At least the idea is being knocked around.

 

Cabrera could fill in at shortstop

By Joe Capozzi

 

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

 

Sunday, September 18, 2005

 

MIAMI GARDENS ? The Marlins are not expecting shortstop Alex Gonzalez (sore right elbow) or Damion Easley (sprained right ankle) back for the rest of the regular season, prompting the team to consider moving Miguel Cabrera to shortstop.

 

Manager Jack McKeon said Cabrera will stay at third base or left field but might move to shortstop, his natural position, later in games if substitutions are made.

 

Florida will go with two rookies who were called up this month. Robert Andino, considered the best available defensive shortstop, will start most games, and Josh Wilson will back him up.

 

"You kind of want your best defense in there," McKeon said.

 

Andino had his first hit Saturday and Wilson still is looking for his first. Andino batted ninth with pitcher Dontrelle Willis, who is batting.250 with one home run and 11 RBI, hitting eighth.

 

Cabrera, at 6-feet-2 and 210 pounds, is bigger than he was when he played shortstop in the low minor leagues. He last played shortstop in Game 2 of the 2003 National League Championship Series.

 

"It's a big risk. He doesn't move as quickly as (Andino)," McKeon said. "You kind of don't want to look like you're panicking there and strictly going for offense, even though we need it."

 

Easley sprained his ankle Friday. He was supposed to have an MRI on Saturday but trainers wanted to wait until the swelling went down

 

Link to Full Article

 

So I suppose later in games would be if we were behind and needed to generate some offense? So expect Dillon or Willingham to pinch hit for Andino?

What could it hurt? He started out as SS and even played there during playoffs in 03. Lowell actually hit the ball well his first time up, you can still play Niner, Why not?

Andino's problem at the bat is just timing. He seems to be coming around, and unless we're facing a fireballer he should be in the game at all times. He made a big difference pre-ninth inning last night in the field and he had some sexy at bats.