2008 Florida Marlins Baseball Preview

The Florida Marlins (79- 91) are once again the team to beat-up on. Since 2003 when they notched 91 wins, it’s all been downhill.

The bullpen is average and the rotation is less than average. It’s a young staff that needs time to develop. The team’s ERA (4.94) was the highest in the NL and opponent’s batting averages (.285) were also the highest. Righty Anibal Sanchez (2- 1, 4.80 ERA, 14 SO) has excellent arm speed and some good stuff but durability is a question. Young lefty Andrew Miller (5- 5, 5.63 ERA, 56 SO) can be a frontline pitcher once he develops. The bullpen was amazingly good, saving a total of 40 games. Closer Kevin Gregg (0- 5, 3.54 ERA, 32 SV, 87 SO, .206 BAA) converted 32 of 36 save opportunities. If he can control his tendency to walk guys, he’ll be even better.

The bats are not bad in Florida. They’re a little better than average and the slugging percentage, which stood at .448 last year, was rated third. Hanley Ramirez (.332 BA, 29 HR, 81 RBI) is a five-tool player with fine speed and athleticism. Second baseman Dan Uggla (.245 BA, 31 HR, 88 RBI) has good power but needs to cut down on strikeouts. In right field, Jeremy Hermida (.296 BA, 18 HR, 63 RBI) drives the ball into the gap.

The Marlins had the lowest fielding percentage in the NL (.977). However, they were fifth at turning the DP. The outfield is about average, while the infield’s best player is Ramirez. Catcher Mike Rabelo (.256 BA, 1 HR, 18 RBI) is good but not good enough to be a starter.

The Marlins front office works on a collaborative principle and all of the executives have been signed to long-term deals. The idea is to have GM Michael Hill and company look towards the future and not try to fill voids to secure a short-term gain. Manager Fredi Gonzalez enters his third year having done some good work in 2007.

Read more on the Marlins other NL East division opponents, New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.

For more info on the Marlins check out the MLB official page for Florida.