all played for AFL champion Phoenix. "I guess that maybe should have told me something from the beginning," Uggla said. "I had a pretty good follow-up to a good season. And that's all the Fall League is anyway--it's just a showcase. But it can be one of the most important showcases in your life and it was for me. Just playing in front of scouts and owners and GMs . . . everybody's there. "It's kind of weird that the Diamondbacks want you out there and you have a good Fall League and they don't protect you. I thought I'd be going out there regardless and then they added me at the last minute. That whole situation, it just really didn't make a lot of sense to me, so I just went out there and tried to have fun." After all the fun, the Marlins stepped in, grabbing Uggla in the Rule 5, and now he finds himself in the middle of an opportunity of a lifetime. "I stood up and did a cartwheel out of bed that morning," Uggla said of finding out he was switching organizations. "I realized right then it was a new start and a great opportunity. I was about as excited as you could be." His defense, however, still needs work if he's going to make the jump from Double-A to the big leagues and stay a Marlin for the foreseeable future. Uggla is taking advantage of one Marlins resource, renowned infield coach Perry Hill. "Dan's worked very hard with Perry Hill and there's no doubt in my mind that he's going to continue to improve defensively," Fleming said. "That's something he needed to do and wanted to do. There's obviously a wide open hole at second, and you can see he's already improved on his defense at second base. "Perry's an asset for us. As good as Luis (Castillo) and (Alex) Gonzalez were, he made them that much better. Dan's one of those guys that's taken the information, applied it to himself and is making himself a much better all-around player." FISH BAIT The BA Matchup of the Day from Marlins camp yesterday was a no-brainer, as Florida lefthander Scott Olsen squared off against Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond twice. Desmond didn't waste any time getting a look at Olsen's fastball or his wipeout slider, however. He fell into an 0-2 hole after two 94 mph fastballs painted both corners before rolling over to second base in his first at-bat. The second time around, Desmond got the better of Olsen with the count 2-1, slapping a bleeder through the left side of the infield past a diving Robert Andino for a base hit. In all, Olsen allowed three earned runs on four hits, striking out four in 4 1/3 innings of work. The 2002 sixth-round pick threw 58 pitches--39 for strikes--and his fastball and breaking ball looked sharp, though he started to wear in the fourth and fifth. "The fastball had good life early and he was really putting it where he wanted to," an NL scout said. "I like the whole package a lot. If there's one area where he needs work, it's obviously holding runners. He can tend to get a little long on the backside out of the stretch, and you'll see guys exploiting that where he's trying to go." Righthander Anibal Sanchez is just getting back on a mound throwing bullpens after being shut down for seven days with minor shoulder tendinitis. Sanchez, who came over from the Red Sox as part of the Josh Beckett deal, has yet to make an appearance in big league camp and is probably another week away. The biggest surprise in Marlins camp so far has been outfielder Reggie Abercrombie. A 23rd-round pick of the Dodgers out of Lake City (Fla.) Community College in 1999, Abercrombie always has enticed scouts with his tools, but has never been able to put it all together. In six minor league seasons, Abercrombie has nearly an 8-1 strikeout-walk ratio (793-to-121) in 2,582 at-bats and has never played above Double-A. But the 25-year-old outfielder has figured some things out through a stint in the AFL and now in big league camp, working both times with roving hitting instructor John Mallee. "As much of a surprise as it might seem, Reggie has been working his tail off," Mallee said. "He's getting consistent extension through the zone, working to his strength and not giving pitchers that out pitch--not chasing a lot like he'd done previously. He's having a breakthrough spring and everyone should be taking notice." Through 26 at-bats in big league camp, Abercrombie is hitting .500/.519/.885 with a pair of homers. But perhaps more importantly, he's being much more selective. Though he has yet to draw a walk, Abercrombie has whiffed just three times. Continuing a move from last fall, 2004 first-round pick Taylor Tankersley has been pitching out of the bullpen. After spending nearly two years as a starter, the Marlins started using Tankersley in relief after a promotion to high Class A Jupiter last season--after he went 2-7, 5.18 in 66 innings in a starting role at low Class A Greensboro. Tankersley thrived in a relief role at Alabama in college and seems destined for the role if he reaches the majors. "There's always some question when you take a guy who's a first-round pick and you move him to the bullpen like there's something wrong," Fleming said. "There wasn't anything wrong. We spent the last two years really trying to find lefthanded bullpen guys, so we felt like we should grow a couple of our own. He's the perfect guy for it. He's firmed up his breaking ball. He had two breaking balls, but we dumped the slow one. Now he's throwing the harder one, which is important. He just needs innings right now because he gets a little overamped at times. He's an emotional guy who takes that emotion to the mound. He just has to learn to channel that and control it, because we're not going to take it away from him." Questions With Kline: Jim Fleming by Chris Kline March 15, 2006 JUPITER, Fla.