Derek Dietrich Fishing for Role With Marlins in Spring Training
By Nate Miller
From 2008 – 10, Derek Dietrich started all 182 games for the Georgia Tech baseball team. During that time, he was arguably the absolute best of a talented bunch that posted an impressive 126-55-1 record, and is undoubtedly one of the top players in the program’s history.
Over his three years on The Flats, Dietrich put up an incredible .331/.432/.586 triple slash line with 41 homers, 38 doubles, 181 RBI and 182 runs scored. In addition, he was named First Team All-ACC and a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award following his junior campaign.
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Though the Tampa Bay Rays selected Dietrich in the second round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft, he was dealt to the Miami Marlins in an offseason trade back in December 2012. South Florida is where the young slugger has been given a shot at the show.
Over the past two seasons, Dietrich has bounced up-and-down between the majors and the minors for the Marlins. Inconsistencies with the glove are what seems to be holding him back to this point, as the former Yellow Jacket has shown plenty of ability with the bat in his hands.
Across 84 games between Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans during the last two summers, Dietrich has hit .283 with 18 home runs and 16 doubles. Throughout that same time frame, he has seen 416 plate appearances with the Marlins, collecting an additional 14 bombs and 40 RBI.
With All-Stars like Martin Prado and Dee Gordon set to be regulars at third base and second base respectively for the Marlins, Dietrich is not likely to compete for a starting role with the Marlins during Spring Training. However, given his power from the left side of the plate and ability to man multiple positions, the 25 year old could be a true asset off the bench in 2015.