February 05, 2006
Catcher Race
Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post looks at Josh Willingham's chances of catching on with the Marlins:
Willingham hadn't even unpacked the catcher's gear from his truck when the caller, Marlins manager Joe Girardi, unloaded a heavy question.
"He said, 'How do you feel about catching? How serious are you about it?' " Willingham recalled Friday.
"I told him, 'I've been doing it for three years and I've built up to this opportunity.' He said, 'Good, because I want to work with you behind the plate. Somehow if it doesn't work out, we're still going to get your bat in the lineup and play you in left.' "
Willingham's minor league offensive numbers are excellent; .400 OBA, .500 slugging. That kind of offense is easier to find in left field, so if Willingham can work behind the plate, the Marlins can make their offense deeper.
I hope Giradi can stick around long enough to develop the talent he has to compete in the east. I would bet this team to win the world series 3-4 yrs down the road
A good manager can only squeeze so much blood from a stone (e.g. "Piniella, Lou - Tampa Bay, 2003-2005"), never mind a rookie manager.