There is a ton of buzz around the all new Miami Marlins heading into 2012. They’ve got a new stadium, a new manager, new 
colors and uniforms, and a bunch of new players including a new superstar. They staged a coup of sorts this winter, shedding their reputation as penny pinchers en route to making a number of major big money free agent acquisitions The Marlins inked All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes to a $106 million deal, starter Mark Buehrle for $58 million, and closer Heath Bell to a $27 million deal to got a long with some solid core players that they already have. However, the Marlins play in what many consider to be the second best division in baseball and despite all their additions will have to compete against the very strong Phillies, Braves and Nationals to make the playoffs.
Projected Lineup:
- Jose Reyes (ss)
- Omar Infante (2b)
- Hanley Ramirez (3b)
- Mike Stanton (rf)
- Gaby Sanchez (1b)
- John Buck (c)
- Logan Morrison (lf)
- Emilio Bonafacio (cf)
Projected Rotation:
- Josh Johnson
- Mark Buehrle
- Ricky Nolasco
- Anibal Sanchez
- Carlos Zambrano
Strengths:
Batting Order: The Marlins have some serious depth on offense after adding Jose Reyes, the defending NL batting champ, into the mix. The big question is wether Hanley Ramirez will be able to bounce back from a career worst 2011 campaign to fuel this offense, he’s definitely pivotal to the success of this team. Similarly, Mike Stanton is heading into his second full major league season and already has 56 major league homers to his name. John Buck and Logan Morrison are also guys that can contribute strongly.
Top of the Rotation: Josh Johnson is one of the most effective pitchers in the major leagues. Mark Buehlre is one of the most consistent. Together, they can definitely go toe to toe with the other one-two punches in the division. The question is one of health. Johnson missed most of last year with shoulder issues.
Weaknesses:
Chemistry: This team is crazy. Hanley Ramirez has alternatively applauded the signing of Reyes and Ramirez’s subsequent move to third base to accommodate him and refused to shift over and demanded a trade at various points this winter. Reyes is a star on the field but unreliable off of it. Carlos Zambrano is a certified nut-job and was effectively dumped by the Cubs after months of trying something, anything to move him. To top it all off, the manager is Ozzie Guillen and it’s well documented that I think he’s a loudmouth headcase whose more trouble than he’s worth.
Storylines:
Han Ram: The biggest storyline for this team is their franchise player. How will Ramirez handle the move to third? Will he remember how to hit? How well will he deal with Jose Reyes?
Guillen: How will Ozzie do in Miami? We al know he’s wanted to go there for a while and he jumped at the opportunity when it came up. The Marlins have invested a lot in him and in giving him the team he needs. All that remains is to see how he does with it.
Everything else: This is one of the most intriguing teams in the MLB. The Marlins are completely remade and vastly improved over last season. Problem is, are they good enough to compete with the Phillies, Braves and Nats? They have the potential to be the division winner or just as easily the best 4th place team in the league. There is nothing normal and predictable about this team.
Prediction:
82-80, 4th place NL East. This team is supremely talented but I think there are too many question marks to make them a true contender. If there’s one thing Jose Reyes’ time with the Mets has taught us, it’s that his presence on a team does not automatically make them a contender.
Bold Predictions:
- Logan Morrison will tweet from the outfield in the middle of a game this season
- Carlos Zambrano will retire before September 1st
- Mike Stanton will have 40 HRs this year
- The Marlins realize that their new uniforms make them the laughing stock of the MLB and change them
