Healthy Nunez wants shot as Marlins backup

PBMarlin · March 9, 2004

By Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 9, 2004

JUPITER -- After watching 20-year-old Miguel Cabrera and 21-year-old Dontrelle Willis shine last season, Abraham Nunez won't mind being a 27-year-old rookie this season.

"The last couple of years, I've felt bad because of my problems with injuries. This year I feel 100 percent,'' he said. "That's what I've got on my mind this year -- to show I can play in the big leagues.''

After four seasons dashed by injuries, Nunez will be a good bet to win an outfield bench spot if he can have a few more games like the one he played Monday in Florida's 6-1 victory against the Montreal Expos.

In the morning, Nunez struck out twice in an intrasquad game. Then in the afternoon, the switch-hitter started in center field and hit two home runs, scored three runs and had three RBI, all batting from the left side.

The first home run was a high, arcing shot that barely cleared the wall. But there was no doubt about the second drive, which caromed off the logo on the St. Louis Cardinals' clubhouse beyond the right-field wall.

"It hit the bird,'' Nunez said of the redbird logo.

The Marlins have been impressed with Nunez's talent since they acquired him from the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1999 as the player to be determined in the deal that also sent right-hander Brad Penny to Florida for closer Matt Mantei.

But Nunez has been plagued by injuries. First, there was a right shoulder strain that nagged him in his first season with the Marlins. In February 2003, his spring was cut short by a strained left hamstring.

He hit.118 in 18 games with the Marlins after a September 2002 call-up. But the Marlins believe he can blossom into a regular player with more experience in the majors.

"He needs to get some opportunities,'' said fellow Dominican Luis Castillo, Florida's All-Star second baseman who has played with Nunez in the Winter League the past few years.

"He can throw, he can catch, he can run. He can do everything. I think it's time.''

The Marlins will give him every chance this spring to win a backup spot, something Florida would prefer since Nunez is out of options. If he doesn't make the team, he would have to clear waivers before he could be sent back to the minors.

The key will be for Nunez to avoid injuries.

"He missed a lot of time. He's got a lot of talent; he just needs to play, and I think he showed today what he can do,'' General Manager Admin Beinfest said.

"He's going to get a very good look this spring. And he can play all three outfield positions, he's got a strong arm and he's a switch-hitter, so he's got some things going for him. He's definitely going to get a look, big time.''

On Monday, Nunez worked with hitting coach Bill Robinson on hitting inside pitches, one of Nunez's weaknesses.

"It's nice to see him get started,'' manager Jack McKeon said. "Hopefully he keeps it up and maybe that'll be the turning point for something, which is what we're hoping for.''

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PBMarlin · March 9, 2004

The first home run was a high, arcing shot that barely cleared the wall. But there was no doubt about the second drive, which caromed off the logo on the St. Louis Cardinals' clubhouse beyond the right-field wall.

"It hit the bird,'' Nunez said of the redbird logo.

Now that is a monster shot. :thumbup

And funny that it hit the Cardinals logo.