I guess given the Marlins hot start this year, the Florida Marlins brain trust has mistakenly bought into that their early season success is more of the trend, than a fluke. It seems they really are banking on Emilio Bonifacio as an everyday player, rather than as a super sub. In doing so, they have done something that Bobby Cox would never do. As, each year, the Braves decide on a newcomer they will take North with them. They ease them into the lineup, and realize as a young player there will be first year growing pains. They take into account that a young players mental psyche must be nurtured, and that any decision made in regards to that player must take that factor into account.
Even Lou Piniella, who has a track record of not being one of the best at developing young players, knows about this. It would have been so easy after Carl Crawford initially struggled with his bat in his rookie season, to send him down. But, the Rays stuck with him and Crawford became a better hitter long term because of the experience at hitting in the 9 hole. Eventually, his bat came around and he has built on that year ever since.
If you decide that your young player you plan on building the team around for years to come is ready, you expect that he will be inserted into the lineup from the time he takes the field opening day, for the next 10 years. You do things to take the pressure of the player as he gets used to being a big league player. You expect that in that first year their will be peaks and valleys. The number one thing you don’t do is give up to him after 6 weeks.
In Cameron Maybin, you know what you are going to get with him. He does not have the plate discipline. He has shown to be a free swinger in his minor league career. He does have power and speed. He can play a decent center field. Why in the world do you send him down as the season is quite early, and sure you may be in somewhat in a pennant race.But, is Cameron Maybin the reason that the starting pitching has yet to secure a win in weeks?
This move in itself will not do Maybin much harm physically going down and working on his skills. However, I wonder what lasting effects this will have on Maybin. Are you willing to possibly damage Maybin, by calling him out, when Bonofacio is another player who has been struggling as much. This move of sending Cameron Maybin to the minors makes you question the Marlins front office. Unless they plan is to make Emilio’s Bonifacio into a utility player after his early struggles, I don’t understand how this move helps the Marlins franchise.
