Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Asheville baseball prodigy Cameron Maybin has a new home in Major League Baseball with the Marlins, and a lot of people have very high expectations of him. MLB.com has the story:
JUPITER, Fla. — The back fields at Roger Dean Stadium are about to get extremely busy.
Marlins pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training on Saturday, with physicals set for Sunday. Their first on-field workouts, which are open to the public, will begin on Feb. 18 on the fields behind the main stadium park.
With a number of jobs open, the Marlins certainly are creating competition. In all, 70 players will be battling for the final 25 roster spots.
Having a high volume of players will give manager Fredi Gonzalez, in his second season, and the organization ample opportunities to evaluate numerous areas.
After finishing last in the National League East in 2007 for the first time since 1999, the Marlins made some significant changes in the offseason.
Financial reasons prompted the club to trade its two highest-profile and established players, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera, to Detroit. They were the only remaining holdovers from the 2003 World Series championship team.
As difficult as it was to part with two All-Stars, the Marlins in return obtained six highly regarded young players. Three are expected to make the team: Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller and Mike Rabelo.
Maybin, a 20-year-old sensation, comes to Florida as one of the most highly touted prospects in the game. The Asheville, N.C., native will be given every chance to win the starting center-field job.
The organization makes it clear that Maybin was obtained to secure center field. It may just be a matter of time before he solidifies that role.
Fans will get their first glimpse at Maybin when full-squad workouts begin on Feb. 21. Position players are slated to take their physicals on Feb. 20.
Many talent evaluators in the game envision Maybin as a future All-Star. The question is how fast will he show he is ready, because he turns 21 a few days into the regular season.
Maybin and the Marlins’ first Spring Training game will be on Feb. 26 with an exhibition against the University of Miami at Roger Dean Stadium.
I just love that Maybin got his first home run against Clemmons. Good for him.