Looking ahead to 2009: Florida Marlins

October 20, 8:54 PMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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The Florida Marlins were predictably surprising in 2008.  What I mean by this is, most baseball fans can predict that about two years after a patented Marlins fire sale the young team comes out of nowhere to become competitive.  They finished over .500 and remained in the Wild Card race until the end of the season.

Young John Baker will begin 2009 as the Marlins starting catcher.  He hit very well in the minor leagues, and impressed the team during a brief call-up in 2008.  Matt Treanor will be the backup, and he’s one of the best in the game in that role.

The 2008 almost-record-setting Marlins infield may not look the same in 2009.  First baseman Mike Jacobs and second baseman Dan Uggla are candidates to be traded.  If this happens the team will lose 64 home runs and 185 RBI of offense.  Third baseman Jorge Cantu, himself providing 29 home runs and 95 RBI, is due for a raise and may be dealt as well.  Shortstop Hanley Ramirez is the only guaranteed starter for 2009 – he signed a 6 year extension last offseason.  While the infield offense shined, the infield defense stunk.  As a unit, the starting infielders committed an unprecedented 68 errors.

The young Marlins outfielders took a slight step back last year but have good offensive potential.  Leftfielder Josh Willingham missed some time in 2008, only playing in 102 games.  Center fielder Cody Ross broke out with 22 homers and 73 RBI, and he will likely compete with young Cameron Maybin for the starting job.  Right fielder Jeremy Hermida was almost dealt for Manny Ramirez, but remained with the Marlins instead.  He needs to hit for a higher average to reach the level of success many expected of him when he was a top prospect in the Marlins system.

The young Marlins pitchers had their ups and downs in 2008.  Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson came back from arm injuries to have good years – Nolasco especially, going 15-8.  Scott Olsen was decent, but he is another candidate for a big raise, and on the Marlins that usually makes you a good candidate to be traded.  Young Andrew Miller struggled with control and command, taking his issues from the American League over to the NL.  Rookie Chris Volstad was impressive in his rookie season, posting a 2.88 ERA.  The team will likely go with these 5 starters in 2009, hoping that they all continue to improve.

The Marlins bullpen was decent in 2008 despite being comprised mostly of young pitchers and journeyman relievers.  Closer Kevin Gregg was solid and the Marlins might be able to sell high on him.  Renyel Pinto and Matt Lindstrom were good in setup roles, but they were both used often in 2008 (67 and 66 games, respectively).  Lindstrom, with his 100 mph fastball, is poised to take over the closers role in 2009.  Journeyman Joe Nelson came back from an arm injury to post a 2.00 ERA in 54 innings.  Logan Kensing, Doug Waechter, and Justin Miller rounded out the relief corps and should get another look in 2009.

The Marlins will once again look to cut cost in 2009.  Some of the current starting position players and pitchers will be gone next year, but that’s nothing new.  The team is able to remain viable due in most part to getting a good return on trades and developing young players in their system.  Don’t look for them to sign any major free agents, but do keep an eye on the production of players such as Volstad, Baker, Maybin and Miller.