2013 MLB Preview: Miami Marlins
By Aaron Somers
A year ago the spending was plentiful in Miami, as the Marlins were determined to put a solid team on the field as they started play at a brand new taxpayer-funded stadium on the outskirts of the city. A year later and after yet another firesale, what’s left of the Miami Marlins fan base is largely (and justifiably) on edge. There’s no telling what the future, immediate or otherwise, holds for this organization. Patience is going to be king, similar to the situation in Houston. The 2012 Marlins finished at the bottom of the NL East, at 69-93, and after the moves they’ve made this winter there’s little reason to expect that they’ll fare much better.
With the start of the 2013 Regular Season upon us, it seemed like the ideal time to check in with each of our team sites here at FanSided MLB and check out what our experts have to say on the upcoming season. Let’s check in with Editor Ehsan Kassim from Marlin Maniac, and see what he had to say about the team’s best and worst case scenarios, as well as what’s most likely to happen.
Best Case Scenario
Giancarlo Stanton hits 50 home runs, Logan Morrison and Chris Coghlan return to rookie forms, and Jacob Turner and Nathan Eovaldi develop into decent major league pitchers. Marlins make run at second wild card. Jose Fernandez and Christian Yelich make debuts in June and hit the ground running.
Worst Case Scenario
Giancarlo grows upset with direction of team and asks the team to trade him. Logan Morrison does not recover from knee injury and Marlins young pitchers implode. Marlins lose 120 games.
Most Likely to Happen
Marlins have ups and downs all year. Stanton hits 35-40 homers. One of the Marlins young pitchers develops enough to be considered part of long term plan. Yelich and Fernandez make debuts late season.
Unfortunately there’s little to be optimistic for in Miami in the short term. There is, however, some talent within the organization that could be worth waiting for. What remains to be seen though, is how long the organization can keep Stanton focused and driven until this next wave of talent (the aforementioned Fernandez and Yelich, along with Jake Marisnick and Justin Nicolino) is ready to join him. Miami may not be the worst team in baseball this season, but they should compete for a top pick in the amateur draft in 2014.
To keep up on all of your Marlins news from a team of fans who can’t help but remain loyal, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac all season long.