The Marlins were simply a mediocre team overall last year, and the finished with a mediocre record at 84-77. Hanley Ramirez continues to make a great case for the game's most exciting player and Dan Uggla has proven himself as a consistent 30 homerun threat. Josh Johnson made an incredibly quick return from Tommy John Surgery and pitched well during the second half of the year. With lots of talent in the minor leagues, the Marlins should only go up from here.
Projected Lineup:
C - John Baker
1B - Gaby Sanchez
2B - Dan Uggla
SS - Hanley Ramirez
3B - Jorge Cantu
LF - Jeremy Hermida
CF - Cameron Maybin
RF - Cody Ross
Projected Rotation:
#1 - Rickey Nolasco
#2 - Josh Johnson
#3 - Chris Volstad
#4 - Anibal Sanchez
#5 - Andrew Miller
Closer - Matt Lindstrom
Position Battles:
1B/3B - If Gaby Sanchez can prove that he can handle the load at first base, then Jorge Cantu will probably play at third base. Young gun Emilio Bonifacio is also threatening at third base; if Sanchez struggles during spring training, Cantu could move over to first base, which would open up a place for Banifacio to play.
2009 Outlook: Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla will once again lead the offensive charge, if Cody Ross and Gaby Sanchez can continue to develop into everyday players the Marlins should have enough fire power to compete. Top prospect Cameron Maybin should get the bulk of the playing time in centerfield, he will provide power and speed right away, but he will probably struggle to hit for any sort of average.
The pitching will be led by Johnson and Rickey Nolasco, both can be very effective and are definitely among the better starters in the National League. Flame-thrower Matt Lindstrom should be effective out of the 'pen and sophomore Chris Volstad will look to improve upon his performance in 2008.
Projected Finish: 4th Place, NL East.
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