Florida Marlin's Speed Hamstrung By Hitting Woes

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

The Florida Marlins possess perhaps one of the best crops of raw talent in the National League. Unfortunately for the "Fish," the team hasn't been able to capitalize on this ability due to the lack of consistency at the plate.

Specifically, the duo of Emilio Bonifacio and Cameron Maybin, and their lack of patience, is costing the Marlins.

These two young players have a natural gift for the game that makes scouts drool. Both have tremendous speed and range. Bonifacio has made fantastic plays at the hot corner seem routine during his brief tenure there, while Maybin has patrolled center field like a veteran.

On the base paths, this pair has showcased tremendous ability flying around the diamond. Only one problem remains...getting them on base.

Bonifacio and Maybin lead the team in strikeouts with 23 and 22 punch outs respectively. Maybin has struggled overall at the plate since the beginning of the season. He is currently posting a meager .190 average.

Bonfacio's incredibly hot start has cooled to a .274 overall average. Too many pop flies and strikeouts have crippled them both.

Time will tell how much longer Fredi Gonzalez can wait for these young players to mature. In the rough and tumble landscape that is the NL East, time may be running out for these talented, but hampered speedsters.

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