Okay, the two have nothing to do with each other but their names appeared in the same blurb and it just seems easier to handle it this way. (In other words, I still learning how to make the new platform an efficient posting machine.)
First up: Luis Gonzalez.
Several Marlins say Luis Gonzalez's presence is a big reason for the elimination of the frat-house, infantile behavior that hurt last year's clubhouse.
I'm sure Mr. Gonzalez is doing his part to make the clubhouse more professional, but I'm not sure it is all or even most of his doing. I have a suspicion that some of the reduction of "infantile behavior" has more to do with attrition instead of addition.
Now, for Cameron Maybin.
Cameron Maybin is off to a strong start at Double A Carolina (7 for 15, including two homers and a triple) and a .619 on-base average, but his strikeouts (four) will be monitored. Andre Dawson, among the Marlins officials who will scout Maybin, plans to talk to him about ``not getting himself out on pitches that aren't strikes.''
I'm very happy to hear that Maybin is off to a hot start, but that doesn't mean much at this point. Example: Alfredo Amezaga is batting .357 with a 1.000 OPS to date in the 2008 season. And it is extremely doubtful Amezaga will continue on this pace, Maybin who knows.
When the Double A teams learn that Maybin has trouble hitting breaking balls, he will get a steady diet of them. Which is the point of him being in the minors. That and not taking those curious routes to catch a fly ball.
It's nice to know that the Marlins are taking an active interest in his development, since he is the Marlins CF of the future and may quite possibly be the best prospect acquired in the Cabrera-Willis trade. Though I wouldn't count out Andrew Miller just yet.