Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Outfield decision day is near
As training camp winds down, battle for four jobs heating up
JUPITER — After five weeks of non-stop baseball in Jupiter, the spring training grind is nearing an end.
With the final week of Grapefruit League play beginning Monday, the Marlins have one last chance to see their extended roster in action before March 28’s Opening Day matchup against the Colorado Rockies.
As with most MLB teams, players are still vying for positions on the 25-man roster. One of the most competitive battles is being waged in the outfield, with a number of candidates aiming to crack the roster.
With the way the depth chart is shaking out and the fact Miami probably will carry 13 pitchers, the Marlins will most likely carry four outfielders to start the season.
Lewis Brinson is a lock in center, leaving three available spots. Here’s where the contenders stand with one week left in spring camp.
Curtis Granderson
2018 stats: 123 games, .242/.351/.431, 13 home runs, 22 doubles, .330 wOBA, 116 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 23 plate appearances, .136/.174/.318, one home run, one double.
Outlook: Fresh off his 38th birthday, Granderson is pretty much a lock, barring any unforeseen circumstances. With a young roster, the 16-year pro brings a veteran presence to the clubhouse. Although he signed a minor league contract with the team, it’s expected he’ll be added to the 40-man roster before the season begins.
Granderson can play either of the corner spots and gives the team a much-needed lefty bat in the lineup. He’s started out slow this spring, but the outfielder says he usually needs around 50-60 at bats before getting into flow, though he said that can vary.
Granderson is also a highly respected professional and leader. He’s a three-time MLBPA Marvin Miller Man of the Year recipient and won both the Roberto Clemente Award and Lou Gehrig Award in 2016.
Peter O’Brien
2018 stats: 22 games (MLB), .273/.385/.530, four home runs, five doubles, .415 wOBA, 135 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 42 plate appearances, .176/.333/.353, one double, one triple, three stolen bases.
Outlook: After debuting with the Marlins in September, O’Brien put together a torrid final month of the season. While it was a limited sample size, the 28-year-old showcased his power ability, hammering four homers. Before his big league call-up, he hit 30 home runs in 110 minor league games between Double-A and Triple-A.
Despite playing spending most of 2018 at first base, Miami likes O’Brien at right field — with Martin Prado and Neil Walker platooning at first. With a dearth of power hitters, the Marlins have consistently mentioned O’Brien’s power when discussing the roster. Miami also featured the former University of Miami star prominently in the team’s marketing push this offseason.
While he has struggled early in spring, O’Brien has hit better as of late. The 28-year-old’s ability to play right field, first base and serve as an emergency catcher gives the team versatility as well.
Rosell Hererra
2018 stats: 86 games, .234/.286/.317; one home run, 14 doubles, .266 wOBA, 63 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 39 plate appearances, .206/.289/.584., one double, one triple, three stolen bases.
Outlook: Versatility is the name of the game for Hererra. Claimed off waivers in January, the 26-year-old split time between the Reds and Royals, playing all three outfield spots, second base and third base — and is a switch hitter.
Although he’s not known for his bat, he brings a strong defensive presence and fits the team’s “athletic, middle-of-the-field” profile. The Marlins need someone to back up Brinson in center field, and he and Gabriel Guerrero are the only two who can do that. Herrera’s ability to play in the infield gives the team more lineup options as well.
Garrett Cooper
2018 stats: 14 games (MLB): .212/.316/.242, one double, .263 wOBA, 66 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 36 plate appearances, .387/.444/.516, four doubles.
Outlook: The Marlins’ Opening Day starter in right field last season, Cooper played in 14 games due to a nagging wrist injury. The 28-year-old is fully healthy now, though, and has been impressive in spring camp.
Marlins manager Don Mattingly has said Cooper is further along than he expected after missing nearly all of 2018. In addition to solid hitting, Cooper can play both corner spots, as well as first base. While the outfielder looks ready for 2019, Miami could start him in Triple-A to give him some consistent at bats before bringing him up, since he recorded just 36 plate appearances in the majors last year.
Austin Dean
2018 stats: 34 games (MLB), .221/.279/.363, four home runs, four doubles, .281 wOBA, 79 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 34 plate appearances, .310/.382/.379, two doubles, two stolen bases.
Outlook: After tearing up the minor leagues in 2018, Dean received a much-earned call-up in August. Playing in left field, the 25-year-old was solid during his 34 games at the tail end of the season.
Dean has been a consistent producer in camp despite having limited ABs. The outfielder, who hit .326/.397/.475 in Triple-A last season, has nothing left to prove in the minors, but finds himself in a tough numbers crunch if team only carries four outfielders.
Harold Ramirez
2018 stats: 128 games (DoubleA), .320/.365/.471, 11 home runs, 37 doubles, .373 wOBA, 132 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 28 plate appearances, .320/.357/.360, one double.
Outlook: Picked up from the Blue Jays organization this offseason, Ramirez is coming off a stellar minor league campaign in which he won the Eastern League batting title.
Ramirez has done well in his limited at bats, but seems likely to start the season in Triple-A.
Gabriel Guerrero
2018 stats: 104 games (TripleA), .292/.326/.475, 17 home runs, 15 doubles, .352 wOBA, 123 wRC+.
Spring training stats: 26 plate appearances, .292/.346/.500, one home run, two doubles.
Outlook: Vladimir Guerrero’s nephew, Gabriel is trying to nab a spot after signing a minor league contract with the team this offseason. After putting up a strong season with the Reds Triple-A affiliate, he was called up by Cincinnati, but recorded just 18 plate appearances.
The 25-year-old can play all three outfield spots, which makes him a contender for the backup center field position. While Herrera can play the infield spots, Guerrero brings a more powerful bat after hitting 19 home runs and 26 doubles across Double-A and Triple-A last season.