Young Cabrera taking on big role

02/23/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- As fate would have it, Miguel Cabrera's fast track to the big leagues in 2003 involved a humorous encounter with the man who would eventually become his manager.
The date was June 5, 2003, and Cabrera was in the midst of tearing up the Southern League while playing for Double-A Carolina. On that particular day, the Mudcats were facing the Cardinals' Minor League affiliate. It just so happened that Joe Girardi was on a rehab assignment while he was still catching for the Cardinals.
Also that day, St. Louis closer Jason Isringhausen was rehabbing and pitching against the Mudcats. After getting a quick look at Cabrera, Girardi asked the budding slugger: "What are you still doing here?"
Less than three weeks later, Cabrera was promoted to the Marlins, and he's been a staple in the lineup and a two-time All-Star since.
Now the Marlins' manager, Girardi sees it as his job to keep Cabrera's career pushing forward. Despite all of Cabrera's natural skills, it might be tough to do because the rest of the lineup is so young. No longer does the Florida offense include the power of Carlos Delgado, the timely hitting of Paul Lo Duca or the speed presence of Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo. Three-time All-Star Mike Lowell also is gone, as is Juan Encarnacion.
Even among that collection of star players, Cabrera enjoyed the best season of any Marlin in 2005, batting .323 with 33 homers and 116 RBIs.
With so many inexperienced players now, it's believed in baseball circles that Cabrera will have a difficult time duplicating his strong statistics. Some league talent evaluators predict Cabrera will walk 100 or more times because no one will pitch to him.
How will Cabrera handle being the centerpiece of the offense?
"I don't want to put so much pressure on myself," he said. "I want to do like I did last year, play my game. I'm going to play hard. I'm not going to put pressure on myself. We're all going to have to play hard."
As for the low expectations for Florida, Cabrera is taking a wait-and-see approach.
"Let's see what is going to happen," Cabrera said. "We're young. But we've got talent, too. Let's play and let's see what's going to happen."
So much has been thrust upon Cabrera since he burst onto the big-league scene in June 2003. He was a driving force in the Marlins winning the World Series, and his home run off Roger Clemens in Game 4 confirmed that he was for real.
"He's an amazing talent," Girardi said. "He's a special player."
And he's just 22 -- he turns 23 in April. And while he has matured on the field, he encountered some shaky moments off the field toward the end of last season.
While his numbers were star caliber, Cabrera's work habits were questioned. In the final weeks, he developed a trend of coming to the park late. His tardiness for one game in Atlanta, where he arrived about an hour before the first pitch, led the team to suspend him for a game.
Some of his teammates got on him and there was a players' meeting called late in the year where Cabrera's commitment was criticized.
"He just needed guidance," Marlins veteran Lenny Harris said. "He needed somebody to step up for him and tell him what's right and what's wrong. When you're a great player, everybody is going to look at what you're going to do next. He fell into a little trap.
"When I was young like that, I was never late to stretching or being to the ballpark. He may have had a personal reason, I don't know. I never asked him why he was late. I told him, 'Get over it. You made a mistake. You are one of the best players in the game. Don't let this negativity bother you. Go out there and have fun.' But the negativity was bothering him the last couple of days. I know it was because every time I made eye contact with him, our eyes weren't meeting. I told him, 'Keep your head up.'"
In Girardi's eyes, the past is the past. Cabrera has a clean slate with a new manager and many new teammates.
"I'm going to make my own opinion on Miguel Cabrera," Girardi said. "I'm not going to take anyone else's. Somebody might see him different than I see him. What happened last year, I don't worry about. It's my job to get the most out of him, just like everybody else. It's my job to get the most out of Dontrelle Willis. So I'll make my own judgments."
Cabrera and Willis are the two primary impact players remaining from the 2003 title team. Both were called up from Double-A in the same season and now they are looked upon as leaders.
On Wednesday, Cabrera arrived for the first time at Marlins' Spring Training. He took his physical in the morning and was in the batting cage early in the afternoon.
To the trained ear, they say you can tell who is hitting by the sound of the ball off the bat. Such is the case with Cabrera. There is no mistaking the loud pops when Cabrera makes contact.
Cabrera showed up to Spring Training in blue jeans, a T-shirt and sporting a Venezuelan baseball cap. When he saw Willis outside the clubhouse, the two embraced. In a couple of weeks, however, they also will be rivals.
Cabrera will play in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, while Willis will pitch for the United States.
In the offseason, Cabrera again played for his hometown Aragua in the Winter Leagues, and he shared his country's excitement when Venezuela beat the Dominican Republic to capture the Caribbean Series crown.
He has already worked out four times with the Venezuelan squad in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
"I'm going to represent my country," Cabrera said. "We'll see what's going to happen. I always represent my country, any time."
Entering his fourth big-league season, Cabrera finds himself at a new, but familiar, position. An outfielder the past few years, he is back at third base. The past few seasons, that spot was filled by Lowell, who won his first Gold Glove last year.
"I feel good because that is my natural position," said Cabrera, a third baseman in the Minor Leagues.
In the offseason, Girardi had a casual phone conversation with Cabrera. The manager called to touch base and get to know the young star better.
"When you look at a guy like Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols or Barry Bonds, you're always going to say, 'You can't let that guy beat you,'" Girardi said. "The adjustment he has to make is not to try to do too much. When a player tries too hard, that just means he has passion for the game. And he cares. I"m just going to observe him and see how he handles it. We'll have a continuing conversation about being who you are. That will never change."

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Davis caught early by catching bug

02/23/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Brad Davis was only 5 or 6 years old -- he can't remember which -- growing up on the southern California coast, when his parents took him to the local Toys 'R Us to pick out a birthday present. What Davis chose surprised his parents, but they still bought it for him, setting the stage for what has become a lifelong obsession.
It wasn't a Hot Wheels car or a Power Ranger or a G.I. Joe that Davis snagged that day in the toy store. Rather, he grabbed a catcher's mask, surely not knowing as a child that he would someday be sitting in the clubhouse at Roger Dean Stadium, adjusting the catching equipment he hopes will someday provide his ticket to the Major Leagues.
"My parents tell that story all the time," said Davis, 23, whom the Marlins selected out of Long Beach State in the fifth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. "They told me I could get one thing, just one thing and I got a catcher's mask. I guess catching was just in my blood."
Having catching in one's blood is a good trait to have, especially since Davis is part of an organization that isn't exactly rife with catching prospects. Miguel Olivo and Josh Willingham are battling for the top spot behind the plate with the parent club this spring. But a strong showing over the next few weeks could put Davis in a favorable position for the future, especially if he can impress Florida's new manager, former catcher Joe Girardi.
Davis, who is coming off a season in which a broken left wrist limited him to 64 games with Greensboro of the South Atlantic League, has no delusions of grandeur about making the Marlins' team out of camp. He's hopeful, though, that he can skip over Class A Jupiter of the Florida State League and start the year in the Double-A Southern League.
One factor that may be working against him, though, is an old issue that continues to crop up. Carrying just 180 pounds on a 6-foot-2 frame, Davis' size and stamina are always mentioned, leading to doubts that he can withstand the pounding of an entire season behind the plate. He's hoping that Girardi, who is 5-11 and whose weight hovered around 200 pounds during a 15-year playing career, can see past the size issue.
"It's always been an issue, but with him being a catcher, there are things that he'll be able to see that others might not be able to see," Davis said. "My size hasn't posed a problem for me so far. But in the eyes of the scouts and coaches, with my weight, I might not make it through a full season. I've been playing year round for 12 years, though, and my body is in good shape to keep playing year round."
Jim Fleming, Florida's vice president of player development and scouting, said on Monday that Davis' fears are unfounded, that his size hasn't even been discussed internally.
"[Mike] Lieberthal looked just like him when he was drafted," Fleming said. "Guys like Davis take a while because the frame doesn't instantly take weight. Size isn't a concern, though. He has to find not necessarily size but strength in his legs."
For many of the pitchers with whom he's worked, Davis' size doesn't seem to matter, either. He caught Jered Weaver (first round, Angels, 2004), Abe Alvarez (second round, Boston, 2003) and Jason Vargas (second round, Marlins, 2004) while at Long Beach State, helping the Dirtbags staff post a 3.11 ERA, which was fourth best in the nation. He's also caught Taylor Tankersley (first round, Marlins, 2004) since being drafted and was behind the plate for Cesar Ramos (first round, Padres, 2005) when he was at LBS.
"He's a great guy to throw to," Vargas said. "I've thrown to him a couple of years now between college and the Minors, and he's a great guy behind the plate. I trust throwing to him. His size hasn't been an issue for me. He just might not have grown into his body yet. He's still young, like all of us here. But he's learned how to call and catch from a great pitching coach [Troy Buckley at LBS]. And for me, personally, he calls a good game."
Davis, who followed the Padres and Benito Santiago as a youngster, knows there are still areas of his game that need improving. He said he'd like to work specifically on his throwing but is quick to point out that all aspects of his development can use some improvement. Davis had nine errors and 15 passed balls in 59 games behind the plate in 2005. If you project that over a whole season, he would have likely led Sally League catchers in both categories.
There's no rush, though. He's got catching in his blood. And with that kind of makeup, it shouldn't take long to make the kind of adjustments that will earn him a spot in Miami.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Tuck's tutelage tremendous

