Florida Marlins Closer Matt Lindstrom Flashes a Load of Potential

Matt Lindstrom, closer of the Florida Marlins, was selected by the New York Mets in the 10th round of the 2002 MLB Draft. After being dealt to the Marlins in 2006, Lindstrom was regarded as a top reliever candidate for the 2007 Florida team.

In 2007, he posted a 3.09 ERA in 71 games for the Marlins. Lindstrom boasts some flattering pitches. He has an electric fastball that has been clocked at over 100 MPH. There is no doubt he has all the physical attributes needed to close games.

Pitching two innings for the United States during the World Baseball Classic, Lindstrom did not make a great appearance. He gave up two runs, including a home run during that span. He soon left the team with shoulder soreness, which may help explain his poor outing.

However, Lindstrom does lack control. While watching his recent blown save opportunity versus the Mets on Friday, I noticed he had a load of potential. His pitches were fantastic: a load of movement on his 95+ MPH fastball, and a decent slider.

He did not have any control whatsoever, though. Several pitches were thrown into the dirt or way too high. He only seemed to be able to hit the middle of the plate. If Lindstrom is ever able to gain control, look out.

The potential is there for this 29-year-old. Let's see if he can ever translate it into the dominant closer role. The pitches are there but the control is certainly not.

Watch out for this 2009 Florida Marlins team. They are extremely young, with an average age hovering around 24. They have a fantastic starting rotation headed by Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson, and they have a potent lineup held together by Hanley Ramirez.

If Lindstrom is able to gain the ability to close games, they will be a tough team to beat.