5 dark horse teams for 2015 MLB playoffs
By Mark Carman
2. Miami Marlins
Optimism is flowing in South Beach after a somewhat shocking non-Marlin like off-season. Most Marlins with Giancarlo Stanton type talent, end up in another uniform. That didn’t happen with Stanton when he signed a 13-year, 325 million dollar deal. The Marlins didn’t leave Stanton by himself, trading for a pair of All-Star infielder in Martin Prado and Dee Gordon. Gordon could become an even more premier lead-off presence after working with third base coach Brett Butler on the art of bunting.
President of baseball operations, a Marlins type title, added starters Mat Latos and and Dan Haren to back up #1 starter Henderson Alvarez (12-7, 2.65 ERA) . The plan won’t work unless true #1 starter Jose Fernandez comes back healthy in mid-July. Fernandez wants to pitch opening day, but the Marlins are wisely targeting his return 14 months after Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery.
One thing the Marlins pitchers can count on is the players behind them picking up the baseball. Christian Yelich won a gold glove last year and projects to have another productive year. Gordon, Yelich, Stanton is a nice way to start your line-up by the way. The Marlins are strong up the middle with gold glove candidate Adeiny Hechavarria at SS, Marcell Ozuna in center. Behind the plate Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a strong bounce back candidate after struggling last year in the first of a three-year deal after switching leagues.
The Marlins are on a 11-year playoff drought, which is the third longest in MLB surpassed by only the Blue Jays and the Mariners. The NL East favorite Washington Nationals will be tough to catch, but the wild card hunt should find the Marlins right in the thick of it.
Next: 1 Seattle Mariners