Frightening Fish: 5 Reasons Teams Should Fear the Florida Marlins

When all is said and done, it is undeniable that the Marlins can be one of the best teams in the National League. There are many reasons as to why they are having a poor year, but there is evidence that prove that the Marlins can be true threats to any team in the Major Leagues and here are 5 reasons why.  

Dangerous 1 and 2: Emilio Bonifacio and Omar Infante

When the Marlins acquired both Omar Infante and Emilio Bonifacio there were many doubts regarding their offensive capabilities, the doubters have been proven wrong.

These two players have been extremely successful since the arrival of Jack McKeon. Their success is based mainly on their ability to  get on base consistently and do what they do best; cause mayhem on the base-paths. 

Their abilities have been exposed and a very solid July is an example of it. Bonifacio won the NL player of the month award, for his incredible run where he had a 26 game hitting streak. 

If both these players continue to play baseball like they did in July then pitchers better beware because they will be in for a headache with this 1, 2 punch.

Big Mike: Mike Stanton's Home Run Power

When Mike Stanton comes up to the plate and you're the pitcher, there is only one question on your mind, will he hit it out?

Mike Stanton is young and his pitch recognition is off at times, but when he is hot he will make games hard to win.

Mike Stanton will be a threat to any team playing ball, especially during the late innings. So when playing the Marlins teams need to be cautious because if Big Mike is put in a advatageous situation he will deliver, and deliver it far off into the stands.

Javier Vazquez' Mid-Season Revival

Don't let Javier Vazquez' season stats fool you, he has been very solid for the Marlins ever since the All-Star Break.

Since the All-Star Break Vazquez is sporting a 3.55 ERA and has obtained a Batting average against of .245.

With each start he is improving more and more, his fast ball has more zing to it and he is mixing pitches really well. Javier Vazquez is quietly becoming a solid part of the Marlins rotation.

The next time your team faces Javier Vazquez, remember he may surprise you with quality stuff, so don't underestimate him. 

Bench Ball: Greg Dobbs' Pinch Hitting

Greg Dobbs is playing solid baseball for the Marlins. He is truly doing his part on the bench and when he spot starts he does it with energy and positive results.

As a pinch hitter Dobbs is 7 for 20, and has an On Base % .364. 

He is a true threat late into games and is generally know for his ability to spark rallies and even more importantly come through with 2 out base hits. 

The Marlins use this man as a secret weapon as he delivers when needed to, and when teams face the Marlins they need to be aware of what Dobbs can do during late innings.

A Fine Bullpen

The Marlins have an amazing bullpen and they have improved a lot since last year. The Marlins bullpen has been of great help to the Marlins and their season. 

With players like rookie Steve Cishek, Ryan Webb, Mike Dunn, Brian Sanchez, Burke Badenhop and Randy Choate, the Marlins have developed one of the finest bullpens in the National League. Each of the players mentioned previously have ERAs of a little over 3.00 or under. 

They are all performing well and it makes it extremely difficult for teams to score late against the Marlins. This bullpen will lock down a lead and maintain it and then finally hand it off to closer Leo Nunez.

Leo Nunez is also having a solid year, proving himself to be a strong future asset to the Marlins, his strong fastball and nasty change up will close the door. Though he may give up base runners, he is consistent with closing games. 

Teams, beware of this bullpen. If you're losing by the seventh inning, consider yourselves done.