Spring Training 2013: No Miami Marlins Players Locked Into Roster

Outfielder Chris Coghlan was playing in the spring of 2009 hoping to land a spot on the Marlins' 25-man roster. As the story goes, Coghlan ended up with more than just a roster spot. He not only won the National League Rookie of The Year award, but also ended the season as one of the best rookies in Miami franchise history.

Several years later, Coghlan, after consistently struggling for the past several seasons, is looking to regain a spot on a roster with many available spots.

"We're going to start mixing [Coghlan] in there," manager Mike Redmond said. "Obviously, he's doing a great job. He's swinging the bat great, and playing a good outfield. He's definitely making a case for himself. We're going to run him out there in center."

He is not the only Marlin who got injured and opened the door for other candidates. Logan Morrison is still recovering from his late summer surgery and Joe Mahoney and Casey Kotchman are, thus far, having decent springs.

Following the November trade with the Blue Jays, it was made clear that several players would have to compete for a spot on the roster. There are very few positions that are currently occupied, but many that are vacant.

A position that was open for the majority of the offseason before the Marlins made a move was third base. Third baseman Placido Polanco was scratched from Wednesday's lineup, and suffered from back spasms that bothered him when he threw.

"I don't think it's going to be an extended thing," manager Mike Redmond said. 'We just want to make sure he is 100 percent before we run him back out there. We need him for the long haul."

Rule 5 draft pick Alfredo Silverio, who was off to an early hot start, was competing for a spot on the squad before spraining his right elbow. Silverio is recovering from Tommy John surgery and felt something during his long-toss program before Miami made the decision to temporarily shut him down.

"Disappointing for him because he was doing so well and it looked like he was feeling so good," Redmond added.

There are very few Miami positions that were unavailable heading into spring training. However, after several key injuries, nobody at any position, outside of Giancarlo Stanton, is a lock, and many will continue to have a chance to make the team.

What do you Fish Stripers think? What positions are still up for grabs in the spring of 2013?