Marlins Looking For A Center Fielder

I’m still amazed at how good the Marlins were in 2006 and how bright their future looks.  I’d like to see other teams try the "blow it all up" approach, because the Fish are a cool team.

Latest word from Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post is that the Marlins will look externally to fill their center field hole.  The combination of Reggie Abercrombie, Alfredo Amezaga, Cody Ross, and Eric Reed simply did not work in 2006.

Capozzi names Chris Duffy, Willy Taveras, and Matt Kemp as targets according to his sources.  He adds Rocco Baldelli and Elijah Dukes as other possibilities.

My guy would be Dukes.  He has speed, range, and a great arm.  He got on base over 40% of the time at Triple A this year.  He showed 20 HR potential too.  What’s not to like?

Oh, yeah.  Five suspensions this year alone and problems with half the team, coaching staff included.  Clearly Dukes needs a fresh start, and he could be a steal if Fredi Gonzalez could calm him down.

All of these options have their flaws: Duffy will be 27 next year, Taveras hits like Juan Pierre, Kemp’s defense is in question, and Baldelli won’t come cheap.