Jorge Cantu possibly favored to win Marlins' 3B job

[Blitz Dorsey]

The Marlins are just looking for warm bodies this year following their latest firesale, but I found this tidbit from CBS Sportsline interesting:

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Cantu now favored to win 3B job?

Jorge Cantu, 1B FLA

News: Marlins INF Jorge Cantu, according to the The Sports Xchange, has gained ground on Jose Castillo in the battle to start at third base. Cantu hit a double in three consecutive innings March 8 and drove in five runs to lead the Marlins to a 12-4 win against the Mets at Tradition Field. "He's been real impressive the whole camp," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "The way he's been swinging the bat in the games, and the way he's been going about his business. The whole package, he's been real impressive."

Analysis: After a 1-for-3 performance March 9, Cantu was batting .407. Through the weekend, both Castillo and Dallas McPherson were batting less than .190. The Marlins like Castillo's defense, but don't be surprised if McPherson winds up starting the year in the minors while Castillo and Cantu platoon.

[Jpup]

not much competition at the hot corner in Miami.

[Will M]

Jorge Cantu seemed perfectly ok as a RH platoon 1B and pinch hitter. I still scratch my head as to why we released him.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Jorge Cantu seemed perfectly ok as a RH platoon 1B and pinch hitter. I still scratch my head as to why we released him.

That is what I would thinking as well. Maybe he had an attitude problem and was a bad clubhouse guy. That is the only thing I can figure out. Because judging just from the numbers, if the Reds had a chance to keep this guy for cheap (and they did) as RHH bench player, it doesn't make any sense to cut him. Oh well, not exactly the type of move that is going to make or break a season, but certainly a head-scratcher like you said.

[M2]

I miss Jorge Cantu like I miss that time when I had mono. If the Marlins intend to start him that team is worse off than I thought and I thought they were built to lose 95.

[flyer85]

Jorge Cantu seemed perfectly ok as a RH platoon 1B and pinch hitter. I still scratch my head as to why we released him.

The Reds didn't want to pay the money he would have gotten in arbitration.

[BRM]

Cantu doesn't hit lefties (or righties for that matter) particularly well and plays terrible defense. The Reds don't miss him.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

The Reds didn't want to pay the money he would have gotten in arbitration.

Makes sense, but then I don't understand why they picked up Cantu in the first place. They knew he was up for arbitration in 2008.

[KronoRed]

Cantu doesn't hit lefties (or righties for that matter) particularly well and plays terrible defense. The Reds don't miss him.

In other words He stinks, the Marlins don't want to rush the kids and don't mind watching the stinking for a few months.

[ramp101]

I miss Jorge Cantu like I miss that time when I had mono. If the Marlins intend to start him that team is worse off than I thought and I thought they were built to lose 95.

he's gonna win the job, only one of Castillo and McDallas that is hitting so far

[ramp101]

In other words He stinks, the Marlins don't want to rush the kids and don't mind watching the stinking for a few months.

he won't be blocking anyone

[M2]

he's gonna win the job, only one of Castillo and McDallas that is hitting so far

Well, it's not like he's up against two world-beaters there. It's also early March. When the games start counting I doubt it will be long before you're thinking, "Hey, we need a 3B."

[ramp101]

Well, it's not like he's up against two world-beaters there. It's also early March. When the games start counting I doubt it will be long before you're thinking, "Hey, we need a 3B."

I have a feeling with any of the 3, we'll be thinking that

[TRF]

Jorge Cantu seemed perfectly ok as a RH platoon 1B and pinch hitter. I still scratch my head as to why we released him.

I can't for the life of me figure out why he was acquired in the first place.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I didn't even know we had a Marlins fan as a member of the ORG.