Miami Marlins: Reyes, Pujols, Buehrle Not Enough for 2012 World Series Title

With rumors being that the Miami Marlins are close to signing Jose Reyes and trying to acquire Albert Pujols and Mark Buehrle as well, the Marlins appear to be loading up for a playoff run. However, these guys alone would not be enough for the Marlins to make a World Series run.

This team went 72-90 despite an excellent start to the season last year.  While these three players are all great, they are not enough to turn this team around.

The Marlins need both Reyes and Pujols to join the infield, Hanley Ramirez convert to either second base or third base and Gaby Sanchez to change positions if they want to maximize their potential.

That would give them an excellent infield, but they would still have a below-average outfield. Mike Stanton provides some power in right field, but the other two are sub-par.

The Marlins would have a good lineup, but once you got around Reyes, Pujols and Ramirez it would be manageable.

The real concern is the pitching staff. The Marlins were in the bottom-half of the league in ERA last season.

While Buehrle has shown flashes of brilliance (including his perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays), he is not an ace (as his 3.59 ERA tells us). He and Josh Johnson would be a good 1-2 combo, but not even the best in the division.

One of the biggest reasons the Marlins may struggle to make the postseason is that they have the Philadelphia Phillies in their division.

The Phillies have four legitimate aces and Vance Worley who looked like an ace last year. Their biggest concern was in the bullpen, and they have signed Jonathan Papelbon to address that need.

While opponents will say that the Phillies' main concern was offense, that was because they were all injured last season. If the Phillies stay healthy they have a good offense that wins games.

Even without Ryan Howard the Phillies are a good team and should stay above the Marlins.

The Marlins have some stiff competition, and adding these three guys will not cut it. They will need another pitcher if they want to truly compete.