The Marlins plan to have Cameron Maybin lead off this season, but that could change if Emilio Bonifacio makes the team.
Bonifacio is getting a strong look at third base, where Jorge Cantu is penciled in for now. Cantu will stay at third if rookie Gaby Sanchez wins the job at first base. But if Sanchez struggles, he'll start the season in the minors and Cantu would move to first. That opens up competition at third, where Bonifacio would battle slugger Dallas McPherson. If Bonifacio wins a starting spot, the speedy switch hitter most likely will lead off, manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
In three games this spring, Bonifacio has led off with Maybin hitting second or seventh.
"Maybin gives you some more pop," Gonzalez said. "Bonifacio is more of an on-base guy who can steal you some bases. Not that Maybin doesn't have speed. Bonifacio is more of a prototypical leadoff guy."
The plan is still to bat Hanley Ramirez third. That could change, Gonzalez said, if Ramirez struggles during the season.
The Marlins' bigger concern with Bonifacio is his defense.
"Offensively, I think he's fine," Gonzalez said. "I'm more worried about him picking up third base, a position that he's never played."
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