Maybin leaves with tight hamstring

Maybin leaves with tight hamstring
02/29/2008 5:55 PM ET
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

Source

JUPITER, Fla. -- Marlins center-field prospect Cameron Maybin was removed from Friday's game against the Nationals due to tightness in his left hamstring.

The 20-year-old, who is competing for a starting job, tweaked his hamstring after reaching on an error by shortstop Felipe Lopez. On the play in the ninth inning, Maybin rounded first base and pulled up. He was replaced by pinch-runner Paul Hoover.

The Marlins had a split-squad day Friday, playing two games. While half the team remained in Jupiter to face the Orioles, Maybin traveled to Viera, Fla., for the meeting with the Nationals.

"We don't know if it's a pull or a cramp," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "So we just took him out of the game. It didn't pop, so that's a good sign."

Maybin is a highly touted former first-round Draft pick who was dealt to the Marlins from the Tigers in December as part of the Dontrelle Willis-Miguel Cabrera trade.

Even before Maybin aggravated his leg Friday, the Marlins have intended to be ultra careful with him.

The organization has made it clear that Maybin was brought in to be its regular center fielder, but the big question remains as to exactly when he will be ready.

He won't turn 21 until April 4, and he has only 69 at-bats above the Class A level, including 49 with the Tigers last year.

In recent days, there has been growing indications around camp that the team is leaning toward starting off Maybin in the Minor Leagues for more seasoning.

Since speed is such a big part of Maybin's game, any kind of leg ailment could hold him back from being able to seriously compete for a starting job. He is regarded as a future star, and the Marlins appear to be in no rush to accelerate his development any more than they have to.

If Maybin isn't ready for Opening Day, Cody Ross and Alejandro De Aza, a left-handed hitter, could wind up platooning the position. De Aza is off to a fast spring. He connected on a grand slam Thursday, and followed that up with a homer Friday against the Nationals.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

He sure gets hurt a lot.

I was thinking that too.

youngsta!