There has been much talk and anticipation over the youth and inexperience that will envelop the Marlins clubhouse and upcoming season with new manager Joe Girardi at the helm.  With Spring Training only days away, extra anticipation lies within four Greensboro Grasshoppers who have earned themselves invitations to big league camp and their chance of a lifetime. 

Jose Garcia – RHP    A 21-year-old from the Dominican Republic, Garcia was perfect during his stay in Greensboro before he was sidelined for most of the season with an injury. In 28.1 innings pitched, this Hopper struck out 39 batters and finished with an impressive 1.27 ERA.

Taylor Tankersley – LHP    His 2-7 record does not reflect how well he pitched during the 2005 season for the Grasshoppers. The 2004 first round draft pick for the Marlins provided quality starts and showed fans why he’s on the Marlins Top 10 Prospects list.

Allen Baxter – RHP    Splitting time between Greensboro and Jupiter, the 6’4" righthander struck out 53 batters in 56.1 innings pitched. Baxter took the mound 23 times during the 2005 season and received the decision nine times.

Brad Davis – C    After a hand injury in the beginning of the season, Davis battled back to start 64 games for the Hoppers, providing defense and stability behind the plate. Also an offensive power, Brad finished the season batting .228 with 13 doubles and five homeruns.

Former Hopper Jason Vargas, who opened his 2005 season at First Horizon Park, is slated to move into the third spot in the pitching rotation for the Marlins, behind Dontrelle Willis and Brian Moehler.

Girardi will open camp with pitchers and catchers reporting to Jupiter, Fla. on Saturday, February 18. The first full-squad workout is on Thursday, February 23.  "To me, this camp is great because guys will have to push themselves," Girardi said. "We have two spots taken and about 40 guys fighting for the rest."

And for Baxter, Garcia, Davis and Tankersley, their big chance can’t come soon enough.