Dallas McPherson Beefs up 3rd Base Depth

With Miguel Cabrera being traded away, the biggest obstacle for the Marlins in the immediate future is trying to recover some of his production. There seems to be a plan in place.

Part I was signing veteran free agents that are undervalued that the Marlins felt could make an immediate contribution. Jorge Cantu and Jose Castillo were signed to give the Marlins some solid options. Cantu, of course, has some upside and could even play 1B or 2B. Castillo has been putting together very good numbers in the Venezuelan League this fall.

Part II must have been to target a young player that is somewhat ready but undervalued. The Marlins found that player in the once highly-touted Dallas McPherson, a product of the Angels system.

Recovering from back surgery which cost him all of the 2007 season, McPherson is looking to catch on with the Marlins and get a fresh start. Players will report February 21st and McPherson expects to immediately contend for the starting 3B spot.

Read more about McPherson's climb back with the Marlins.

Marlins Sign Castillo

I'm not saying that the Marlins have found Miggy's replacement - that will never happen. But they did find a decent 3B candidate to hold the fort until Dominguez is ready - the ex-Pirate Jose Castillo.

Castillo, who couldn't find a home run last season, has been able to his 11 and 14 in the previous two seasons before, respectively. Obviously, that isn't going to make up for Miguel's power, but if he can field his position better than Miguel, and somehow raise his average above .270 in the process, the Marlins might have found a solid solution.

Keep an eye on Castillo though. He is only 26 and is tearing up the Venezuelan league right now, hitting .370 with 7 home runs in 45 games. He might be poised to blow up this season - how nice of a change would that be for the Marlins considering their luck in past seasons with other free agent acquisitions.