A couple of former Marlins farm hands are now trying out for a spot with the Phillies.

Paul Hoover, C ... Hoover, 32, played for both Triple-A Albuquerque and the Florida Marlins last season. He began the year on Florida's Opening Day roster and hit .200 with two RBI in eight games with the Marlins. At Albuquerque he hit .251 with six home runs and 19 RBI in 50 games. For his Major League career, Hoover has hit .230 with five RBI in 28 games between Tampa Bay (2001-02) and Florida (2006-08).

If Hoover should find a place in the organization, as a public service announcement, his nickname is "Chocolate Bottom."  It comes from the way he crouches so low that his butt sometimes is sitting on the dirt.  And since I'm passing this on I have no doubt that if Mr. Hoover ever meets me, I will be kicked in the shin.  And deservedly so.

And the other:

Yorman Bazardo, RHP ... Bazardo, 24, began the season on Detroit's Opening Day roster but spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Toledo where he went 4-13 with a 6.72 ERA in 25 games (22 starts). Following the season, Bazardo pitched for the Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League. For his career, Bazardo has gone 2-1 with a 5.72 ERA in 15 Major League games (2 starts) between Florida (2005) and Detroit (2007-08)

You may not remember Bazardo if are new to the Marlins, but I remember him well.  He was 20 years-old called up from Double-A since the Marlins staff was depleted in 2005.  He entered the game in the fifth inning to relieve the struggling starter.  Bazardo had good stuff, but was far from major league ready and got shelled.  After the game he was sent down to the minors where he was never the same again.  Later that season the Marlins traded him to Seattle.  The boy had promise at one time and hopefully, somewhere along the line, it will show itself.

Not with the Phillies, of course, but somewhere.