Marlin

My guess isn't very original, but I'll go with Cameron Maybin. I think he takes a HUGE step forward this upcoming season; and cements his status as one of the best young dynamic athletes/ballplayers in baseball.

My guess isn't very original, but I'll go with Cameron Maybin. I think he takes a HUGE step forward this upcoming season; and cements his status as one of the best young dynamic athletes/ballplayers in baseball.

You don't move a player to the outfield who can field well enough to stay in the infield. You keep him in the minor leagues to develop. Coghlan would be exponentially more valuable as a 2B, and the 3-4 months he lost developing defensively at the position would not be worth risking, for an immediate patch job in LF. From all indication, the front office has little if any plans to move him back to 2B. I haven't read a single positive scouting report on his defense -- that's something you're going to need to provide a source for. Do you really believe Bonifacio is a better infielder than CC? That hasn't stopped the Marlin's from playing him! There was never any intent by the Marlin's organization to play CC in the outfield ever. We had a gap and CC was just a temporary fix however CC was such an amazing young player they could never send him down or bench him again. The plan was always for CC to replace Uggla when he was gone and Bonifacio was to be pur own Chone Figgans to move all over the infield and outfield but play everyday. CC would be an average defensive 2nd baseman he can definitely field the position. BTW CC was in Triple A I highly doubt he needed more defensive development as an infielder. He was an infielder in College and all throughout the minors After reading the scouting reports on Coghlan from a number of resources (posted above), there really isn't strong commentary that suggests he can't play 2B. Seems that the feedback on his ability as a defensive 2B is mostly neutral. I was convinced the language about his viability there was a lot worse from scouts until I refreshed my memory putting together that piece above. I think what's pretty telling, though, is the Marlins comments about keeping Coghlan in LF and wanting to give Bonifacio an everyday job at 2B. That means maybe the Marlins scouts/coaches are more down on Coghlan's defensive viability at 2B than the general consensus. Bonifacio does figure to have more defensive upside there, but Coghlan is much further along offensively at the moment. The entire situation is confusing...especially when you consider Dan Uggla is still here.

You can't just exclude "experience" and "age" ... when those are important indicators of where a player resides on the depth chart. Gaby has been a prospect at the upper level of the minors for a few seasons now, producing enough to earn an extended major league opportunity (that means the team should continue to let him take the field everyday, even if he gets off to a slow start). Morrison missed a lot of time last year, is still largely untested, and only has 340 PAs at AA. A promotion to the major leagues at this point in his career, would seem premature/overly aggressive. Furthermore, Gaby Sanchez is projected to produce +6 runs offensively next year and Morrison is only projected to produce +1.3 -- I'd use this projection more for a relative difference than an accurate prognostication of their performance next season. A lot of "feel good" pieces like this come out this time of year, teasing fans with the idea that their team's most prized prospects might be starting the season in the major leagues -- probably to arouse interest/build hype for the upcoming season more than anything else.

You can't just exclude "experience" and "age" ... when those are important indicators of where a player resides on the depth chart. Gaby has been a prospect at the upper level of the minors for a few seasons now, producing enough to earn an extended major league opportunity (that means the team should continue to let him take the field everyday, even if he gets off to a slow start). Morrison missed a lot of time last year, is still largely untested, and only has 340 PAs at AA. A promotion to the major leagues at this point in his career, would seem premature/overly aggressive. Furthermore, Gaby Sanchez is projected to produce +6 runs offensively next year and Morrison is only projected to produce +1.3 -- I'd use this projection more for a relative difference than an accurate prognostication of their performance next season. A lot of "feel good" pieces like this come out this time of year, teasing fans with the idea that their team's most prized prospects might be starting the season in the major leagues -- probably to arouse interest/build hype for the upcoming season more than anything else.

I think you've been shown plenty of sound logic right here in this thread. Chris Coghlan is athletic. He struggled in LF because he hadn't played even an inning there since he was 18. That is not indicative of his true abilities. Show scouting reports that say he's as bad as you imply at 2nd, since you demand the same from others. He was pretty much universally regarded as "not terrible" at worst from everything I read. A "not terrible" defensive second baseman is, all other things being equal, more valuable than a good LF because offense is so much harder to come by at 2B there's no logical reason to think he can't be at least what Uggla is in the field.. Uggla has actually been relatively good defensively at 2B. -2.9 runs on his career per 150 games. He more than makes up for it with his bat +15. Anyway, here are the citations you requested: Kevin Goldstein: http://www.baseballp...?articleid=8323 & http://www.baseballp...?articleid=7071 "Coghlan doesn't have any one tool that really lights up the scouting reports. He's still a bit rough around the edges defensively..." "He still needs to improve his reads on balls coming off the bat at second base, as well as his positioning." Mike Berardino: http://www.baseballa...009/267350.html & http://www.baseballa...007/263058.html "Coghlan's hands aren't the softest, and he remains a work in progress around the bag at second." "Despite his experience at the hot corner, his arm is average at best." These are all "premium" articles btw, unless you hold subscriptions to both BA & BP you won't be able to view the source.

But you also don't want to resort to platooning/splitting their plate appearances -- both of them are relatively inexperienced and need as much opportunity as they can get, so they can adjust/progress at their respective levels. Gaby seems much further along right now, and I'd be shocked if Morrison starts this season on the 25 man.

But you also don't want to resort to platooning/splitting their plate appearances -- both of them are relatively inexperienced and need as much opportunity as they can get, so they can adjust/progress at their respective levels. Gaby seems much further along right now, and I'd be shocked if Morrison starts this season on the 25 man.

That's the big "if" .. the Marlins are betting $40M he remains healthy and productive .. and they're certainly much closer to the situation than any of us are, so that does give me some confidence in the deal. However, they're usually very apprehensive about guaranteeing more than 3 yrs, and they were hesitant to go that long with him earlier this offseason during contract talks, so that makes me not so confident. Either way, it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

That's the big "if" .. the Marlins are betting $40M he remains healthy and productive .. and they're certainly much closer to the situation than any of us are, so that does give me some confidence in the deal. However, they're usually very apprehensive about guaranteeing more than 3 yrs, and they were hesitant to go that long with him earlier this offseason during contract talks, so that makes me not so confident. Either way, it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

No, a lot of people start out at positions that are more athletically demanding, then move to easier positions to field that require less range as they mature. A perfect recent example is Miguel Cabrera moving from 3B to 1B. HOLY sh*t THIS IS SO AWESOME I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT!!! Man, you're awesome. The Marlins had Mike Lowell at 3rd base in 2003 and 2004. They also had a hot shot hitting prospect who was a questionable defensive player at his natural position, which coincidentally was already filled by an established veteran, the aforementioned Lowell. The Marlins needed an OFer in 2003 because Todd Hollandsworth was injured. They called up third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who played almost all of his games in the OF until Mike Lowell got hurt. In 2004, he played 0 games at 3rd base, instead shifting between right and left field. Miguel Cabrera subsequently never played another game at 3rd base in his life. Oh wait, he actually played some 350+ games at third after 2004. Yes, he did have to move to 1B eventually, but that's only because he got fat. Barring Chris Coghlan's wife putting him on a diet of arepas like Miggy, he'll probably remain reasonably athletic into his peak years. Chris is a very athletic ball player. No, not Bonifacio athletic, but he's certain to be no worse than Uggla. You're so wrong on this. You and "Chris Coghlan can't play 2nd" is like Spike and "nobody should ever go to AAA". It's obviously not worth discussing with you because you've completely 100% made up your mind and will never be swayed no matter what anyone says or shows you, but since you keep bringing it up, people will keep feeding you. It's a shamefilled cycle. Fair enough, Miguel Cabrera was a poor example. It doesn't change the point, though. Also, I'm not here to be stubborn -- show me some good analysis/studies/data or just good sound logic and theory and my perception can be changed. I'm a more flexible guy than you give me credit for. I read a lot about baseball everyday: I'm a big fan/student of the game and my opinion has changed more times than I can count -- on a number of controversial issues.

