I'm a Marlins fan and pretty optimistic with the young team they are fielding this season but that might be the problem.(to much youth). I think the Marlins will finish 2nd behind the Phillies but with a chance at the wildcard. The bullpen needs to establish itself and hold up and the closer situatin has to be better then last season.
I see two ways the lineup will be on opening day.
(#1. if Dominguez wins 3rd base spot)
1. Coghlan (cf)
2. Infante (2b)
3. Hanley (ss)
4. Stanton (rf)
5. LoMo (lf)
6. Gaby (1b)
7. Buck ©
8. Dominguez (3b)
(#2. if he cannot)
1. Coglan (3b)
2. Infante (2b)
3. Hanley (ss)
4. Stanton (rf)
5. LoMo (lf)
6. Gaby (1b)
7. Buck ©
8. (Cousins or Petersen) - Boni platoon (cf)
Dominquez has to show he can hit a bit in ST because his glove is ML ready and the skipper compared him to Brooks Robinson(article below)
LAKE BUENA VISTA — Asked to liken Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! third-base prospect Matt Dominguez to another player, manager Edwin Rodriguez paused for a moment. He then made his audience do a double take with his answer.
"I would say Brooks Robinson," Rodriguez said, last month. "You'll see. Laugh now, but talk to me in spring training. The range he has to the left and the right, the slow rollers, you guys are going to be surprised."
Rodriguez's comparison between the former first-round pick and Orioles Hall of Famer wasn't based on Dominguez's offensive projections. Dominguez actually have a better chance to hit 268 homers and knock in 1,357 runs as Robinson did during a 23-year career than match his Gold Glove total (16). Yet Rodriguez didn't hesitate to set Dominguez's defensive bar at a Mount Everest-like level.
With the Winter Meetings opening Monday, the Marlins aren't feeling much urgency to address third base. Dominguez, who turned 21 in August, will get a long look this spring. If he's not ready, the Marlins as currently constructed would go with some combination of Emilio Bonifacio, Omar Infante and Wes Helms there.
The Marlins have signed infielder Ruben Gotay to a minor league deal, but a source said they haven't expressed any interest in seasoned and versatile veterans like Nick Punto or Willie Harris. Melvin Mora signed with the Diamondbacks Monday. It would probably be hard for the Marlins to lure even a moderately-priced, experienced guy. Playing time tends to be an important factor for free agents, and the Marlins are in no position to guarantee it with Dominguez in the wings.
Dominguez's glove is ready. Beyond stats, Rodriguez said Dominguez has to show an approach with runners on and command of the strike zone to cement his spot.
The last three springs the Marlins have seen young guys like Cameron Maybin, Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison press when afforded a crack at the Opening Day roster. Rodriguez, who managed him in the minors two years, doesn't anticipate that happening with Dominguez.
"Knowing Dominguez, I think he's going to manage that situation well," Rodriguez said. "He's very low key. He expects a lot of himself, but he knows how to stay under control. Knowing that we're not counting on other-worldly offense from him, I think he's going to handle the situation well. It's my job to make him understand that we're going to apply enough pressure on him to make the club, but not so much pressure where he loses confidence and concentration."
Rodriguez said he would be elated if Dominguez hit .240 with a dozen homers as a rookie, but he's more intrigued by his potential defensive impact.
Last season, Marlins third basemen – namely Jorge Cantu and Wes Helms – were atrocious. They combined to make 23 errors in 171 games (131 starts). According to Fangraphs, Marlins third baseman had a -12.7 ultimate zone rating, the number of runs above or below average an infielder is in range runs, double play runs and error runs combined. That tied with the Astros for worst in the National League.
Dominguez's range could help Hanley Ramirez become a more efficient defensive shortstop. Sanchez likely won't have to scoop as many throws in the dirt from third either.
"Matt Dominguez brings more to the game than routine defense," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez made that clear with the Robinson comparison.
