Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Here’s some Marlins press on Asheville’s own Cameron Maybin, who his working his way back up to the majors:
MIAMI — Cameron Maybin is celebrating his 21st birthday on Friday as a member of the Double-A Carolina Mudcats.
Still regarded as the Marlins’ center fielder of the future, Maybin made his Mudcats debut in the Southern League opener on Thursday. Batting third in the lineup, he went 1-for-4 with a home run in a 3-1 win over Mobile.
The sky remains the limit for the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder from Asheville, N.C. The Marlins still plan on being patient with his development, as well.
In that regard, nothing has changed from when he was optioned to Carolina late in Spring Training. Even though the Marlins have had injuries to outfielders, the team isn’t planning on quickly calling up Maybin until it feels the promising prospect is ready.
The Marlins opened the season with center fielder Alejandro De Aza and right fielder Jeremy Hermida on the disabled list.
Cody Ross, who was hampered by a bone bruise to his left knee late in Spring Training, is going to get the bulk of the playing time in center field. But Ross right now is platooning in center with switch-hitting Alfredo Amezaga. Before De Aza went down, and he will miss four to six weeks, he was slated to split time in center field with Ross.
If more injuries occur, or if the team feels it needs additional help in center field, Maybin isn’t factoring into the equation as an alternative at this point. That may change in a month or two, once he gets more at-bats.
After Thursday night, he has a total of 24 at-bats at the Double-A level. A year ago, when he was with Detroit, he compiled 49 at-bats with the Tigers after being called up.
The Marlins obtained Maybin from the Tigers last December in the trade that sent Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to Detroit.
Exactly how long Maybin stays in the Minor Leagues will be determined more by his progress than a need factor on the part of the Marlins.
