Miami Marlins: NL East Should Be Terrified of Marlins

Age and injuries may creep up on the revamped Miami Marlins in the coming years, but the Marlins are dangerous in the short term.

The rest of the NL East should be scared of the Marlins, and that includes perennial powerhouse the Philadelphia Phillies.

The additions of Jose Reyes and closer Heath Bell are game-changers and Mark Buehrle helps solidify the rotation. They also have a leader in Ozzie Guillen, who has proven himself as one of the best managers in baseball despite his off-the-wall personality. Reliever Edward Mujica was also a solid addition, a veteran who will prove to be worth every penny.

But there's more. The Marlins still have Mike Stanton, or, as he's now called, Giancarlo Stanton. Gaby Sanchez is an emerging player and prospect Logan Morrison has a full year of baseball under his belt and is set to do big things.

The Marlins have a great balance of emerging youth and veteran leadership. Carlos Zambrano is the wild card, or, more appropriately, the card who is wild. But the Marlins have such a dynamic offense that Zambrano will still win some games regardless if he pitches at a mediocre level or makes a comeback. Plus there's something about Zambrano and Guillen coming together that has me thinking everything will cancel out. I mean, once they realize they are each just as crazy as the other, there's really nothing to gain by being the emotional one in the clubhouse.

But, in all seriousness, there is a lot to like about the Marlins. Will they win the East? It's hard to call them the front-runners after what the Phillies have done through the years. But, will they challenge for a wild-card spot and apply pressure on the Philadelphia? There's no doubt in my mind.

Perhaps the most concerning thing about the Marlins for the rest of the NL East this year is that they are a wild card, just like Guillen and Zambrano. Yes, everyone focuses on the new proven veterans, but the potential of their youngsters is just as scary. Morrison could have a big year, Stanton is already an intimidating hitter and Sanchez is a steady player. These guys have yet to realize their potential, which makes the Marlins a team that could be even better than expected.

The Marlins will be facing the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals tonight in their brand new ballpark. They know this is their year to shock the world, from the very beginning.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about baseball together.