SURPRISE, Ariz. -- History has proven that outfielder Chris Marrero's apparent long-shot attempt to make the Giants' Opening Day roster is less inconceivable than it might seem at first glance.
At 28, Marrero would be categorized as a late bloomer if he suddenly began thriving in the Majors. He'd have plenty of company. Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner didn't exceed 500 plate appearances in a season until last year at age 31. Raul Ibanez initially reached that standard at age 30 as he amassed 305 home runs and 1,207 RBIs during 19 Major League seasons.