Fansided

Top 10 MLB sleeper teams for 2017

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (left) relief pitcher A.J. Ramos (center) and first baseman Xavier Scruggs (right) waves to the fans after their last home game of the year at Marlins Park. The Mets won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (left) relief pitcher A.J. Ramos (center) and first baseman Xavier Scruggs (right) waves to the fans after their last home game of the year at Marlins Park. The Mets won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Miami Marlins

Doesn’t it kind of feel like the Marlins are a trendy pick each year? The Fish haven’t had a winning season since 2009, but they always feel like a team on the verge. Having a lineup full of young superstars does that.

This season will be different in Miami. The Marlins will be playing with a heavy heart after the tragic death of ace Jose Fernandez. He left a massive hole at the top of the rotation, and an even bigger hole in the clubhouse, where his infectious energy and passion gave the team a special feel every fifth day. Edinson Volquez was signed to help provide stability to a rotation in flux, but he is not an ace. Wei-Yin Chen was signed last year, and struggled in his first season in Miami. He should be able to rebound if healthy. From there, it gets dicey. The Marlins will need continued growth from Adam Conley.

The offense, like that of the Diamondbacks, should put up plenty of runs. The outfield of Marcell Ozuna, Giancarlo Stanton, and Christian Yelich is one of the most exciting young groups in the league. At second base, Dee Gordon will be back after a suspension cost him most of last season. He gave the team a real spark in 2015, and will have to prove he is still the same player in spite of the PED questions that linger.

The NL East is very top-heavy with the Washington Nationals and New York Mets. Toppling either will be a very tough task, but the Marlins are the most likely to do it. There is potential for the rotation to be solid, the offense is dynamic, and the bullpen is steady.

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