02/24/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- In putting together his coaching staff, Marlins manager Joe Girardi insisted on having Gary Tuck as his bench coach.
Formerly a catching coach in the Yankees organization, Tuck has the reputation of being a backstop guru. He has been credited with helping mold New York All-Star catcher Jorge Posada, a converted infielder who had played shortstop and second base.
"To me, he's the best in the business," Girardi said. "When it comes to catching coaches in baseball, he's the best. I really, really wanted Tucky here. He was very important to my staff. I'm so happy to have him. I feel like I'm fortunate to have him on my staff, because he's just a great baseball man. He makes catchers great. That's what he does. He teaches catching and he has a passion for catching like nobody else I've ever met."
All the Marlins' catchers are going through a battery of drills. Along with catching bullpen sessions with the pitchers, the backstops are working on techniques on how to properly frame the ball in the glove. The catchers are doing a series of drills using smaller gloves before progressing to their own gloves.
They also used "rotation balls" to develop their throwing accuracy. These are baseballs with a strip of electrical tape wrapped around them. The purpose is to observe the spin of the ball, (ideally with the tape part spinning vertically.
"We're setting a foundation and seeing where they are at, so I can learn them and they can learn me," Tuck said. "And [we are] really building from the ground up with a foundation, from stance to receiving, blocking, footwork, the exchange. The icing on the cake will be the middle of Spring Training, calling a game."
A big part of what Florida's catchers are dealing with is properly framing pitches in the hopes of gaining more strikes.
"It's huge," Tuck said of being able to get borderline strikes. "[Girardi] was one of the best at it. It's a manicured art -- it's like surgery. If you're quiet enough and calm enough and you catch the right part of the baseball and don't move your body, you may get more strikes than you do balls. It's an art. Anybody can knock it down; it's how you catch it."
One of Tuck's biggest projects is seeing if Josh Willingham is ready to be an everyday catcher. A converted infielder, Willingham is competing for the starting position behind the plate with Miguel Olivo and Matt Treanor.
"What Josh needs to figure out is a style of catching," Tuck said. "Once he figures out his style and what he's comfortable with, he has a chance to do it. That's the same thing with all of them. They have to figure out a style, an approach."
In a few days, Willingham is getting a better idea about the position.
"We've been talking a lot about receiving -- keeping balls in the zone and working on footwork," Willingham said. "There is an art to getting strikes. I'm learning a lot and making a lot of adjustments. It's helping me a lot."
So how is Willingham progressing?
"I've had this question asked probably 20 times after [a few] days of drills," Tuck said. "Well, can he do it? Yeah, if the game was drills, sure. But the game is the game. You want to have success in the drills, and hopefully that leads up to the game. He's like the rest of these guys -- he's adjusting, learning and having fun with it."
Cabrera's contract talks: The representatives of third baseman Miguel Cabrera were in Jupiter on Friday, discussing contract ideas with general manager Larry Beinfest.
A two-time All-Star, Cabrera is in his final season under club control, and he is eligible for arbitration for the first time after this season. Based on his service time, Cabrera is in line to earn about $400,000. His salary figure will escalate to several million dollars after this season.
Agent Adam Katz talked with the Marlins regarding Cabrera's contract status. No deal has been signed yet, but it will be in a couple of days.
Katz also represents shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
Fehr meets with Marlins: The Marlins on Friday became the sixth stop for Major League Baseball Players Association officials, who make their annual tour to each club.
Don Fehr, the union's executive director, addressed the club for about 90 minutes, discussing players issues and touching on the fact that the collective bargaining agreement expires in September.
Without giving specifics, Fehr went over a variety of topics.
The league and union have yet to get into serious formal discussions, but Fehr says it is still early and there is a focus on the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
"We never discuss specifically what we talk about," Fehr said. "You can assume we talked about virtually all topics of relative interest, and the contract is expiring at the end of September. So it would be a safe assumption that we got into [the CBA status] at some point. But it's still early. While we're in the last season, the contract doesn't expire for another 10 months or so. Hopefully we'll have it done before then, but I'm way out of the prediction business."
No formal talks between the union and league have begun, but Fehr points out there is informal dialogue.
"We've got a lot of informal contact going on, and we're beginning to have some information exchanges and other things," Fehr said. "You've got to remember we have this tournament going on, too. You try your hardest to get an agreement and hope you do."
Five sign: On Friday, the Marlins signed five more players on their 40-man roster. Inking deals were pitchers Travis Bowyer, Harvey Garcia, Logan Kensing and Chris Resop. Outfielder Jeremy Hermida, projected to start in right field, was the lone position player to sign.
The Marlins now have signed 22 players on their 40-man roster.
Ligtenberg light tossing: A sore elbow kept reliever Kerry Ligtenberg off the field until Friday, when he resumed throwing with a basic game of catch. A non-roster invitee, Ligtenberg is scheduled to begin long-tossing on Saturday and throwing off the mound on Sunday.
"It's been frustrating," he said.
Bothered by an elbow problem in the past, Ligtenberg feels he tweaked his throwing arm while lifting weights before Spring Training started. As a precaution, he had an MRI exam taken, and he was taking anti-inflammatory medication.
Fish bites: The first home run in live batting practice was hit by Cabrera, who smoked a towering blast to left field off left-hander Jimmy Anderson. ... Shortstop Robert Andino, who makes Orlando his home these days, spent a good part of the offseason working out with Mets prized outfield prospect Lastings Milledge. ... In infield drills Friday, Mike Jacobs and Mike Kinkade worked at first base, while Cabrera and Wes Helms took grounders at third. Helms worked at first base on Thursday. ... In a few days, the Marlins will announce who will start the March 1 exhibition game against the University of Miami at Roger Dean Stadium. Girardi says a number of hard-throwing youngsters will take the ball.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Third base will stretch Cabrera

02/25/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Switching back to third base will also be a conditioning transition for Miguel Cabrera.
After being used primarily in the outfield the past three seasons, Cabrera has new fielding challenges now that he's back at third base.
Marlins manager Joe Girardi points out that there is more bending at third and often more action.
Cabrera has always been a solid fielding third baseman, but now he's adapting to doing it on a full-time basis.
"Everything I heard about him playing third base is positive," Girardi said. "It may take him time to get back into third-base shape. There's a lot of bending and more ground balls. You can come into camp in shape, but it's not the same as game shape.
"I used to always come into camp in shape, but it wasn't catching shape. He just has to get his body in shape. We'll take it slowly. The one thing you don't want to do with Miguel is abuse him in Spring Training, because he's going to play the entire season."
Eager for the Classic: When baseball union chief Donald Fehr was in Jupiter on Thursday, he was asked about the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The Marlins will be represented in the tournament by Dontrelle Willis for the United States and Cabrera for Venezuela.
"Obviously, I'm very curious to see how it plays out," Fehr said. "Whenever you start something new like this, you never know what it's going to be like. You know a that whole bunch of things are going to happen that nobody thought about, and they're going to happen in a different way than anybody thought about. But you don't know what they are."
Fehr thinks the Classic will be successful.
"First of all, I think it's going to be a very good tournament," he said. "People are going to like it. I'll be surprised if the players don't really like it. ... It could really be the start of something interesting. We've had a truckload of requests for press credentials, [numbering] in the thousands. It's really great."
One of the drawbacks for the tournament is the fear of injury.
"There is that. And the timing issue is the single most difficult one that there is," Fehr said. "The way we got to this time period is by considering all the other ones and deciding they all had bigger problems than this one did."
As for potential injuries, Fehr added, "You worry about it, but on the other hand, these guys are professionals. The trainers are professionals. We've asked for camps to open a little early. And we have pitch-count limits. I'll be surprised if the likelihood of injury is any greater than it is at any other time. But we'll see."
Looking up to Pokey: It hasn't taken long for players to notice the swift fielding skills of Pokey Reese, a two-time Gold Glove winner.
The 32-year-old is in the mix to be the starting second baseman, but he also can play shortstop.
"I think guys will look up to Pokey," Girardi said. "I know I like to watch him play. Guys will learn by watching him."
The Marlins plan on giving Dan Uggla a strong look at winning the starting second-base job. As a Rule 5 Draft pickup, Uggla has to make the Opening Day roster or he will be returned to the Diamondbacks.
Thus far, Uggla has been going through drills at second base, along with Reese.
Rainy Saturday: Sporadic rain caused some alterations in Saturday's practice schedule. Still, the club was able to get its work done.
The players were on the back fields when rain forced some groups to go into the batting cages, where pitchers were able to throw bullpen sessions and hitters were able to take batting practice.
"I thought we had a very good day," Girardi said. "Pitchers were able to throw with hitters standing in."
Catcher Wilson signs: More catching depth was added on Saturday with the signing of catcher Tom Wilson to a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training. By adding Wilson, the Marlins now have 59 players in camp.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Borowski hopes for closing time

