Alfredo Amezaga out for the season

Alfredo Amezaga season has ended way too early.

Utility player Alfredo Amezaga will undergo microfracture surgery on his left knee and will miss the rest of the season.

Amezaga will have the surgery performed Monday in Vail, Colo., by Dr. Richard Steadman, an orthopedic surgeon who is known for his work with basketball players. Amezaga has been on the disabled list since May 17 with a bone bruise in his left knee.

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With Ramirez hobbling and Amezaga lost for the season, the Marlins optioned outfielder Alejandro De Aza before Wednesday's game and called up infielder Andy Gonzalez from Triple A New Orleans.

To make room for Gonzalez on the 40-man roster, the Marlins transferred Amezaga to the 60-day disabled list.

Andy Gonzalez is an interesting replacement.  He was an All-Star shortstop in the Gulf Coast League in 2001, whatever that means.  Between the minors and majors he has played games in the following positions: SS - 398, 2B - 183, 3B - 118, 1B - 30, CF -18, RF - 10 and LF -10.

So I guess he is qualified to take over the utility role, whether he plays as good of defense as Alfredo did in the various roles remains to be seen.

He is a light hitter with some speed, so that shouldn't be much different.  The other thing is he is 27 years-old and if he is going to have a prime, the time is now.

But probably the most important question to ask is: Can he Salsa dance and make the guys smile?