If we don't give him an extension we go year to year with him via arbitration and he would only get as much money that's relative to his productivity (either by agreeing to a deal or going to an arbiter). If he only pitches 50 innings next year for example, he would likely agree to $1-$2M deal in 2011, so that he has a chance to showcase his ability for a 2012 payday. As it stands now, we're on the hook for $40M regardless of his health or performance.

If we don't give him an extension we go year to year with him via arbitration and he would only get as much money that's relative to his productivity (either by agreeing to a deal or going to an arbiter). If he only pitches 50 innings next year for example, he would likely agree to $1-$2M deal in 2011, so that he has a chance to showcase his ability for a 2012 payday. As it stands now, we're on the hook for $40M regardless of his health or performance.

They are keeping him in LF because Dan Uggla is still here. How do you not get this? Lot's of guys start their careers out at positions that they won't play forever, simply because there is a need. Yes, Bonifacio will be given every chance to win a starting 2nd base job if Uggla is traded because our FO loves him. Note how nobody ever said "Will be handed a starting job because we have no other 2nd basemen." Who the f*** do you think he's going to compete with if not Coghlan? We have literally nobody else who can play 2B. Actually, the perfect rebuttal to your nonsense: You think your boy Bonifacio is a future 2nd baseman. He did not start right away as a 2nd baseman with the team. Ergo, he can never be a 2nd baseman. I mean, come on. No, a lot of players start out at positions that are more athletically demanding, then move to easier positions to field as they physically mature. Bonifacio is a different case entirely. He has the body type/athleticism/defensive reputation to play 2B into his 30s if his bat is good enough to stick in the major leagues that long.

If Coghlan's not a major league 2B at this point in his career, he's definitely not going to be one 2-3 yrs from now. That made no sense. Of course it makes sense: the defensive age curve peaks much sooner. Players in their early twenties are at their peak athletically and thus have more range defensively than at any other point in their career. If the team doesn't have faith in Coghlan's ability to play 2B in the major leagues right now, there's little chance there will be faith in his ability 2-3 yrs from now when he's likely less athletic at 26/27 yrs old, and has a few years of major league experience playing the outfield exclusively.

I was hoping for a scouting report from a credible source that has actually seen him play while coming up through the system, or has real contacts in the game that have seen him play. Instead, you gave me a blogger who has never seen him play, a prospect analyst who uses statistics exclusively to formulate his analysis, and a community-member at CBS from a page that's nothing more than user generated content. In the three scouting reports from 06-08 at baseball america (under their annual top 10 prospect rankings), and also including Kevin Goldstein's scouting reports under his "Future Shock" series at Baseball Prospectus, every single one of them questioned Coghlan's ability defensively. The common theme was that his arm and range were limited, he is rough defensively, he was prone to errors, and he's a work in progress at 2B. Based on reviewing those reports, I realize that some of the language I used was probably too harsh. He was never referred to as a "complete butcher", and some scouts thought with more time/polish he could develop into an adequate 2B. Either way the Marlins stuck him in LF last year, and have made no indication that he will be moved back to the infield based on early feedback from team officials/sources. Early news was that Bonifacio would be given every chance to be an everyday player at 2B if Uggla was traded. And even in a recently published article about Logan Morrison (yesterday), a contact close to the team confirmed the teams interest in keeping Coghlan in LF.

There is no guarantee that the new ballpark is going to exponentially increase revenues; or that ownership is going to increase payroll dramatically even if it does. And no, JJ isn't healthy as anyone regardless of the injury. When a pitcher blows out his elbow, it shows vulnerability to the motion of pitching. The chances that other problems or a recurrence of the same elbow-problem can happen again are higher than had no elbow problems occurred in the 1st place. TJ surgery doesn't "strengthen the elbow" it takes a bad situation (like a pitcher potentially losing his career) and gives it second life if it all goes successfully. JJ looked great last year, but he's prone to injury. Even healthy pitchers are extremely volatile -- that's why this organization has never committed to a pitcher beyond 3 yrs (at least recently). If JJ suffers a serious injury at any point during the next 2 seasons, it's going to be a significant blow to our payroll flexibility, and our ability to compete with far more wealthier ball clubs. If he stays healthy the next 2 seasons (which is a big if), he could potentially be one of the most valuable commodities in all of baseball and bring in a haul of high quality prospects.

