October 15, 200322 yr If castillo goes Hooper will fill in....check it out Posted on Wed, Oct. 15, 2003 IN MY OPINION FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ Minor tweaks for Marlins? BY BARRY JACKSON bjackson@herald.com f the Marlins cut payroll as expected, look for them to take a long look at a few decent minor-league prospects. Although Florida doesn't have any can't-miss prospects in Triple A, there's a possibility of rookies competing to start at both middle infield positions next season. It's widely believed Kevin Hooper will be given a chance to replace second baseman Luis Castillo, who likely will be too expensive to re-sign. Hooper hit .266 with one homer, 54 RBI, 25 steals and 11 errors in 130 games at Triple A Albuquerque. But the Triple A prospect who really made strides this year was shortstop Wilson Valdez, an undrafted player who was cut by Montreal and claimed by the Marlins in March 2002. ''He flourished, really put it together in Triple A,'' Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest said. ``His bat came alive, and he was a lot more consistent in the field.'' Valdez, who hit .287 with 33 steals and 11 errors in 90 games in Albuquerque, could emerge as a cheap option if the Marlins decide to save money by dealing Alex Gonzalez. If payroll wasn't an issue, the Marlins would keep Gonzalez because of his defense. But because he hit .203 in the final 74 games, the Marlins must weigh giving him the $3 million-plus he's likely to be awarded in arbitration after posting career-best numbers (.256, 18 homers, 77 RBI). Beinfest lists Valdez as one of five players he believes are ready, or nearly ready, for the big leagues. The others: Hooper, catcher Matt Treanor (.273, 11 homers, 40 RBI in Triple A), outfielder Abraham Nu?ez (.311, 11 homers, 38 RBI in Triple A) and pitcher Justin Wayne. The Marlins still have high hopes for Wayne, even though he flopped in his Marlins call-up this year and went 4-12 with a 4.24 ERA in Triple A. If Castillo and Gonzalez aren't retained, cheap veterans likely would be signed to compete with right-handed hitters Hooper (who will be 27 on opening day) and Valdez (23). The size of the Marlins' payroll cuts haven't been determined but will hinge largely on how much private financing owner Jeffrey Loria decides to spend on a proposed stadium. Miamiherald.com
October 15, 200322 yr I like to keep tabs on the minors, so I find these kind of stories interesting. This one may be a little ill-timed, though. I really don't see Treanor finding a spot next year, even if Pudge leaves. Nunez could easily be a 4th or 5th OF. In fact, barring that injury in spring-training, he might've been one this year.
October 15, 200322 yr i love how this article comes out on the day of Game 7... anyway, I hope I never see Hooper starting for us
October 15, 200322 yr i love how this article comes out on the day of Game 7... anyway, I hope I never see Hooper starting for us Agreed....I was surprised not to see Matt Erickson's name missing, but I assume his defense is just awful. I guess.
October 15, 200322 yr Author I wanna see Hooper come up already! This guy really impressed me in Spring Training. I havent seen no one run as fast as him LIVE.
October 15, 200322 yr Who runs faster luis or hoop? after Luis had surgery....Hooper like you really have a clue
October 15, 200322 yr Who runs faster luis or hoop? after Luis had surgery....Hooper like you really have a clue wtf? :blink:
October 15, 200322 yr 27 year old no hitting second basemen. why do you people like this guy? I like him as a utility guy, not so much as a starter.
October 15, 200322 yr he'll help us like mordy-hes a similiar player-he just has a little more speed.
October 15, 200322 yr Who runs faster luis or hoop? after Luis had surgery....Hooper like you really have a clue wtf? :blink: so you know for a fact that Hooper is faster than Luis? and how?
October 15, 200322 yr I have seen both of them, and believe that Luis is faster, however Kevin Hooper won't slow you down, either. He's very capable of stealing a base and playing good defense.
October 15, 200322 yr Who runs faster luis or hoop? after Luis had surgery....Hooper like you really have a clue wtf? :blink: so you know for a fact that Hooper is faster than Luis? and how? I've seen hooper play and i've seen Luis play Hooper can fly...Castillo this year...cant ....stop acting like hostile to EVERYONE on the board...
October 15, 200322 yr Author Who runs faster luis or hoop? Juanpy Juan Pierre doesnt run all that faster. He just gets a lot of steals because of his great jumps.
October 15, 200322 yr Kevin Hooper, the name reaks Journeyman. If Castillo goes then at least put some effort out for a 2B, if Polanco is available you have someone just as damn good as Castillo for a little bit less.
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