--Marlins vice president of player development and scouting Jim Fleming has a rich history of signing players dating back to when he was the scouting director of the Expos. From 1998 to 2001, Fleming drafted big leaguers including Brad Wilkerson (first round, 1998), Grady Sizemore (third, 2000), Cliff Lee (fourth, 2000), Jason Bay (22nd, 2000); as well as current Nationals No. 6 prospect lefthander Mike Hinckley. Fleming left the Expos after the 2001 season and was a key part of the Marlins' drafts ever since, drafts that already have produced big leaguers such as Jeremy Hermida (first, 2002), Jason Vargas (second, 2004); Josh Johnson (fourth, 2002); Robert Andino (second, 2002) and Scott Olsen (sixth, 2002. So with that impressive track record in mind, BA sat down with Fleming yesterday morning to get his take on a myriad of topics and players as the Marlins move forward with their second rebuilding process heading into this season. Baseball America: With all the moves in the offseason, how much has camp changed this year in terms of gauging what you already have versus what you need to continue to develop? Jim Fleming: I think we're a development-focused organization anyway, so the only major change is we're a lot deeper. We're having to try to evaluate a lot of new people in camp--most of them are in big league camp, which really helps because it's an extra three weeks of seeing them. And then just fitting them into our system--where they're going to go, where they belong and what we need to do. We're trying to go slow with the new guys in the system and not throw too many new things at them. And as we go along, if we feel there are some things we want to change or adjust, then we can do that. BA: The sheer depth in the system is pretty unreal. But critics are already hammering the club heading into this season. And this is the second time the rebuilding process has followed a fire sale within the organization. What is your response to those critics? Can you point to history and say it's only a matter of time until the Marlins contend again? JF: I think there are some similarities because we've been working real hard over the last three years to add to our system and kind of beef it back up. Because that championship team in 2003--all those guys that came through had left and the system wasn't as potent as it had been, so we started hammering away to build the system up again. Then we had the big draft last year (five of the first 44 overall picks) when we got a lot of people. I think you combine all those things and it makes the system just about as strong as you could ever hope for. Trying to sell it is more for the public--not for players. Players are about their own opportunities. And what they see is a lot of talent and a lot of opportunities for themselves--that's what every good player is looking for. I don't think we really have to sell them much, other than that they know they can get there pretty fast. I think if you're a player in the Marlins organization, you're seeing opportunity and you're seeing a development organization that is good for a young player. Now from a public standpoint, I think it's probably a little more palatable this time because we've done it before and six years later there's a championship. And so I think it's a little easier to get on board to watch the young guys grow. And that's what they need to do--we've got a lot of talented young players. They'll certainly have some bumps in the road, but it should be fun to watch. BA: Joe Borowski and Brian Moehler are the only two pitchers on the 40-man roster who were born in the 1970s. What do these guys bring to the table to help round out some of that inexperience? JF: They bring experience and they bring professionalism. Joe is new to the organization, but Brian was with us last year, and one of the reasons we wanted to bring him back is obviously he's a good player, but he's also the consummate professional. He works very hard, he's come back from a major surgery and rehabilitated the right way. And he's in there every day working at his craft. That's what you want young players to see. You want them to see guys who've been in the big leagues for a while and still have the passion for it and still go about it the right way. And Joe's