Bright new beginning, but will new found wealth result in success?
The big story in baseball this off season has been the new era of baseball in Florida. After numerous years of a serious lack of money, the Marlins finally moved home and became the Miami Marlins, along with more money than they could shake a stick at and a brand new resplendent ballpark.
With a massive increase in expected revenue, the owners flashed the cash with big name signings Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle, while the likes of Pujols and Wilson were most certainly on the wish list. Indeed, the Marlins spent more on the contract of Jose Reyes than they did on their entire Opening Day rosters for four years between 2006-2009.
A potent line-up includes five players that are genuine home run threats, led by Giancarlo Stanton, who led the club with 34 home runs in 2011, while the arrivals of Carlos Zambrano and manager Ozzie Guillen will provide many headlines. On the pitching front, the potential of a Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle one-two punch is breathtaking, but Johnson is coming off an injury ravaged year, with Heath Bell’s arrival improving the bullpen.
IN : Heath Bell (RP – San Diego), Mark Buehrle (SP – Chicago W.S.), Rob Delaney (RP – Tampa Bay), Chad Gaudin (RP – Toronto), Austin Kearns (OF – Cleveland), Wade LeBlanc (SP – San Diego), Jose Reyes (INF – N.Y. Mets), Aaron Rowand (OF – San Francisco), Gil Velazquez (INF – L.A. Angels), Carlos Zambrano (SP – Chicago Cubs)
OUT : Alfredo Amezaga (RP – Chicago Cubs), Burke Badenhop (RP – Tampa Bay), John Baker (C – San Diego), Mike Cameron (OF – Washington), Clay Hensley (SP – San Francisco), Jose Lopez (INF – Cleveland), Vinny Rottino (OF – N.Y. Mets), Brian Sanches (SP – Philadelphia), Joe Thurston (INF – Houston), Javier Vasquez (SP), Chris Volstad (SP – Chicago Cubs)
Catchers : John Buck is the clear starter and provides both defensive steadiness and a power bat. In his first year as a Marlin in 2011, the 31 year old veteran hit .227 and 16 homers. His back-up is Brett Hayes, who has had just 218 at bats since his debut in May 2009. Like Buck, he has a poor average and strikes out far too much, but does have decent pop. A lack of depth is clear, with a trio of career Minor Leaguers being invited to Spring Training, led by Clint Simmons.
Infielders : Despite a history of injury worries, the first statement signing made by the ‘new’ franchise was that of Jose Reyes. The speedy Dominican has stolen 370 bases, hit 99 triples and been called up to four All-Star games since making his debut in 2003. He left the Mets on the back of his first NL Batting Championship, hitting a career high .337. After over 1000 games for New York, the 28 year old signed a six year deal in Miami. His signing has led to fellow All-Star Hanley Ramirez moving to third base. Another with a history of injuries, he is coming off a season in which he had career worst figures in games played, batting average, home runs and RBIs, although he ranks in the top five in franchise history in most offensive categories. Omar Infante and Gaby Sanchez are likely to complete the starting infield. Both hit for a solid average and are good defensively, while Miami born Sanchez is coming off back-to-back 19 home run seasons. Emilio Bonifacio has not only one of the best names in the game, but is as solid a back-up as you’ll find. He has stolen 73 bases in his three seasons in Miami and will be a great late game option. A solid infield also includes veteran Gregg Dobbs and Donnie Murphy, while Matt Dominguez is the sole youngster of the infield corps. Terry Tiffee and Gil Velazquez are solid, veteran Spring Training invites, but a deep infield will make it difficult for them to force their way onto the Major League roster.
Outfield : Giancarlo Stanton is the star, and sole righty, of the outfield and is coming off a sophomore year in which he hit 34 home runs and 87 RBIs. He is likely to be partnered by Logan Morrison and Chris Coghlan, although the centre field spot seems up for grabs, with Bonifacio an option. Coghlan is coming off an injury hit 2011 season and is a terrific defensive player, but hasn’t been much a power hitter, unlike Morrison who was second on the team with 23 home runs last year. Austin Kearns and Aaron Rowand are veteran non-roster invitees who have a great shot at making the roster with impressive Spring Training performances. Rowand could be the answer to the centre field problem, having claimed two World Series titles and an All-Star appearance. The young options include Bryan Petersen, a speedster, along with Kevin Mattison and Scott Cousins.
Starting Pitchers : The Marlins have a very deep starting rotation, with eight players challenging for the five starting slots. Clearly, Josh Johnson and new signing Mark Buehrle are the top two. Johnson has a career 2.98 ERA, while Buehrle will pitch for a National League team for the first time after signing from the White Sox. The 32 year old has a career 161-119 record, has pitched 200 innings in nine consecutive seasons and has pitched both a no-hitter and a perfect game. Anibal Sanchez had a great 2011, despite an 8-9 record and could earn the number 3 slot. A career 3.72 ERA in 113 starts shows his ability, while the ability of fellow starter Carlos Zambrano has never been questioned. His mental state, however, has been his worst enemy for numerous years and a fresh start, alongside manger Ozzie Guillen could be just what Big Z needs. Ricky Nolasco is also expected to make the rotation, although a 4.67 ERA in 32 starts last season was hardly convincing. 21 year old lefty Brad Hand had a very unlucky rookie season, going 1-8 despite a 4.20 ERA that was hardly awful for such a youngster. Wade LeBlanc and Alex Sanabia complete the rotation depth and both pitchers are more than capable of stepping up should those higher up the depth chart suffer an injury or loss of form.
Relief Pitchers : Heath Bell arrives from San Diego to be the closer, having saved 132 games in the last three seasons and will be counted on to put up similar numbers in Florida. Edward Mucija, Randy Choate and Steve Chisek are all returning after sub 3.00 ERA seasons, and again will be expected to be the core of the bullpen, while lefty Mike Dunn appeared in the most games (72) and was another solid option with a 3.43 ERA, as was 6’6’’ Ryan Webb. Should these six pitchers replicate their 2011 numbers, then the Marlins will have one of the strongest bullpens in the game. Like Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona, last year’s closer is in the middle of an identity scandal. Juan Oviedo, who was known as Leo Nunez and thought to be a year older than advertised, is currently on the restricted list and the issue will need to be resolved before he can make the roster. Jose Ceda and Chris Hatcher could earn some game time but lack both the consistency and experience to be considered in crucial situations. Chad Gaudin is the highest profile non-roster invite.
PREDICTION : All teams bar the Mets have a realistic play-off chance in the NL East and I expect the Marlins first season in their new stadium will end with a play-off berth. They are very deep in every position except catcher, with a strong line-up with a mixture of speed and power, while their pitching staff is both deep and impressive. The Phillies should win the division, but I expect the Marlins to be just behind them in second place.
