Lineup Changes Looming, Plus Rotation Plans and More

Look for a new lineup when the Marlins open the second half on Friday against Super Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals. Manager Edwin Rodriguez says he wants to shake things up to generate some consistent offense.

Rodriguez said he has tinkered with about nine different lineups, so there's nothing certain for now. But he's said there's a "very good" chance Mike Stanton will move up a bit, most likely to the sixth spot. And he says he would prefer Chris Coghlan to hit in the second spot, but that creates a whole new problem of locating a leadoff hitter. Emilio Bonifacio's name came up, but in order to play Bonifacio and plug him into the leadoff spot, Rodriguez remarked someone else would have to sit, and he likes the outfield the way it is, with Coghlan, Stanton and Cody Ross.

 Could a trade be near? Stay tuned.

NEW BULLPEN FACE....The Marlins outrighted lefty Dan Meyer on Thursday and will add hard-throwing right-hander Jhan Marinez to the roster in time for Friday's game. Marinez, who ranks 10th on Baseball America's ranking of Marlins prospects, can light up a radar gun with a high 90s fastball. Rodriguez said he envisions Marinez as a one-inning guy in the 6th inning. Marinez, 21, started the season at Single A Jupiter, where he struck out 41 in 24 innings to go with a 1.48 ERA. He was promoted to Double A Jacksonville, where in 14 games he registered six saves.

BYE-BYE BENITEZ.....So much for another Marlins comeback for Armando Benitez. The veteran right-hander, who is trying to get back to the majors, has been released at Triple A New Orleans after a brief audition there.

UPCOMING ROTATION....Ricky Nolasco will start Friday, followed by Josh Johnson on Saturday, Alex Sanabia on Sunday, Anibal Sanchez on Monday and Nate Robertson on Tuesday. Because Johnson threw 29 pitches in Tuesday's All-Star Game, Rodriguez said the decision was made not to push matter by having him start Friday. With an upcoming slate of 17 consecutive games, Rodriguez said Johnson will make four starts whether he went Friday or Saturday.

Comments

[Ralph]

Obviously it's either Uggla or Cantu who will move on. I hate to lose Uggla because aside from Hanley he's the only true power threat and Cantu drives in runs when needed. Bonifacio can't bunt to move runners over can't steal bases properly and has a losey OBP and strikes out too much. Wow that's some replacement???

[oneatatime]

still waiting to see if Coughlin will end up back in the infield before the end of the year should Cantu or Uggla get traded.

Looking forward to see Morrison in left and perhaps one last shot for Maybin to prove he belongs.

[E L]

YOu trade Cantu, Ross, Miller and Vanderhurk to Houston for Oswalt,Qualls and Pence.
Plus try to get a quality young Catcher, maybe from the Yankees for Nunez.

1b. Gabby
2b. Dan
ss. Hanley
3b. Coughlan/Bonifacio/Morrison
Lf. Pence
Cf. Maybin
Rf. Stanton
C. Ronnie
P. OSWALT, JOHNSON, NOLASCO,SANCHEZ
CLOSER: QUALLS

Lookout Atlanta, here we come....

[E L]

YOu trade Cantu, Ross, Miller and Vanderhurk to Houston for Oswalt,Qualls and Pence.
Plus try to get a quality young Catcher, maybe from the Yankees for Nunez.

1b. Gabby
2b. Dan
ss. Hanley
3b. Coughlan/Bonifacio/Morrison
Lf. Pence
Cf. Maybin
Rf. Stanton
C. Ronnie
P. OSWALT, JOHNSON, NOLASCO,SANCHEZ
CLOSER: QUALLS

Lookout Atlanta, here we come.... GO FISH

[Jeffrey]

I think- get rid of Uggla and Vanderhurlk AND This lefty Robertson- and adding no one else would be an improvement in itself... BUT now we can add some players who have a POSSIBILITY of being able to play decently in the Majors. And as we all can see Maybin nor Bonifacio will make it up here....