Published On: Fri, Apr 16th, 2010

The Fighting Fish

By: Matt Bluestein

SS Hanley Ramirez is one of the main reasons the Marlins are relevant once again

2010 Marlins Opening Day Line Up:

Chris Coghlan LF

Cameron Maybin CF

Hanley Ramirez SS

Jorge Cantu 3B

Dan Uggla 2B

Ronnie Paulino C

Cody Ross RF

Gaby Sanchez 1B

Josh Johnson P

 

Significant offseason acquisitions

The Marlins were the only team in the Majors not to sign a free agent to a major league contract.

 

Major League Signings: None

 

Notable Minor League Signings:

Mike MacDougal, Seth McClung, Derrick Turnbow, Jose Veras, Brian Barden, Mike Lamb, Clay Hensley, Danny Richar Scott Strickland

Note Mike MacDougal, Seth McClung and Derrick Turnbow were released, before the season began.

 

Trades and Claims:

–       Marlins acquired P Jose Alvarez and P Hunter Jones from Red Sox for RF Jeremy Hermida.

–       Acquired rule 5 pick 3B Jorge Jimenez, SS Luis Bryan, and P Robert Bono from Astros for RP Matt Lindstrom.

 

Notable Loses: Jeremy Hermida, Matt Lindstrom, Ross Gload, Nick Johnson, Alfredo Amezaga, Kiko Calero, and Brendan Donnelly.

 

Prediction: The Marlins will win 90 games and they will win the National League Wildcard.

 

Summary: To begin with, the Marlins made the right decision by trading Jeremy Hermida. He was a major disappointment and he underachieved tremendously. Also he would not have been a non tender candidate for most teams. As far as I am concerned the Marlins could have dumped Hermida for a bag of bats and balls. The Marlins starting lineup looks very strong with the second best player in baseball Hanley Ramirez, RBI machine Jorge Cantu, and the ultimate power source Dan Uggla. Also the Marlins Outfield looks very strong with Coghlan, Ross and Maybin. This is a make or break season for Cameron Maybin. It will be interesting to watch him play, because he has a lot to prove. Chris Coghlan is coming off a National League Rookie of the Year campaign and he should continue to make progress. Believe it or not, Cody Ross is one of the most underrated players in the game of baseball. He hits for average, hits home runs, gets on base, and drives in runs. Also he is an above average outfielder. Cody is a complete player, who deserves more recognition. On paper, the Marlins don’t look all that impressive. However, they will surprise you I guarantee it! They will fly under the radar like they do every year and they will continue to make people scratch their heads. How do they do it? Well let me explain, Marlins baseball is not always pretty baseball, but they find a way to get the job done. In conclusion, the Marlins are a very exciting team to watch and they play with tremendous enthusiasm, energy, determination and passion.

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