the same way. He was a closer a couple years ago and is now trying to re-establish himself and is very committed to doing that. I think it's good for young guys to see the older guys still working very hard so they understand it's work for the long haul. It's a continual process. It's not that now you've arrived, so you can sit back and enjoy it. It doesn't work that way and those two guys are perfect examples for the younger guys to follow. BA: The organization took a few gambles in the Rule 5 draft last December as well. Aside from Dan Uggla, who's having a brilliant spring, what are the chances of a guy like Mike Megrew actually sticking? JF: What we saw there is a very talented guy that we liked as an amateur. And because (the Dodgers) are right up the road, we saw a lot of him in spring training. We saw him before the injury and he was very good. And so, yeah, that's a risky one--there's no question about it because he's young and he's coming back from an injury. You're rolling the dice a little bit, but we're in a situation where we can roll the dice a little bit. We can have a roster spot for a guy who's green. So it's about where he is with the injury and at this point it's a little too early to say whether he'll stick or not. BA: Obviously we have to ask about Jeff Allison leaving camp early again this year . . . JF: No comment. BA: OK . . . moving on, another intriguing arm you got back in the deals this winter is Yusmeiro Petit. He's another guy--like all those other guys--who's had a track record of success in the minor leagues. What are your impressions of him? JF: He's a little different, because it's all about putting four pitches where he wants and when he wants. His first couple outings were just OK, but that's pretty common for command and control pitchers this early in camp. You have to go to the mound a while. You can tell he's a real smart pitcher who understands what it takes to get hitters out. He's a lot different than the other guys we got in trades because they're all power pitchers--with maybe (Ricky) Nolasco being a combination of the two. It's one of those things where as a scout you could kind of say his stuff's not flashy, and it isn't flashy. But when he starts painting those corners it becomes a lot better. Every pitch you like and every pitch has quality, so when you look at a guy like that it's a combination of all the things he brings to the table. BA: Do you ever send any top guys to (Triple-A) Albuquerque? It seems like there are a ton of impact guys--Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, Jeremy Hermida, Jason Vargas to name a few--who all come straight from Zebulon to Miami. Is the Pacific Coast League an environment you'd sometimes rather avoid? JF: It kind of looks like that because we've had so many guys jump from Double-A, but I think that's just been the circumstances. Albuquerque has been pretty much all six-year free agents. We have not had prospect pitching there because all our prospects were at the lower levels of the system. This year, the prospects that don't make this club will go to Albuquerque because now we do have upper level prospects. I think it's a combination of just logistics. When a six-year free agent didn't meet the requirements for the big leagues, we went and got the Double-A guy. Because they did well, some of them are going to Triple-A. Do we want to avoid Albuquerque? It's a little tough on a young guy, and so we don't want to get them there too early--that's for sure. We'll make sure that they've accomplished Double-A and then we'll take them there. But we won't avoid Albuquerque. It's a good experience, because if they can learn to pitch there, then pitching in Miami is that much easier. That whole PCL is a very offensive league and we try to explain to them that it's about pitching well, not so much the numbers. But some guys don't get that. So you have to make sure they're ready to go there. It's just like this year, (Josh) Johnson or (Scott) Olsen, they're ready to go to Triple-A because they've accomplished it, and they've pitched in the big leagues. It's not as big a deal to them now as it would have been if you tried to move them last year when they were just arriving into Double-A. BA: Last question, what did you get back for Josh Beckett in Hanley Ramirez? Will he be the starter when camp breaks or is Robert Andino showing you anything? JF: It's a two-man race between Robert and Hanley and it's fun to watch because they both can really play. And absolutely there's impact with Hanley. A lot of times when guys go through a system fast, the lack of numbers scare some people. He hasn't put up huge numbers like a guy like Cabrera. That doesn't mean anything to me. If you look at the tools, Hanley Ramirez's tools say 'big impact.' And Robert as a shortstop has exceptional defensive tools. He probably doesn't have the offensive ceiling that Hanley has, but both should be very good big leaguers. It's a heck of a race and probably will be until the last day of camp.

