Marlins Team Report

Inside Pitch

It’s only spring training, but the Marlins hope it was a microcosm of how they might play in the regular season if the team’s starting pitching stays healthy.

The team played well, taking a 17-8 record into the final week of Grapefruit League action, on the strength of solid pitching and timely hitting. That’s reason for optimism for a team that lost 91 games and led the majors with 137 errors last year. But whether it can continue that consistency into the grind of the regular season, of course, is entirely another matter.

Two key starters went down early in camp with injuries, and prospects such as Chris Volstad and Burke Badenhop—both projected for Class AA Carolina— rose to the occasion and were contending for roster spots in the final week of camp.

The team lacks a true ace, but Mark Hendrickson, the team’s Opening Day starter, allowed just three runs in 16 innings, an indication he might do more this season than just provide leadership.

Andrew Miller adjusted and pitched well after overcoming wildness in his first three starts. The big question this year will be how Scott Olsen fares after being limited to two starts because of left shoulder tendinitis. Ricky Nolasco and Rick VandenHurk were inconsistent early in camp but pitched well in late March, offering hope they’ll start the season strong.

The bullpen returned intact and pitched well this spring. So the bottom line is this: Without innings-eater Dontrelle Willis, there’s still no guarantee the rotation won’t prove to be a burden to the bullpen for a second consecutive year.

The post-Miguel Cabrera lineup seemed to click just fine without him. Hanley Ramirez stayed at the top of the batting order and kept on producing, taking a .404 batting average into the final week of the spring. Non-roster invitee Jorge Cantu emerged as the offensive surprise, hitting better than .400 to win the starting job at third base. Alejandro De Aza had another solid spring, but he must prove he can hit as well in the regular season, which he did not do last year.

But Jeremy Hermida continued his history of spring struggles, compounded by a tight left hamstring that had kept him out of action going into the final week. And Cameron Maybin, who could wind up starting in center field later this year, appeared to be headed to the minors after a mostly inconsistent spring.

After last year’s error-fest, the team still played sloppy defense, in particular, second baseman Dan Uggla was inconsistent. Jose Castillo showed slick glovework at third, but the team let him go on waivers (the San Francisco Giants claimed him) because of concerns he might not accept a bench role. The team is hoping Cantu, even though he has limited experience at third, will be a defensive upgrade from the 27 errors made at the position by the 2007 Marlins.

As well as the team did all spring, the rotation is still young, inconsistent and prone to injuries. The lineup can hit all it wants, but the starters have too much to prove before the team can consider itself a contender.

Primed For A Big Season:   INF Jorge Cantu arrived at camp as a non-roster invitee and never stopped hitting. He ended up winning the starting third base job. After two disappointing seasons, he appears ready to put up the kind of numbers he did in Tampa Bay in 2005, when he hit 28 homers and had 117 RBIs.

On The Decline:   Few players work harder than LF Josh Willingham, but the Marlins slugger known as “The Hammer” went into the final week of spring still looking for his groove. Willingham hit 21 home runs last year—five fewer than his career-high from 2006—but he was still looking for his first spring bomb through March 23. A bad back kept him out of action the last two weeks in September. He says the back has not been an issue this spring, but his poor production (.227-0-4) going into the final week is not a cause for optimism for a guy who will bat fourth and fifth this year.

Notes, Quotes

• LHP Scott Olsen, limited this spring because of shoulder tendinitis, felt fine Tuesday but wasn’t effective against the Orioles. He allowed six runs in four innings.

• 3B Jorge Cantu officially became the Marlins’ third baseman Tuesday when the team optioned Dallas McPherson to Class AAA Albuquerque. Another contender, Jose Castillo, was waived last week and claimed by the Giants. Cantu earned the spot by batting .383 with two homers and 12 RBIs through 19 spring games.

• INF Dallas McPherson, the former Angels prospect who was hoping to replace Miguel Cabrera as the Marlins’ third baseman, instead will open the season in the minors. He was optioned to Class AAA Albuquerque on Tuesday after batting .095 (2-for-21) this spring. McPherson has been slowed by side and groin injuries in camp.

