The Fish will be counting on a 2006 repeat performance from Logan Kensing. Kensing was out nearly all of last year due to Tommy John surgery and will now be back healthy in 2008. In 2006 he was used as a setup man and closer and succeeded in both, at times. He will need to show some consistency, which I believe he can. The back end of the bullpen will begin with these two righties, Justin Miller and Matt Lindstrom. Miller came out of no where last year and became quite possibly the best reliever on the Marlins. At one point Miller had gone 15 1/3 innings in a row without giving up a run. Lindstrom, on the other hand, was traded for last year along with Henry Owens for Jason Vargas. The more I see of Lindstrom and Owens (currently rehabbing), the more I think we need to give some more back to the Mets. Lindstrom reached 99mph a few times and accompanies that ridiculous fastball with an average change/split and slider. He will need to develop his second and third pitches to continue being successful at this level.
Another feel good story in the pen came after many a blown save by Jorge Julio, and Armando Benitez, Kevin Gregg. Gregg came out of no where to take over the closer role after being passed up over and over by Fredi Gonzalez. Finally, Fredi got it right and Gregg went on to be the 4th Marlins closer in a row to save over 30 games after being on a different team the year before (Benitez, Jones, Borowski). The question about Gregg now is whether he will finish the season with the club. With Lindstrom, Owens, Kensing and Tankersley all possible closer options, why wouldn't the Fish dangle Gregg out there for some more prospects.
Come visit South Florida's Sports Blog for more Marlins, and Miami sports information.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Florida Marlins articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete