The Florida Marlins reduced the number of players in the major league camp, as expected.

The Marlins announced their first batch of roster moves today, including the release of outfielder Jay Gibbons.

In addition, right-handers Mike Wood and Jose Ceda, catchers Miguel Fermin and Kyle Skipworth, third baseman Matt Dominguez and outfielder Michael Stanton were reassigned to minor league camp. Outfielder Jai Miller was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.

Gibbons got his outright release to give him a chance to catch on with another club.  The Marlins probably felt that they were satisfied with their depth in the outfield and didn't see any reason to hold on to him for insurance.  In other words, the young kids could get the job done if worse came to worse.

In the case of Mike Wood, the Marlins are sending to minor league camp for insurance should something happen to one of the short relievers in the bullpen.  He is veteran and sometimes a veteran's experience is better suited for a short term call up.

The catchers were sent to the minor league camp because they need catchers to receive the pitches from the minor league pitchers.  This happens every year when the minor leaguers report and the big camp is scaled down.

Ceda is working out shoulder problems and hopefully learning that a vegetable is your friend.

As far as the others go, their time will come but it is still in the future.  And in some cases the very near future.