02/25/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Among the snapshots of Joe Borowski's career are photos of himself being congratulated after a game by Joe Girardi.
Once teammates, first with the Yankees and later with the Cubs, Girardi actually caught a couple of Borowski's saves.
Now Borowski is competing for Girardi's approval.
"I have the 8-by-10s, and I have pictures of him and me shaking hands after a game," Borowski said. "Now he's my manager."
In Borowski's words, being managed by his former teammate is a bit "weird."
At 34, Borowski finds himself striving to reignite his career. And Florida certainly has been a place for previous closers to regain their lost form. In 2004, Armando Benitez set a club record with 47 saves. And last year, Todd Jones seized the spot and saved 40.
"Hopefully, I'll be lucky No. 3," said Borowski, a closer with the Cubs in 2003 before being beset by injuries the past two seasons. "You never know."
The Marlins signed Borowski as a free agent after he went 1-5 with a 3.82 ERA in 32 games with Tampa Bay last season. He opened 2005 on the disabled list with a fractured bone in his right forearm. And in 2004, a shoulder strain landed him on the DL.
Prior to that, Borowski logged 33 saves in 68 1/3 innings while with the Cubs in 2003.
With the Marlins, he is the front-runner to close in a wide-open competition that includes hard-throwing rookie Travis Bowyer.
"I'm just looking to go out there and put myself in position and pitch healthy an entire year," Borowski said. "I've been battling a lot of injuries the past couple of years. I'm finally coming into camp this year feeling fantastic, 100 percent. I'm just looking forward to going out there and not only proving to myself, but proving to the people who were saying, 'Oh well, he was never really any good, anyway.' [I want] to prove them all wrong, too."
Late-inning relievers covet the closer role. And once they've tasted closing, they savor the chance to keep doing it.
"Oh yeah, I love it," Borowski said. "There is no better feeling than to pitch when the game is on the line. Nothing comes close to that. It's a feeling, I love it. There's no other way to explain it."
A year ago, Jones came into Spring Training projected to be a setup right-hander. At the time, Guillermo Mota was in line to close with Antonio Alfonseca being a fallback option. But after Mota and Alfonseca both experienced arm problems, Jones filled in and never relinquished the job.
"I think it's a huge opportunity for him," Girardi said of Borowski. "He is healthy. He hasn't been healthy the last couple of years. But he was healthy in Tampa, that's why he pitched so well."
When it comes to closers, Girardi points out the pitcher has to be tough-minded and focused.
"You have to understand is there is no one behind you," Girardi said. "There is no one who can come in and save your rear end if you get into a jam. That's the mentality you have to learn quick. The other thing is you have to learn to forget it quick. You can't think about it a couple of days. Whether you saved it or didn't save it, that day is over. You have to move on to the next day."
Designated for assignment by the Cubs on June 28, the Rays signed Borowski on July 11.
He logged 35 1/3 innings with the Devil Rays, and held opponents scoreless in his first 20 outings, producing a career-high and club-record 21-inning scoreless streak.
"I want to pitch late in games, when games are on the line," Borowski said. "I felt that this was the best opportunity for me getting back into that kind of role."
Borowski isn't going to dazzle you with a 97 mph fastball. He relies on savvy and toughness to get the job done. The fact that Girardi has seen what Borowski can do may be an advantage.
"He knows what I'm capable of doing," Borowski said of his new manager. "He knows if I'm doing the job or not that I'm going to lay everything out there and give 120 percent. I don't have the greatest stuff in the world. I'm not blessed with throwing 99 mph. But I know when people are on base and the game is on the line, I'll do everything I can to get out of that situation.
"Baseball is a game of opportunities, and you have to make the most of the opportunity at the time. Everybody says, 'This is going to be this guy's job.' But if they don't do the job, there is always a guy waiting. When you do get the opportunity, you run with it as long as you can."

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Pair of catching prospects tasting camp

02/26/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Bolstering their catching depth has been an organizational priority in recent years, and finally some prospects are in the making.
Two young catchers with bright futures are getting a taste of big-league camp: Brad Davis and Brett Hayes.
Davis, a fifth-round pick out of Long Beach State in 2004, was Jason Vargas' catcher in college. Hayes was a compensatory pick last year (79th overall) out of the University of Nevada. The two are projected to catch for Class A Jupiter.
In years past, the Marlins opted to bring veteran catchers into camp. But with so many new faces and young pitchers, the team wanted Davis and Hayes to work with the pitchers while being observed by manager Joe Girardi and bench coach Gary Tuck, who specializes in developing catchers.
"We hope they're the two catchers of the future," said Jim Fleming, the Marlins vice president of player development and scouting. "We wanted Joe to see them and Gary Tuck to see them, and have them see all the pitching. It kind of advances them along a little bit."
On the move: Left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley, a first-round pick in 2004 out of the University of Alabama, is off to a strong start this spring and has a shot to make the club as a lefty specialist. Tankersley is refining a hard curveball or slider. He's a converted starter, who has relieved in the past.
Names in the game: Bo Porter, who saw some limited playing time in the big leagues, is the new manager of the Jamestown Jammers in the New York-Penn League. A former center fielder, who played briefly with the Cubs (1999), A's (2000) and Rangers (2001), Porter also is the organization's outfield coordinator.
They're No. 1: In 2004, Tankersley was the top pick, and he may make the club or end up in Double-A Carolina. Pitcher Jeff Allison, the first-round pick in 2003, is reporting to camp and could start off in Greensboro. Jeremy Hermida, the first-round choice in 2002, is projected to be the Marlins starting right fielder.
Class of '05: Because of compensatory picks last year, the Marlins had five picks before the second round. The club took all pitchers: Chris Volstadt, Aaron Thompson, Jacob Marceaux, Ryan Tucker and Sean West. All of them has a chance to make the low Class A Greensboro squad. Thus far, the class is tracking the way the club expected. Volstadt, Thompson and Marceaux are showing promise. Volstadt and Thompson have a chance to accelerate through the system as starters. Marceaux is projected as a reliever. And Tucker and West are starting candidates.
What they're saying: "I can't sit there and baby my wrist. I'm ready." -- First baseman Jason Stokes, on battling back from a second wrist surgery

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Spring will tell the Marlins' tale

02/26/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Gradually, the Marlins are lining up their lineup and rotation. With so many spots unsettled, the upcoming games will set a clearer picture of how the team will look on Opening Day.
For now, manager Joe Girardi is starting to formulate his pitching rotation. On Sunday, the first-year skipper said he's tagged left-hander Jason Vargas to start Wednesday's exhibition against the University of Miami. And Dontrelle Willis will get the start on Thursday against the Orioles in the Grapefruit League opener at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
"We've got to get Dontrelle prepared to pitch in a game," Girardi said.
Willis will throw between 45-50 pitches. The left-hander, slated to start on Opening Day, will leave Marlins camp on March 3 to join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Vargas, meanwhile, will toss two innings (or about 30 pitches) against the Miami Hurricanes, in the 3:05 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Stadium on Wednesday.
The Marlins are in the process of setting their preliminary rotation for the Grapefruit League schedule. Starters will pitch every fifth day. But because there are so many young pitchers competing for spots in camp, the team will frequently give two projected starters work in the same game.
In putting together the batting order, Girardi says slugger Miguel Cabrera will bat third or fourth.
The idea of a left-right-left scenario intrigues the manager. If the Marlins bat Cabrera cleanup, left-handed hitters Jeremy Hermida and Mike Jacobs are the candidates to bat third and fifth.
"I love it," Girardi said. "I love the balance because it does create matchup problems."
Factoring into where Cabrera hits will be how the hitters around him perform.
"Miguel's position doesn't necessarily depend on Miguel," Girardi said. "Miguel's position depends on the guys around him and how they fit. If I had a for-sure No. 1, and a for-sure No. 2, Miguel would hit third. But I might have to tweak things because I'm not sure exactly how it's going to pan out.
"You think about the guy who hits in front of Miguel, he's going to get great pitches. So, who do you want in front of Miguel? They're not going to pitch to the guy in front of Miguel to get to Miguel, we know that. They might pitch around Miguel to get to the next guy."
Uggla getting defensive: Dan Uggla's chances of making the club and winning the starting second-base job hinge largely on his defense.
Battling seasoned Pokey Reese, a two-time Gold Glove winner, Uggla is refining his techniques with respected infield coach Perry Hill.
Hill has Uggla working on widening his base while fielding, or getting his feet farther apart and his glove down sooner. Turning double plays is another part of the game that is being broken down more closely.
"We're working more fundamentally," Uggla said. "I'm working on more double-play stuff. We're starting slow and then getting a little quicker. I'm always running around, trying to do things more quickly. We're just doing things gradually, so I can make sure I know what I'm doing every time, rather than trying to do things too quick and doing something wrong. Every day we're doing stuff a little bit quicker.
"My thing is, I have a tendency to get my feet a little too narrow. The biggest thing I'm working out is getting my feet out. I've been concentrating on getting as wide and getting as low as I can. It's been helping. What I did when I first got into pro ball, but I got away from it."
As a Rule 5 Draft pickup from Arizona, Uggla has to make the final roster or he will be returned to the Diamondbacks.
"I don't worry about him defensively," said Girardi, who claims Hills is the best defensive instructor in the business. "I think you'll see a lot better defensive player in six weeks. They're all going to school right now."
Uggla is considered a solid hitter with power. If he improves defensively, he could win the starting job.
"I feel like what I'm doing now should make me better," Uggla said.
Advice from Beckett: Like so many others, former Marlins right-hander Josh Beckett is eager to see how the young Florida pitching staff performs. Now with the Red Sox, Beckett plans to follow the progress of friends like Willis, Vargas and Brian Moehler.
The 25-year-old Beckett certainly knows about being on the fast track to the big leagues. The second overall pick in 1999, Beckett was a September callup in 2001, and in 2003 he was the World Series MVP.
Asked to give some advice to the young Marlins pitchers, Beckett said: "The thing they should not get caught up in is wins and losses. So often, wins and losses are out of a starter's control. What they should do is concentrate on keeping their team in the game."
Five years ago, Beckett was projected to be on a group of hard-throwing "young guns" that were being compared to the elite Braves of the 1990s. Beckett was featured in a poster with A.J. Burnett, Brad Penny, Ryan Dempster and Jason Grilli. Of that group, Grilli's career has been affected by injuries, but the others have enjoyed pretty good success.
"I came in with Brad and A.J., and we were on teams that lost a lot of games," Beckett said. "You [pitchers] have to stay focused and not get rattled. On a young team, you have to keep things in perspective."
Fish bites: Sergio Mitre accidentally struck Matt Treanor in the lower-back area with a pitch during live batting practice on Sunday. Treanor hung in there and two pitches later, fouled a ball off his toe. Cabrera followed with a homer off Mitre. ... Infielder Alfredo Amezaga is expected to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. ... On Sunday, Marlins players and Girardi spent some time getting filmed so their images can be used in a video game. "It's amazing. They can do some amazing things," Girardi said of the video-game graphics. "It would help if we could pick a team that way." ... The Marlins have a workout set for the main field at Roger Dean Stadium on Monday, and they also will be going through drills on the back field, beginning about 10 a.m. ET.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Samson, Homestead officials meet

02/27/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Another potential South Florida stadium site came into the picture for the Marlins on Monday.
Team president David Samson met with officials from Homestead regarding a new retractable-roof park for the club in the southern part of Miami-Dade County.
While the Marlins will further explore the feasibility of Homestead, a sizeable funding gap remains to make such a project a reality.
In the search for a new ballpark, the Marlins are weighing options locally and out of state. In late November, Major League Baseball granted the Marlins permission to seek relocation.
The team has already met with officials from San Antonio, Portland, Ore., and Norfolk, Va., while also discussing options in Miami-Dade County. Oklahoma City officials also have been in communication with the club about a possible relocation.
The city of Hialeah also is a potential spot for the new home for the Marlins.
The stadium search is expected to last about five or so months. Samson is expected to visit an undisclosed out-of-state option within the next few weeks.
Charlotte, N.C., also is in the mix.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Who will protect Cabrera?

