Florida Marlins - 5 questions

[Dr. Jack]

Florida Marlins


1: How will the rotation shape up? The Marlins seem to have good young arms all over the place, with RHP Ricky Nolasco (13-9, 5.06 ERA) being the old-timer at the age of 27. The rotation is led by the big RHP Josh Johnson (13-5, 3.23 ERA) who is poised to have a huge 2010. However, there are a number of question marks in the rotation. The Marlins started 11 pitchers in 2009, with only four making over 20 starts. Who among that group will step up and solidify the rotation? RHP Chris Volstad (9-13, 5.21 ERA), RHP Anibal Sanchez (4-8, 3.87 ERA), LHP Andrew Miller (3-5, 4.84 ERA), LHP Sean West (8-6, 4.79 ERA), and RHP Rick VandenHurk (3-2, 4.30 ERA) are battling for the three spots behind Johnson and Nolasco. For the young Marlins to take the next step as a team, they need consistency out of their rotation.


2: Which rookie will start at first base? The departure of 1B Nick Johnson creates an opportunity for two of the Marlins highest ranked prospects to start on the big league squad in 2010. Gaby Sanchez (26 years old) and 22 year old Logan Morrison are battling this spring for that opportunity. Sanchez has the advantage in experience and appears to be the front runner for the job. However, Morrison is considered the second best prospect in the Marlins system and if he shows the is capable of handling major league pitching he could get the nod if the competition is close enough.


3: How will CF Cameron Maybin play in 2010? 2009 was supposed to be the year of Cameron Maybin (.250, 13 RBI, 30 R in 176 AB). He opened the season as the starter in center field and was expected to be a run scoring machine at the top of the lineup. Unfortunately, none of those hopes came to fruition and after a dismal start to the season Maybin found himself back in the minors before the All-Star break. A new season brings new hope and another opportunity for Maybin to prove himself. Again slotted to open the season starting in center field, the Marlins expect Maybin to finally put it all together, building off a successful September call-up. If Maybin truly has arrived, scoring 100 runs and collecting a bunch of stolen bases in 2010 is not out of the realm of possibility.


4: Can the offense continue to produce as it did in 2009? Except for the departure of 1B Nick Johnson, the core of the fifth best offense in the National League remains intact. Led by a legitimate Triple Crown threat in SS Hanley Ramirez (.342, 24 HR, 106 RBI), the Marlins have a very potent middle of the lineup, including 3B Jorge Cantu (.289, 16 HR, 100 RBI) and 2B Dan Uggla (.289, 16 HR, 100 RBI). Leadoff man and 2009 NL Rookie of the Year LF Chris Coghlan (.321, 162 H, 47 RBI) looks to combine with Maybin to form a solid one-two punch at the top of the lineup.


5: Where will the Marlins finish the season? This is a very talented and young team. The Marlins surprised everyone in 2009 by finishing 87-75, despite having the lowest payroll in the league. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has seen his club's record improve every year, and another improvement in 2010 would put Florida in the race for the NL East title. It's unlikely the Marlins will unseat the Phillies atop the division, but with greater consistency from their youngsters the sky appears to be the limit for this squad. You can find the Marlins at 15/1 to win the National League and at 30/1 to win the World Series over at BoDog Sportsbook. Bet on baseball at Bodog.com