• CF Cameron Maybin, one of the centerpieces of the Dontrelle Willis-Miguel Cabrera trade, was optioned to Class AA Carolina on Monday. Maybin, 20, tried to win the Marlins’ leadoff role this spring, but he batted .190. He remains a prized prospect, and he could return to the majors at some point this season.

• RHP Burke Badenhop, who battled for a rotation spot this spring, was reassigned to the Marlins’ minor league camp Monday. Badenhop, acquired from Detroit in the Dontrelle Willis-Miguel Cabrera trade, posted a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings this spring.

• INF Robert Andino, who struggled at the plate this spring, was reassigned to the Marlins’ minor league camp. He hit .205 (9-for-44) in Grapefruit League action.

• RHP Sergio Mitre (right forearm strain), RHP Anibal Sanchez (shoulder surgery in June 2007), RHP Josh Johnson (reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007), RHP Harvey Garcia (right shoulder tendinitis) and RHP Henry Owens (right shoulder surgery in August 2007) were all placed on the disabled list Monday, retroactive to March 21.

• 3B Jose Castillo showed the slickest glovework at third base this spring, but the Marlins put him on waivers and let him go when he was claimed by the San Francisco Giants. The move all but guarantees the job to Jorge Cantu, who hit above .400 most of the spring. (He was batting .407 after March 23.)

The Marlins were concerned about how Castillo would react to playing a bench role. He fell out of favor last year with Pittsburgh manager Jim Tracy after being moved to the bench.

• INF Dallas McPherson (sore groin) played Sunday for the first time since March 12 and went 0-for-2 with a walk, dropping his spring average to .059. McPherson hopes to make a final-week push for a roster spot, but he seems destined to start the season at Class AAA Albuquerque unless he beats out Jason Wood for a final bench job.

• When LHP Mark Hendrickson signed with the Marlins, the idea was to have him provide leadership and start at the back of the rotation. But injuries and uncertainties with Florida’s young starters have thrust Hendrickson into the role of No. 1 starter.

He started just 15 games for the Dodgers in 2007, working mostly out of the bullpen. But Hendrickson, a former NBA player, will get the nod on Opening Day, March 31 against the New York Mets.

“I feel like I’m as good as good as anybody here to handle it,” Hendrickson said. “I’ve dealt with enough distractions and been in enough big games, both in basketball and baseball. There will be some distractions, with the pregame ceremonies and all the things that come with it.”

• OF Cody Ross limped off the field in the top of the fifth inning Friday after hyperextending his left knee on a steal attempt at second base. Ross, who had reconstructive ligament surgery on the same knee in September 2003, said the setback isn’t serious, but he didn’t play Saturday or Sunday as a precaution.

• For the second straight start, LHP Andrew Miller dodged another bullet Friday when Houston’s Geoff Blum lined a hard shot off the pitcher’s foot. In his previous start, Miller took hard shot off his chest against the Dodgers. “There’s still a black-and-blue mark on my chest,” he said. “I wasn’t wearing a (protective cup) last week. I wore one today. I think I’ll wear one for the rest of spring.”

• C Matt Treanor, rebounding from a left calf cramp, played eight innings Monday. He went 1-for-3, leaving his average at .304. Treanor could end up starting the season opener because C Mike Rabelo (left leg sprain) still isn’t ready to return to action. So far, the team is not considering placing Rabelo on the disabled list.

But if Rabelo’s injury lingers, Paul Hoover or John Baker—both set to start at Class AAA Albuquerque—could make the team.

By The Numbers:   15—Starts for the Dodgers in 2007 for LHP Mark Hendrickson, who will start Florida’s season opener March 31 against the Mets.

Quote To Note:   “Our feeling was Jorge Cantu had a leg up on the competition. We were unsure how effective (Jose Castillo) would be in a part-time or bench role. We are hopeful this is a better opportunity for him.”—GM Larry Beinfest, on releasing Jose Castillo through waivers, and giving the third base job to Cantu.

Roster Report

The Marlins played well all spring despite injuries to starting pitchers and catchers. If the starters can go at least five innings each time out in April, giving early rest to the bullpen, that would be a huge improvement over last year. The team desperately needs LHP Scott Olsen, limited to just three starts this spring because of shoulder tendinitis, to replace Dontrelle Willis as the staff’s innings-eater.