02/27/2006
Other than the Joey Gathright trade rumors, what other trade possibilities are the Marlins pursuing? Also, can you can give me a percentage on the chances of the Marlins acquiring the speedy Gathright if the other outfield candidates do well, like Chris Aguila and Eric Reed? -- Oliver Q., Tallahassee, Fla.
For now, the Marlins want to evaluate their own players at a number of positions, including center field. Reed has blazing speed and is the best defensive center fielder in the system. But can he hit at the big-league level? That's what the team wants to find out. Aguila has been a solid hitter in the Minor Leagues, and may have the edge based on big-league experience. Many regard Aguila as a fourth or fifth outfielder, but he hasn't been given much of a chance. He soon will be.
Reggie Abercrombie, who has tremendous power, is an interesting prospect because of his athletic ability. Abercrombie is a home run threat, and he runs well. He has to show more plate discipline, however. If the team doesn't find its center fielder internally, Gathright has long been on the team's radar. However, the club will not overpay on their pitching prospects. The Marlins will search to see if there are outfield prospects on other clubs they can make deals with for young pitching.
Do you except Miguel Cabrera's numbers to decrease due to a lack of good on-base percentage hitters before him? -- Adrian D., Chicago
This is definitely a concern. Clearly, the opposition is going to target Cabrera, not allowing him to be the guy who beats them. Whether Cabrera is hitting third or fourth, he will need some protection from the batter behind him. Perhaps even a bigger issue are the batters in the first two spots. Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo are no longer around to solidify the the front of the order. Now the team is searching for speed that high in the order. Those two spots may end up being, at least early on, Reed leading off and Hanley Ramirez batting second. Cabrera may end up batting cleanup, sandwiched between a pair of left-handed hitters. Jeremy Hermida could bat third with Mike Jacobs batting fifth.
I know it's early, but what position are the Marlins expected to go after in the First-Year Player Draft? -- Carson B., Naples, Fla.
The organization's philosophy is to draft the best player available, and in case of ties, lean toward pitching. Since the club selected three pitchers in last year's first-round, would they go for more pitching? Frankly, yes. The Marlins are always looking for the next Josh Beckett or next Dontrelle Willis. Left-handed pitching is hard to come by, as is catching. The team is a little better stocked now with some quality lefties and some catching depth. But those remain areas of focus. Assuming Ramirez and Robert Andino pan out as shortstops, the need to draft a middle infielder won't be as great.
What is the latest on the stadium issue? Is there any good news to report as of now with the stadium talks? -- Kim C., Miami
Not much has changed in the weekly stadium update. Talks are obviously slow for a new park in South Florida, and other markets are being explored. The process will take several months. There is talk of putting the stadium issue up for a vote in the form of a half-cent sales tax in Miami-Dade County for one year. County officials have debated that idea, and if they approve it, the sales tax could be put on a referendum either in September or November.
How do the Marlins view the future of Chris Volstad? What is his projected time frame to the Major Leagues? -- Bob S., West Palm Beach, Fla.
Minor League camp will begin in about a week, but Volstad already has been taking part in a minicamp at Roger Dean Stadium. Since he is from Palm Beach Gardens, he lives close to the complex in Jupiter, and he works out there a lot. The team's first of three first-round picks in last June's draft is expected to open the season at low Class A Greensboro.
Remember, he just got out of high school, so he is very young. But from all indications, he tracks to be in the big leagues in a few years. The gauge for players in the Marlins' system is how they look in Double-A. Once they get to Double-A, and show they belong, they are candidates to make the leap to the big leagues. Volstad has the makings of a future ace or No. 2 pitcher. It's now up to him and how he develops.
I have heard a lot of talk about the Marlins losing 100 games this season, and I'm not sure that I believe it. Last year, the Marlins underperformed and were still able to finish above .500. Why is it so hard to believe that some of these untested rookies could work out and we would finish the season hovering around .500 again? -- Andy L., Miami
Manager Joe Girardi is instilling in these players a winning mentality. The reason why not much is expected is because the team lacks experience. While it has young talent, you never know how that group will mesh together. Realistically, this may indeed be a long year in terms of wins and losses. A telling sign will be how many of these prospects are indeed big-league caliber.
There are high hopes for Ramirez, Jacobs, Hermida and Josh Willingham. If they pan out, the foundation for a strong lineup is in place. And there is an abundance of young pitching. How fast and how many of them develop will be the key to success in the near future.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Helms to be a jack of all trades

02/27/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Offers came from the Phillies and Indians, but versatile Wes Helms opted to sign as a free agent with the Marlins.
In Helms, Florida has an experienced 29-year-old who can platoon with Mike Jacobs at first base, spell Miguel Cabrera at third base or be a corner outfield backup.
Before signing, Helms spoke with general manager Larry Beinfest, who told him the team was looking for a veteran leader who could play multiple positions.
"My first decision came when the general manager told me, 'We want you to kind of be the Jeff Conine of the team. We want you to [be the] kind of [player who can] do everything, play first, play third, play outfield. We also want you to have that veteran leadership, so they see how you work, see how you handle yourself, and be a help to these young guys,'" Helms said.
Conine, an original Marlin who was on the club's two World Series title teams, signed in the offseason with Baltimore. Helms' second reason for choosing the Marlins was because he wanted to play for manager Joe Girardi.
"I liked Joe as a player," said Helms, who spent last season with the Brewers. "I liked that classy attitude he had as a player. I've been in the batter's box when he was with the Cubs. I'm a big 'old school' guy -- put the uniform on, play hard and then you go home. And Joe did that. Joe respected the game. You see a guy do that for 15 years, then you know he's going to do that as a manager. Already in camp a week, you see that. He's intense. I was big on signing here, because I wanted to play for him."
On such a young team, Helms says he isn't out to take anyone's job. He's around to offer insights. He's been on winners in the past, beginning his career with the Braves.
"I'm not looking to come in here and push anybody out," Helms said. "I'm coming in here to help the team win any way they want me to. Whether that is to play against lefties at first, or spell Cabrera at third, play some left field, get 300 at-bats. If that's what they want me to do, I'm going to do it to the best of my ability.
"I compare this [camp] to Atlanta. [Braves manager] Bobby Cox runs a great camp. It's organized. You get in, boom, boom, boom and you get out. I compare it to that. You get everything done. You're not overdoing it, and you get out."
Early rotation: Girardi has lined up his starters for the first three exhibition games.
Starting against the University of Miami at 3:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Jupiter will be Jason Vargas, who will pitch two innings. Other pitchers scheduled to throw that day are Allen Baxter, Harvey Garcia, Jose Garcia, Carlos Martinez, Scott Tyler, Taylor Tankersley and Jesus Delgado.
For the first Grapefruit League game, set for Thursday against the Orioles in Fort Lauderdale, Dontrelle Willis will start and throw three innings, or 50 pitches. Josh Johnson will follow, then Buddy Carlyle, Joe Borowski, Chris Resop and Randy Messenger.
On Friday at Jupiter against Baltimore, Brian Moehler will start.
Pokey's way: As a young player being groomed in the Reds system, Pokey Reese picked up pointers watching then shortstop Barry Larkin and second baseman Bret Boone.
Now a veteran on a young Marlins squad, Reese is offering an example to the new players.
Working mostly at second base, Reese is setting an example for Dan Uggla, and shortstop candidates Robert Andino and Hanley Ramirez are seeing what Reese has to offer.
"I tell them to keep working hard, go out and get all the extra work you can, and don't take anything for granted," said Reese, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. "This is a great opportunity for these guys. Coming up, I didn't have that opportunity."
Reese didn't have that early chance because of Larkin and Boone.
"I pretty much watched those two," he said. "Just little things here and there, you pick up. How deep to play certain hitters. You've got to know the hitters. These guys are young. It's going to take a while to know the hitters."
Reese adds players should stay focused, even when they're watching.
"When you're not playing, still be into the game," he said. "That's how you learn. You don't have to be out there playing all the time to learn. Larkin is a future Hall of Famer and Bret Boone was one of the best in the game. That's how I kind of learned. I just watched them. If I wanted to know something, I'd go up and ask them. But I just mostly watched them."
Happy for Jones: Pitching for the United States in the World Baseball Classic will give Willis a chance to reunite with former Marlins closer Todd Jones, who is now with the Tigers.
Like Willis, Jones was eager to represent the United States in the upcoming Classic. Willis will join Team USA on March 3.
Willis notes that so much media focus on the Classic is on the players who do not want to participate. The D-Train says there are a number of players who pushed hard to be included. Jones, who saved 40 games for the Marlins last year, is one of them.
"I'm happy he's on the team. He was huge last year for us," Willis said. "He is riding high. He's playing with a lot of confidence. He wants to represent his country. It's good to see everybody having good years and being eager to represent your country. You hear a lot of negative stuff, but you don't hear about Todd Jones calling and insisting that he wanted to be on the team. That's the flip side, though. You don't hear about that."
Seven more sign: Seven more Marlins signed contracts on Monday: outfielder Reggie Abercrombie, Andino, Jacobs, Messenger, pitcher Renyel Pinto, first baseman Jason Stokes and Tyler.
Fish bites: There is no front-runner at the shortstop spot, as rookies Ramirez and Andino are neck-and-neck. Reese is a fallback option. ... Chris Aguila is impressing in camp and will be used in games in left field, center and right. ... Tuesday's workouts will begin about 10 a.m. ET on the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Girardi tinkers with lineup

