It’s not what you think – or so Fredi Gonzalez would have us all believe. This isn’t a white flag being waived over the Emilio Bonifacio project. This is simply a move to get Gaby Sanchez a look at the big league level. Meanwhile, Andrew Miller was optioned to AAA New Orleans to work on his mechanics (got to love the kid, but he just looks mentally weak out there).

Just look at what Fredi said,”We’ll use him as a pinch-hitter, and maybe give him a start when we can here and there. He can play both corners, with first base being the better one. He’s got the ability to be the third catcher. He’s caught before.”

He didn’t even mention the fact that he has been playing third of late. In fact, he seemed more willing to put Gaby at catcher than to put him at 3B. C’mon, Fredi!!!

It is clear that the Marlins like Sanchez and his offensive potential. He can play 1B, sure, but to get him on the field now they moved him to third just to expand his options. Now he’s here. Put 1 and 1 together. Emilio Bonifacio continues to look weak defensively at third, but his offense is also not worth keeping in him in the lineup. Bonifacio has speed, sure, but he has a lot more to learn about being a leadoff hitter and about getting on base. He doesn’t put the ball in play.

Bonifacio is hitting .253 with a .299 OBP. He has 77 Ks in 368 at bats. He has a .928 fielding percentage with 14 errors. On any other team, that would be seen as a weak link and would probably be addressed. The Marlins continue to win games, but they struggle at times scoring runs. Still, they are one of the top scoring teams in the National League. A tweak here and there may translate.

To make room for Gaby Sanchez, the Marlins had to option Andrew Miller. Miller has struggled of late with his control and his mechanics – typical for taller players. Let’s see if he can straighten things out.

Read Joe Frisaro’s report on the Gaby Sanchez callup.