Rotation:  

1. LHP Mark Hendrickson

2. LHP Andrew Miller

3. RHP Rick VandenHurk

4. LHP Scott Olsen

5. RHP Ricky Nolasco/RHP Chris Volstad

Because of early injuries to RHP Sergio Mitre and Olsen and inconsistent outings from right-handed candidates, the rotation was a mystery going into the final week of spring. Hendrickson will start the opener. Olsen was slotted in the fourth spot because of his missed time. Volstad and RHP Burke Badenhop, both of whom had terrific springs, threatened to emerge as sleepers. The fifth starter won’t needed until April 13 because of early off-days.

Bullpen:  

RHP Kevin Gregg (closer)

RHP Justin Miller

RHP Lee Gardner

LHP Taylor Tankersley

RHP Matt Lindstrom

LHP Renyel Pinto

RHP Logan Kensing

The bullpen was busy in 2007 because of an injury-riddled rotation. With young and inexperienced starters this season, the relief corps could be in for another busy year. The experience from last year will help. And Kensing, who pitched well in September, should be productive in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Keep an eye on Lindstrom, who had an inconsistent spring and could lose his spot to veteran RHP Joe Nelson.

Lineup:  

1. SS Hanley Ramirez

2. 2B Dan Uggla

3. RF Jeremy Hermida

4. LF Josh Willingham

5. 1B Mike Jacobs

6. CF Cody Ross

7. 3B Jorge Cantu

8. C Matt Treanor

Hermida was nursing a tight left hamstring into the final week of camp and was questionable for Opening Day. Ramirez, the team’s best offensive player, will stay in the leadoff spot, where he hit well all spring. Willingham and Jacobs had two combined home runs this spring through March 23. Cantu might hit as high as fifth. Ross will platoon with someone else—most likely Alejandro De Aza—until Cameron Maybin is ready for a promotion. Ross, a right-handed hitter, gets the start in the season opener vs. LHP Johan Santana.

Reserves:  

OF Luis Gonzalez

INF Jason Wood

INF/OF Alfredo Amezaga

OF Alejandro De Aza

C Mike Rabelo

Rabelo (sprained left leg) could open the season on the disabled list but should get most of the playing time once healthy. De Aza will split time in center field with Ross, a right-handed hitter. Willingham appeared to favor his sore back again this spring. If it acts up, Gonzalez will spell him. Gonzalez could start Opening Day if Hermida (tight left hamstring) isn’t ready.

Rookie Watch:   RHP Chris Volstad and RHP Burke Badenhop both barely saw action at Class AA last year, but both pitched extremely well this spring, enough to jump-start their roads to the majors. If they don’t make the team out of camp, they’ll be back sooner than September. CF Cameron Maybin had an inconsistent spring, but with consistent production in the minors, the former first-round draft pick could be back in the majors by June.

Medical Watch:  

C Mike Rabelo (sprained left leg) was injured March 13. He hopes to play in the final exhibition series against the Yankees but remains questionable for Opening Day.

RF Jeremy Hermida (tight left hamstring) was injured March 15. He hopes to return to action the final week of camp but is questionable for Opening Day.

LHP Renyel Pinto (jammed right big toe) missed a week but will be ready for Opening Day.

RHP Sergio Mitre (right forearm strain) left the Feb. 28 game against Baltimore. He won’t pick up a baseball sooner than mid-April, pushing his return into May or June. He was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21.

LHP Scott Olsen (left shoulder tendinitis) is on track to start the team’s fourth game of the season.

RHP Anibal Sanchez (shoulder surgery in June 2007) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He isn’t expected to pitch in the majors until June or July.

RHP Josh Johnson (reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He started throwing from a mound early in spring training. He is targeting a July return, but it’s possible he might not be ready until September.

RHP Henry Owens (right shoulder surgery in August 2007) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He won’t be back before the All-Star break.

RHP Harvey Garcia (right shoulder tendinitis) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. The timetable for his return was unclear.