2014 MLB Team Previews – Marlins
Two years ago Miami moved into their new digs at Marlin Park with Ozzie Guillen at the helm as manager and a renewed hope of making a much anticipated return to the postseason.
Things quickly became unglued with that entire situation, so when you fast forward to the start of this season, you have Mike Redmond in his second season as manager, leading a team that went 62-100 last year, which was the worst record in the National League.
Bovada’s Odds to Win
- NL East +3000
- National League +5000
- World Series +10000
- Regular Season Wins 69.5
Key Additions/Departures
It has not been a revolving door in Miami this past offseason but a few prominent faces have come and gone.
There will be whole new look in the infield with Garrett Jones penciled-in at first, Rafael Furcal taking over second base and Casey McGehee manning third base.
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Jarrod Saltalamacchi was also added to handle the catching duties. Gone are Ryan Webb, Chad Qualls, Logan Morrison and Justin Ruggiano.
Projected Starting Lineup
Rafael Furcal (2B)
Christian Yelich (LF)
Giancarlo Stanton (RF)
Garrett Jones (1B)
Marcell Ozuna (CF)
Jarrod Saltalamacchi (C)
Casey McGehee (3B)
Adeiny Hechavarria (SS)
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This lineup probably will not strike all that much fear in the heart of too many starting pitchers this season, but it has nowhere to go but up after the Marlins finished last season ranked 30th in runs, batting average and slugging percentage.
Projected Starting Rotation
Jose Fernandez
Nathan Eovaldi
Henderson Alvarez
Jacob Turner
Fernandez leads the rotation after earning NL Rookie of the Year honors and finishing second in the Cy Young voting with a 12-6 record and 2.19 ERA. Eovaldi and Alvarez are coming off an injury-plagued campaign in 2013 so there are still some remaining question marks with both of these starters.
Turner is listed as the fourth starter, but that is still subject to change following a less than stellar performance last season. The fifth spot in the rotation remains up for grabs heading into opening day.
Bullpen/Closer
The Marlins’ bullpen took a hit with the loss of Webb and Qualls, but it still has a few quality arms in Mike Dunn and AJ Ramos. Closer Steve Cishek is back after finishing last season with 29 consecutive saves, which is currently the longest active streak in the Majors.
2014 Miami Marlins Prediction:
A lot would have to go right for Miami to stay in this division race much past the month of June, but it will not take all that much in terms of injuries and/or poor performance to send it spiraling towards another last place finish in the NL East.
The best case scenario would be a 70+ win season, but I would not be too quick to jump on the OVER for the Marlins’ projected win total of 69.5 games.
