Posted March 31, 200618 yr Here's the link: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/conte...notes_0331.html Florida's outfield a bit green By Joe Capozzi Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Friday, March 31, 2006 JUPITER ? The Marlins are prepared to open the season Monday with right fielder Jeremy Hermida as the only regular outfield starter. Josh Willingham probably will start in left field, where he could end up getting the majority of his playing time this season, and also will platoon at catcher with Miguel Olivo. Reggie Abercrombie, Chris Aguila and Eric Reed are expected to split time in center field and in left field on days Willingham catches, but none of them is an everyday starter at either spot. "They can be fairly interchangeable,'' manager Joe Girardi said. "It's just what we feel we need that day, but Hermida is pretty anchored.'' Girardi would not say who will play center field Monday, but Willingham is expected to be in left field, with Olivo catching starter Dontrelle Willis. Personal catchers: Girardi said he might go with designated batterymates, meaning Olivo would catch Willis and right-hander Sergio Mitre; Willingham would catch right-hander Brian Moehler and left-hander Jason Vargas. "I think there's a comfort level in you know what he's done and the pitcher knows that he knows what I threw last time, what was successful for me, what works in certain situations,'' Girardi said. "You match it up as long as it's working.'' On to Texas: The Marlins will leave for Texas today to play two exhibition games against the Rangers as a tuneup for the season-opening series in Houston. Moehler will start against right-hander Kameron Loe at 6:05 tonight in Frisco, Texas, home of the Rangers' Class AA team. On Saturday, Vargas faces right-hander R.A. Dickey at Ameriquest Field in Arlington. Willis starts the opener at 7:05 Monday against right-hander Roy Oswalt; Mitre starts against left-hander Andy Pettitte at 8:05 Tuesday; and Moehler starts against right-hander Brandon Backe at 8:05 Wednesday. Attendance drops: Marlins attendance at Roger Dean Stadium dropped 18 percent this spring to 67,015 (4,787 average) for 14 games. The team set its high last season in Jupiter with 87,060 (5,804 average) for 15 games. It was the Marlins' lowest gate since 2003, when they attracted 54,428 (3,875 average) in their first season at the complex. In 2004, attendance jumped 45 percent to 84,443 (5,630 average). Cardinals' attendance fell 3 percent this spring to 92,070 (6,576 average) for 14 games. Last season, St. Louis drew 95,352 (6,811 average) for 14 games. It was Cardinals' lowest overall gate since 66,230 in 1999. Jupiter pedigree: At some point last year, right-hander Carlos Martinez, Vargas and Abercrombie all played with Class A Jupiter. All three have a chance to open the 2006 season with the Marlins. "It just goes to show how much talent there is in our minor-league system,'' Vargas said.
March 31, 200618 yr Who catches Olsen? someone in AAA I am curious do they move Willingham to LF when he isnt catching?
March 31, 200618 yr Yes, Hammer is playing LF when he's not catching. I'm guessing it'll be Hammer on Olsen days if they want to give him the most reps. Who knows, maybe it's Treanor.
March 31, 200618 yr Author Moehler is pitching in tonight's game. It will be interesting to see if this plan holds up. I would expect Willingham will catch tonight. :mischief2
March 31, 200618 yr Thats sounds pretty good to me. Your keeping Willi in the lineup at all times and getting Olivo playing time a couple times a week. I would guess Willi catches Olsen
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