MLB Sleeper Team of 2008: Florida Marlins

When you take a look at the Florida Marlins, all that comes to mind is young talent. Yes, the departure of superstar Miguel Cabrera puts a dent in the offensive category, but what they got out of the deal was superb young talent. 

You may be asking, “How can they get younger by getting rid of Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis?”

The addition of two of the most sought after prospects, 21-year-old Cameron Maybin and 22 year old Andrew Miller, adds so much potential talent to an already young team that it is impossible to rule the Marlins out early on. There are four basic aspects of baseball that the Marlins must seize in order to outplay and outsmart their opponents: hit, run, and most importantly pitch well and field without errors.

The youthful talent on the Marlins makes it easy for chemistry to exist, due to the fact that most of these guys have been through the same struggles of making it into the majors. The addition of Cameron Maybin will most likely result in Hanley Ramirez moving to the three spot in the lineup which will result in a HUGE offensive year. The lineup could look similar to this:

1) Cameron Maybin

2) Dan Uggla

3) Hanley Ramirez

4) Luis Gonzalez

5) Jorge Cantu

6) Jeremy Hermida

7) Mike Jacobs

8) Matt Treanor 

One can only imagine how this offense will strive this season, but right now, it looks very promising.

Maybin, in his first full season, should hover around the .280 average mark for the season. He should be the catalyst for a tremendous, young team that has the potential to raise eyebrows in the National League. The addition of Gonzalez and Cantu only provides more punch in the middle of the lineup. Cantu had a disappointing tenure in Tampa, but showed signs of being a star in 2005. 

By finding a new atmosphere, the Marlins are hoping he jumps out from the gates and starts off the season clobbering the ball. Also, the veteran presence of Luis Gonzalez will rub off on the youngsters and guide them towards playing the game the right way.  Gonzalez, a World Series champion in 2001, knows the game well enough to teach the guys how to play during pressure situations and what it means to possess team chemistry. As stated when Gonzalez signed with the Marlins, “He is extremely excited to be the veteran presence and play with this young versatile Florida team.”

The speed of Maybin and Ramirez will certainly be keeping the opposing pitchers on their toes. There’s no better way of getting in a pitcher's head when he knows that the guys on the bases have the skills to steal a base at any given pitch. Having the presence that Hanley already has on the base path and that Maybin will have, will be an enormous advantage during key situations of the game.

Also, the maturation of Jeremy Hermida from last season should help bring fear into the opponents.  The Marlins have a solid lineup up and down the order and should be making a run for a place in the top five offensive teams in the National League. 

Looking to improve from a league-worst .977 fielding percentage, the speed of Maybin in center field will vastly improve this number. Also, facing the fact that this team is so young, every year has the chance to improve from the others. Getting a feel for the game may take a few years for some players and this year the slate is totally wiped clean. 

By improving their fielding reputation, the pitching staff would also benefit by lowering the number of runners on base and runs scored in the game. This also would take a load of pressure off the pitchers and make for a much needed sense of confidence.

Considering the pitching staff accounted for a National League worst 4.94 ERA, a vast improvement of defense will be needed in order to contend this season. 

The pitching staff has to take in consideration that they allowed the NL worst 661 base on balls. That is not acceptable for a team that struggles to field and doesn’t allow the fielders to be expecting the ball. To go along with the walks, they tied in the lead for HPB. During spring training which takes place this week, all pitchers on the Marlins should work on discipline and control. 

In order to win, the pitching has to be in place and ready to pitch to the batters and not let the other teams control the game. By throwing to the opponents and not away from them, this will keep the defense on their toes and immensely improve a defense in need of positive reinforcement. Andrew Miller will have to anchor a staff in need of an ace. This will be Miller’s first full season as a starter, so expect to see him struggle at times, but this big lefty will adjust and become the leader of the Marlins pitching staff.