When Martin Prado is healthy, will he back up Brian Anderson at third base? Or will Anderson lose the job?
-- @4self78
Not to create a hot corner controversy, but Anderson has been tracking toward becoming the regular third baseman for a while. In the Marlins' first homestand, the 24-year-old showed he could be an early National League Rookie of the Year Award candidate, batting .320/.469/.480 with a home run, a double and six RBIs.
Even if Prado were healthy at the start of Spring Training, Anderson still may have won the job.
Prado is on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, and he is running the bases and progressing. That's encouraging. But he's had setbacks along the way since last Spring Training.
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Unless Anderson struggles mightily, I can't imagine he wouldn't be starting every day. That could mean Prado's role may change. He could be used some at third base, second or first base. Prado has played some outfield, but I couldn't see that scenario playing out too often. Along with the hamstring, Prado had right meniscus surgery last season. So asking him to cover ground in the outfield may not be realistic.
Does it seem like new ownership will get a new color scheme, logo and uniforms by 2019?
-- @RealMarlinsFan
The days of the bright orange jerseys appear to be over for Miami. Previously, they were worn mostly on Sundays or day games, but they are not part of the club's color scheme for 2018. This season, the Marlins will be wearing either white or black jerseys at home. On the road, they will sport gray and black tops. Also, you may have noticed the logo on the hats, although the same, is slightly smaller this season.
At home, the black jerseys will be worn on Fridays and Saturdays. Away, the starting pitcher will decide between either gray or black.
What will the uniforms look like in 2019? Change is a possibility. The Marlins have their Dimelo, Spanish for "Talk to me," campaign, where they are asking fans for feedback. There has long been support for teal to make a comeback. At this point, nothing has been decided, or at least announced, regarding next year.
The bright orange was introduced by previous owner Jeffrey Loria, and the Marlins wore those color jerseys this Spring Training. That was because they had been ordered before the Bruce Sherman/Derek Jeter ownership group took over in early October.
What is the estimated time of arrival on prospects Monte Harrison, Sandy Alcantara and Magneuris Sierra?
-- @MarlinsFanProbz
You've noted the Marlins' Nos. 2, 3 and 7 prospects, respectively, according to MLB Pipeline. Harrison is not yet on the 40-man roster, and he will start off at Double-A Jacksonville. The Minor League staff is working with him on refining his swing, so they will give him plenty of time to establish himself against higher Minor League-level pitching. I don't see Harrison getting a callup any time before the All-Star break.
Alcantara will make his Triple-A New Orleans debut on Saturday. How quickly he fine tunes his fastball and offspeed pitches, as well as other aspects of his game -- like holding runners and fielding his position -- will determine when he reaches the big leagues. I know there is service time speculation, but at 22 years old, Alcantara's all-around game still can use some seasoning. The same holds true for Sierra, who also will start off at Triple-A. Remember, the speedy outfielder missed time in Spring Training with a left hamstring strain.
Why hasn't Tomas Telis started yet? I thought he was the backup to J.T. Realmuto, but Chad Wallach and John Holaday have gotten starts before Telis.
-- @Diggsy521
When it comes to behind the plate, the organization has prioritized defense and handling of pitchers over offense. With a young pitching staff, the coaches and management are factoring in defensive metrics -- everything from framing to pop times and throwing to the bases -- in determining who will start. For now, the club is carrying all three catchers, but that is only until Realmuto (low back contusion) returns from the disabled list. Barring any setbacks, Realmuto could join the Marlins around April 16 at the Yankees or April 19 at the Brewers.
With Miami on its first road trip, at Philadelphia, Realmuto will be doing drills at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla. When Realmuto is back with Marlins, I anticipate the backup catcher being more of a defensive option.
How do we know when the roof and windows will be closed or open at Marlins Park? How long in advance?
-- @Lamarlina2011
Jeter and manager Don Mattingly both have said they'd like to see the roof open more often, and thus far, it was for the entire first homestand. Keeping the roof open in April is common, because the weather is a little cooler, and for the first six games, it hasn't rained. Generally, the decision to open or close depends on the winds and rain. If it gets too windy, it impacts how quickly the roof can close. So the decision on the roof can be made pretty close to game time. As summer approaches, chances are the roof will be shut more, especially when it gets hotter and rains more frequently.