by James Lagrow

Created on: February 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 21, 2009

Okay, for me to run the Florida Marlins - I would need to have full control of the franchise. The following transactions would be made to give my team a very good, athletic, young nucleus. I firmly believe the best teams consist of good pitching, good power, good speed and great defense.

The very first transaction I would make, includes sending Josh Johnson, Jeremy Hermida and Brett Carrol to the Oakland A's for left fielder Matt Holliday. I would drop Cody Ross to the fourth outfielder and convert Hanley Ramirez to right field. The new outfield would consist of Matt Holliday (Left Field), Cameron Maybin (Center Field), and Hanley Ramirez (Right Field). The backup would now be, Cody Ross (All Three Outfield Positions).

I would not make any changes in the infield. With the position switch of Hanley Ramirez, the new shortstop would be defensive whiz kid Emilio Bonifacio. The new infield would be as follows: Jorge Cantu (3rd Base), Emilio Bonifaco (Shortstop), Dan Uggla (2nd Base) and Gaby Sanchez (1st Base). The backups will be Alfredo Amezaga (Shortstop/2nd Base/Center Field) and Wes Helms (1st Base/3rd Base).

Finally, the major hole I believe needs to be filled is behind the plate. My only move here would include trading away back up catcher Mike Rabelo to the Colorado Rockies for backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Torrealba, would immediately become the starting catcher. The one thing he showed in Colorado was a great ability to call pitches behind the plate. He will really be a plus when calling the pitches and working with the pitchers. John Baker will become the backup catcher, but will play a significant role for the ball club. The two catchers will switch between one another on a consistent basis.

As for my starting rotation, the loss of Josh Johson will be felt. However, a healthy Anibal Sanchez will help alleviate the pressure. The front four will be Anibal Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco, Andrew Miller and Chris Volstad. The number five spot will be battled for, with Dan Meyer and Rick VandenHurk the top candidates.The rotation will stay steady, and very well balanced. All the starters will need to do is give me six innings, and a chance to win, the bullpen will get it home from there.

The bullpen will consist of, Matt Lindstrom-closer, Leo Nunez-setup man, Zachary Kroenke, Eulogio De La Cruz,Taylor Tankersly-specialist, Ryan Tucker and Dallas Trahern. The bullpen will be young, but very explosive with high strike out potential across the board. With such a talented

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>