Will Marlins Give an Outfielder With a 'Reputation' a Chance?

'Ten months ago (Reggie) Taylor was on the cusp of making the Detroit Tigers' big-league roster. The 6-1, 190-pound outfielder was released shortly before the team broke camp. He hasn't worn an affiliated uniform since.

'Taylor came to the Lancaster Barnstormers in April and put together a fine year. He batted .302 with 23 homers and 77 RBIs in 115 games. His on-base percentage was .395. His slugging percentage was .553.

'Once the Atlantic League season ended with the Barnstormers winning the championship in October, Taylor went to Puerto Rico for winter ball. He put up decent numbers there, hitting .249 with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 48 games.

'It still hasn't been enough to earn an invitation to spring training...

'How can a player who nearly made the final cut with the eventual American League champions last March suddenly be so strapped for work?

'There's one potential explanation. Taylor was hit with an unwanted label early in his career. Some people thought he coasted on talent and prospect status and failed to give maximum effort on the field.

'Reputations stick forever in baseball. Now that Taylor is no longer a coveted first-round draft pick, teams appear less willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

'Taylor is aware of that possibility.

"I might have taken things for granted early in my career and not played as hard as I should play," he said. "I've grown up a lot since I was 20 or 21."

'Taylor has proven his commitment over the past year. He didn't come to the Atlantic League or travel to Puerto Rico to make money. He went there to show he was dedicated to the game.

'Taylor can only hope someone noticed.

'"I did everything I could as far as staying on the field," he said. "I put up good, consistent numbers all year long. Hopefully I'll get into the right situation."

'Taylor said he has received the most interest from the Florida Marlins and San Francisco Giants. The Marlins would be an ideal option because they don't have an established center fielder and they're not likely to acquire one in the near future.

'If neither of those teams offers Taylor a contract, he'll consider playing in Mexico, Taiwan or Korea. He also hasn't ruled out a return to Clipper Magazine Stadium.' (Lancasteronline.com)