There’s not much left among free agent outfielders; Shannon Stewart may be the best bat still standing. On Friday, the Marlins observed Stewart at a private workout. They’re considering him as a center field option.
As Clark Spencer writes, Stewart hasn’t played center since 2000. Even then it was just one game. He hasn’t played the position even semi-regularly since playing 44 games there in 1998 with the Blue Jays. Stewart will be 33 soon and has problems with both feet. Even if he could hit like a center fielder, he probably can’t stay on the field regularly or play credible defense. The Marlins would probably offer a million bucks plus incentives, and then use Alex Sanchez as the backup plan.
I’m surprised they can’t snag a Reggie Willits or David Murphy type, a blocked young guy who could be an average center fielder.
