By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

 

 

MIAMI -- Playing with pain often is part of the job for a Major Leaguer.

Still, there are extremes.

 

Marlins veteran Jeff Conine endured a persistent shoulder problem that nagged him all the way from Spring Training through the 2004 season.

 

"I think after a while, you play with it for so long that your mind does pretty well blocking it out," Conine said of what he endured this past season.

 

While he played in 140 games, Conine's shoulder bothered him more than he let on. The rigors of the season found him at times smashing the shoulder into the wall, or grimacing on a swing and miss.

 

To rectify the problem, on Oct. 18, Conine underwent surgery to remove scar tissue and smooth the shoulder joint.

 

Less than a month after surgery, the 38-year-old is training and participating in sporting activities. Conine participated in Monday's BankUnited Marlins Celebrity Classic golf tournament at the Bonaventure Country Club.

 

"I should be fully healthy in two weeks," he said. "Right now, it's sore like it would have been at the end of last year when it was hurting. The spot is tender still. Once that bone heals up, it should be good to go."

 

The Marlins are counting on him.

 

An original Marlin, Conine is looking to bounce back and have a consistent, and healthy, 2005 season.

 

The Marlins' starting left fielder to open 2004, Conine switched to first base after Hee-Seop Choi was dealt to the Dodgers on July 30 as part of the deal that brought in Paul Lo Duca, Guillermo Mota and Juan Encarnacion.

 

Conine appears to have found a home at first.

 

At the time of the trade, the Marlins were looking at Conine as perhaps a short-term solution at first base until the team could groom 21-year-old sensation Miguel Cabrera.

 

Cabrera is a converted infielder who broke into the Major Leagues as a left fielder in 2003. He began last year in right field, but he never felt comfortable. Once Conine moved to first base, Cabrera went back to left field, and the team began winning.

 

The shuffling of the lineup helped the Marlins go through their most successful stretch of the season. On Sept. 14, they were 76-65 and two games out in the Wild Card standings.

 

Ultimately, the Marlins faded at the end, largely because three hurricanes that struck Florida forced their schedule to be revamped to play 30 games in 27 days.

 

Before falling out of contention, Conine's play at first base -- defensively and at the plate -- was largely attributed to the Marlins closing the gap in the Wild Card standings.

 

The Marlins went 30-26 with Conine at first base.

 

"Obviously, my second half was pretty strong," Conine said. "I learned to deal with [the problematic shoulder] and not let it affect me."

 

Conine finished the season with a .280 average, 14 homers, 35 doubles and 83 RBIs.

 

Despite the aching shoulder, his numbers improved as the season progressed. In his final 30 games, he batted .313 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.

 

"We were very pleased with the way Jeff played first," general manager Admin Beinfest said. "He played very good defense and Miguel is happier playing left field."

 

Throughout his career, Conine has been a steady performer and proven run-producer.

 

What surprised the team was how well he played first base, defensively.

 

Marlins infield coach Perry Hill believes Conine is worthy of Gold Glove consideration at first base.

 

"He was playing Gold Glove-caliber left field," said Hill during an interview in September. "Nobody gets a better jump on the ball in the outfield. Then all of a sudden, transactions happen and we need a first baseman. He comes over here like he never left the position. It's amazing."

 

 

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

I expect a further bounce-down season, but there's always a chance of miracles.

His 2004 numbers weren't much different from his 2003 or his 2002. At 39, unless he gets on the Barry Bonds steroids plan, we can expect more of the same from him, if not worse.

He's not the typical 39 year old... dude's in shape.

 

I expect a good year from him. If he plays as well as he did the 2nd half of this season next year, I'll be happy.

cool. nice to know hes taking care of that. i hope he is better come april 5.

niner is in awesome shape for his age, btw good to know, hopefully he'll be better by opening day

Admittedly, he did very well defensively at 1B, and his hitting improved immensely in the 2nd half.

 

If he can just stay healthy it should work out OK.

He didn't put up ideal numbers for a first-baseman/outfielder, but he's far from a "weak-link." Especially, when you consider that it's likely he'll be our 6 hole hitter, I have no complaints.

Here's hoping he has a great 2005 season. :beer