Sanchez will get first crack at first base for Marlins

LAS VEGAS — Jorge Cantu might end up starting at first base on opening day for the Marlins, but rookie Gaby Sanchez will get the first shot at winning the job this spring.

"Sanchez is going to play first base, or we'll give him an opportunity to play first base,'' Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said Wednesday when asked how he thinks Florida's defense will improve next year

"If that doesn't work out, we can always move Jorge from third to first, and he was pretty good at first base.''

Sanchez, 25, went 3-for-8 (.375) in five games for the Marlins in September. Drafted in the fourth round in 2005, the Miami native was named the Southern League Most Valuable Player in 2008 after hitting .314 for 17 home runs, 42 doubles and 92 RBI for Class AA Carolina.

The Marlins will also look at Emilio Bonifacio at third base. If Sanchez has a strong spring, Bonifacio could start the year in the minors with Cantu starting at third base. Dallas McPherson also will get a shot at third.

(palmbeachpost.com)