MIAMI -- Cody Ross was given the nickname "Toy Cannon" a few years ago for having a deceivingly potent bat despite standing only 5-foot-9. Last season, one Marlins coach made an argument to pin another tagline on the versatile outfielder.

Outfield coach Bo Porter noted Ross had a Gold Glove-caliber season. The case could certainly be made. In 145 games, the 28-year-old committed just one error.

With the Marlins placing extra emphasis on defense in 2009, it's no wonder why Ross is an important part of the team's plans.

When Spring Training opens on Feb. 14 in Jupiter, Fla., Ross will be slotted as the team's starting right fielder. A left-handed thrower with a right-handed bat, he will switch corner outfield spots with Jeremy Hermida, who will move to left field.

"I take a lot of pride in my defense," Ross said. "I always have -- in the Minor Leagues and the big leagues. I think it's a big part of the game that people overlook.

"I try to work as hard as I can with Bo. He's always given us extra ground balls and fly balls, whatever we needed to do extra to try to help us out. It's nice to have that luxury of somebody who wants to help you. We're going toward that speed and defense type of ballclub. I feel I fit right in."

One reason Ross didn't receive serious Gold Glove consideration is because he wasn't established at one position. He opened 2008 in a platoon situation with Alfredo Amezaga in center field. Eventually, because he was producing at the plate, Ross gained a majority of the work in center.

All told, Ross was in center field in 109 games. He also made 17 appearances in left and 35 in right.

Last year also provided Ross with his first real opportunity to being a regular. He posted solid numbers at the plate, batting .260 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs to go along with a .488 slugging percentage.

The more Ross played, the more his solid defense showed. If he repeats how he did in the field this season, he should at least be in the discussion for a Gold Glove Award.

"It's an honor when anybody even says Gold Glove in the same sentence with my name," Ross said. "Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to win one. Maybe in the future, I will. Maybe I opened up some eyes last season. I'm not going to worry about that kind of stuff. I'm going to go out there and play and try to help the team win. That kind of stuff takes care of itself, especially if you win."

"I take a lot of pride in my defense. I always have -- in the Minor Leagues and the big leagues. I think it's a big part of the game that people overlook."

-- Cody Ross

In terms of personal preference in the outfield, Ross likes center field. But the Marlins are ready to hand the position to 21-year-old Cameron Maybin. Down the stretch a year ago, Ross played right to make room for Maybin.

"It doesn't matter where I play, as long as I get out there," Ross said. "I prefer center. I feel like that's the easiest position, but obviously, you have to cover a little more ground and you have to be a little more in control. But I'm fine. I love right. I love left. As long as I'm in the outfield, it's not that big a deal for me. It wouldn't matter if I were in left or right or in center."

The fact he can play all three spots makes him a valuable asset to the club. Ross thanks the Tigers for helping mold him into a well-rounded outfielder. He came up in Detroit's system, and in each of his first three Minor League seasons, he saw substantial action at all three spots.

One of the adjustments Ross expects to make in right field is working closely with Maybin.

"Obviously, it's going to be a little easier with Maybin patrolling center," Ross said. "I'm not going to have to cover as much ground because he's a speedster. It's going to be easier. I'm going to have to be a little focused more covering the line. I know he's going to get to a lot of balls in those gaps. It's different being in right field, as opposed to left field."

After the Marlins traded left fielder Josh Willingham to the Nationals, there was talk of Ross being in left and Hermida remaining in right. But at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas in December, the team revealed it was considering flip-flopping the two.

At spacious Dolphin Stadium, the wall in left field stands 26 1/2 feet high, presenting challenges of playing the ball off the wall.

"In left, you have to worry about the ball hitting off the top of the wall," Ross said. "I think right field might be a little tougher because you have to cover more ground. But I don't know. I was comfortable the last month of the season when I was playing out there."