Florida building more than a new team

Originally Posted on 2/18/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008: Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins came into the league the same year as the Colorado Rockies, back in 1993. Since that time, storied franchises such as the LA Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates have missed out on chances to reach the World Series. However, the Marlins have not only reached it twice but won it each time. Following the Marlins first World Series title in 1997, the organization went through a complete firesale en route to then owner Wayne Huzienga eventual sale of the franchise. From there the team was able to rebuild quickly through key trades for minor leaguers and the development of a few others to win it all again in 2003.

Since 2003, the Marlins have been in the middle of yet another firesale which has caused multiple sub-par seasons and during this past off-season, the organization finally traded away the final pieces from that title season. Many had thought Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis would be moved but not in the same trade. In fact, Cabrera was close to moving out west to play for the Angels but the surprise team of the off-season ended up being the Detroit Tigers as they gambled with their future for the instant value of two all-stars in Cabrera and Willis, both of whom were playing in their rookie seasons in 2003.

In return for trading Cabrera and Willis to Detroit, the Marlins received six prospects to build their team around with the likes of current all-star, shortstop, Hanley Ramirez (obtained via the previous Josh Beckett trade with Boston years ago) and other parts in outfielders Josh Willingham and Jeremy Hermida along with some decent arms. Among the six players making the move to Florida were highly touted prospects, outfielder Cameron Maybin and starting pitcher Andrew Miller as well as catcher Mike Rabelo and reliever Eulogio De la Cruz.

The other big news for the Florida Marlins has been all the discussion amongst the team and government officials over the construction of a new baseball stadium. One in which the Marlins have never had. To date, the Marlins have had to share space and play in Dolphin stadium (Pro Player Stadium) which has strongly hindered the Marlins ability to maximize revenue thus preventing them from keeping and obtaining the best talent. Currently, the team has a $515M proposal with two counties to keep the Marlins in the city of Miami utilizing the now vacant Orange Bowl. Included in the final proposal is $155 million contribution by the Marlins for the 37,000 seat proposed venue. If approved, the Marlins will be in their new home by 2011, which might be the next time the Marlins have a winning season...

As for 2008, the Marlins will field yet another young team with superstar Ramirez leading the way. The rest of the team is comprised of Mike Jabobs at 1b, Dan Uggla at 2b (although there have been some talks of moving the power hitter to third), outfielders Willingham and Hermida at the corners with the center-field job Maybin's to lose. If the Marlins decide Maybin needs more seasoning in the minors then look for Hermida to move to CF with veteran Luis Gonzalez taking over in right or left. Two positions that still don't have a favorite are 3b (vacated by Cabrera) and catcher. Third will be battled out by non-roster invites Jorge Cantu, Jose Castillo and Dallas McPherson while the backstop will likely be newly acquired Mike Rabelo of Matt Treanor.

On the mound, the Marlins have a few injury problems with both Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez laid up on the DL. By default, the rotation will consist of Scott Olsen, Sergio Mitre, Ricky Nolasco and the probable newly signed Mark Hendricksen and rookie Andrew Miller. The bullpen has a little more certainty with names like Henry Owens, flame-thrower Matt Lindstorm and Taylor Tankersley holding up for closer Kevin Gregg.

Fans in Florida by now are use to the rebuilding process so hopefully they'll be supportive this go around as the Marlins strive to get back to the success of 1997 and 2003.

Projected Lineup:
1. Cameron Maybin, CF
2. Dan Uggla, 2b
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Jeremy Hermida, RF
6. Mike Jacobs, 1b
7. Dallas McPherson, 3b
8. Matt Treanor, C

Final Five:


1. Fantasy Value: One name worth mentioning, HANLEY RAMIREZ! Whether Ramirez bats 1st or 3rd, he is going to put up huge offensive numbers. Last season, Ramirez, batted .332, hit 29 home runs, scored another 125 while batting in 81 and stealing 51 bases... these are numbers of a premier shortstop and a 1st round pick. Both Willingham and Hermida have solid chances for 20-25 HR's and an average of .275-.300. Uggla has power but always has a low batting average and while Maybin might be a future Alfonso Soriano, he was also only six years old when the Marlins were an expansion team. If he does make the squad, you can expect 10-15 HR's and plenty of steals from Maybin who will probably struggle with his batting average at the get go. On the pitching side, it's too bad Josh Johnson is still hurt as there isn't much value in the rotation, although Miller has ace stuff. Look for Gregg to put up above average numbers in the closers role.

2. Most likely to be traded: Who isn't likely to be traded from this team; it seems anyone that is no longer under control contractually (or an arbitration case) is likely to be moved. However, on this team, veteran additions Luis Gonzalez and Mark Hendricksen (both signed as free agents to one year deals) are likely to be moved to contenders before the July 31st deadline.

3. Break out player of 2008: They traded to all-stars for them so how about Maybin and Miller.

4. Farm Top Five: Excluding Maybin and Miller and you're left with pitchers Chris Volstad, Gagy Hernandez, second baseman Chris Coghlan, first baseman Gaby Sanchez and another arm received from Detroit in De la Cruz.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 64-98, 5th (last) in NL East