The first major-league game Reggie Abercrombie experiences in person could be the first he plays in. That's right. Abercrombie, who is tearing it up for the Marlins in spring training with a .542 average and a team-leading nine RBI, has never attended a big-league game as either a fan or a player.

 

''Never been to a real game,'' said Abercrombie, who grew up in Columbus, Ga.

 

That could change April 3, when the Marlins play their season opener in Houston against the Astros.

 

The outfielder has put on a show this spring, collecting 13 hits in 24 at-bats. Six of his hits have been for extra bases, including a pair of home runs. But the statistic that speaks loudest could be his three strikeouts, a low ratio for Abercrombie.

 

In his six professional seasons, Abercrombie has struck out 793 times and has drawn just 121 walks in 2,582 at-bats. The Marlins' minor-league staff worked all last summer and throughout the Arizona Fall League trying to get Abercrombie to cut down on his strikeouts.

 

''He could be an impact player if he cuts down on his strikeouts and puts the ball in play,'' said John Mallee, the Marlins' minor-league hitting coordinator.

 

Mallee said ''pitch recognition'' has been Abercrombie's biggest problem.

 

As a result, the Marlins have put in extra hours trying to correct his most glaring weakness.

 

''We spent every day with the breaking-ball machine, slider machine, working on pitch recognition and changing his approach, making him more selective,'' Mallee said. ``Consequently, he's hitting better and striking out less.''

 

Abercrombie, 25, carries a ''five-tool'' label.

 

He combines speed (199 stolen bases in 657 minor-league games) and power (74 home runs).

 

''That's the type of player you look for -- a guy who can do everything,'' manager Joe Girardi said.

 

``You don't want to get fooled in spring training, but I really like what I've seen. He's very intriguing.''

 

ON THE MOVE

 

Jason Stokes, a first baseman whose path is being blocked by Mike Jacobs, has started working out in left field and could see game action there in the next few days.

 

''When Joe called me in the office and told me that, it kind of tells me he'd like to have my bat in the lineup,'' Stokes said.

 

The decision might also signal the Marlins' faith in Josh Willingham, who has received extensive time at catcher but is considered a fallback in left field if it's decided he is not working out behind the plate.

 

''He's learned a lot in three weeks, and we want him to continue to progress,'' Girardi said of Willingham.

 

Stokes spent some time playing left field in 2001, his first season in the minors, but was returned to first base.

 

''I want to make sure he's comfortable out there before I just throw him in a game,'' Girardi said of Stokes, who is working with Andre Dawson on learning the position and refining his technique.

 

Stokes was limping after Sunday's game, though, and said he had a sore groin.

 

 

 

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Good for Reggie. I hope he can keep it up over the next few weeks as the pitching gets better.

sometimes i think thats good in Reggie's case, really hope he makes the team.

I hope Reggie keeps this up

im with abercrombie all the way.

I like the promise of Reggie as a prospect but he hasn't produced near enough at the minor league level to even be a realistic consideration for a starting job in my mind. Get some more time in the minors and fix the isues, then we'll give him a shot.

I like the promise of Reggie as a prospect but he hasn't produced near enough at the minor league level to even be a realistic consideration for a starting job in my mind. Get some more time in the minors and fix the isues, then we'll give him a shot.

There is not much more we can do with him at this point. He is over 25 already. This is as good a time to give him a shot as any.

I like the promise of Reggie as a prospect but he hasn't produced near enough at the minor league level to even be a realistic consideration for a starting job in my mind. Get some more time in the minors and fix the isues, then we'll give him a shot.

There is not much more we can do with him at this point. He is over 25 already. This is as good a time to give him a shot as any.

 

Agreed. What do we have to lose in this rebuilding year? If he continues to play well the rest of ST, give him a shot.

give abercrombie a shot!

Tell me again why we need to start a ML-ready starting pitcher for Joey Gatright?

''We spent every day with the breaking-ball machine, slider machine, working on pitch recognition and changing his approach, making him more selective,'' Mallee said. ``Consequently, he's hitting better and striking out less.''

 

Jason Stokes, a first baseman whose path is being blocked by Mike Jacobs, has started working out in left field and could see game action there in the next few days.

 

 

 

My 2 favorite bits of this article. Im in favor of trading for that speeding bullet they got in Tampa, but if Reggie keeps this up and Stokes can make the transition, this lineup has the potential to be flat-out AWESOME.

This same mistake is made by fans during spring training's every season. I just hope Reggie is the exception.

This same mistake is made by fans during spring training's every season. I just hope Reggie is the exception.

 

 

OMGAbercrombie!

 

:notworthy