Not long ago, strong defense was a Marlins trademark, with Gold Gloves going to first baseman Derrek Lee (2003), second baseman Luis Castillo (2003-05) and third baseman Mike Lowell (2005).
Improved defense is the Marlins' goal as they head into spring training hoping to reverse a trend of shoddy glove work that has resulted in 380 errors since 2006, more than any other team in baseball over that period. "It's a concern. It's a question we've asked ourselves -- have we done enough? I hope so," Florida baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said.
The Marlins made two main moves this winter, trading first baseman Mike Jacobs and left fielder Josh Willingham. The team will hope two rookies -- first baseman Gaby Sanchez and center fielder Cameron Maybin -- can provide defensive upgrades.
Maybin's speed should help the team adjust to another move: switching Jeremy Hermida from right field to left field and starting Cody Ross in right.
The team stressed defense during the first week of spring workouts, aiming to improve on its 117 errors last season, second most behind Washington.
Despite the sloppy play last year, the Marlins finished in third place in the NL East with an 84-77 record, largely because they hit a franchise-record 208 home runs. In 2009, the goal is to reach the playoffs by relying on a well-rounded game instead of just power.
WHERE, WHEN: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against the Cardinals.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: Rookie 1B Gaby Sanchez arrives in camp knowing he's the team's top choice to start at that position. That will give a mental edge to a top prospect who was named the Most Valuable Player of the Class AA Southern League after batting .314 with 17 homers and 92 RBIs for the Carolina Mudcats. Sanchez, 25, was called up to the Marlins in September and went 3-for-8 in five games.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: 3B Jorge Cantu is coming off a strong year in which he hit a career-high 29 home runs and had 95 RBIs. He had a similar year in 2005, hitting 28 home runs with 117 RBIs for Tampa Bay, but he didn't come close to those numbers the next two seasons. He'll be under more pressure to produce since the Marlins traded away two other power hitters (1B Mike Jacobs and OF Josh Willingham).
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Fredi Gonzalez improved in his second year with the Marlins, guiding the team to an 84-77 record in 2008 after a 71-91 record in his rookie year. Once again, his emphasis this spring will be on improving the defense. His right-hand man is bench coach Carlos Tosca. Gonzalez has huge trust in pitching coach Mark Wiley and hitting coach Jim Presley. Andy Fox returns as the first base/infield coach, and Bo Porter is back as the third base/outfield coach.
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