A couple of interesting players to watch in Florida's lineup are Cameron Maybin and Dallas McPherson. Maybin, along with Miller, was a centerpiece of the Cabrera/Willis trade with the Detroit Tigers and will have every opportunity to succeed in 2008.
McPherson, once a highly-touted power-hitting prospect with the Angels, looks for a fresh start with Florida. However, McPherson may be another Mike Jacobs clone in that he has a lot of power but is more proficient at striking out than getting on base. Jose Castillo is the other option at third base for the Marlins, but he isn't a very good hitter, either.
Lineup grade: C
Bench: Luis Gonzalez will provide some much-needed veteran leadership on the very young Marlins squad, and should be a good spot starter/pinch-hitter. Fredi Gonzalez would have to be mad to start him over Willingham or Hermida, as the Marlins aren't going anywhere in 2008 and should focus on developing talent.
Cody Ross is another able hitter and spot starter, but, like Gonzalez, he plays outfield. Alfredo Amezaga can play a myriad of positions and will give the Marlins some versatility, but by no means is he an everyday player who could ably fill in for an injured player.
Bench grade: C+
This is a very young Marlins team that is beginning to put the pieces together for success in a few years. However, they're going to take their lumps in 2008 with such a weak starting rotation. 2011 is a good year for the Marlins to shoot for in terms of success, as that's when their new ballpark opens. By then, a lot of these young players will have matured and could be poised for a playoff push.
But that's a long, long way in the future, so expect to see the Marlins in the basement of the NL East this year.
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