Reggie

Abercrombie

Several of the Marlins’ youngsters have had surprising seasons, but we’re not at all impressed with how the team has handled those who have struggled. Abercrombie obviously belongs in Triple-A, and the Marlins have replacements available, most notably Chris Aguila. Still, he’s been left to mostly sit on the Florida bench. He’s had just 70 at-bats during a two-month span, and he’s hitting .213 for the year.

Fortunately for Abercrombie, Marlins manager Joe Girardi doesn’t seem to like Joe Borchard as a center fielder. However, he has displayed a willingness to use Jeremy Hermida in center and Borchard in right. It may happen more frequently until Abercrombie starts making better contact.

Abercrombie had been in a 5-for-32 slump that pushed his average back down to .230. He’s displayed outstanding power when he’s been able to get ahold of pitches this season and he’s done well for the most part during May, but he’s still not making contact consistently enough to suggest that he’s ready to be a quality regular.

We still don’t think of Abercrombie as a prospect, but he has played like one since being sent to the Diamondbacks in the Steve Finley deal. He’s batting .350/.361/.550 in 60 AB for Lancaster. Of course, he is a 24-year-old in the California League, so the 911 OPS isn’t especially notable.

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The homer came off Adam Miller. Abercrombie, who was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers in April, is 16-for-44 in Arizona. The 25-year-old didn’t do much more than hold his own in Double-A this year, so even though he has tools that most minor leaguers would kill for, he’s still not much of a prospect.

Abercrombie actually made the trip to Albuquerque and then rejoined the team today. Apparently, his demotion never officially went through, allowing the Marlins to continue to carry him.

The Marlins should know what they have in Abercrombie by now. Perhaps he’s no worse of an option in center field than Alejandro De Aza, but De Aza might as well keep getting the at-bats. Abercrombie just doesn’t fit into the team’s plans for 2008, but the jury is still out on De Aza.

The Marlins announced six days ago that Abercrombie was being sent down, only to fly him back from Albuquerque the next day. Abercrombie hadn’t gotten into a game since, as Brett Carroll has taken his at-bats.

It seemed like this was coming when the Marlins opted to promote Brett Carroll. The move frees up a roster spot for Josh Johnson, who will start on Monday. Abercrombie hit .212/.246/.333 in 66 at-bats for the Marlins. He was at .212/.271/.333 in 255 at-bats last year, so at least he’s got the whole consistency thing down.