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Florida Marlins

Rotation
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1 Dontrelle Willis: Last season's rise in ERA will be a continuing trend. Look for him to stay around 4.00.
2 Scott Olsen: Best stuff on this staff. Can blow hitters away.
3 Josh Johnson: Outstanding 2006 season. Will see a substantial decline, but still be a good top-of-the-rotation starter.
4 Anibal Sanchez: Average starter. Could pitch like a #2-#3 starter.

5 Ricky Nolasco: Effective innings-eater at the back end. Decent control. Doesn't scare hitters.
CL Taylor Tankersley: Control issues. ERA will rise. Racks up Ks.
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Lineup
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C Miguel Olivo: Has never had an OBP above .290 and don't expect him to get over the .300 hump this season.
1B Mike Jacobs: Slugger. Slow. Liability with the glove.
2B Dan Uggla: Best glove on the team. Powerful bat for 2B. Must not let his OBP drop.
3B Miguel Cabrera: Will be an MVP candidate...for a long time. His home run power will jump back into the 30's.
SS Hanley Ramirez: All-Star level SS. All-around solid player. Huge base running threat. Super potential.
LF Josh Willingham: Bat could make him a star. Bat would be more helpful at catcher. Can't play defense.
CF Alfredo Amezaga: Worthless player as a starter. Zero power. Speed his only asset.
RF Jeremy Hermida: Lots of potential. Good breakout candidate. Power/speed combo.
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Conclusion: The Marlins have a below average defense outside of Uggla. The entire infield and the corner outfielders make up a tremendous top half of the batting order. Unfortunately, Olivo and Amezega are drastic holes at the bottom of the order. Aaron Boone, Joe Borchard, and Cody Ross make for a potentially capable, but not exceptionally strong, bench. Willis is the "old man" of the rotation at 25-years-old. The rotation is strong from top to bottom, but lacks a true ace. Willis needs to revert back to his 2005 form and/or some of the other youngsters need to break out for the Marlins to compete for the Wild Card. Kevin Gregg is a good reliever and Sergio Mitre will be a valuable arm in the bullpen, if he's not starting. Tankersley will hold on to the closer's job long enough to get 30 saves, but he won't dominate.

Projection: 78-84 4th in the NL East

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