Florida Marlins: World Series Bound

The Florida Marlins are number one. On pace to win 162 games this year. Now we just have to decide if Josh Johnson or Ricky Nolasco will start Game One of the the World Series.

All the other teams are looking up at the Marlins. The target is on their backs. But they have been here before, they can handle it.

After three games Josh Johnson is the obvious choice for Cy Young. He is on pace to win over 30 games and strike out over 240 guys. The best part is, it looks like his ERA will come in at an even 0.00.

However, Chris Volstad may give him a late push. He is also pacing over 30 wins but his ERA is a little higher at 1.80.

Watch out for dark horse candidate Ricky Nolasco if he lowers the ERA. He is also looking to win over 30 games for the first time in his young career.

The MVP race looks like it will go down to the wire between Jorge Cantu, Hanley Ramirez, and Emilio Bonifacio.

Cantu looks like he will set a new career high for home runs by hitting somewhere around 108. His likely 270 RBI and .444 average would also be career highs for Cantu. A real surprise considering just two years ago he was fighting for a roster spot with the Marlins.

Ramirez is slightly behind Cantu in the MVP race. His home run total only looks to be about 54 but he will be beat Cantu in the area of RBI with 324. The question here will come down to whether the voters think power or run production is more important.

Emilio Bonifacio is a lock for Rookie of the Year. In his first year it is shocking to know his name will be in MVP contention. His estimated .571 average, 54 home runs, 216 RBI, and 216 stolen bases are all nuts. Did I forget to mention it looks like he will add 54 triples and 324 runs scored? WOW.

Bonifacio is my personal choice for MVP, slightly edging Ramirez and Cantu. 

Back to what we came here to talk about. The Marlins obviously have the best pitching staff in baseball as their top three starters will all be in contention for the Cy Young. Three of the top four batters in their lineup will be in MVP contention.

Is it at all crazy to predict a perfect season for these guys? I mean South Florida is already home to the only other perfect season in pro sports. The 1972 Dolphins just might have to share their glory with another Florida team.

Its pretty simple to say the Marlins will be in the World Series. Its just too obvious to not see. Their lack of playoff experience will leave them blissfully unaware of the pressures of the playoffs and allow them to excel.

Mid-season trades for players like Manny Ramirez and Albert Pujols should help shore up their bench.

Look for them to pick up a C.C. Sabathia type pitcher to keep the back-end of their rotation strong as they approach their perfect season.

The Marlins will win the World Series in 2009, you heard it here first. It looks like they will be facing the Texas Rangers who also look like they will finish 2009 with a perfect year.