Cameron Maybin to stay in the majors

by craig on May 6, 2009 3:59 PM EDT in News and Rumors

The Marlins aren't, for now, considering sending Cameron Maybin down to the minors.

Earlier, Gonzalez was asked if the Marlins were considering sending Maybin to the minors to work out his struggles. “No,’’ Gonzalez said. “We haven’t even discussed it. I think we need to keep playing him. I think we got to run him out there and play him.’’

Maybin is batting .208 and leads the team with 29 strikeouts. The Marlins said as early as spring training that they expected young players such as Maybin to struggle as he adjusts to his first full season in the majors.

“Did anybody not think he was not going to struggle?’’ Gonzalez asked…

There is no doubt that Maybin has talent, but he is young....very young. The majors are a tough place to do on-the-job training, but it has been done successfully in the past. (Aside: it also hasn't worked) The key to the whole thing is not Maybin's physical skills but his mental makeup. If he can handle the struggles and remains confident in his abilities he will eventually shine. Of course there are a few things that Fredi could do to help him, like shaking things up a little and moving him out of the eight-hole. But when it is all said and done, it is the player who has to make the necessary adjustments.

There are, at this point, the way I see it, only two options: 1) keep sending him out there or 2) send him down and move Cody to center and put Carroll in right. Putting him on the bench is not an option. He needs to play.

While I would love to see Carroll get some time as a starter, for a change. It is just too early in the season to give up on the idea of Maybin as the everyday center fielder.

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Fredi must read FishStripes

560 WQAM just announced a linup change.
Maybin to the 2 spot. Bake down to 5 with everybody else getting bumped down from there.

by brickell on May 6, 2009 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

I think Boni also has 29 strikeouts.

Interesting change, though. I like when a manager is willing to adjust the lineup like that. It also shows how Fredi feels about Baker’s abilities and Uggla’s troubles.

Not sure I’m crazy about the two rookies taking the first two spots, though. Doesn’t bode well for Hanley’ RBI chances, that’s for sure. Didn’t they try this lineup for a game or two recently?

For what it’s worth, I would suggest switching Maybin and Bonifacio, because I still think Maybin would flourish at leadoff (again, they K at the same rate anyway). Maybe they feel Boni’s finally getting back on track and don’t want to screw it up with a drop in the order.

by Fishcrazy on May 6, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Number of Ks, yes; rate, no.

they K at the same rate anyway

Yes, the have the same number of Ks but Bonifacio has more plate appearances than Maybin, so that Bonifacio’s K rate, while still high, is 10 percent lower than Maybin’s (roughly 23 vs. 33 percent). Bonifacio also has about a 30 point higher OBP than Maybin.

Yes, I have a prospect fetish. That's why I'm a Marlins fan.

by Sashimi on May 6, 2009 6:56 PM EDT reply actions

It is just too early in the season to give up on the idea of Maybin as the everyday center fielder. – Craig

Lastings Milledge would like to have a lil chat with ya.

by boteman on May 6, 2009 7:34 PM EDT reply actions

more consistency will help

I am not one to question the manager, but I don’t agree with how Maybin has been used this season in the batting order. Each spot in the line-up sees different pitches based on who is batting around them. For a young player like Maybin, he has been unable to adjust to the way opposing teamms pitch to a #2 versus #8 hitter.

Check out the “Maybin-Meter’ for more – ”http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/the-maybin-meter/" target="_blank">http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/the-maybin-meter/

by 30-Year Old Cardboard on May 7, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions