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One last chance for Dallas
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Dallas McPherson, 2008 (photo by Mario Alejandro)
There is something to be said about late-bloomers in baseball. Future Hall of Fame catcher Mike Pizza didn’t play in his first full season until he was 24 years old. National League Ruthian-like star, Ryan Howard was 26. What does that say about “can’t miss” prospect, Dallas Mcpherson, who will turn 29 during the 2009 season?
Dallas Lyle Mcpherson has seen a lot in his seven years of professional baseball, which has seen his status rise like a phoenix after hitting 40 home runs in the Minors in 2004 and drop to washout levels after one injury and another slowed down his once promising career.
In 2008 Dallas signed with the Florida Marlins and ultimately lost his starting third basemen job to Jorge Cantu. While waiting in the wings in Triple-A Albuquerque for a call from the Marlins that never came, Dallas once again hit 40 home runs (42, actually).
Despite these impressive numbers, Cantu and the Marlins first baseman Mike Jacobs kept Dallas from being called-up, that is until September when Dallas joined the squad with new, young talents like Cameron Maybin and Gaby Sanchez. Not surprisingly, the Marlins gave Mcpherson just eleven at-bats while focusing most of their attention on the youth movement.
With Mike Jacobs out of the picture (traded to Kansas City), it appears that Dallas will once again get an opportunity to shine during Spring Training next month. He’s a natural third basemen but can also play first if needed. The question is, will the Marlins give him a fair opportunity or will they rush Gaby Sanchez to replace Jacobs' big bat?
Dallas has the ability to lead the team, if not the entire league in home runs when healthy. He’s also got something to prove to the fans and most of all, himself. No one wants the tag “Career Minor Leaguer” but at this stage of the game he’s pretty close to earning it.
Look for a very determined and focused Mcpherson to show up to camp in February. With Hanley and Uggla being known for going into deep power slumps throughout their career, it could be chants of “DALLAS” that rain through Dolphin Stadium in 2009 if Mcpherson finally breaks out.
Questions? Send to Marlins.Examiner@Gmail.com
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