1B/OF/3B Mark Canha
Feb 25, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins Mark Canha poses during media day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Canha is a rule-5 player, so if he doesn’t make the 25-man roster he’ll have to be offered back to the Miami Marlins, his original team. While that certainly helps his chances of making the roster, remember that he still has never played in the major leagues. He’s worked hard in the minors and put together a strong season last year in AAA, but he can’t be a shoo-in for a roster spot if he hasn’t proved himself yet.
There have been many quadruple-A level players who are too good for AAA but not good enough for the majors. Canha could be a big leaguer, or he could be a quadruple-A guy. If Canha struggles in spring training, the A’s shouldn’t bend over backwards to keep him at the expense of other players who look strong in camp.
Nate Freiman is his main competition for that roster spot, and if Freiman significantly outperforms him in spring training the A’s shouldn’t feel an obligation to keep Canha. I want Canha to succeed, but even with his restrictions he’ll need to earn that roster spot.
My prediction for him is that he (barely) makes the roster out of spring training, struggles in a platoon role in April and eventually the A’s figure he’s not worth it and he gets offered back to the Marlins in May.
Next: Davis