Wednesday marked another first for a Marlin.

 

Veteran Alfredo Amezaga made his first Major League appearance in center field. A switch-hitting middle infielder, Amezaga got the start in center in place of Reggie Abercrombie, who has struggled with a .184 batting average.

 

"He's played some center field in the Minor Leagues, and he's taken fly balls pretty much every day out in the outfield," Girardi said. "Those extra guys, sometimes you've got to get them three or four at-bats in a game on occasion."

 

Struggling to score runs, Amezaga was slotted second in the order.

 

"For me, I'm the kind of guy who is: do everything possible to keep things possible," Amezaga said.

 

Amezaga carries four gloves in his locker, and Wednesday was the first time he has had to use the outfield glove. He also has with him a middle infield glove, a third-base glove and a first-base glove.

 

Amezaga worked some in the outfield during Spring Training, taking fly balls from coach Bobby Meacham.

 

"He's got great hands and good feet, and a real good arm," Meacham said.

 

In 185 at-bats with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2005, Amezega batted .341 with 63 hits. Amezega was also a participant in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, playing for Mexico.

even though he didnt get anything hit to him in CF, he looked comfortable out there and didnt panic on line drive to LF

Agreed.

i don't want amezaga getting much playing time out there. if he's gonna play i'd rather it be when uggla or cabs is getting a day off, (at their positions).