There is no guarantee that the new ballpark is going to exponentially increase revenues; or that ownership is going to increase payroll dramatically even if it does. And no, JJ isn't healthy as anyone regardless of the injury. When a pitcher blows out his elbow, it shows vulnerability to the motion of pitching. The chances that other problems or a recurrence of the same elbow-problem can happen again are higher than had no elbow problems occurred in the 1st place. TJ surgery doesn't "strengthen the elbow" it takes a bad situation (like a pitcher potentially losing his career) and gives it second life if it all goes successfully. JJ looked great last year, but he's prone to injury. Even healthy pitchers are extremely volatile -- that's why this organization has never committed to a pitcher beyond 3 yrs (at least recently). If JJ suffers a serious injury at any point during the next 2 seasons, it's going to be a significant blow to our payroll flexibility, and our ability to compete with far more wealthier ball clubs. If he stays healthy the next 2 seasons (which is a big if), he could potentially be one of the most valuable commodities in all of baseball and bring in a haul of high quality prospects.

Sure you can; the Marlins did it in 2003. when you have a fraction of the payroll big market teams have year in and year out; you have to be terribly efficient with every cent spent. JJ is coming off of TJ surgery, and threw more innings in 2009 than he has at any point in his career. Pitcher's are very volatile/prone to injury (especially ones coming off of injury). Had he came packaged with a clean bill of health, I think it's an easy choice to extend him at his market value. Don't get me wrong, there's certainly a ton of upside in this deal *if* JJ stays healthy. But that's a big "if". The Marlins front office is making a $40M bet that he will stay healthy; it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Sure you can; the Marlins did it in 2003. when you have a fraction of the payroll big market teams have year in and year out; you have to be terribly efficient with every cent spent. JJ is coming off of TJ surgery, and threw more innings in 2009 than he has at any point in his career. Pitcher's are very volatile/prone to injury (especially ones coming off of injury). Had he came packaged with a clean bill of health, I think it's an easy choice to extend him at his market value. Don't get me wrong, there's certainly a ton of upside in this deal *if* JJ stays healthy. But that's a big "if". The Marlins front office is making a $40M bet that he will stay healthy; it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Good news. Good for the fragile minds of some of the fanbase. I also love how people suggest this has anything to do with pressure from baseball. They've been trying to sign him for a while now. If Johnson gets injured again...well...its not my money. If you purchase a ticket or buy Marlins' merchandise, then of course it's your money. Resources are finite. For every dollar spent, there's an opportunity cost. If JJ isn't productive in 2012 & 2013 (due to injury, performance, or otherwise), this team is going to feel it in a very big way. I don't know about you, but I don't want to sit through several non contending years because 25% of the payroll is being eaten up by an injured pitcher.

Good news. Good for the fragile minds of some of the fanbase. I also love how people suggest this has anything to do with pressure from baseball. They've been trying to sign him for a while now. If Johnson gets injured again...well...its not my money. If you purchase a ticket or buy Marlins' merchandise, then of course it's your money. Resources are finite. For every dollar spent, there's an opportunity cost. If JJ isn't productive in 2012 & 2013 (due to injury, performance, or otherwise), this team is going to feel it in a very big way. I don't know about you, but I don't want to sit through several non contending years because 25% of the payroll is being eaten up by an injured pitcher.

You don't move a player to the outfield who can field well enough to stay in the infield. You keep him in the minor leagues to develop. Coghlan would be exponentially more valuable as a 2B, and the 3-4 months he lost developing defensively at the position would not be worth risking, for an immediate patch job in LF. From all indication, the front office has little if any plans to move him back to 2B. I haven't read a single positive scouting report on his defense -- that's something you're going to need to provide a source for.

It wasn't your balls generating the sweat, it was probably the area in between your anus and balls, commonly referred to as the "gooch".

I don't like the move. If he gets hurt, we're in deep doo-doo. Pitchers coming off of injury are extremely volatile/injury prone.