03/01/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Exhibition season is a time to experiment.
Marlins manager Joe Girardi faces a lot of uncertainty piecing together his young roster. But one thing that appears certain is that the first-year skipper will present a variety of different looks with his lineup.
In Wednesday's 9-8 comeback win over the University of Miami, Girardi used a lineup that included shortstop Robert Andino leading off, with right fielder Jeremy Hermida batting second and Dan Uggla hitting third. Cleanup hitter Mike Jacobs delivered a two-run double in the first inning.
"We have to figure out how it's going to work out," Girardi said. "Guys are going to get chances to hit all over in the order."
All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera was held out Wednesday.
"Miguel can't afford to get hurt in a game like this," Girardi said. "Not if I want to continue to manage."
Hermida went 1-for-2 and hit the ball hard both times.
"I'm just taking each at-bat for what it's worth," said the rookie right fielder. "I'm taking one at-bat at a time. I'm trying to learn some things. I'm just staying with the approach -- just trying to get ready for some games. Of course we want to win, but these first couple of games, you're trying to get your timing down and get ready to go."
Uggla had a solid day batting third and playing second base. In three at-bats, he had two hits and an RBI. His lone out was a drive caught on the warning track in center field.
"Joe will have a lot of different lineups in Spring Training, I presume," said Jacobs, who was 1-for-3. "I think it will play itself out. Joe knows what he's doing."
Girardi called his first actual game managing "fun." But there were some anxious moments. The Marlins trailed, 8-5, and rallied with three runs in the ninth inning. Jason Stokes belted a homer, and with two outs, Matt Cepicky laced a two-out double to win it.
"I'm not going to lie, I was upset when we were losing," Girardi said. "Even though it's an exhibition game, I'm not real happy when we're losing. I was very proud of our guys the way we came back."
After the game, Girardi spoke to the Miami Hurricanes for about 15 minutes.
"I gave them the same message I gave our team," Girardi said. "Be accountable to each other, push each other. It's a great four years of your life. The college experience is a great experience. Enjoy it. Just remember, education comes first."
Fine first showing: Two innings and 31 pitches is a small sampling of what to expect. But left-hander Jason Vargas accomplished what he set out to do in Wednesday's exhibition against Miami. In two scoreless innings, the left-hander allowed one hit and walked one while striking out four.
Vargas used his first appearance to work on keeping the ball down in the zone, along with mixing in some offspeed pitches. Of his 31 pitches, he tossed about four sliders and seven changeups.
The fact he was working against college players wasn't a big difference for a first tuneup. About the most noticeable change is the fact Miami players used aluminum bats.
"Those guys are good athletes out there," Vargas said. "They're one of the best teams in the country. They are there for a reason. Hitters are hitters. No matter what level you're at, if you leave it up, they're going to hit it. If you get it down, they're not."
During his days in college, Vargas never faced a big-league club. But when he was at LSU before transferring to Long Beach State, he played against the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs.
Ready for Classic: Cabrera will be in the lineup Thursday when the Marlins face the Orioles at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Then on Friday, the two-time All-Star third baseman will join the Venezuelan squad for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
A few days ago, Baltimore's Melvin Mora said he was withdrawing from the Classic because Cabrera is slated to play third base.
On Wednesday, Cabrera said: "I'll play where they want me to play."
A natural third baseman, Cabrera has primarily played left field since being called up from Double-A in 2003. He's now returning to third base, the position he is most comfortable playing.
Thursday is the day Cabrera's contract status for the 2006 season will be resolved. Still under club control, Cabrera may have his contract renewed at about $450,000. Over the past few days, the Marlins have had discussions with Cabrera's agent about a deal that could be for more than one season.
Amezaga joining Mexico: Alfredo Amezaga, competing for a middle-infield spot, will be packing up and heading to the World Baseball Classic on Thursday. Amezaga is headed to Tucson, Ariz., to hook up with the Mexican squad.
"This is one of the best things to happen to me, to represent my country," he said.
The Marlins will have three players participating in the Classic: Dontrelle Willis (USA), Cabrera (Venezuela) and Amezaga.
"Every country is going to watch their players, and they are going to see how much pride they have playing for their country," Amezaga said. "In Mexico, they have two leagues. We're going to try to play hard like all the other teams."
Amezaga is battling for a backup spot with the Marlins. But being away shouldn't hurt his chances of making the team.
"[Girardi] said just go there and keep working on the stuff you're working on here," he said. "Everything we're working on here, I'm bringing to me when I work out with Mexico."
Upcoming pitchers: Willis will start Thursday against the Orioles at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. The D-Train will toss about 50 pitches or three innings. Brian Moehler will start on Friday against the Orioles, and left-hander Scott Olsen will start on Saturday against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Marlins rally to sink University of Miami

03/01/2006
Marlins at the plate: Matt Cepicky capped a three-run ninth inning with a two-out, two-run walk-off double. Jason Stokes helped keep the Marlins alive with a solo home run earlier in the frame. Three straight hits, including Mike Jacobs' two-run double, gave the Marlins a 2-0 first-inning lead. Jeremy Hermida singled and Dan Uggla doubled, with both scoring on Jacobs' drive to left-center. Uggla added an RBI single in a three-run fourth inning.
Miami Hurricanes at the plate: Jon Jay belted a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Jose Garcia. And he added a two-run single for a four-RBI game. In the fifth inning, Blake Tekotte connected on a two-run homer off Taylor Tankersley.
Marlins on the mound: Jason Vargas had a solid first outing, tossing two scoreless innings, striking out four and walking one on 31 pitches. Florida picked up Scott Tyler, who gave up four runs in one-third of an inning, surrendering one hit while walking three and yielding a wild pitch.
Miami Hurricanes on the mound: Ricky Orta settled down after giving up two runs in the first inning. In three frames, the right-hander yielded two runs on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Anthony Perez worked a scoreless inning, but missed out on the win.
Grapefruit League records: Mariners 4-1; Giants 3-2. -->Up next: The Marlins open their Grapefruit League schedule Thursday, taking on the Orioles at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Starting in the 1:05 p.m. ET contest is Dontrelle Willis, slated to throw three innings (or 60 pitches). Rodrigo Lopez gets the nod for Baltimore.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Athletic shortstops in close competition

03/01/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- If athletic ability counts for anything, the Marlins are well stocked at shortstop.
Prize prospect Hanley Ramirez, acquired from the Red Sox in the Josh Beckett deal in November, is regarded as one of the top young shortstops in the league. Yet, at 22, the Dominican Republic native is untested. Ramirez is battling Robert Andino for the spot, and if both struggle, veteran Pokey Reese is an option.
But Reese also is a contender for the second-base job, which may end up going to Rule 5 Draft pickup Dan Uggla.
With Spring Training games beginning Wednesday, Ramirez and Andino are neck-and-neck for the starting job.
"They are two really gifted athletes," manager Joe Girardi said. "They are fundamentally sound defensively. They are little bit different types of hitters. Hanley has a little more pop. Robert is probably more of a hit-and-run type of guy. They are two very gifted shortstops who should create some excitement over the next four weeks. They'll go at it, and let's find out."
Defensively, Ramirez, Andino and Reese are all capable of handling the position on an everyday basis. While not willing to sacrifice defense, Girardi notes that hitting will be a factor into who gets the bulk of the action at shortstop.
"Pokey obviously has the experience," Girardi said. "But you look at Hanley and Robert -- two up-and-coming shortstops that can play defensively right now. We'll see how they progress offensively now and during the season. We're pretty fortunate to have two guys like that."
How big a factor is hitting in settling the spot?
"It's part of it," Girardi said. "To me, shortstop, the defensive part is very, very important. And that won't be overlooked. I'm not going to sacrifice that. But you don't want a guy to struggle and play miserably offensively, but he plays great defense. We need a little bit of both."
The 6-foot-3 Ramirez is a candidate to hit in the No. 2 hole in the batting order, if he wins the job.
"I am very happy for this opportunity," Ramirez said. "The key for me is consistency. I have to be consistent."
The Marlins are confident Ramirez will be a solid hitter. He's already shown some power during early hitting drills.
Infield coach Perry Hill is spending the first practices observing Ramirez.
"I'm just going to watch him the first few days," said Hill, a stickler for preaching proper footwork and correct positioning for his infielders. "I've never seen him play. I'll make a suggestion here and there."
Andino made his Major League debut last September, becoming the regular shortstop after Alex Gonzalez was lost for the final month because of an elbow injury.
"I know what Andino needs to work on and what he needs to do," Hill said. "I've just got to slow him down. He gets a little geared up at times."
The Marlins' second-round pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Andino hit .269 with five homers and 48 RBIs in Double-A, before batting .159 (7-for-44) in 17 games with the Marlins.
Andino was thrust into a difficult spot, replacing the slick-fielding Gonzalez and playing in the heat of a Wild Card race.
"It helped me a lot just by learning from every other shortstop on every other team," Andino said.
Andino worked extensively with Hill on everything from relays, cutoffs, footwork and throwing.
Last season, Andino had no shortage of people offering advice. He spoke extensively with former manager Jack McKeon, Miguel Cabrera, former first baseman Carlos Delgado, Gonzalez and ex-second baseman Luis Castillo.
"[Hill] is the best in the business. He taught me a lot about being at the right place at the right time, and knowing about the hitters," Andino said. "McKeon, Cabrera, Delgado, Castillo -- they talked to me. They all helped me out on where to be in certain situations. It taught me more than what I knew in Double-A."
The key to Andino's success, he says, is "concentration."
"That's it. For me, that's the biggest thing," he said. "You can probably do a lot of stuff you don't know how to do if you concentrate. You've got to be physically fit. It's a long season and you've got to be in shape. But it's more mental in the big leagues.
"You're the captain of the infield -- you've got to know where to be all the time. You've got to take charge out there."
Andino is taking the competition with Ramirez in stride.
"You just go about it every day. Every day I've got to go out and practice," he said. "It's out of my hands. It's the manager's job. All I can do is go out and concentrate on what I can do."
Reese has the experience that Ramirez and Andino lack.
"Pokey is a professional. He's been around. He's a proven player," Hill said. "You won't find a nicer guy. He's good for these young players. He can nurture them along."
Reese is returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out all last season while he was with the Mariners. A former Gold Glove-winning second baseman while with the Reds, Reese has playoff experience, having been on the Red Sox's 2004 World Series title team.
On a youthful squad, Reese provides a veteran presence.
"I know one thing -- we're going to always be underdogs in every game we play, unless Dontrelle [Willis] is on the mound," Reese said. "That shouldn't be a question. You've got to go out and play hard. Other teams put their pants on the same as we do.
"Age is just a number. It's according to how these guys jell. It's going to be a long season if these guys don't jell. Hopefully, it all goes well. This is baseball. You love to play the game. You want to play the game."

