Barring a possible acquisition of Joey Gathright before Spring Training, what are the chances of Matt Cepicky being the Opening Day left fielder, along with Chris Aguila in center and Jeremy Hermida in right field? Given the chance, Cepicky could blossom into a good player.

-- Yara L., Vero Beach, Fla.

 

Cepicky will certainly be given a strong look in Spring Training. A left-handed hitter with some power, he posted some solid numbers playing winter ball this offseason. Formerly in the Montreal/Washington system, Cepicky didn't post the power numbers expected of him.

 

Aguila will get a shot in center field, as will Eric Reed and Reggie Abercrombie. Right field is settled. The job is going to Hermida.

 

I expect the Marlins will seek a trade for a center fielder up until and into Spring Training, and Gathright remains a prime choice. When Spring Training begins, the Marlins obviously will look at a lot of different trade options.

 

Something to keep an eye on in Spring Training is how the battle for starting catcher shapes up. Right now, Josh Willingham and Miguel Olivo are the prime candidates to win the starting catcher job. If Willingham struggles defensively behind the plate, chances are he will be given a shot to win the starting job in left field. This transition could happen about four or five weeks into Spring Training.

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...t=.jsp&c_id=fla

I'm rooting for him. He looked good when I saw him with the Nats.

To Rferry's credit he's been boosting Cepicky for months.

 

If he winds up starting I'll take my hat off to Ferry with a great call.

I will be amazed too. He's shown nothing in the majors. In his defense he only has 167 AB. I still think Willingham will be in left, the Marlins young pitching staff doesn't need a catcher learning on the job too.

I want willy in LF with spots starts so he can earn Catcher eligible

I'd rather have him than Aguilia.