2013 MLB Team Previews – Miami Marlins
A new high-profile manager and exorbitant free-agent spending spree had many of the baseball experts touting the newly-named Miami Marlins as the team to watch in 2012. Ozzie Guillen got off on the wrong foot with the Miami fans and never really recovered while none of the players brought in to help turn things around ever came close to living-up to their inflated contracts.
The Marlins decided pulled the plug on the whole program in an effort to cut their losses by cleaning house starting with their manager on down the list.
They once again find themselves back at square one with young prospects and journeyman veterans that have them sporting the longest odds of any team in the National League to win the pennant this year.
Bovada’s Odds to Win
- NL East: +5000
- National League: 75/1
- World Series: 200/1
Key Additions
While everyone focused on the numerous subtractions from Miami’s roster, it started the rebuilding process by hiring Mike Redmond as its new manager and polar opposite to Guillen. Jacob Turner, Henderson Alverez and Nathan Eovaldi joined the starting rotation through the various trades with the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Tigers and Rob Brantley was brought in to handle the catching duties.
Projected Starting Line-Up
- 1. Juan Pierre, LF
- 2. Placido Polanco, 3B
- 3. Giancarlo Stanton, RF
- 4. Logan Morrison, 1B
- 5. Justin Ruggiano, CF
- 6. Donovan Solano, 2B
- 7. Rob Brantly/Jeff Mathis, C
- 8. Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
Stanton was more than vocal with his displeasure concerning the current state of this team and remains a central figure in possible future trade talks, but for now he will be counted on the anchor this unproven lineup. Polanco is another new addition at third base, but it remains to be seen how long his bad back can hold up as an everyday player. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Morrison is expected to begin the season on the DL after undergoing surgery on his knee last September.
A quick return to the lineup could be crucial to avoid being buried in the standings before Memorial Day.
Projected Starting Rotation
- 1. Ricky Nolasco
- 2. Henderson Alvarez
- 3. Wade LeBlanc
- 4. Jacob Turner
- 5. Nathan Eovaldi
Nolasco reportedly wanted out of Miami as well after last season’s sell-off, but the right hander is the only bona fide starter in the rotation so he can expect to remain with the team for at least the first half of the season. Every other pitcher has the potential to be a quality arm and will certainly get a chance to prove they belong in the Majors.
Closer
- Steven Cishek
Cishek replaced Heath Bell as the Marlins’ closer midway through last season and responded with 14 saves in 15 chances. The rest of the setup crew includes Mike Dunn, Dan Jennings and Ryan Webb.
2013 Miami Marlins Prediction:
It is hard to predict anything else than a last-place finish in the NL East, but the real challenge will be for the Marlins to avoid breaking the team record for losses (108) set back in 1998.
Miami has taken a major step backwards by alienating the remaining players and the fans that were led to believe that team owner Jeffrey Loria was actually committed to winning.
