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Miami Marlins: Veterans put on notice amid heavy OF competition

By David Levin |
JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matt Joyce #7 of the Miami Marlins at bat during the spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Matt Joyce #7 of the Miami Marlins at bat during the spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Despite the success of Harold Ramirez and other outfielders last season, Miami Marlins skipper Don Mattingly says everyone has to perform better to make the team.

You get the feeling Harold Ramirez has been put on notice by Miami Marlins skipper Don Mattingly. Not just Ramirez, but every player on the current Spring Training roster competing to remain in the Majors.

After a solid rookie season where he belted 11 home runs and 50 RBI while batting .276 for the 2019 season, things are a bit different in camp this season. A lot more competition and less room for error. The countdown to the start of the regular season is less than two weeks away.

Ramirez is in a fight alright. He and several other Major League players and prospects are working to make an impression on the coaching staff. But as Mattingly stated on Monday, the effort this season players have put in to make the team’s Opening Day roster has been raised a bit, which means Ramirez and others must perform at a higher level.

“Just because a guy was here last year doesn’t necessarily mean, and that’s with anybody, that they’re here this year,” Mattingly said, via MLB.com. “When you went out and signed some guys, and there are some different pieces on your club, your club looks a little different. And obviously, it’s getting a little harder when deciding who are going to be the guys here.”

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Making it more difficult is the attention to detail this offseason by the team’s front office. Addition without much subtraction has been a good thing in Jupiter, where the race to show off at the plate has been tough. Marlins prospects

have impressed. Veterans have kept up. Ramirez and others are doing what they have to do.

“Mattingly made that clear on Monday, when speaking generally after being asked specifically about what the organization is looking for from outfielder [Harold] Ramirez,” Joe Frisaro write“Ramirez had 421 at-bats a year ago and hit .276 with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs. The 25-year-old is competing for an outfield spot and thus far in Spring Training, he’s 4-for-24 (.167) with two home runs after going 1-for-2 on Monday.”

Even with the team’s recent moves to reduce the camp roster, there is plenty of veterans who are vying for a spot on the 26-man list. Jonathan Villar is a lock in centerfield. Corey Dickerson will be in right. It looks like Matt Joyce could be in left with Magneuris Sierra displaying plenty of speed as a reserve.

Matt Kemp and Garrett Cooper are in the equation, with players able to play at first base. Jon Berti is a multi-talented outfielder who can also play at shortstop and second base and Monte Harrison is one of the few prospects who may make the Opening Day roster without being sent to the minors beforehand.

Oh, and let’s not forget about Lewis Brinson, who has performed better this spring, but is it enough to remain in the Majors?

There’s a lot of good talent to choose from, making the decisions the next few days even tougher.

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