Olsen takes trade rumors in strideLeft-hander Scott Olsen hopes to make the Marlins' roster this spring, but remains unaffected by the possibility of being traded. BY MIKE PHILLIPSmphillips@MiamiHerald.comJUPITER - Easy does it. That's Scott Olsen, at least when he's not on a pitcher's mound. ''I just don't worry about it, don't think about it,'' said the left-hander, referring to his attempt to make a major-league roster this spring. Olsen has spent four years in the Marlins' organization, and he hopes to make the major-league roster. But if he is traded, he can live with that. ''I'll play with whoever will sign me,'' he said. Olsen has heard the rumors that he might be traded, but not much seems to affect him. ''Getting drafted by the Marlins and having all my friends who I've played with throughout my entire professional career here, it would take some getting used to, but it's something where you have no control,'' he said of possibly playing for another organization. ``[but] I guess if someone wants to sign you, it's a good thing. ``I'm aware [of the trade rumors], but I don't worry about it. It's not in my control.'' Olsen has been impressive this spring. He didn't allow a run in his first two appearances, but was knocked around a bit Tuesday, giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings. ''For the most part, I was pretty happy with what I saw,'' Marlins manager Joe Girardi said of Olsen's outing. ``I've been impressed [with him this spring]. He's got a great chance to be one of the starters. He's thrown the ball well. He's got a good fastball, slider. His changeup is better. ``He's kind of a bulldog out on the mound.'' This spring is different for Olsen, who knew last year when he was invited to his first camp that he wouldn't have much of a chance to make the team. But the team's offseason dismantling has left the door open. ''I came in here [last year] kind of picking the brains of the older guys. This is way different,'' he said. ``It's different [because of the opportunity], but it's the same game as last year with the work ethic. ``But there's no pressure at all. I came to spring training with the goal of making the team, and the goal remains the same.'' Olsen knows he is in the mix with at least two others for the fifth spot in the rotation, but said he couldn't burden himself with those thoughts. ''You just have to put that behind you,'' Olsen said. 'If you sit there, and you worry about who pitched yesterday and look at what he did yesterday and say, `OK, I have to do better than him today,' then you're going to be all messed up in your head if you start thinking that way. You have to put everything behind you. ``When I'm on the mound, my adrenaline is going, but other than that I'm pretty calm, usually. I've just always been a calm person. I don't need to be up and yelling all the time. ``Unless I'm in the game, I'm calm.'' Girardi likes that attitude. ''I think his demeanor is very good on the mound,'' Girardi said. ``This organization has loved his demeanor all the way through. ``He's not scared.''

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...t=.jsp&c_id=fla Notes: Mental lapses bother Olsen Marlins lefty upset over his lack of concentration at times By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Scott Olsen yielded five runs on four hits in a spring-high 4 1/3 innings on Tuesday. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Marlins Headlines JUPITER, Fla. -- More than the runs allowed on Tuesday, Marlins left-hander Scott Olsen was more concerned with a couple of mental lapses. Entering the split-squad contest against the Nationals, Olsen hadn't allowed a run in five innings. Washington, however, got to him for five runs on four hits in a spring-high 4 1/3 innings. While the numbers weren't pretty, Olsen came away from the 10-3 loss encouraged by throwing 58 pitches and working into the fifth inning. "The only problem today was the lack of concentration in the two leadoff hitters I walked," he said. Olsen was kicking himself over walking Damian Jackson in the fourth and then issuing a free pass to George Lombard to open the fifth. Both runners eventually scored. He did allow a solo homer to Lombard with two outs in the second, but that didn't trouble him more because he threw a hanging slider that was belted out of the park. "The hanging slider in the second for a home run, that's something you can work on," Olsen said. "It's the mental stuff you want to avoid." Olsen is having a solid spring that has him in the mix for a starting rotation spot. "For the most part, I was pretty happy with what I saw," manager Joe Girardi said. "He's got a great chance at being one of the starters. As time goes on, we'll continue to evaluate all the people we have in camp as possible starters. He's throwing the ball well." Olsen throws a live fastball and slider. To be successful at the big-league level, he understands he must improve his changeup. "He's kind of a bulldog on the mound," Girardi said Also for you Gathright lovers or Olsen haters. Both Eric Reed and Reggie Abercrombie as of Tuesday have higher .AVG, OBP, SLG than Gathright. http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...ts.jsp?c_id=fla http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/m...ats.jsp?c_id=tb

What was holding the team back from trading for Tampa Bay center fielder Joey Gathright? -- Adam Z., Miami. Once, this trade proposal seemed highly likely. Now, from what I've gathered, it may be a long shot. The Devil Rays are looking for pitching, and the Marlins are still evaluating their pitchers. Gathright may end up remaining in Tampa Bay, or he could be dealt to another team. It sounds like if a trade for a center fielder is made, it may be for someone else. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!! :jump best news so far I have heard today. Now lets hope Joe Frisario feeling is correct.

