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Justin · 03-20-2007, 01:15 PM

Young outfielder displaying a variety of skills in spring camp

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JUPITER, Fla. -- Mention the name Alejandro De Aza in the Marlins' clubhouse, and the praises begin pouring out from every level of the organization.

Since the start of Spring Training, the 22-year-old Dominican Republic native arguably has been the biggest surprise in camp.

Still a longshot to make the Opening Day roster, De Aza certainly has raised his stock as a center-field option for the franchise down the line.

"He's a baseball player," hitting coach Jim Presley said. "He does everything well, offensively and defensively."

Manager Fredi Gonzalez gushes about De Aza, noting he brings "energy" to the club.

A case in point came on Sunday in a 3-1 win against the Nationals at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla.

Washington starter John Patterson held the Marlins hitless until the third inning. Trailing by a run, De Aza stepped up in the eighth hole and singled to center. He then stole second and advanced to third on Anibal Sanchez's sacrifice bunt.

Hanley Ramirez's RBI double tied the score, and after Mike Jacobs belted a two-run homer, the Marlins had all the runs they needed to preserve the victory.

De Aza started in center field that day, and he's showing signs that if he opens the season at Double-A Carolina, which is expected, he isn't far away from making the Major League leap.

"It would be a big jump," Gonzalez said for a player who only played 69 games at Double-A one year ago. "He's a guy, at worst, if he doesn't make this club, he's given us the confidence that if something happens over the course of the year that I've got no problems bringing him up."

Asked if he could be an everyday center fielder, Gonzalez said: "I think eventually."

Filling the center-field spot is the biggest position-player opening on the roster. Alex Sanchez and Eric Reed are the front-runners now, with Sanchez an early favorite based on his past big-league experience.

In time, De Aza may project to be the answer in center, plus he can play the corner outfield positions as well.

"I think he's going to be really good," said Cody Ross, another outfield candidate. "He has all the tools, and he has a lot of energy. And he's a great guy."

The Official Site of the Florida Marlins: Florida Marlins' News