RADIO
Miami Marlins 2014 Outlook
Oh the Miami Marlins, what a unique yet confusing organization to follow. Yes, it’s true that not many teams can say they have won two World Series within a handful of years, but how many teams have suffered that much turmoil and uncertainty throughout their existence? Going into the 2013 season, if the average baseball/fantasy fan took a quick glance at the Miami Marlins, they probably only noticed Giancarlo Stanton. The main reason being, throughout 2012 the team once again traded away all its big pieces (Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle) for young prospects and unknown names.
As the 2013 season developed one name really jumped out and made a splash in the baseball world, Jose Fernandez. A 20-year-old pitcher that had not pitched above the Single-A level going into last season, he became the ace of the staff and won Rookie of the Year honors with ease.
The Miami Marlins might not be favorites to win a World Series anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean they are short on potential. With a pitching staff that includes 4 promising pitchers all under the age of 23, and an outfield that includes the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and an up-and-coming Christian Yelich, there is plenty of upside to go around.
Notable Offseason Acquisitions & Departures
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Logan Morrison, Casey McGehee, Garrett Jones, Rafael Furcal are a few of the notable names that the Miami Marlins have had in their news this offseason.
There may not have been a team that needed a catching upgrade more than the Marlins. Miami catchers combined to bat .192/.249/.280, which ended up translating to a league-worst wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) of 43. Saltalamacchia, 28, batted .273/.338/.466 to go along with 14 homers last season. Will be a name to keep an eye on.
The Marlins have been on a search to find an answer to their woes at the third base position. They filled that spot by agreeing to a one-year deal with Casey McGehee. McGehee, who spent last season playing in Japan, broke into the majors in impressive fashion with the Brewers in 2009-2010. He batted .291/.346/.477 with 39 homers in 273 games (1064 plate appearances). His production suffered over the next few years; his stat line was a miserable .221/.282/.351 in 952 plate appearances prior to his move to Japan.
Garrett Jones is one of those names not too many baseball fans (outside of Pittsburgh) have heard much about. Last season, Jones batted .233/.289/.419 with 15 home runs in 144 games for the Pirates. In 2012, Jones was able to connect on 27 homers. Now 32, Jones seems to be in a bit of a decline, but the Marlins are hoping he can offer them production similar to his 2012 numbers. Obviously expectations should be kept in check.
Stay tuned for in-depth hitter, pitcher and prospect previews that will be coming within the next month.
