MLB 2017: One prediction for each team

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Oct 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Brad Ziegler (29) pitches against the against the Cleveland Indians in the sixth inning during game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Marlins: the bullpen bails out the pitching staff

The Marlins were all in on elite closers Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman, but came up short. Without Jansen and Chapman, the Fish still have one of the best bullpens in the National League. Closer A.J. Ramos is very capable, and David Phelps and Kyle Barraclough pile up the strikeouts. Adding veteran Brad Ziegler to the mix gives the Marlins four dependable options.

After the tragic death of Jose Fernandez, the Marlins starting rotation is lacking an ace. Manager Don Mattingly will be lucky to get more than five innings out of his starter on most nights. Even if Fernandez had not passed away, the Marlins would still have four question marks in their rotation. Adam Conley had a fine first full year in the big leagues, but is still not ready to lead a rotation. Wei-Yin Chen struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness in his first year in the NL.

Even with the questions in the starting rotation, the Marlins have the bats to contend in 2017. They can look to the Orioles and Royals as example of teams that have made the playoffs with a good offense, dominant bullpen and questionable pitching staff. With an improved bullpen, the Marlins will once again be viewed as a potential sleeper team. Now, if only they hadn’t included Carter Capps in that ill-advised trade for Andrew Cashner last summer.

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