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2016 MLB season: NL East Preview

By Josh Barnhill

Mar 18, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) connects for an RBI double during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) connects for an RBI double during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) reacts at the end of the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) reacts at the end of the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins

The Marlins are still wandering somewhere between really talented and really mediocre. Third place seems about right.

The franchise is clearly looking to make a move towards the top of the division, signing free agents Dee Gordon and Wei-Yin Chen to contracts over $50 million.

Projected Lineup

2B Dee Gordon
CF Marcell Ozuna
LF Christian Yelich
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Justin Bour
3B Martin Prado
C J.T. Realmuto
SS Adeiny Hechavarria

Jose Fernadez has had trouble staying on the field the last two years but he’s been very effective when starting. If he can put together another full year as he did as a rookie (12-6, 2.19 ERA) the Marlins will have a true ace. Chen can serve as a solid number two option if not challenging Fernadez for the top spot.

Projected Rotation

LHP Wei-Yin Chen
RHP Jose Fernandez
RHP Jarred Cosart
RHP Tom Koehler
LHP Adam Conley

Giancarlo Stanton is the big time bat in the lineup – he has produced at least 30 home runs whenever playing at least 120 games. First baseman Justin Bour has some pop behind him and Martin Prado returns after a solid 2015.

The Marlins seem to always have young talent but never put it together. This year does look a little bit different because the young talent is very elite, and they’ve got a balanced lineup to go with it.

If they can find a couple of reliable starters behind Fernadez and Chen they could seriously challenge the Mets and Nationals.

Next: New York Mets

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