MIAMI -- Trading Hee Seop Choi to the Dodgers on Friday has created a 'Who's on first?' scenario for the Marlins.

 

For now, veteran Jeff Conine will handle the duties. In time, Miguel Cabrera could be the long-term solution.

 

Since his early days in the minor leagues, Cabrera has drawn comparisons to the versatile Albert Pujols. Next spring, Cabrera may be playing the same position as the St. Louis slugger.

 

With Conine sliding over to first base, Cabrera is moving from right field to left, making room for Juan Encarnacion's return to right.

 

But in warmups, Cabrera promises to see action at first base. On a regular basis, he has fielded grounders at first and third base in case of an emergency situation. Handling game situations, however, is totally different, because there is so much involved in the position.

 

"We'll work Cabrera over there, too, eventually," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said, referring to first base. "We'll give him some training -- give him a refresher course."

 

With the Marlins hoping to be in the playoff race, the timing may not be right to teach Cabrera a new position this deep into the season. It is being considered because Conine does a nice job defensively in left field and Cabrera grew up as an infielder.

 

A natural third baseman, Cabrera has the size and athletic ability to become a solid defensive first baseman. He just hopes that transition is down the line.

 

Cabrera clearly prefers returning to left field. Because of his background as a third baseman, he feels more comfortable seeing the ball come off the bat to the left side.

 

"You have so much more room in right field," Cabrera said. "There is more range to cover than in left field."

 

Asked if it is difficult to move around, the Venezuelan native said: "It's tough. Someday, maybe I'll play one position."

 

The transition won't be a problem for Conine, although he is comfortable in left field.

 

"You get into a groove after a while and you get into a swing of things, where you are reading balls well off the bat in the outfield," Conine said. "I feel really good (out there) right now, but it shouldn't take me long (to adjust to first)."

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp

what aboot stokes?

 

2005 trade bait?

and there's Willy too(if we resign Lo Duca)

well well......

 

 

cabrera readily admits to preferring left field and talks about the difficulties, problems he had in right.

 

 

and to think some here said that right field was easy and he really has no excuses in right.....

 

 

some of you are somethign else.

and there's Willy too(if we resign Lo Duca)

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LoDuca bleeds Dodger blue, unless we can win a World Series with him, I doubt he will resign with us and he'll probably go back to the Dodgers after his contract is up.

Tell me about it I mentioned this a few weeks back and boy the response was we can do that it would be wasting his great arm at first.

 

To Marlins 2003 like I told you before Cabrera will end up playing first base that is his best position.

 

 

:hat

and there's Willy too(if we resign Lo Duca)

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LoDuca bleeds Dodger blue, unless we can win a World Series with him, I doubt he will resign with us and he'll probably go back to the Dodgers after his contract is up.

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Don't think that so much. He was betrayed by this GM and may not want to do anything with him as GM in LA.

and to think some here said that right field was easy and he really has no excuses in right.....

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The people who said that don't know what they're talking about.

I think the Marlins would be better off moving Lowell over to first than moving Cabs. Cabs has the moves and skills of a shortstop. Lowell is a great 3B, but I think this move would increase his numbers like the move from third to first did for Jim Thome.

I think the Marlins would be better off moving Lowell over to first than moving Cabs. Cabs has the moves and skills of a shortstop. Lowell is a great 3B, but I think this move would increase his numbers like the move from third to first did for Jim Thome.

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That may be one of the stupider ideas I have heard. Lowell is a top defensive player at 3rd. Thome was not and never will be.

leave cabrera in Left Field. Cabrera cannot play first. He has improved gradually and he wont do good in First base.

I just figured Stokes was the future at first. I didn't really think it was a question.