The Florida Marlins won't be playing baseball after the first Sunday of October, but they shouldn't chalk this up to a loss season.
No one expected these youngsters to end up with a winning record but that is what they have done. This can be an 88-wins season for the fish, if they run the table.
Looking ahead, the team should continue to build on what they have accomplished this year.
What They Have: Great One-Two Punch
Josh Johnson leads the team with 15 wins, 186 strikeouts, and a 3.08 ERA. He is the team's ace and rightfully so. Johnson was able to procure his first All-Star selection this year and this is after coming off Tommy John surgery only two years ago.
Following Johnson is the 12-game winner Ricky Nolasco. This wasn't Nolasco's best season (2008 was) but there is no denying that Nolasco was the best pitcher on the team not named Johnson. Nolasco was able to rebound after being sent down to the minors earlier this season.
What They Need: Other Arms
Adding on to these two individuals is key for the team's success. The Marlins have had the propensity of having to patch up the rest of the rotation after the top guys. This year was no different as seven different men started 10 games or more this season.
Will Andrew Miller ever give us what we think he can?
Is Anibal Sanchez able to go back to his 2006 form?
Can Chris Volstad keep the team in the game with his pitching?
In the bullpen, Matt Lindstrom and Leo Nunez served as the primary closers this season. Both are men who can hurl the ball right by you before you blink. Unfortunately, you need more than heat to succeed as a pitcher in the majors. Thus far, they have a 5.89 and 4.23 ERA, respectively. That is not enticing as the team's final hurler.
The rest of the 'pen wasn't much better at bestowing confidence. The 'pen wasn't at its strongest this season. Far too many leads were blown in the later innings after the starters hand things over.
Part of this was due to so many injuries besetting the top guys in middle relief. Youngsters would be called up from the minors to fill in. The experience is great for the kids, but it can be detrimental when it comes down to critical games.
What They Have: The best hitter not named Pujols
Heard of Hanley Ramirez? If you haven't, where have you been? He only leads the NL in batting average (.341), a full 0.15 points ahead of second place. Hanley tops the Marlins in batting average, RBI (105), tied in doubles (41), stolen bases (26), on-base percentage (.457), slugging (.546), and on-base plus slugging (.970). He's left the yard 24 times so far this season. On the defensive side, he has improved tremendously.
The 2006 NL Rookie of the Year was voted to his second All-Star berth this season. He has embraced the fact that he is the star of the team and is playing, for the most part, accordingly. He is a five-tool player and will continue to be the man who makes the offense run.
What They Need: Dan Uggla to be Consistent
Uggla is a power guy. He knows that, the fans know that, and the other teams know that. Uggla leads the team in home runs this season but he's also hitting around .250 for the season. Uggla isn't the greatest defender either. Anybody remember the 2008 All-Star game?
Uggla needs to show growth or it may be time for the Rule V draft pick to be moved.
What They Have: Chris Coghlan
This year's potential NL Rookie of the Year has been the hottest player in the majors post-All Star Game. He has hit over .360 since the game. Coghlan leads all NL rookies in hits, runs, total bases, and on-base percentage.
He currently boasts a .319 batting average and may finish the season as the first ever Marlins' rookie with a .300 average. The young outfielder should have played himself into an everyday position come 2010.
What They Need: Bonifacio to Improve
At the beginning of the season, Emilio Bonifacio was the toast of the town. The speedster was hitting everything thrown at him. Then the opposing pitchers caught on and Bonifacio couldn't hit the side of a barn.
With his speed, Bonifacio is made to be a lead-off hitter. But, as a lead-off man, he needs to be able to do more to get on base. The kid doesn't draw walks. Lead-off men need to get on base somehow. If Bonifacio doesn't hit the ball, you won't really see him reach first. He also needs to learn how to bunt. Small ball is a must-have when a team can't rely on power everyday.
What They Have: A Good Backstop
John Baker's second year (first full) was just as good as his first. Baker was the team's primary catcher and he fielded and hit well enough to continue that. He might not well-known now, but Baker's production on the diamond should raise some eyebrows.
What They Need: A Definite Outfield Plan
The fish have a plethora of outfielders: Jeremy Hermida, Coghlan, Cameron Maybin, Alejandro De Aza, Cody Ross, Ross Gload, and Alfredo Amezaga. Who are the starting three, is my question? And are these men truly the men we are going to continue to go with?
Outside of Coghlan, every other player is essentially hit or miss. Maybin and De Aza show promise but we can only continue to hope that they deliver.
What They Have: A Home
This season gave us the one thing that Marlins fans have been wishing for—a retractable roof stadium. Finally, the city commission agreed on the new ballpark, available in 2012. The rain delays and washed-out games will be a thing of the past. The new stadium will open up a load of opportunities for the team and for the city of Miami in general.
What They Need: Support
With the brand new home coming, the Marlins will still need fans to come out. Many complaints from fans on why they don't come out is due to the weather. It is either far too hot or because of the rain. With the retractable roof, those complaints will be moot. This team can't only have filled stadiums on Opening Day, when the Phillies, Mets, or Yankees come out, and when they make the playoffs.
Conclusion
Marlins and Marlins fans, let's be happy for what we accomplished this season and make 2010 even better than 2009.
Shane Howard is a member of Hit the Ropes Radio Show. You can check out the web site here. HTR Radio airs every Wednesday at 6 PM ET. This week's guests include UFC fighter Frank Trigg. Be sure to join the Facebook group as well (click here). Also check out FOW for your wrestling news, as well as my work there.
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