Jorge Cantu might end up starting at first base on Opening Day, but rookie Gaby Sanchez will get the first shot at winning the job this spring.
"Sanchez is going to play first base, or we'll give him an opportunity to play first base," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez. "If that doesn't work out, we can always move Jorge from third to first, and he was pretty good at first base." Sanchez, 25, went 3-for-8 (.375) in five games for the Marlins in September. Drafted in the fourth round in 2005, the Miami native was named the Southern League Most Valuable Player in 2008 after hitting .314 for 17 home runs, 42 doubles and 92 RBIs for Class AA Carolina.
The Marlins also will look at Emilio Bonifacio at third base. Although Bonifacio never has played there, the team believes he has the range because of his experience at shortstop.
"An electrifying player," said Nationals manager Manny Acta, who played Bonifacio at second base in the second half of the 2008 season. "This is a guy who has a chance to be a top-of-the-lineup guy."
If Sanchez has a strong spring, Bonifacio could start the year in the minors with Cantu starting at third base. Dallas McPherson also will get a shot at third.