This looks to set up nicely for the Marlins - they can offer a B level pitching prospect for Gaithright and if Tampa holds out for the Olsen...the Marlins can counter and ask for Dukes. What's the consensus here on Dukes? Would most be in favor of dealing a top pitching prospect for Elijah??? :mischief2 I would deal Olsen for Dukes

I would prefer Dukes over Gathright... although Elijah is a bit of a headcase Well, any sane person would prefer Dukes over Gathright, but the question is, is it worth Olsen? All news I have seen from Rays camp has said Dukes is focused, playing great, and seems to be getting over Milton Bradleyitis. I'd do it. Bat them Hanley, Hammer, Hermida, Cab, Jacobs, Dukes (LF), Aguila (CF), and Uggla. Dukes could play CF, but if we have to start Aguila or Reed - might as well take the defensive upgrade in CF for 2006 before Dukes takes over CF. MarlinsLou if you are ready to deal Gathright for Olsen why do you mention is Olsen worth Dukes? I would pull the trigger for Dukes though I would still like another player because Olsen is someone among the top 50 baseball prospects. Evene if we can't get another player from the Rays I'll pull the trigger. Why do I like Dukes over Gathright? -Dukes has more power -3 years younger -has a good arm -has good range -30/30 potential -Baseball America even says he is a better athlete than Gathright Dukes is no defense liability in CF either. This is his scoutingreport form baseball america. Background: Dukes continues to move through the minors and have disciplinary problems along the way. He set career highs in several categories in 2005 but was suspended twice and ejected from five games. He also had legal problems in Tampa, declined an invitation to the Southern League all-star game because he wasn?t selected to start and missed the Arizona Fall League in order to complete anger-management classes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strengths: Dukes is an incredible athlete with all-star ability. He makes solid contact, has at least 20-homer power and plays with all-out aggression. He has plus speed and range, as well as one of the strongest arms in the organization. He has demonstrated improved control of the strike zone. Weaknesses: If he can?t accept authority and develop discipline, Dukes will fall short of his potential. That said, he?s dedicated to the game. His average suffers when he tries too hard to hit for power. The Future: From a tools standpoint, everything is in place for Dukes to be a prototype right fielder. The Devil Rays are working with him to help him reach that potential. On the field, Delmon Young will be a formidable roadblock to Dukes playing right field in Tampa Bay. Olsen for Gaithright is a decent deal that benefits both teams, the Marlins have a surplus of young pitchers and don't have a young leadoff hitter worth a dime. It is not a decent deal. Its strongly favors the Rays.

Mitre has good value Tampa is Pitching starved but they want another steal of a deal like the one in which they got Kazmir...Yeah they are asking for Olsen ... However Olsen's value continues to increase (and I know many people are jumping on my comment that Gathright is having a lousy spring) while Gathright's is dropping He has not really wowed anyone. He is fast but his defense is just ok with a subpar arm...Yes he has had very limited at bats but if anyone has paid attention Elijah Dukes has dropped him even further down the depth chart. Right now he has to be traded, they rather keep Dukes with the parent club Don't forget Young should be about ready to come up in June I agree you Eddie. By the way someone in the espn Tampa Bay message board claims a Devil Ray-Marlin deal might get done by Friday. Take it by what its worth. He said his sources and he seems to be respected in that site.

