So, Shades and Andino are competing for the starting SS spot... Both of them seem to be doing very well and have shown that they want it. It's very early in Spring Training, but I was wondering who you guys thought had the upper edge at this point. If they play at an equal level, do you see them going with Shades? If Andino wins it, does Shades start the year in AAA. And if Shades gets it, does Andino stay as a utility guy??

 

This is the most interesting battle for me thus far...

There are their lines so far:

 

Andino: .412/.450/1.038

Shadez: .389/.409/1.028

 

In terms of defense, I think they're both playing exceptionally well. Seems like Andino's defense is a little more advanced.

 

Photo finish. Honestly, I'd like to see both of them make the team. Whoever doesn't start can back up SS and 2B. Although I suppose there is something to be said for making sure that both play full time - therefore it's better to send one down to the minors.

I'd like to see Andino play some second base.

With Andino playing well I am surprised we have not given Ramirez some time in CF...a place he does have some experience.

I'd like to see Andino play some second base.

 

I agree, but in Carolina. He needs to repeat double AA, .681 OPS last year with billions of K. He can learn a new position in a low pressure environment, because Hanley isn't going anywhere.

its pretty much one or the other, whoever makes it stays, whoever doesnt goes to the minors. they dont want to have both on the roster since the marlins wouldnt want to have a rookie ride the bench.

 

my bet : hanley wins it

Yeah, my guess would be that if they end up with similar numbers, Hanley gets it. Largely because he was the prize pickup in the Lowell/Beckett trade.

With Andino playing well I am surprised we have not given Ramirez some time in CF...a place he does have some experience.

 

 

Putting him in CF would reduce his value greatly. In the outfield he just be one of many decent hitters, but his impact as a shortstop, which takes a lot of defensive ability, would make him extremely valuable. A-Gon or Renteria were easily the best offensive producers we've had at shortstop, and yet nearly every year we've had a CF that contributed more offensively. That's why a player who can handle SS defensively and swing the bat above average is very valuable. That's mostly why BJ Upton is still in the minors trying to learn short for the DRays instead of being moved to an easier position.

I'll go with HanRam anyday.. I dont like Andino whatsoever! Kid stinks...

i don't think andino stinks. he was very raw last season and also very tired when he came up in september. he had never played into september before. he's obviously in shape and ready to go this spring. i think he's very talented.

I agree prinmemito, I think Ramirez/Andino could turn into the next Gonzalez/Castillo up the middle, with similar or maybe even better #'s at the plate.

 

But also agree that Andino should be back at AA this year, learning the 2B position.

 

Of course, if Uggla turns into a superstar, this is all moot.

I doubt Uggla will be more than a utility infielder.

 

I also like the idea of prepping Andino for 2B.

Even if Uggla makes the team as the utility guy it's a tremendous accomplishment for the kid.

Even if Uggla makes the team as the utility guy it's a tremendous accomplishment for the kid.

 

 

Definitely. If it had not been for the Marlins, he probably would have wallowed in the minors for some time. If he works to improve his defensive game this year and finishes with something like a .250-.260 BA and 10-15 homers I will be very pleased with his performance.

 

As far as Shades and Andino are concerned, if they both wrap up ST with similiar numbers, Ramirez has the edge.

Even if Uggla makes the team as the utility guy it's a tremendous accomplishment for the kid.

 

 

Definitely. If it had not been for the Marlins, he probably would have wallowed in the minors for some time. If he works to improve his defensive game this year and finishes with something like a .250-.260 BA and 10-15 homers I will be very pleased with his performance.

 

As far as Shades and Andino are concerned, if they both wrap up ST with similiar numbers, Ramirez has the edge.

 

If it had not been for the Marlins, Uggla would have been picked up by someone else in the rule V. The question is whether he would have stuck and not had to be shipped back.

Hanley gets the edge because he plays, and most importantly, looks fabulous doing it.

I think the best case scenario for Andino, and this is what I personally think will happen is, he will start out the season in AA at 2B. If his bat and defense stay the way they have been this spring, or anywhere near decent, he will go to AAA for a month. And then, he will go onto to the show as our everyday 2B.

 

So sad to say, as I am pulling for Uggla, it is my personal opinion that he is only a half season place holder for Andino, if Andino can take to 2B and hit well.

I agree prinmemito, I think Ramirez/Andino could turn into the next Gonzalez/Castillo up the middle, with similar or maybe even better #'s at the plate.

 

But also agree that Andino should be back at AA this year, learning the 2B position.

 

Of course, if Uggla turns into a superstar, this is all moot.

 

 

Hanley, and especially Andino, will never have the OBP prowess of Castillo or the pop of Gonzalez. Very different ball players. Hanley will probably be the next Jimmy Rollins or Furcal. Great defensively, .750 OPSish, with good SB/CS potential...... Andino has a lot of problems with plate discipline. He needs, at minimum, another year in double aa before even being considered a MLB option. The only positive I see in Andino is that he is young, so he has a lot of room to grow. He needs it.

 

Uggla will never be a superstar. 2B is easily the biggest hole in the Marlins organization.

I wouldn't be as opposed as some to putting Shadez in CF, its a position with his speed arm and defensive instincts he could likely become defensively above average (there was a lot of talk last year of the Red Sux doing this). It is a position we have a gaping hole currently, and I think he would be above league average for the position in terms of numbers. That said, I think Andino needs some additional time at AA/AAA, and if he does, it is a good time to switch him to 2B if that is the organisations aim.

I have to admit complete ignorance on this.

 

When did Ramirez play CF and for how many games? Any information that would be appreciated. Minor league info being what it is I really couldn't find anything of value regarding when or his success playing that positon.

 

It all may be moot since his value now seems to be as a SS and it's hard to imagine there isn't a better solution available internally or from another team, but frankly I'm just curious.

I have to admit complete ignorance on this.

 

When did Ramirez play CF and for how many games? Any information that would be appreciated. Minor league info being what it is I really couldn't find anything of value regarding when or his success playing that positon.

 

It all may be moot since his value now seems to be as a SS and it's hard to imagine there isn't a better solution available internally or from another team, but frankly I'm just curious.

 

I can't help with specifics, but Boston tinkered with the idea when they signed Renteria. Nothing really came of it. He struggled mightly defensively in 2003 and early 2004, so some in Boston started thinking on a position change because they loved his bat and wanted to make sure he could get in the lineup when he progressed to the MLB level. Hanley started flashing leather in late 04, and had a great year in 05, so the whole CF thing just went away on it's own. They weren't going to move him to 2B because of Pedroia, and especially now that he is a Marlin, he isn't going to move to the OF when they middle infield has hardly any depth.