Are the Marlins for Real?
Just as
the 2003 Marlins are doing in the MLB, the Marlins are causing a stir throughout
the NIBA. The front office has been active to bring in solid players to
round out the team. Guys like Bobby Abreu, Carlos Delgado, Roy Halladay,
and Melvin Mora have been added to give this Marlins team a shot at competing
for the 2003 playoffs. Let's break down the roster...
Catcher
Pudge Rodriguez will be suiting up behind the plate and big things are
expected from him. Pudge has the potential to hit .300 and jack at least
30 round-trippers. Behind the plate he should be a force, holding base
runners where they stand and keeping the number of steals down. Pudge is a
key to this Marlins offense.
First Baseman
A new acquisition will be taking the field for the fish. This is a man
that will bring the fans in. Carlos Delgado is taking over Derrek Lee's
first base position. He may be a slgith downgrade as far as fielding is
concerned, but Delgado will do big things in the cleanup slot. He is the
anchor of this lineup and should hit at least 40 homers and bat around .300.
Second Baseman
This is where speed begins to be a factor. Luis Castillo will be batting
leadoff and will easily have 40+ steals and likely will bat over .300. He
is arguably the fastest man in this league right now. Castillo shoudl have
a great on base percentage as well and lead this team to the playoffs.
Shortstop
Alex Gonzalez will be starting the season at shortstop. Rumors have been
flying that he may be on the trading block, but nobody would be unhappy if he
stayed. Castillo and Gonzalez convert some head-turning double plays.
Gonzalez is also a solid hitter in the 8 slot, and could even put up numbers of
a #2 batter.
Third Baseman
The Fan favorite and hometown hero Mike Lowell is and will remain the Marlins
third baseman. Lowell is expected to put up at least 35 or 40 homers and
is an RBI machine. He will likely be hitting out of the 5 slot, protecting
Delgado and being protected by Bobby Abreu. Having Abreu behind him will
likely boost his numbers.
Outfielders
Florida currently has an overload in the outfield, with 5 guys who could
easily start on most teams. The likely opening day starters will be Melvin
Mora in LF, Juan Pierre in CF, and Bobby Abreu in RF. Mora is expected to
put up solid numbers, having a good average, a good amount of home runs and a
good amount of steals. He is a solid all around guy. Pierre should
hit above .300 and also swipe a lot of bases. Castillo and Pierre should
make for a solid 1-2 punch. Abreu will, believe it or not, be
batting out of the 6 slot. Hopefully this drop in the order will not
effect his numbers, and we hope to see him have a big year. If anything
goes wrong, Gerald Williams, Todd Hollandsworth, and Juan Encarnacion are all
ready to step in and take over a spot in the outfield.
Pitching
Starters
The rotation will end up being AJ Burnett-Roy Halladay-Dontrelle Willis-Josh
Beckett-Carl Pavano. Halladay should be an upgrade from otherwise having
Penny, but other than that everything remains the same. This staff should
put up great numbers, and beware of the D-Train, the rookie phenom in Florida.
Erickson is waiting to step in should anyone falter.
Relievers
Led by Braden Looper and Ugueth Urbina, the Marlins bullpen is looking quite
solid. Justin Speier was added to the mix to be a top middle reliever, and
Armando Almanza should also be a solid middle reliever. Looper will be
setting up for Urbina.
Prediction: This 2003 Marlins team has no weaknesses, and I feel they can
even compete for the NL East title. Atlanta has by far the best offense in
the league, but we might be able to sneak up on their pitchers. The other
teams are all jockeying for position, and it should be interesting.