Miami Marlins Are a 2015 MLB Playoff Contender
After a busy offseason, the Miami Marlins have emerged as a 2015 MLB playoff contender
The Miami Marlins have become big spenders since the Winter Meetings in San Diego and continue to improve their roster over last season’s 77-85 club.
Marlins’ general manager Dan Jennings has been busy by acquiring second baseman Dee Gordon, first baseman and outfielder Michael Morse, pitcher Mat Latos and several others in December. With the youth of the Marlins and trading their top prospects for veteran leadership, Miami is setting up their roster nicely for a run at a postseason spot.
With the Braves losing pieces from their team, the Phillies not improving their roster and the Mets still not showing signs of contention, the Marlins will be the Nationals’ main competitor for the National League East division. With marquee free agents heading to the American League, that weakens teams in the National League and gives the Marlins an easier path to a potential playoff birth.
Second baseman Dee Gordon earned his first All-Star appearance in 2014, and deservedly so. Gordon improved his range defensively and showed his arm strength numerous times throughout the season. Perhaps what is most impressive is the steady improvement of his offense. Gordon hit .289 at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup and led all of baseball with 12 triples and 64 stolen bases. Adding a great glove and a table setter to the top of the lineup gives the Marlins another weapon to produce runs.
Michael Morse is coming off of a World Series championship with the San Francisco Giants. Morse is most excited about the potential the Marlins have in the near future. Morse can play outfield, but it is likely he plays first base. Morse hit .279 last season with 16 home runs and 61 RBI’s. Players who transition from playing in the field to playing first base often see their offensive numbers go up, which can only help the Marlins and their production. Morse also gives superstar power hitter Giancarlo Stanton protection in the middle of the lineup.
Starting Pitcher Mat Latos was acquired from the Reds and is coming off of an injury-shortened season in 2014. Latos has been consistent throughout his six-year career with a 3.34 ERA. The Marlins added Jared Cosart to their rotation last season and adding Latos will give them a good front of the rotation. Latos, 26, is a free agent after the 2015 season and could be retained by the Marlins if he returns to form after his injury. If he can return to form, Latos will add a consistency to the top of the rotation.
Jose Fernandez is expected to return as the ace of the Marlins rotation. Fernandez, 22, is quickly becoming one of the best pitchers in baseball. Through 36 starts Fernandez owns a 2.25 ERA and a 16-8 record. The anchor of the Marlins staff, Fernandez finished his rookie season with 187 strikeouts in 172.2 innings pitched. Fernandez proved he has top-of-the-line stuff and can command his pitches. Fernandez is on track to return during the midpoint of the season and return at full health after coming off Tommy John Surgery that ended his 2014 season.
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With Fernandez out until the midpoint of the season, it will be up to Latos, Henderson Alvarez and Cosart to anchor the pitching staff. Dan Haren was also acquired by the Marlins as a part of the deal for Dee Gordon. Haren can be used as a starter with Tom Koehler and David Phelps to fill the final rotation spot until Fernandez comes back. Miami’s rotation, especially when Fernandez returns, has potential to win games and eat innings to preserve the bullpen until they are needed.
RotoChamp projects the Marlins’ 2015 lineup:
2B Dee Gordon (2014: .289, 2 HR, 34 RBI)
LF Christian Yelich (2014: .284, 9 HR, 54 RBI)
RF Giancarlo Stanton (2014: .288, 37 HR, 105 RBI)
1B Michael Morse (2014: .279, 16 HR, 61 RBI)
CF Marcell Ozuna (2014: .269, 23 HR, 85 RBI)
3B Martin Prado (2014: .316, 7 HR, 16 RBI)
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2014: .220, 11 HR, 44 RBI)
SS Adeiny Hechavarria (2014: .276, 1 HR, 34 RBI)
The Marlins have a dose of speed and guys who will get on base at the top of the lineup with Gordon and Yelich. Stanton now has protection behind him in Morse that both show power threats. Ozuna, Prado, Saltalamacchia and Hechavarria can all clean up whatever the middle of the lineup needs. Ozuna showcased his power in 2014 with 23 home runs and driving in 85 runs. The Marlins now have a balanced lineup that can score at any time.
With a weakened National League and the NL East declining, the Marlins are poised for a playoff run. They have an improved offense and rotation with the offseason still in full swing. The Marlins have shown that they are willing to spend money following the 2011 season when they signed Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle. Miami may be willing to go after another starting pitcher, such as James Shields or Max Scherzer to add an extra power arm to the rotation. The Marlins are poised to make a run at the NL East and a NL Wild Card spot.