2007 Florida Marlins Picks & Predictions
May 27, 2008
If the Marlins were actually going to try to build a team around young talent using its farm system instead of buying titles the way they have in the past, I couldn’t think of a better guy to go to battle with than Joe Girardi. Girardi led the team with the lowest payroll in the league to a 78-win season earning the NL Manager of the Year Award when many expected the fish to sink to over 100 losses in 2006. Despite his success, he was canned by owner Jeffrey Loria at the end of the season.
Because of the foundation that Girardi set, I like the fish to see some improvement in 2007, likely making it to the .500 mark. However, playing in a division with the Braves, Phillies, and Mets, the fish may still only be good enough for fourth place ahead of Washington.
Dontrelle Willis was supposed to be the only starter who would give Florida a chance to win, but Scott Olden, Josh Johnson, and Anibal Sanchez all came in ahead of schedule. Injury late in the season was probably the only thing that kept Johnson from winning an E.R.A. title. Olsen’s 12 wins as a rookie were a major surprise considering his slow start, and Sanchez’ no-hitter magic last season gave baseball it’s first taste of a no-no in 28 long months. A staff once thought to be filled with misfits looks to have a whole lot of potential. All these guys have 15-win potential, but an inconsistent offense may keep them from getting there.
The offense starts with Miguel Cabrera. Last season he hit 26 homeruns and added 114 RBIs. This guy still has potential he hasn’t unlocked. Expect over 30 bombs and 120 RBIs as he ups his totals in 2007.
One question hovering around baseball is who’s going to be this year’s Dan Uggla? The Marlins are hoping it will be Dan Uggla again. He came out of nowhere to hit 27 homeruns and add 90 RBIs in 2006. The Marlins can’t afford any kind of a slump from this guy who was vital to their solid 2006 campaign. Lead off hitter Hanley Ramirez is a guy with a huge upside who should only get better. His 74 extra base hits by a 50 stolen base man was good for third all-time behind Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker. In other words, it was the most in about 100 years. This guy could be like an Alfonso Soriano or at least Jimmy Rollins in a few years if his power continues to bloom. With that being said, the Marlins are still a few years away.
Despite finishing fourth in the National League East, the Marlins held the second best home record in the division last season. Finding the fish at home could be a great play to make in 2007 as the value should be great on this under-the-radar club in the NL East.
If the Marlins are your team, you might be waiting another couple years for a division title, but if you’re a gambling man 2007 should shape up to be a nice year for backing the Marlins.
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