Beinfest's Faith in Cantu Pays Off

Larry Beinfest gets it right when it comes to making trades or picking players off the scrapheap, and he tried his luck on Jorge Cantu when he signed him to a minor league contract last year in January.

Befinfest felt Cantu could contribute based on his success with the then-Devil Rays. In 2005, Cantu performed his best season for the Devil Rays by hitting 28 home runs and driving in 117 runs along with getting 171 base hits with 40 doubles.

Cantu had a down season in 2006 as a result of injuries, and he was traded to the Reds after that. Despite his past struggles, it did not deter Beinfest from seeking Cantu's services.

Cantu has been an invaluable part of this team since the day he made the team, and he has been one of the team's top performers this season.

He continued his fine season by hitting a two-run home run last night to give the Marlins a 2-0 lead, and then he ignited a six-run sixth inning by being the first guy to get a base hit, and then he would scored the first run of that big inning.

There are many things to like about the Marlins' spark plug.

Cantu gets on base often whether it's working out a walk or getting a base hit, and he drives in runs when there are runners in scoring position.

He hits above average for the most part. His batting average is at .277 right now, but that was a result of his recent slump, which happens to hitters during the course of the season.

When guys like Dan Uggla, Cody Ross, Chris Coghlan, and other hitters were not hitting in June, Cantu stepped up in giving Ramirez protection in the lineup, and he contributed to game-winning hits.

The Marlins improved their defense since June, and Cantu played a role in the team's improvement with his good catches, and his ability to complete a double play at first base.

Cantu's asset is playing many positions, and now he is playing third base with the acquisition of Nick Johnson couple of weeks ago.

He has done a fine job at third base as the position change hasn't affected him as the Marlins anticipated.

The one thing about Cantu is that good things happen when he is playing. He will either get a base hit, walk, or score when he is out there.

He is a manager's favorite because he listens to coaching, and he works hard at his craft. His attitude in the clubhouse is contagious, which guys pick it up by paying attention to his preparation of the game.

Cantu's potential and attitude appealed Beinfest, and that's why Cantu was worth taking a look.

Beinfest's hunch on Cantu paid off well.