September 29, 200521 yr ''Here are your 2005 Florida Marlins!'' the public address announcer at Dolphins Stadium bellowed as the nine starters jogged to their positions Wednesday night. Joked one press-box regular: ``Did he mean '05 or '06?'' With games now reduced to an irrelevant few, manager Jack McKeon sprinkled the lineup with a handful of young reserves who could assume more prominent roles next season. Names such as outfielder Jeremy Hermida, catcher Josh Willingham, shortstop Josh Wilson and outfielder Chris Aguila. All of them, as well as relievers Randy Messenger and Chris Resop, could find themselves in a Marlins uniform on opening day instead of a minor-league affiliate's. That collection came up short Wednesday as the Washington Nationals hung an 11-7 defeat on the deflated Marlins, sending them to their sixth straight loss and putting them in sole possession of last in the National League East. The Marlins have lost 12 of their past 14, sinking to 80-79 and endangering chances of finishing with a winning record for a third straight season. Though the Marlins front office and owner Jeffrey Loria have given no indication on the possible makeup of next season's roster, many believe it will look unlike the one in place now. To what degree is anyone's guess. Said one veteran player while surveying the clubhouse: ``There are only three guys in here that you can say with 100 percent certainty will be back -- Dontrelle Willis, Josh Beckett and Miguel Cabrera.'' Others such as first baseman Carlos Delgado and catcher Paul Lo Duca are considered safe bets to return. But with shortstop Alex Gonzalez and outfielders Juan Encarnacion and Jeff Conine up for free agency, the common belief is at least a couple of positions will be filled by rookies such as Hermida and shortstop Robert Andino. Hermida, the Marlins' top draft pick in 2002, provided a snapshot of his potential Wednesday when he went 3 for 4, including a home run (his second) and double. Outside of Cabrera, who went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBI, Hermida enjoyed one of the better nights on the Marlins. That could only improve his stock. The 21-year-old outfielder is expected to compete for a starting outfield job next season. ''That's been my goal ever since the beginning of the season,'' said Hermida, who started out at Double A Carolina, where he hit .293 with 18 home runs before getting his call-up to the majors Aug. 31. Hermida hit a grand slam in his first at-bat, becoming only the second player in major-league history to do so. But, as Hermida noted, ``Your last at-bat is just as important as your first.'' ''It could help [toward making the team next season] a little bit,'' Hermida said. ``But I don't go out there trying to do something today for next year. I don't think it's going to make a difference for me in terms of next year.'' Hermida has gone through growing pains common to rookies. Between home runs, he went 3 for 27. He struck out four times in a game against the Phillies earlier this month. And he said his lack of activity threw his swing off for a bit. ''It's been up and down for me, but also for the team,'' he said. ``It's been a learning experience to see what it takes to perform at this level every day. ``It's not very intimidating, but it is exciting.'' http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/12768567.htm
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