Where are the penny pinching, low budget Marlins we have been accustomed to in the MLB? We all know the big splash that the Miami Marlins have made this off season with the acquisition of speedy Jose Reyes. They signed one of the best closers in the NL to sure up their bullpen in Heath Bell. We are aware of their new, unique stadium. We have seen their new uniforms. We heard about Hanley Ramirez moving to third base. We all are left to wonder if Ozzie Guillen can control this powder keg of a locker room. Putting that all aside and just looking at the main piece to making sure the Marlins get back to October glory is their vastly improved pitching staff.
Can this pitching staff get the Marlins to the postseason and give them a chance for a 3rd World Series title? I decided to take a look and do some investigation myself.
Their projected rotation boasts Josh Johnson, Mark Buerle, Anibal Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco and Carlos Zambrano.
We all know what we can expect from JJ. He has been consistent since he has broken into the bigs being one of the true elite, and underrated pitchers in the game. Playing in the depths of unoccupied Florida, hidden from the public eye. All true baseball fans know how good Johnson is. As a 28 year old, he has accomplished a lot in his short career. Being hurt for most of 2011, the Marlins stayed on the safe side keeping their franchise ace healthy for a huge year in 2012. With the improved offense and bullpen, Josh Johnson will look to break the 20 win threshold for the first time in his career.
Mark Buerle loves playing for Ozzie Guillen. Everyone remembers his ridiculous play between his legs on opening day and his perfect game. What gets lost in that is how consistent Buerle has been in all of his years with the White Sox. He will bring a veteran point of view to the rotation with young arms. He knows how to win and has tasted the World Series championship before. This signing is not only great for improving the pitching staff but also for the character of the team. Buerle is a true leader and will keep the team focused when and if they struggle.
Anibal Sanchez is projected to be the 3rd starter and he has a strong arm. Being young as he is, the Marlins feel confident in his ability to improve. They saw glimpses of brilliance in his rookie year of 2006 going 10-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 18 games. He has yet to get back to that level of pitching but with the guidance of the veterans in this rotation, he should make great strides towards being a front line starter.
Ricky Nolasco is your typical number 4 starter. High ERA but there is always the chance that he weaves a gem. If you have watched Nolasco pitch, you know how good his stuff can be. He tends to walk too many batters but if he can win about 10 games, I think the Marlins would take that. If the Marlins are going to go anywhere this season, they are going to need production from pitchers not named Johnson and Buerle. Sanchez, Nolasco and Zambrano will be huge in determining their fate.
Speaking of Carlos Zambrano, he is a reclamation project. Given up on by the Cubs for his temper and his struggles on the mound, the Marlins are taking a chance with him. Will his personality clash with some of the players? He was ostracized from that Cub clubhouse, and was decidedly disliked by his teammates. If he pitches well it is easy for players to look past his antics but when struggling, his act can get old fast. I expect some true fireworks with Ozzie and Zambrano wearing the same uniform. If the Marlins get anything out of Big Z, they'd be happy. I expect there will be a different pitcher instead of Carlos taking the ball every 5th day by early June.
What's not being mentioned but definitely considered is the Marlins competition. They need to play the Phillies, and Braves with great pitching staffs themselves. They will need to fare well against the class of the division and feast on the weak like the Mets. Their offense will be exciting with speed and power mixed all throughout the line up and their bullpen will be solid at the back end. They will need to figure out a sturdy bridge to get the ball to Bell. The Marlins will need to get off to a hot start to build a comfortable lead while the Phillies try and get healthy. The National League East will be a slug fest and it WILL be decided by starting pitching. What staff can hold up throughout the grind of a 162 game season?
If the Marlins get in the playoffs, watch out. They only get in when they decide to win it all. The only two times that the Marlins franchise has reached the post season, they won the World Series. 1997 and 2003.
Miami has a team and a beautiful stadium now all the fans have to do is show up. Support the team, and enjoy your new ball park. I think we will see these Miami Marlins become celebrities under the bright lights of prime time. They have a chance to be showcased for one of the first times in their history. The team is being talked about and there is a distinct buzz about them. With new uniforms and new players, regular season baseball in Miami has become relevant for the first time.
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