Stokes strengths, weakness, scouting reportsaccording to BA. 2. Jason Stokes, 1b Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS?Coppell, Texas, 2000 (2nd round). Signed by: Bob Laurie. Background: After signing late for a $2.027 million bonus in 2000, Stokes worked hard to make a transition to left field in 2001 but was waylaid by back and hamstring problems. He exploded last year, leading the low Class A Midwest League in batting and homers, and the entire minor leagues in slugging, despite a painful cyst on his left wrist. Strengths: He could lean on his massive power, but Stokes wants to be a complete player. He hits to all fields and shows a good understanding of the strike zone and pitchers? tactics. He runs out pop flies like a super-sized David Eckstein. He has worked hard on his defense, and while he will never be nimble, won?t hurt a club at first base. Weaknesses: After fighting through injuries the last two years, Stokes? durability is in question. His arm is average at best and his speed is below-average, though not bad for his size. The Future: Stokes had wrist surgery, which included a bone graft, but should be ready for spring training. He?ll probably start 2003 in high Class A. Adrian Gonzalez? superior defense makes it likely Stokes will play left field when both are big league regulars, perhaps in 2005. Background: Considered the top high school power hitter in the 2000 draft, Stokes dropped to the second round because of signability concerns and nearly attended the University of Texas before signing for $2.027 million. He challenged for the low Class A Midwest League triple crown in 2002 despite a painful cyst on his left wrist. He underwent wrist surgery, including a bone graft, near the end of 2002, but the complicated procedure kept him from letting go at the plate until two months into the 2003 season. Strengths: Light-tower power remains Stokes' greatest tool. He already has cranked some mammoth shots in his brief pro career. He has shown good plate judgment in the past, though he regressed in that area this year. He has decent hands at first base. Weaknesses: Wrist surgery, combined with the huge parks of the high Class A Florida State League, may have caused Stokes to alter his approach and chase more pitches. He doesn't run well, though he's not bad for his size. He remains an average defender at best, though he has picked up a half-step around the bag through strict conditioning. The Future: Stokes had passed Adrian Gonzalez in the Marlins' plans before they sent Gonzalez to Texas in the Ugueth Urbina trade. Stokes should begin 2004 in Carolina, where the ball travels better and his natural power should be rewarded more often. He could be ready to challenge for a big league job sometime in 2005 Background: Stokes would have gone early in the first round as the top high school power hitter in the 2000 draft, but his commitment to the University of Texas dropped him to the first pick in the second round. After signing for $2.027 million, he eventually surpassed 2000's No. 1 overall pick, Adrian Gonzalez, in Florida's plans. That led to Gonzalez' inclusion in a 2003 trade for Ugueth Urbina. Strengths: Stokes' greatest tool remains his powerful bat. He shows prodigious power to all fields. He runs well for a big man and has decent hands. Weaknesses: His high strikeout totals have inspired some doubts, and Stokes never shortens his long swing, not even with two strikes. He has poor lateral movement, which means he'll never be more than average at best as a first baseman. His left wrist required a bone graft in 2002 and flared up again last season. He may require another operation. The Future: With incumbent first baseman Jeff Conine's contract up after 2005, Stokes is positioned to succeed him. However, he'll have to show he can stay healthy for a full season. He could return to Double-A to start 2005.

rotoworld.com Jason Stokes - 1B - Marlins At manager Joe Girardi's request, Jason Stokes borrowed an outfield glove to take flyballs in left today. Stokes probably isn't ready to hit in the majors, and he's certainly not ready to play left field in the majors. The Marlins tried him there previously when both he and Adrian Gonzalez were in the team's plans, but it didn't go very well. If the Marlins really want both in their lineup, Mike Jacobs would probably have a better chance than Stokes of surviving in left. I agree. I know Jacobs has a shoulder or arm history of some type but in the OF he might only have to make 2-3 throws a game if that much.

ROTOWORLD.COM Hanley Ramirez - SS - Marlins Hanley Ramirez delivered a pair of solo homers and walked today to lead the Marlins to a 5-2 win over the Nationals. The Marlins are now 9-2 this spring. Ramirez is 10-for-28 with three homers and a 2/2 K/BB ratio. He was the likely choice going in, so it's becoming safe to assume that he'll enter the season as Florida's shortstop. Mar. 12 - 6:18 pm et Josh Johnson - S - Marlins Josh Johnson held the Nationals hitless for four innings Sunday to move to 3-0 this spring. Johnson has allowed just one hit in nine scoreless innings. At this point, he has to be the favorite over Scott Olsen to act as the Marlins' fifth starter. There is some chance the team could go with both rookies and put Sergio Mitre in the pen. Mar. 12 - 6:17 pm et Joe Borowski - R - Marlins Joe Borowski struck out the side in a scoreless inning versus the Nationals today. He did allow a hit, but it was another fine outing for the favorite for saves in the Florida pen. He's allowed one run and struck out six in six innings. Mar. 12 - 6:14 pm et