Brett Carroll in the mix for CF

[Ramp]

Brett Carroll remembers his first day as the Florida Marlins' center fielder. After all, how could he not?

Last June, upon getting his first big-league call-up, Carroll didn't have time to take batting practice or shag fly balls when he arrived in Kansas City. Instead, manager Fredi Gonzalez simply told him, ``You're in there.''

And in there he was, patrolling center field, botching a third-inning line drive -- then botching the throw, too. Two errors on one play. And two runs scored by the Royals.

Now?

''He definitely looks more relaxed this year,'' second baseman Dan Uggla said.

Relaxed, even if he has plenty to prove -- and plenty to lose. The 25-year-old from Knoxville, Tenn., is part of a quartet of contenders for the Marlins' other spring training position battle, the one that doesn't involve replacing departed third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

The other center-field hopefuls: hyped phenom Cameron Maybin, 2007 Opening Day starter Alejandro de Aza and the veteran of the group, 27-year-old slugger Cody Ross.

And, entering Friday's game against the Nationals, Carroll arguably has outshined the bunch, with a combination of run production (four runs scored, five RBI) and efficient hitting (a team-leading .400 average).

He's also impressing teammates.

''He's doing great,'' veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez said. ``He's got an above-average arm, and he's been playing hard in spring training.''

Said Uggla: ``He's just one of those guys that any team is going to be better with him on it. He hustles everything out, [and] he's got a great attitude on and off the field.''

A 'WHIRLWIND' SEASON

He needed that positive attitude during last year's ''jittery'' and ''whirlwind'' 23-game run through the majors, which had its ups -- such as his 2-for-3, two-run effort against the White Sox in his second major-league game -- but also its downs, like his dubious debut, or his .184 average on the year.

And he needs it now, as perhaps the most anonymous of center-field candidates.

Though Ross has struggled at times -- with his average in 2006 and with injury last year -- he has displayed a knack for power during his two-year run with the Marlins.

De Aza also missed time in 2007, but started the season strongly. Then there's Maybin, Friday's starting center fielder and one of the big prizes acquired when the Marlins traded Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit this offseason.

Fredi Gonzalez even mentioned utility man Alfredo Amezaga as a contender.

As of Friday, the Marlins' manager wouldn't point to a favorite, saying, ''We've got to let it play out,'' with the roster's Opening Day makeup likely to determine which player they put in center.

But Carroll certainly is ''in the mix,'' Gonzalez said, with his versatility a plus (Carroll made 12 appearances in center, seven in left and five in right last year).

For Carroll, winning the spot is the obvious goal, but not the only one. He knows how tough the competition is, and knows that winning a job in spring often is, as Luis Gonzalez put it, ``a numbers game.''

So, Carroll said, he simply is trying to find his role in the organization.

Which is?

''This year? I don't know,'' he said. ``That's the beauty of it. I think that's why you play the game. I think that's why you continue to work each day, to try to get better. And it's exciting for me.

`GOOD SITUATION'

``I feel like I'm in a good situation either way, [even if] that's to go back to the minor leagues. If that's where I'm supposed to be, then I'm there for a reason -- to try to get better.''

And when he gets that next call-up?

``I won't have that anxiety, jitters again, hopefully. And [I'll] see where the road takes me.''

As long as it doesn't involve two errors on one play, he'll take it.

Miami Herald

[jay576]

With maybin and hermida locked in for center and right for the future, who would you project long-term in left

[!NICK!]

Originally Posted by jay576 With maybin and hermida locked in for center and right for the future, who would you project long-term in left

Hopefully Hammer unless he's moved to 1st.

[Ramp]

Originally Posted by jay576 With maybin and hermida locked in for center and right for the future, who would you project long-term in left

yea, Hammer still has atleast 3-4 years left

he's just 29

I suppose if Jai or Brett Carroll prove they are legit, they could force a move for Hammer to 1b.... then again, if Jake proves he is legit, we might have issues

[Ramp]

speaking of BC, he just went yard

[PitchingWinsGames]

Originally Posted by Ramp yea, Hammer still has atleast 3-4 years left he's just 29 I suppose if Jai or Brett Carroll prove they are legit, they could force a move for Hammer to 1b.... then again, if Jake proves he is legit, we might have issues

I like these kind of issues though (too many "legit" players)

[Bucklin12]

LF in 4 years? If Mike Stanton progresses, he's got to be in the mix.

[Swift]

Carroll absolutely beasted an oppo shot today.

His arm and glove are sooooo good that if he can just be a .260/.320/.400 player he should get some serious PT

[Ramp]

Originally Posted by Bucklin12 LF in 4 years? If Mike Stanton progresses, he's got to be in the mix.

since were using some ifs, it would be nice if Thomas Hickman woke the hell up and was battling around then

[lou]

Originally Posted by Ramp since were using some ifs, it would be nice if Thomas Hickman woke the hell up and was battling around then

NO SCOTT COUSINS.

WHO ARE YOU??????

----

And per the thread, I'd say the team trades Hammer or Jacobs at the break this year, or the offseason, for arbitration/salary reasons and gives 1B in 2009 to Hammer/Jacobs and G. Sanchez.

This obviously opens LF, and I suspect the team will continue to sign 1 year corner OF veterans like L. Gonzalez to be the "fail safe" while they try out this list of players over the next 3-4 years: Carroll, Jai, De Aza, Cousins, Raynor, Burns, Stanton, Hickman.

I do not expect us to look for a longterm OF in future trades or acquisitions (unless it's like a freebie with a Rule V or whatever, but we can't anticipate that) as I think the talent pool of 'young outfielders' in this organization is pretty solid. I don't think anyone has problems with a Hermida, Maybin, and "L. Gonzalez/Carrol/J. Miller platoon", until one of those OF proves he needs to play everyday. I think the Marlins are seeing how the Braves do left field, with Willie Harris/Matt Diaz platoons, and now Matt Diaz/Brandon Jones platoons, and see they can get positive production on the cheap in LF while exploring potential longterm options.

[Jewb]

I agree with you, if by future trades you are referring just to this year. Because after this season, the new stadium should be a very tangible reality and I don't see why the team would regress again.

[Ramp]

Originally Posted by lou NO SCOTT COUSINS. WHO ARE YOU?????? ----

I figured he would have won 2 MVPs by then and we wouldn't have been able to afford him anymore