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Florida Marlins Predictions / 2010 Season Preview

Shea Matthews weighs in with his Florida Marlins 2010 Team Preview. Don’t be surprised if a Marlin pitcher other than Johnson and Nolasco steps up this season, Florida could challenge for a wildcard berth. Do your MLB betting with Cappers Picks MLB expert picks in 2010 and get ready to cash in big!

2010 MLB Predictions/Previews: Florida Marlins

Hard to believe, as many of us watch the snow fall outside, that the Boys of Summer are almost back. But it’s true; teams have reported to 2010 Major League Baseball training camps and it’s time to start our team-by-team baseball gambling previews for the year.

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MLB Team Preview – Florida Marlins

Time for Florida Marlins fans to celebrate. Now that Major League Baseball is breathing down the Fish ownership’s neck, demanding that it spends more, we may not see the team dismantled as it was several times over the last 15 years. Previously, when the talent got too good and too expensive, the Marlins sold off their assets. Now, as they showed when they extended Josh Johnson’s contract this offseason, they may retain those assets and stay competitive.

Johnson, the unquestioned ace of Florida’s staff, is the poster boy for Tommy John surgery success. With each year that passes since he went under the knife, Johnson gets better. Last year was his best as a pro; he went 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA and 191 strikeouts. Still just 26 years old, he may still get better. Some pessimists don’t see Ricky Nolasco as a viable No. 2 – after all, his 5.06 ERA was ugly – but he’s much better than that stat indicates. He whiffed more than a batter per inning, walked just 44 hitters in 185 innings and had one of the highest opponents’ batting averages on balls in play in baseball at almost .350.

In other words, Nolasco was quite unlucky last year. Don’t be surprised if he really turns heads with a knockout performance this season.

The rest of Florida’s rotation is flexible and has room for growth. Chris Volstad looks like a solid mid-rotation guy and Andrew Miller still has the blazing stuff to dominate if he can ever harness it. The bullpen isn’t an absolute lockdown unit but it has plenty of experienced arms who can close when called upon. Leo Nunez has the job for now but isn’t overpowering. Derrick Turnbow and Seth McClung have both closed in the past, albeit not very well, so they’re good backup plans.

The Marlins’ underrated offense was slightly above average last year and should at least stay that way this year. Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan sets the table like a poor man’s Dustin Pedroia; Cameron Maybin has the tools to become a star outfielder and should be better prepared for the majors this year; Dan Uggla strikes out a ton but gets on base and slugs 30 homers ever year; Cody Ross and Jorge Cantu are underappreciated run producers.
Then, of course, there’s Hanley Ramirez.

He’s the total package offensively, hitting for average, flashing great power for a shortstop and terrorizing opponents on the basepaths. In a better baseball market, he’d be mentioned in the same breath as Pujols or A-Rod.

Clearly, there’s plenty to like about the Marlins’ roster. So where does that situate them in the NL East? Not at the top; the Phillies remain head and shoulders above everyone else, especially with Doc Halladay in town. Definitely not at the bottom; the Marlins have far more talent than the Nats and better depth than the Mets. That places Florida in the middle of the pack with the Atlanta Braves.

If a Marlin pitcher other than Johnson and Nolasco steps up this season, Florida could challenge for a wildcard berth. But I think the Fish are probably another year away from doing so. Expect continued progress from the youngsters and a competitive team – but no playoffs in 2010.

Marlins Prediction: Third, National League East

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Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"

One reply on “Florida Marlins Predictions / 2010 Season Preview”

Florida should be in the mix this year in the East, but just like the Mets I do not see them be able to overtake the Phillies. It could be a race with New York for a shot at the wildcard.

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