The Miami Marlins hit the field as a complete unit for the first time on Tuesday when the remaining position players reported for Spring Training.
Last Friday, pitchers and catchers reported to Jupiter along with a handful of position players. Tuesday marked the first required report day for the rest of the team. Roger Dean Stadium was the site of bullpen sessions and batting practice along with infield practice on Tuesday.
There are jobs to be battled for, albeit mostly on the bench and in the bullpen. There are question marks at the back of the starting rotation as well and these next few weeks could lead to several decisions for the Miami front office.
The rotation barring injuries will likely feature Henderson Alvarez, Mat Latos, Dan Haren, Jarred Cosart in the top four slots. The fifth spot would appear to be Tom Koehler's to lose but he faces some competition. Brad Hand is out of minor-league options which means he has to make Miami's roster or face exposure to waivers.
David Phelps and Aaron Crow could be given looks as well as starters though both still remain more likely to land in the pen. A name for the rotation to keep an eye on is Justin Nicolino. The prized prospect will be given a chance to win a job but odds are in favor of him beginning the year with AAA New Orleans.
As for the bench, Miami is looking to improve what was a weak spot in 2014. Justin Bour is an intriguing name for the bench but the big first baseman will need to show improvement in a pinch-hitting role. Perhaps new assistant hitting coach Lenny Harris can help him in that department. Bour struggled mightily when he did not start last year but would offer a powerful bat off the bench.
In the pen, Andrew McKirahan is a possibility to make the roster as a Rule 5 pick. This means that if McKirahan is unable to make the team, Miami would be forced to offer him back to the Chicago Cubs. McKirahan is a lefty reliever and that is something that the Marlins could use. Miami also has a number of non-roster invitees vying for bullpen roles.
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There are also several veteran players trying to make the team in reserve roles such as Scott Sizemore, Reid Brignac, Don Kelly, Tyler Colvin and Reed Johnson. Some of these players could end up in AAA as depth if they fail to make the Opening Day roster.
Miami will play its first exhibition game of the year on March 2nd against Florida International University.
