FLORIDA MARLINS.

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Author: Frisaro, Joe

Although SS Alex Gonzalez's elbow injury limits his ability to make long throws from the hole, he will be in the lineup whenever he's able to play. Veteran utilityman Damion Easley is Gonzalez's main backup, and the club also has rookies Robert Andino and Josh Wilson available to play shortstop. … In an attempt to spark the offense, the team will have 2B Luis Castillo bat leadoff more down the stretch. Normally the No. 2 hitter, Castillo isn't as fast as CF Juan Pierre, who was dropped to the seventh spot, but Castillo draws more walks. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: One reason Castillo rarely gets knocked down while turning double plays is his positioning. On ground balls hit to the left side, Castillo turns two by planting his left foot on the middle to outer part of the bag and keeping his right foot away from runners. That positioning gives Castillo a better chance to avoid contact with runners who slide hard over the bag.

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By Joe Frisaro