Maybin makes quick impression with Marlins

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Ex-Tiger Maybin makes quick impression with Marlins


Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. -- Former Detroit Tigers star prospect Cameron Maybin was with the Class-A Asheville Tourists when he began to catch the eye of major league talent hunters.

At the time, he was a 12-year-old batboy.

Mike Hill was farm director for the Colorado Rockies, the Tourists' parent club. He remembers young Maybin shagging flies and taking batting practice with the team when he wasn't fetching bats.

"Even back then, you saw the makings of a pretty special player," Hill said. "Cameron was a big kid, probably 6-foot or 6-1. You watched him run around the field and said, 'That's a guy I'm putting on my list for a few years down the line.'"

Nine years later, Hill is the Florida Marlins' general manager and Maybin is creating a buzz in their spring training camp.

Maybin was acquired in December in the blockbuster trade that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers. Hill said the deal probably would have fallen through had the Tigers refused to part with Maybin.

Unless he has a bad spring, he'll likely be the starting center fielder on Opening Day, a few days before he turns 21.

"We're in no rush," Hill said. "If he's not ready, we'll wait until he is ready. He'll dictate to us.

"We do know he's extremely talented. He's a five-tool player. And on top of that, he's just a great kid."

Maybin, who was called up to the Tigers in August, is optimistic that he's ready to stay in the majors, despite batting only .143 with 21 strikeouts in 49 at-bats for Detroit.

He was undaunted by his struggles.

"I feel like I'm definitely ready to take on the big-league challenge and big-league grind and playing every day at the big-league level," Maybin said. "I'm confident in my ability."

A lanky 6-foot-4, Maybin is all arms and legs sprinting around the bases.

"He doesn't run. He glides," said teammate Luis Gonzalez, himself a former Tiger. "He's impressive to watch."

The 40-year-old Gonzalez said he's willing to serve as a mentor this season, but he's not sure Maybin needs much help.

"What do you tell a kid like that?" Gonzalez said. "Everything looks so natural."

he's gotta work on that chicken arm!