Spring training site
Jupiter, Fla.
2007 record
71-91, fifth in NL East, 18 games behind Philadelphia
New faces
3B Jorge Cantu (free agent, Nationals); OF Luis Gonzalez (free agent, Dodgers); LHP Mark Hendrickson (free agent, Dodgers); 3B Dallas McPherson (free agent, Angels); LHP Andrew Miller (trade, Tigers); Cameron Maybin (trade, Tigers); C Mike Rabelo (trade, Tigers)
Biggest offseason acquisition
The players the Marlins obtained from the Tigers in the Miguel Cabrera-Dontrelle Willis deal (especially Maybin and Miller) are the biggest prizes. Miller, a 6-foot-6 hard-throwing lefty, will open the season in the rotation, getting his first extended look in the majors. Maybin will start 2008 in the minors.
Gone but not forgotten
Cabrera and Willis were the faces of this franchise the last few seasons, but the financially strapped Marlins got rid of the slugging third baseman and the hard-throwing lefty before they could cash in. Cabrera has Hall of Fame-level talent. Will there be some pressure on Miller and Maybin down the line to make up for it?
Spring training battles
The Marlins were hoping that Maybin could be the center fielder from Day 1, but Cody Ross and Alejandro de Aza will keep the position warm while they're waiting. Jorge Cantu won a battle to be the third baseman after bouncing around the last few years, and the final spot in the starting rotation could be a revolving door all season.
Projected lineup
- SS Hanley Ramirez
- 2B Dan Uggla
- RF Jeremy Hermida
- LF Josh Willingham
- 1B Mike Jacobs
- 3B Jorge Cantu
- CF Cody Ross/Alejandro de Aza
- C Matt Treanor
- Pitcher
Projected starting rotation
- LHP Mark Hendrickson
- LHP Andrew Miller
- RHP Rick VandenHurk
- LHP Scott Olsen
- RHP Ricky Nolasco
Projected bullpen
- RHP Kevin Gregg (closer)
- RHP Justin Miller
- LHP Taylor Tankersley
- RHP Matt Lindstrom
- LHP Renyel Pinto
- RHP Lee Gardner
- RHP Logan Kensing
Biggest strength
Even without Cabrera, the young hitters in the Florida lineup are very promising. Hanley Ramirez is already among the best offensive shortstops in the majors, and Uggla, Jacobs, Willingham and Hermida are due for breakout seasons.
Glaring weakness
The pitching staff from the starters to the bullpen is not good enough for the Marlins to be a serious contender. Hendrickson, the definition of a journeyman left-hander, is the Opening Day starter. Miller could be very good, and Anibal Sanchez (torn labrum from 2007) should return. He threw a no-hitter in 2006.
