Marlins Roster Coming Together?

Starting Lineup (playing together for the 1st time all season)
Chris Coghlan, CF

Omar Infante, 2B

Hanley Ramirez, SS

Mike Stanton, RF

Gaby Sanchez, 1B

Logan Morrison, LF

John Buck, C

Donnie Murphy, 3B

Josh Johnson, P

JUPITER, Fla. — Aside from Chris Volstad, the Marlins lineup on Saturday could be what takes the field on Opening Night against the Mets.

Against the Cardinals on Saturday, Donnie Murphy is batting eighth and playing third base. For the first time, all three outfielders are in the same lineup — Chris Coghlan in center, Logan Morrison in left and Mike Stanton in right.

The biggest change for the opener, of course, will be Josh Johnson, who will be the Opening Night starter on April 1.

Worth noting from Edwin’s morning meeting with the media:

* A decision on who starts at third base could be made by Monday. As of now, it appears Murphy will start, and Emilio Bonifacio will be in a utility role.

* The rotation, as expected, will be Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Javier Vazquez, Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad. Rodriguez said he could have flip-flopped Sanchez and Vazquez, but gave the nod to Vazquez because of his overall experience.

* While Edwin didn’t flat out announce the bench, signs point to it being Wes Helms, Greg Dobbs (lefty bat), Dewayne Wise, Bonifacio and Brett Hayes.

* In recent days, a number of relievers have thrown in Minor League games to get stretched out. Lefty Randy Choate threw a full inning on a back field, and needed just seven pitches.

Joe Frisaro:The Fish Pond


So this is what the Marlins 25-man roster will potentially look like come opening day:

Starting Pitchers:
Josh Johnson
Ricky Nolasco
Javier Vazquez
Anibal Sanchez
Chris Volstad

Long-relief:
Burke Badenhop
Edward Mujica

LHP Specialist:
Randy Choate

Sixth-Seventh Inning:
Ryan Webb
Mike Dunn

Set-Up:
Clay Hensley

Closer:
Leo Nunez

Catchers:
John Buck
Brett Hayes

First Base:
Gaby Sanchez
Wes Helms
 
Second Base:
Omar Infante

Shortstop:
Hanley Ramirez

Third Base:
Donnie Murphy
Gregg Dobbs
Emilio Bonifacio

Left Field:
Logan Morrison

Center Field:
Chris Coghlan
Dewayne Wise

Right Field:
Mike Stanton

Some variables still in play are that Brian Sanches is out of options and would not be likely to clear waivers, so he's a trade option and with more teams making cuts in the coming days, Marlins maybe able to find another 3B option through waivers, trades, or free agent signing.

Marlins 3B Situation Update:Michael Young still a possibility?

Matt Dominguez would need to have a momentous week for the Marlins to consider not demoting him.. I just don't see it happening. He's 2 for his last 30 and is clearly over matched at the plate. His defense has been amazing, like many scouts suspected. Edwin Rodriguez did however mention that he has started pressing on defense now as well.

Marlins options at 3B beyond Dominguez aren't too pretty either. Here are the candidates:
Wes Helms
Gregg Dobbs
Donnie Murphy
Emilio Bonifacio
Omar Infante (Ozzie Martinez to 2nd)
Trade/Cuts?

It would be interesting to give Ozzie or Murphy a shot at starting, but I don't want to see Bonifacio as our starter AT ALL! 

Jayson Stark reported this earlier tonight: 

• The Marlins appear to have concluded that rookie third baseman Matt Dominguez isn't ready, so they're actively exploring outside options. Among names that could fit if they don't make their current clubs: Pedro Feliz (Royals), Felipe Lopez (Rays) and Eric Chavez (Yankees). The just-released Garrett Atkins (Pirates) could be another possibility.
• A bunch of teams (Phillies, Marlins, Cubs, in particular) still appear to be watching the Michael Young developments closely. But none of those teams can take on Young's $16 million a year. And the Rangers have made it clear that if they're going to eat any significant chunk of that money, they still expect a massive return back.
"I like Michael Young," said an official of one team that checked in. "He's got great presence. And he can still hit good pitching. But for what they're asking, you'd think he was King Felix."

Opening Day Lineup Predictions

1.Chris Coghlan CF

2.Omar Infante 2B

3.Hanley Ramirez SS

4.Gaby Sanchez 1B

5.Mike Stanton RF

6.Logan Morrison LF

7.John Buck C

8.Matt Dominguez 3B

9.Josh Johnson

Unfortunately for Marlins fans, Coghlan will most likely be starting the season in CF and Matt Dominguez is going to be rushed to the MLB. I know he's having a really good spring, but my thinking is still that he isn't ready. Mike Stanton was projected as the clean-up hitter, but I don't think he'll be hitting clean-up to begin the season due to the length of time he missed due to his quad injury. John Buck is a good candidate to hit seventh as he provides good pop for that part of the order.

Apologies for taking such a long time to get back to posting. Been really busy with work and school lately. Once the season gets rolling, you can expect daily posts then.