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.

Stanton Injury Update:

Mike Stanton will be out for the next couple of games, if not more for the Florida Marlins. He sustained the injury running out a grounder back to the pitcher. The Florida Marlins will likely be very cautious with Stanton coming back. Gaby Sanchez will be batting cleanup until Stanton is able to comeback.

Stanton Hits Homer and then Injures Himself

Mike Stanton on the first pitch of his first at-bat of Spring Training hit a deep 2-run home run. In his second at-bat, Stanton hit a grounder back to the pitcher and pulled up lame on his way to first. He has since left the game and details of his injury are unknown. Updates will be up when more information is leaked.

Florida Marlins 2011 Starting Rotation Projection

1. Josh Johnson (Ace): 18-7 3.21 ERA 210 IP 6.0 WAR

2. Ricky Nolasco (second ace?):  14-10 3.89 ERA 185 IP 2.9 WAR

3.Javier Vazquez (200 IP):  12-12 4.12 ERA 200 IP 2.0 WAR

4.Anibal Sanchez (breakout candidate): 14-10 3.99 ERA 185 IP 2.8 WAR

5. Chris Volstad (stay in MLB all season?): 10-11 4.25 ERA 175 IP 1.5 WAR

If our starting pitching can deliver this kind of season, the Marlins could be making a very serious playoff push. If not, the team will once again depend on the offense, which will be weaker this go-around.

Hanley Ramirez Maturing?

"I want to know what it feels like,' Ramirez said. "I'm tired of watching it on TV. I want to be in there.'

 This is what Hanley's response was to as if he wanted make the playoffs this season. For the first time, I am sensing a he's starting to take the game seriously and really is aiming for something other then his own personal goals.

"I want to be able to start stealing some bases from the beginning of the season, from opening day so I get in scoring position for those guys hitting behind me. I think that's what good teams do — steal bases,' he said.

A more aggressive Hanley likely equates to a more successful season for the Marlins. That's assuming that Hanley continues stealing bases at his amazing 77% stolen base pace. If he does, a 30-30 season for a more aggressive Ramirez isn't out of the question. Will also open up more RBI opportunities for whom ever bats after Hanley (seems like it will be Stanton). 

  Asked about owner Jeffrey Loria challenging him to win an MVP award, Ramirez said: "I like the challenge that I've got to take the team to the playoffs. That's my goal. I'm going to put them on my back and go all the way to the end.'

I really hope he's serious this season. While I don't think he'll ever be at the Tulowitzski level of defense, I think he can play a capable defense out there as well. He'll put up amazing offensive stats as well, but if they're below Hanley's standards and he plays horrendous defense like he did this past season, look for the Marlins to possibly look into a position switch. Hanley may be a lot more well suited for center field.

Florida Marlins 2011 Lineups Projection

 Sorry for the delay, will be starting my season preview today and will continue this entire week on it. Today we will start out on the Marlins projected 2011 opening day lineup and some projections for the starting 8.

1.Chris Coghlan AVG:.285 OBP:.355 WAR:2.1

2.Omar Infante  AVG:.290 OBP:.340  WAR:2.5

3.Hanley Ramirez  AVG:.321 OBP:.410 WAR:6.5

4.Mike Stanton    AVG: .260 OBP:.325 WAR:2.8

5.Logan Morrison AVG:.279 OBP:.370 WAR:2.2

6.Gaby Sanchez  AVG:.272  OBP:.344  WAR:2.0

7.John Buck        AVG:.240 OBP:310   WAR:1.9

8.Matt Dominguez  AVG:221 OBP:.300 WAR:1.2