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Stokes ready for big-league break

03/02/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Power never was an issue for Jason Stokes. Staying healthy was.
A prime prospect a few seasons back, Stokes has incurred more than his fair share of bad luck in recent years. Beset by two surgeries to his left wrist and thumb, he has seen a decline in playing time.
Now in a wide-open Marlins Spring Training camp, Stokes is feeling healthy and optimistic that he can finally break through and make it to the big leagues. He has a ways to go with left-handed power-hitting Mike Jacobs the front-runner to win the starting first-base job.
Still, Stokes is an intriguing prospect who is striving to regain the form that once made him a Minor League MVP.
It didn't take long for Stokes to showcase some power. In Wednesday's 9-8 comeback win over the University of Miami, the slugger belted a home run to left, opening the door for a three-run ninth inning.
"You see a guy who can help you," Marlins manager Joe Girardi said. "There are so many parts to put this team together that you don't know exactly how it's going to turn out. But [Stokes has] a bat that can help you. We've got to make a judgment around March 31 if that bat can help you. It's a big bat. There is a lot of potential there."
Potential is a word that has been attached to Stokes since he was the Marlins' second-round pick in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft.
At Class A Kane County in 2002, the slugger was named MVP of the Midwest League, batting .341 with 27 homers and 75 RBIs. But that season was cut short after 97 games, when he underwent surgery on his left wrist to remove a cyst.
A year later at Class A Jupiter, he had his struggles but still showed power, compiling a .258 batting average with 17 homers and 89 RBIs. And with Double-A Carolina in 2004, his numbers were a solid .272 with 23 homers and 78 RBIs.
Stokes' left hand problems surfaced again in 2005, limiting him to only 13 games for Triple-A Albuquerque, where he connected for five homers in 46 at-bats.
"The biggest thing is getting him healthy," said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' director of player personnel and scouting. "It's not that anything has deteriorated. It's being able to get him to swing the bat."
Stokes feels the time has come for him to show that he is healthy and ready to make the leap to the big leagues. Even if he doesn't make the club out of Spring Training, his bat will be an interesting option to be called up during the season.
"I'm just going to go out there over these next few weeks, and try to put up some numbers and make some quality at-bats and show them that I'm healthy and ready," Stokes said.
He's upbeat about his chances because of a successful surgery to his left-thumb area last Oct. 27. He spent six weeks in a cast before resuming hitting in early January. The two surgeries have left scars across the back of his wrist and across his palm, near the thumb. They, however, haven't quelled his optimism.
"The surgery was actually on my thumb," Stokes said of his October procedure. "It was on the ligament in the back of my thumb. But it's close enough to the wrist that everybody calls it a wrist. I just say it's a hand. If I could have a new left hand, I'd take one right now."
Stokes felt he made a breakthrough a few days ago in batting practice. He took swings in the cages without pain. And for the first time in years, he's felt like his old self.
"I actually feel more comfortable and better when I'm out there swinging," he says. "I think it's more of a psychological-type thing. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking I'm not hurt any more. This feels a lot different than before. Before was bad. I was altering my swings, doing all these different things with my swing so my wrist or my hand wouldn't hurt. Now, I'm fine. It's just feels good to go out there swing like I had always done without any pain."
The more confident he gets, the more he feels he can ultimately make it. Because of his injury problems, Stokes has been kind of a forgotten man.
"I hear that," he said. "Stuff you read around. I can understand how it comes about, putting up one good year and then getting hurt the next two and a half to three years makes people think, 'Is he going to be fine again? Is he going to be healthy? Is he ever going to be the same?' That's why I'm looking forward to this year, to actually go out and being healthy and finding out what I can do without an injury.
"I'm at the point now where you never know what's going to be happening. I could be starting there [with the Marlins] or I could finish up there. I don't know. All I can do now is keep going."

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Willis sharp; Marlins win spring debut

03/02/2006
Marlins at the plate: Miguel Cabrera drove in Florida's first run with a drive to center field and scored the next one on a clean single. Reggie Abercrombie drove in the third run with an RBI single to third base in the fourth inning. The Marlins scored three more times in the eighth inning to seal the game.
Orioles at the plate: Baltimore was stifled for most of the game and only registered two hits in the first seven innings. Luis Matos came up with the first one, a run-scoring single in the third inning. Jeff Fiorentino knocked a two-run double in the eighth inning, helping the O's pull within two runs.
Marlins on the mound: Dontrelle Willis faced 10 batters Thursday and retired eight of them. Both exceptions came in the third inning -- a leadoff walk and a two-out single. Willis left with two outs in the third and a 2-1 lead.
Orioles on the mound: Rodrigo Lopez started and worked two innings, allowing four hits and two runs. Erik Bedard followed him and also pitched two innings, allowing three hits and one earned run on an infield single. Bedard's final out came on a play at the plate, a well-timed reaction play by Javy Lopez to recognize and throw out the lead runner.
Grapefruit League records: Marlins 1-0; Orioles 0-1.
Up next: The Marlins host the Orioles on Friday at Roger Dean Stadium. Bruce Chen will start for Baltimore in his only Spring Training outing before the World Baseball Classic, and Florida will counter with Brian Moehler.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Willis leaves camp for Classic

03/02/2006
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Tossing 2 2/3 innings of a Grapefruit League game had a bit of a holiday feel to it for Dontrelle Willis.
The D-Train turned in a solid first showing in the Marlins' exhibition opener on Thursday, a 6-4 win over the Orioles. The 46-pitch outing not only was his first action for the Florida, it was a tune-up for his upcoming start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
Immediately after allowing one run on one hit in 2 2/3 innings, Willis hurried to catch a 4:30 p.m. ET flight to Phoenix, where he will join the U.S. squad.
"I'm like a kid at Christmas waiting for the 25th to roll around," Willis said. "I'm ready to go out there to show my talents."
Coming off a 22-10 season, the 24-year-old ace retired the first six batters he faced before Ramon Hernandez walked to open the third inning. After a pair of groundouts, Willis surrendered an RBI single to left to Luis Matos. He was then lifted, departing to a big ovation.
Manager Joe Girardi had Willis on a strict 50-pitch count. So rather than risk lifting the left-hander in the middle of a batter, he made the switch after Matos' single.
"Everything was good today -- getting my legs back into it," said Willis, who will start Team USA's second game in the Classic. "I was just trying to get into situations where I have to make a pitch. It was all fun getting back into it."
The longest Willis can be away from the Marlins is 18 days.
"I'm going to go out there and hold my head up high. I'm going to represent, not only my family, but my country and South Florida," he said. "My heart is with my country and also with my team. I'm kind of torn. I'm just going to try to do my thing, playing with these guys."
Willis is leaving some encouraging words to his Marlins teammates: "I'd just say, 'Keep doing what you're doing.' I like the excitement I'm seeing, the hit-and-running, hitting the cutoff, little things that you don't necessarily think young guys can do. They're doing everything. Guys are coming in and throwing strikes."
As for the Classic, the D-Train says: "I think it's going to be very intense. I think it's going to be a lot bigger than people have been talking about. Once those lights come on, I think people are going to finally see guys are going to go out there and play hard."
Cabrera ready for Classic: Along with Willis, the Marlins bid farewell to Miguel Cabrera on Thursday. The two-time All-Star will play for Venezuela in the Classic. He headed to Clearwater, Fla., after the game to join his team.
Cabrera played six innings and delivered an RBI triple while making a diving stop and strong throw to rob former Marlins slugger Kevin Millar of an extra-base hit.
A fan of the Classic, Cabrera is a bit torn about being away from his Florida team.
"Yes, it's a little tough," he said.
He says the young Marlins need to "keep playing your game and give 100 percent."
"I'm going to be excited to play [in the Classic]," Cabrera said. "It's big for Venezuela."
The Marlins will be without Willis and Cabrera for a couple of weeks.
"We're going to miss them a lot," Girardi said. "That's part of this year. The [Classic] will provide a lot of excitement for a lot of people, but I'm going to miss my players. There is no doubt about it."
About an hour before the Marlins faced the Orioles, Cabrera spoke briefly with Baltimore's Melvin Mora. The two then posed for a picture.
The past few days, there has been some controversy surrounding the two regarding the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Mora says he will not play for Venezuela because he won't be playing third base. A natural third baseman, Cabrera has moved back to the position for the Marlins this season. Team Venezuela asked him to play third and asked Mora to play the outfield.
"I love my country. Everybody in Venezuela knows how much I love my country. I help a lot of kids. I help a lot of hospitals," Mora said before Thursday's game. "I was the first one to sign an agreement with Major League Baseball to be in the Classic. But I'm not an outfielder, I'm a third baseman. Nothing against Miguel Cabrera, it's not his fault."
Mora places the blame on the Venezuelan team for not calling him earlier and trying to work out a deal where he could possibly alternate at third with Cabrera.
Cabrera said he would be willing to play anywhere in the Classic, including first base, if necessary.
The Mora-Cabrera story made headlines during the past few days in Venezuela.
Conine on the Marlins: Mr. Marlin himself sees bright futures for many of the young Florida players. He says it's just a matter of time before they develop.
Jeff Conine, a member of the original Marlins and a member of their two World Series championship teams, had a chance to visit his old team on Thursday. Now with the Orioles, Conine will see action at first base, the outfield and designated hitter.
Conine says the Marlins will get good guidance under Girardi.
The advice Conine gives to the baby Marlins is: "When you get a chance to play in the big leagues, take advantage of it. Knowing [Girardi] from playing against him, he's all about playing the game hard and playing the game right. He's the perfect guy for these guys to learn under.
"They have all kinds of great talent out there. In three or four years, financial woes notwithstanding, this team might be up on top again."
San Antonio's push: On the unsettled stadium front, San Antonio is pushing hard for the Marlins, team president David Samson confirmed. Granted permission to seek relocation, the Marlins are weighing their options, locally and out of state.
The Marlins are in the process of seeking stadium possibilities in South Florida and in other markets. Club officials visited San Antonio in early December and team officials will likely make a return trip to Texas.
However, no formal negotiations with San Antonio or any other market have begun. The exploration process could last through the rest of the year.
The Marlins prefer to remain in South Florida, but stadium talks with Miami-Dade County have stalled.
Final signings: The Marlins reached contract terms with their three remaining unsigned players on Thursday. Cabrera and pitcher Sergio Mitre agreed to terms, while left-hander Jason Vargas was renewed for the 2006 season.
Cabrera, who is eligible for arbitration after this season, will earn $472,000, while Mitre is getting $330,000 and Vargas will receive $327,000.
"Yeah, I'm happy," said Cabrera, now in line for a multimillion dollar payday next season. "I'll play this year and see what happens."
Rotation update: Josh Johnson, who entered in the fourth inning on Thursday, is in line to start in five days. In the mix for a starting rotation spot, Johnson was slated to follow Willis because he will now slide into the starting spot that would have gone to Willis if the D-Train was not headed to the Classic. Brian Moehler will start on Friday against the Orioles at Jupiter, with Scott Olsen starting on Saturday at Jupiter against the Cardinals. Mitre will start on Sunday, also against the Cardinals.
The rest of the pitchers on Friday will be Renyel Pinto, Nate Bump, Logan Kensing, Travis Bowyer, Jimmy Anderson and Matt Herges. The tentative pitching lineup for Saturday, following Olsen, will be Ricky Nolasco, Eddie Gaillard and Josh Stewart.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Moehler mixing in changeup

