The Marlins are giving prospects Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez every chance to win the first base job this spring, but they have a backup plan if those two prospects fail to show they're ready.
Infielder Jorge Jimenez arrived in camp competing for a bench spot, but he could wind up starting at third base and moving Jorge Cantu to first base.
"Who knows—Jimenez may win the job. We've got that kind of flexibility," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Let's not put it out of the realm of possibility. If he plays good, he could play third and put Jorge at first. It fits."
Jimenez was taken by Houston in the Rule 5 draft (from the Red Sox) in December but was immediately traded to the Marlins to complete the Matt Lindstrom trade.
Jimenez played 126 games at third...
John Maine struck out the final batter he faced, which made it easier to leave the game in the middle of an inning. Maine threw 1 2-3 innings in his spring debut Monday, finishing with four strikeouts in the New York Mets' 11-2 victory over a Florida Marlins split-squad. "I was pleased," said Maine, who allowed one run, two hits and one walk.
Marlins ace Josh Johnson started earning his $39 million contract Saturday: He struck out Albert Pujols looking to end a perfect first inning. Making his first start since signing his four-year deal in January, Johnson allowed two earned runs in two innings in Florida's 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Anibal Sanchez says it's been five years since he felt this healthy in spring training, which is why he was grinning after his first spring training start Thursday. Sanchez struck out three in two innings to help the Florida Marlins beat the Washington Nationals' split squad 10-4. The right-hander has been plagued by injuries and spent two stints on the disabled list last year.
