March 1, 200521 yr JUPITER, Fla. -- Many in the Marlins organization felt that Juan Encarnacion was deserving of the Gold Glove after he didn't commit an error in 2003. That year the prestigious award was given to Jose Cruz Jr. of the Giants. Though he is a solid defender with a strong arm and power potential at the plate, Encarnacion's starting status is unclear. Right field remains the most pressing unsettled position on the Marlins. The organization sees this as a good thing. The acquisition of free agent slugger Carlos Delgado to play first base created uncertainty about how the Marlins will set their corner outfielders. The sure bet is Juan Pierre playing center and Miguel Cabrera playing somewhere. Exactly where will resolve itself over the next few weeks. The options are to go with Cabrera in either left or right field, leaving one outfield spot (likely right) for either Encarnacion or steady veteran Jeff Conine. Conine played first base the second half of last year, but Delgado's arrival is sending him back to the outfield. The Marlins opened the 2004 season with Conine in left field and Cabrera in right. The positions shuffled when Encarnacion was acquired from the Dodgers on July 30. That move enabled Cabrera to go back to left field, where he was most comfortable, with Encarnacion anchoring right field. This spring, Encarnacion has the early edge over Conine, based on health. Though both had offseason shoulder surgeries, Conine is behind -- for now. Encarnacion had a procedure to repair a left shoulder injury he sustained last May when he made a diving catch against the Marlins in Miami. Conine was hampered since last spring with a right shoulder ailment. In the offseason, the shoulder was operated on twice. Since Encarnacion and Conine are both everyday players, one will have to adjust to coming off the bench. Conine is capable of playing four positions, including third base and first. Manager Jack McKeon usually goes with the hot player, thus the one producing more will be in the lineup on a regular basis. Conine was more productive last year, batting .280 with 14 homers and 83 RBIs. Encarnacion had a disappointing 2004, clearly hampered by his shoulder. In 135 games, he hit .236 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs. His on-base percentage was .299. "In Encarnacion's case, he can play all three outfield positions, but he's an outstanding right fielder," said general manager Admin Beinfest recently. "In Jeff's case, he can play four positions. They both add depth. Jack and I have talked about it, and there is no easy answer right now." Conine, currently on a rehab plan, doesn't expect to play in any Grapefruit League games until later in March. He said that he needs approximately 10 games or 30 at-bats to be ready for the regular season. So while Conine is out, Encarnacion will get the starts in right field. Although Cabrera is more comfortable in left field, he is open to playing right, where his arm is an asset but his speed is a concern. "That is up to McKeon, what he wants to do," said Cabrera. "I don't want to say anything, because that is up to him. Where they put me in the lineup, I'll play. It's a harder position for me. It's not my best spot, right field. But I'll play it." Should the Marlins keep Cabrera in left, Conine has experience playing right. Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...t=.jsp&c_id=fla
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