03/03/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Regaining his changeup is a work in progress. But Brian Moehler slowly is getting his confidence back with that pitch.
Of Moehler's 31 pitches on Friday against the Orioles, about five were changeups.
"I have to have that pitch," said Moehler, who tossed two scoreless innings in his first Grapefruit League start.
Because of the arm angle in the release of the changeup, it tends to be a pitch that patients recovering from Tommy John surgery are cautious to throw. Moehler underwent the ligament replacement surgery in 2003. While the veteran right-hander was in the Marlins' rotation last year, he shied away from throwing changeups.
His Spring Training goal is to get the pitch back.
"I really have to go work on it in [batting practice]," Moehler said. "I throw some good ones, but I throw some bad ones. For whatever reason, it has taken forever to come back from Tommy John.
"I'd throw a good one, [but] the majority were not real good. I don't have the conviction to throw it yet. I'm guiding it. I've got to get that feeling back in my hand where it feels good coming out of my finger tips."
After his 31-pitch performance, Moehler threw about 15 more pitches in the bullpen.
The importance of the changeup is that it gives him a third pitch, to go along with his fastball and cut fastball.
"I need to throw more [changeups]," Moehler said. "It helps me out with the cutter and my fastball. It's only going to improve. And it gives the hitters something else to think about."
Manager Joe Girardi sees progress in Moehler's changeup.
"Sometimes when you hurt your arm, you have to start all over," Girardi said. "He basically had to start all over. He made progress last year, and I think you'll see more this year."
Olsen's first start: When Scott Olsen takes the mound on Saturday against the Cardinals, it will be his first actual game action since last July 16.
Back from a bone spur in his left elbow, Olsen is slotted to throw two innings or about 35 pitches. The left-hander, who is striving to earn a rotation spot, last pitched in a game at Philadelphia nearly eight months ago.
"I'm excited to get back out there," Olsen said. "It's been a while. It feels like it's the longest offseason I've ever had. I haven't thrown in a game in so long. Usually I get done throwing in September, now it's been [since] the middle of July. I had an extra month-and-a-half to sit around doing nothing. Now it's here again."
A pitch Olsen is working on this spring is his changeup. A year ago, he says he relied mostly on his fastball and slider. In the 20 1/3 innings he threw for the Marlins last year, he estimates he threw about five changeups.
"I didn't have confidence in it," he said. "Right now, I'm looking to be consistent with my delivery. ... There is nothing like in the game, full speed, full action. I'm looking forward to it. It should be fun."
Missing the Classic: Miguel Olivo has mixed feelings about missing the World Baseball Classic.
Regarded as the top catcher in the Dominican Republic, Olivo decided to skip the Classic to remain with his new team. With the Marlins, he is competing for a starting job and learning a young starting staff.
"I feel bad for my country, and all my friends, that I'm not playing," Olivo said. "But my situation here, with all the pitchers, I feel I should be here. I know the Dominican team wanted me to be there, and I want to be there."
Olivo hopes his country understands. He discussed his situation on Thursday with Baltimore's Miguel Tejada before the Marlins faced the Orioles at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
Tejada is playing shortstop for the Dominican, and he left to join his countrymen in Clearwater, Fla., after Thursday's game.
"Before the game yesterday, I talked to Miguel Tejada. I explained to him what was going on," Olivo said. "He said, 'You have to take care of your family first.' I want to be there, but I have to take care of business here."
Olivo believes the tournament will be interesting, with the United States, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Puerto Rico each having strong squads.
"This is going to be a good tournament," Olivo said. "With all the teams there, it's going to be good."
Fish bites: Two Marlins Minor League pitchers are headed to the World Baseball Classic. Paul Mildren will represent Australia, while Kenny Berkenbosch will pitch for the Netherlands. ... Jason Vargas has been tabbed the starter for Monday when the Dodgers visit Roger Dean Stadium. ... Marlins official scorer Ron Jernik has been selected to be an official scorer in the World Baseball Classic. Jernik, who is scoring Marlins Spring Training games now, will leave on Monday for Puerto Rico, where he will work on behalf of the league for two rounds of the Classic.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Agent tells Marlins that Reese is safe

03/03/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Pokey Reese, who had been missing from Marlins camp for two days, apparently is fine.
Reese was an unexcused absence since Wednesday, causing the Marlins to contact Major League Baseball to check into his whereabouts.
A team official said, after talking to Reese's agent, that the 32-year-old infielder is "safe."
"We've been informed through his agent that he is fine. We have nothing further," Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest said in a statement early Friday evening.
Reese's New Jersey-based agent, Mike Nicotera, did not return phone calls from MLB.com.
It is not clear if Reese, who is from Columbia, S.C., and has family in North Carolina, will return to the team on Saturday.
The Marlins opened their Grapefruit League schedule on Thursday, also against the Orioles, at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Even though Reese wasn't set to make that trip, it's typical for players to report to the Roger Dean Stadium complex to work out.
Reese didn't show.
On Friday, manager Joe Girardi had Reese in the starting lineup. Once again, he was absent, and the team expressed concern.
Through the years, Reese has had to deal with numerous personal issues involving tragedies within his family. But, according to the team, nothing seemed to be bothering Reese.
"I'm very concerned about it," Girardi said prior to Reese's agent contacting the club. "None of us know what it is like to be Pokey Reese, the issues he's had to deal with on a daily basis. I'm not upset with him. I am just worried. We all have personal things that we have to tend to. I'm just concerned that he's OK. It worries me. I just want to hear his voice that he's OK."
In the 16 years Beinfest has been involved in Major League Baseball, he's never had a player disappear without informing the club.
"It's unusual. I can't remember it ever happening," Beinfest said Friday afternoon. "This is my 16th spring. We just want to make sure that he's OK."
Reese broke in with the Reds in 1997, and he's spent time with the Pirates and Red Sox, with whom he won a World Series ring in 2004.
Last year he was in the Mariners organization, but right shoulder surgery caused him to miss the entire season. He signed as a free agent with the Marlins on Jan. 3. Reese is competing for the second-base job, and he is regarded as a fallback shortstop option should rookies Hanley Ramirez and Robert Andino struggle.
Reese has been a bright spot in Spring Training. He was taking on the role of a leader with the young players.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Moehler sharp in Marlins win

03/03/2006
Marlins at the plate: Josh Willingham, who homered against the Orioles on Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, had an RBI double in the fourth inning. Chris Aguila and Reggie Abercrombie each had doubles. Scott Seabol doubled in the ninth inning and scored the tying run on a throwing error. Jason Stokes delivered a sacrifice fly, pushing across the winning run.
Orioles at the plate: Kevin Millar delivered an RBI single in the third inning off Renyel Pinto, and he had two singles. Jeff Conine lofted a double to center in the first inning. Keith Reed's RBI single in the seventh inning scored Napolean Calzado, who doubled. Calzado added an RBI single, producing the go-ahead run in the eighth. A pair of doubles by Ed Rogers and Brandon Masters generated a run in the eighth inning.
Marlins on the mound: In two scoreless innings, starter Brian Moehler allowed one hit while walking one. The right-hander struck out three. Logan Kensing, battling back from an injured shoulder, tossed a scoreless inning of relief, walking one and throwing 13 pitches. Matt Herges worked 1 1/3 innings for the win.
Orioles on the mound: Starter Bruce Chen tossed two perfect innings, striking out two in a 20-pitch performance. Showing great control, Chen tossed 13 strikes. Sendy Rleal threw two innings without allowing a run.
Grapefruit League records: Marlins 2-0; Orioles 0-2.
Up next: The Marlins are the home team when they face the Cardinals on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET in Jupiter. Left-hander Scott Olsen starts for Florida, with right-hander Sidney Ponson going for St. Louis. The Orioles return to Fort Lauderdale Stadium on Saturday for a 1:05 p.m. contest with the Dodgers. Daniel Cabrera will start for Baltimore, while the Dodgers will go with D.J. Houlton.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Notes: Willingham continues to improve

