The 1st week of February will be a busy one for Marlins fans.  Similar to the Diamondbacks Caravan and FanFest schedule, the Florida Marlins will also have its caravan and fan fest during the same week.  The caravan will begin on Monday, February 2, 2009 and will conclude with the Fan Fest on Saturday, February 7, 2009.

1st Event – Florida Marlins Caravan

The Caravan will be going through several locations in south Florida from Monday, February 2, 2009 through Friday, February 6, 2009.  The schedule can be viewed here.

Highlights of the caravan:

• Autograph session
• Interactive games
• Photo opportunities
• Fireworks show
• Live radio broadcast

Notable players scheduled to appear during the caravan include:

• Hanley Ramirez
• Andre Dawson
• Cameron Maybin – by far the best prospect in the Marlins organization.  Marlins fans should be extremely thrilled they got Maybin in the trade with the Tigers.  Maybin is considered to be one of the top 5 prospects in the nation.
• Jeremy Hermida
• Jorge Cantu
• Dan Uggla
• Chris Volstad
• Andrew Miller
• Anibal Sanchez
• Dallas McPherson
• Taylor Tankersley
• Ricky Nolasco
• Alfredo Amezaga
• Logan Kensing
• Josh Johnson
• Cody Ross
• Jeff Conine
• Wes Helms
• Matt Lindstrom
• John Baker
• Scott Proctor
• Robert Andino
• Burke Badenhop
• Brett Carroll
• Mike Rabelo
• Rick VandenHurk
• Renyel Pinto
• Gaby Sanchez – not considered a blue-chip prospect within the Marlins organization, but put up some impressive numbers in AAA

It should be fairly obvious which caravan stops to target.  The first 10-12 names or so are the main players to target.  Hanley, Maybin, and Dawson are all big names, however, the Marlins have plenty of young talent as well as players who are still up and comers and also were considered top prospects in the nation within the last couple years.

2nd Event – 2009 Marlins FanFest

WHEN:  Saturday, February 7, 2009
WHERE: Dolphin Stadium
2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
COST:  FREE

Highlights of the fan fest include:

• Autograph and photo sessions
• Interactive activities – bounce house, batting cage, rock wall, speed pitch
• Kids clinics
• Visit the Marlins dugout
• Baseball card show exhibit

Official player announcements have not been made, however, it is safe to assume that the players appearing throughout the caravan will be at the Fan Fest as well.