March 1, 200818 yr Maybin leaves with tight hamstring Marlins being extra cautious with potential future star By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com JUPITER, Fla. -- Marlins center-field prospect Cameron Maybin was removed from Friday's game against the Nationals in Viera, Fla., due to tightness in his left hamstring. The 20-year-old, who is competing for a starting job, tweaked his hamstring after reaching on an error by shortstop Felipe Lopez. On the play in the ninth inning, Maybin rounded first base and pulled up. He was replaced by pinch-runner Paul Hoover. The Marlins had a split-squad day Friday, playing two games. While half the team remained in Jupiter to face the Orioles, Maybin traveled to Viera for the meeting with the Nationals. "We don't know if it's a pull or a cramp," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "So we just took him out of the game. It didn't pop, so that's a good sign." Maybin is a highly touted former first-round Draft pick who was dealt to the Marlins from the Tigers in December as part of the Dontrelle Willis-Miguel Cabrera trade. Even before Maybin aggravated his leg Friday, the Marlins have intended to be ultra careful with him. The organization has made it clear that Maybin was brought in to be its regular center fielder, but the big question remains as to exactly when he will be ready. He won't turn 21 until April 4, and he has only 69 at-bats above the Class A level, including 49 with the Tigers last year. In recent days, there has been growing indications around camp that the team is leaning toward starting off Maybin in the Minor Leagues for more seasoning. Since speed is such a big part of Maybin's game, any kind of leg ailment could hold him back from being able to seriously compete for a starting job. He is regarded as a future star, and the Marlins appear to be in no rush to accelerate his development any more than they have to. If Maybin isn't ready for Opening Day, Cody Ross and Alejandro De Aza, a left-handed hitter, could wind up platooning at the position. De Aza is off to a fast start this spring. He connected on a grand slam Thursday and followed that up with a homer Friday against the Nationals. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...sp&c_id=mlb
March 1, 200818 yr ahhh! i hope that at the very worse its just a cramp and he's ready by Monday. or that he's a really good actor and is up for an emmy now.
March 1, 200818 yr In recent days, there has been growing indications around camp that the team is leaning toward starting off Maybin in the Minor Leagues for more seasoning. Had the feeling he would start out in the minors... This may disappoint some fans, but it really is the right move. The guy is just a little too raw and could use some more seasoning. The worst thing the Marlins can do is rush him and have him turn out to be a dud rather than a stud.
March 1, 200818 yr Absolutely no rush on this guy. I fully expected him to start in the minors this year anyway. I only saw him in the first game, but he looked like he can be had on off speed stuff. Pretty common for kids coming up.
March 2, 200818 yr If he started in the minors, I'd actually be very excited to see what Ross can do with a full-time spot. I'm so confident he can be a very solid starter, and can open the door for a Jacobs trade when Maybin heads up to the big league club.
March 2, 200818 yr If he started in the minors, I'd actually be very excited to see what Ross can do with a full-time spot. I'm so confident he can be a very solid starter, and can open the door for a Jacobs trade when Maybin heads up to the big league club. i agree.ross TORE IT UP last yearr
March 3, 200818 yr If he started in the minors, I'd actually be very excited to see what Ross can do with a full-time spot. I'm so confident he can be a very solid starter, and can open the door for a Jacobs trade when Maybin heads up to the big league club. i agree.ross TORE IT UP last yearr I sometimes wonder if I am watching the same sport, Ross is a reliable platoon/bench player and that is it.
March 3, 200818 yr If he started in the minors, I'd actually be very excited to see what Ross can do with a full-time spot. I'm so confident he can be a very solid starter, and can open the door for a Jacobs trade when Maybin heads up to the big league club. i agree.ross TORE IT UP last yearr I sometimes wonder if I am watching the same sport, Ross is a reliable platoon/bench player and that is it. The guy hit, what, 13 home runs in less than 200 AB's? Sorry, but that's something worth giving a shot.
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