03/04/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Two weeks may be a small sample size, but Josh Willingham is making progress behind the plate.
Along with all the Marlins catchers in Spring Training, Willingham is being drilled thoroughly in fundamentals. The impact of bench coach Gary Tuck, regarded as a catching guru, is showing results.
"I think Josh has made a lot of strides in the 10 days, 12 days we've been here," said Marlins manager and former Major League catcher Joe Girardi. "If he continues to progress, it's going to be a very, very difficult decision. I'm really happy with that. But that doesn't mean he doesn't keep working. I'm happy with the progress. A lot of that credit goes to Gary Tuck."
Formerly a Minor League third baseman, Willingham was converted to catcher a few years ago. Now, he is battling Miguel Olivo for the starting job.
Girardi right now is pairing up two catchers for each game, and alternating them every other day. Olivo and Matt Treanor are seeing action on one day, while Willingham starts and is backed up by Tommy Wilson the next.
If Willingham can't catch on behind the plate, he likely will be moved to left field. The Marlins want to get his bat in the lineup.
In practice drills, Willingham is working on his receiving of pitches, along with his blocking and throwing techniques.
Some of Willingham's throws to second base in game situations have been clocked at 1.99 seconds. Girardi says the average time for a big-league catcher is 2.0 seconds.
"The first thing you look at is his receiving," Girardi said. "You don't see him boxing balls. He's actually getting strikes for pitchers, and he's keeping the ball in the zone. For me, that's Step 1. Gary wanted to get him comfortable with that first."
Over the past week, the catchers have worked on blocking drills, and Willingham is improving in that area, as well.
"His arm strength and accuracy ... he will get better as he keeps going," Girardi said. "His footwork and throwing will get quicker as he gets more confidence."
Olsen impressive: Getting back into a game situation felt like old times for left-hander Scott Olsen.
Competing for a rotation spot, Olsen started on Saturday in the Marlins' 9-0 win over the Cardinals, allowing one walk while inducing five groundouts in two scoreless innings.
The 27-pitch performance was Olsen's first game experience since July 16, 2005, at Philadelphia. He missed the second half of last season because of elbow inflammation and a bone spur.
Olsen now feels fully recovered. He's packed on 13 pounds to his 6-foot-4 frame and says he now weighs 218 pounds.
"My arm feels real alive -- like I'm getting up there in miles per hour like I was when I was healthy," he said.
Olsen's fastball a year ago was in the 92-93 mph range.
"He has an attitude when he goes out there, and that's what you want from a pitcher," Girardi said. "When you think of all the great pitchers that have come before his time, they all have got an attitude. Some are a little more meek about it. But they all have an attitude."
Perfect record: Spring Training records are nothing to get excited about, but being 3-0 has some bright spots for the young Marlins.
Some of the things that have stood out for Girardi are the effort, attitude and focus.
"The guys are doing the little things -- that's what I take out of it," Girardi said. "You take something good from everything. Guys are getting big hits in key situations. Their two-strike approach has been very good. They're picking each other up. The defense, for the most part, is not allowing any extra outs. You take the little things more than the wins.
"I think you play to win every day. That's your responsibility as a player, whether it's an exhibition game, whether it's a Spring Training game or whether it's a Major League game."
Fish bites: Minor League catcher Brett Hayes suffered a fractured bone to his left wrist and will not play the rest of Spring Training. Hayes suffered the injury while batting against the University of Miami on Wednesday. ... Given the day off Saturday were Jeremy Hermida, Robert Andino and Matt Cepicky. On Sunday, shortstop Hanley Ramirez will be off.


Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Reese remains away from Marlins

03/04/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Absent from camp for the third straight day, Pokey Reese's future with the Marlins remained uncertain on Saturday.
The 32-year-old infielder unexpectedly left the Marlins sometime on Wednesday and his whereabouts weren't known by the team until early Friday night. That's when Reese's agent, Mike Nicotera, informed Florida's assistant general manager, Mike Hill, that his client was "safe."
The team hasn't heard any specific reasons why the nine-year veteran would just leave. About the only thing the Marlins know is Reese left Florida for either North Carolina or South Carolina -- he has ties to both places.
"Pokey went home," manager Joe Girardi said. "There are probably some issues that he wanted to deal with. I'm respectful of that. I just told him to call me when [he gets] a chance."
It is believed Reese is dealing with a personal family matter. But no one on the team has heard directly from Reese.
"We'd expect to hear from him in a reasonable amount of time, and take it from there," general manager Larry Beinfest said. "I haven't been through this before. We're glad he is safe, but we'd like to know what's going on."
Girardi is unsure if or when Reese will rejoin the team.
"We'll approach that situation," the first-year manager said. "Sometimes people assume because we're professional baseball players and we make a lot of money, we don't have issues in our life. I'm respectful of that."
The Marlins signed Reese in early January, and he was competing for the starting second-base spot.
Before returning to the team, Girardi would want assurances that Reese is committed to playing.
"My stance on it is, if you want to come back, I have got to know what's going on and that you want to be back," Girardi said. "That's my stance on it. Your teammates need to know that you are 100 percent into this. They are here to help you if you have a problem.
"It's his heart that has to be right, not our heart."
A few years removed from being a big leaguer himself, the 41-year-old Girardi is sympathetic to players' personal problems.
There was a time in 1987 when Girardi walked out of Minor League camp because he was coming to grips with the death of his mother, who had passed away nearly three years earlier.
"There was no joy going to the park and I couldn't figure out why I was playing," Girardi said. "When my mom died, I came home from the Cape Cod League. I drove home, saw her take her last breath, went to the funeral and left the next day. I never really grieved, and it hit me 2 1/2 years later. You never know when something is going to hit you. It could be the death of a parent, a grandparent or friend. You have to handle it the best way you can."
Reese has undergone a number of tragedies in his life. At the start of Spring Training, Reese told reporters one reason he signed with Florida after being in the Seattle organization last year was to be closer to his family.
Even before Reese left camp, the Marlins were leaning toward giving Dan Uggla every shot at winning the second-base job. A Rule 5 Draft pick, Uggla has to make the Opening Day roster or be given back to the Diamondbacks. Thus far, Uggla is having a good camp.
Alfredo Amezaga has a chance to make the team as a second-base option, but he's currently with the Mexican squad as part of the World Baseball Classic. Non-roster invitees Mickey Lopez, Scott Seabol and Lenny Harris likely will spend some time at second base this spring.
"Pokey, whatever he's doing, I'm sure there is a good reason," Uggla said. "I'm sure something is going on with his family. But nobody's said anything. He's not a guy who gets up and leaves if there wasn't something he needed to be there for.
"Whether Pokey is here or not here, this is the opportunity I've been waiting on my whole life. I want Pokey to be here. I think he's a great guy and he brings a lot of intensity."

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Olsen, Marlins shut out Cardinals

03/04/2006
Marlins at the plate: Reggie Abercrombie connected on a three-run homer off Sidney Ponson in the second inning. Jason Stokes had two doubles and two RBIs, and Miguel Olivo belted a three-run homer in the fifth. Lenny Harris posted a single and double.
Cardinals at the plate: So Taguchi had a single and double. Prentice Redman also singled.
Marlins on the mound: Scott Olsen was effective in two scoreless innings, walking one while inducing five groundouts. Ricky Nolasco didn't yield a run in two innings, giving up one hit while striking out two. Non-roster invitee Kerry Ligtenberg, bothered by an elbow problem, made his first appearance, turning in a scoreless inning.
Cardinals on the mound: Ponson gave up three runs in two innings on three hits with four strikeouts, no walks and a hit batsman. The veteran tossed 37 pitches, 28 for strikes. Anthony Reyes gave up five runs in 2 1/3 innings, throwing 45 pitches.
Grapefruit League records: Marlins 3-0; Cardinals 1-2.
Up next: The home-and-home series continues Sunday as the Marlins and Cardinals hook up again at 1:05 p.m. ET. This time, the Cards will be the home club. Florida will start Sergio Mitre, while St. Louis left-hander Mark Mulder makes his first Grapefruit League start of 2006.

Source: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/

Tankersley refining his pitches

03/05/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Switching from starter to reliever is a natural transformation for Taylor Tankersley.
A first-round pick from the University of Alabama in 2004, Tankersley was used in both roles, and recorded seven saves in his junior season. But since being drafted by the Marlins, all 22 of his Minor League appearances have been as a starter.
A candidate to make the team as a lefty specialist, Tankersley is now working on refining a hard-breaking pitch. When he was starting, he used two types of curveballs, soft and hard. He is scrapping the softer pitch and working on the tighter breaking pitch, which resembles a slider.
"He calls it a slider," said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' vice president of player development and scouting. "You can call it a hard curveball because it's got a lot of break to it. That's the pitch we want him to focus on. It wasn't a new pitch. It was kind of eliminating one and putting more focus on the other."
On the move: First baseman Jason Stokes, showing that his problems with a wrist injury are improving, belted a home run in the exhibition against the University of Miami. He had a three-hit game, with two doubles, against the Cardinals. A strong Spring Training could make him a surprise addition to the Opening Day roster.
On the pine: Catcher Brett Hayes had surgery on Friday to repair a bone fracture in his left wrist. Pitcher Anibal Sanchez, bothered by a sore shoulder, has resumed long tossing. In a few days, the right-hander likely will throw off the mound.
Names in the game: Wayne Rosenthal, the pitching coach of the Marlins' 2003 World Series championship team, is back for his second season as the pitching coordinator for the Minor League systems.
They're No. 1: Jeremy Hermida, the team's top prospect and first-round pick in 2002, remains the front-runner to be the Marlins' starting right fielder. Pitcher Jeff Allison, the first-round pick in 2003, has reported to Minor League