Miami Marlins: Roster & Team Report

The Marlins not only enter the 2012 season with a new stadium, but with a new name and a new lineup as well. How will the new Miami Marlins fare this season, and what chances are the MLB odds makers giving them to win it all?

MLB Betting Lines

MLB Odds to win National League: +900

MLB Odds to win National League East: +600

MLB Betting Odds to win World Series: +2000

How things have changed in Miami. The Miami Marlins have done a complete facelift that would rival the changes seen on most television reality shows. They have a new stadium, new head coach in the fiery and unstable Ozzie Guillen, a new look South Beach uniform, and a new look roster. All of these changes will be positive for a franchise that will certainly be significantly more competitive in National League East.

They finished last in the division with just 72 wins, but surprisingly appeared in several free agent contest in the off-season. They were highly competitive in gaining the services of Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, and the Philadelphia Phillies setup man Ryan Madson. They failed to get any of these three players, but they did sing veteran starter Mark Buerhle, All-Star closer Heath Bell, and disgruntled Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. These three veteran free agent signings will anchor a youthful team loaded with serious talent that when combined are on the verge of a break through season. 

Offensive Statistics

The Marlins were an average offensive team in 2011, but were not strong enough to offset pitching and defensive woes. These stats, given the complete overall of the roster, will have littel meaning in handicapping games in the month April for these Marline. 

In 2011 they ranked 23rd in MLB with 625 runs scored, 22nd with a .247 team batting average, 16th with a .318 on-base-percentage, and 19th with a .388 slugging percentage.

Center Fielder Emilio Bonifacio led the team with a .296 batting average, .360 on-base-percentage, and 167 hits in 2011. Giancario Stanton led the team with 34 home runs and 87 RBI. These two players will be augmented on the offensive front with the addition of shortstop and 2011 batting champion Jose Reyes and the top-half of this lineup has the potential to be one of the best in the National League. 

Defense

Even though Bonifacio led the team in two offensive categories his center field job will be hotly contested by Chris Coghlan. Bonifacio is one of the fastest players in baseball on the bases and has learned to track balls in the gap far better so it is his job to lose. It does provide some examples of the growing depth that the Marlins will have in 2011. 

The infield may prove to be one of the best in baseball. With the signing of Jose Reyes, it forced the incumbent Hanley Ramirez to move to third base. The combination of quickness and arm strength is second to none on the left side of the bases. Second base will be played by Omar Infante and first base anchored by Gaby Sanchez. These four will provide a solid defense and turn a lot of double-plays. 

The Pitching Staff 

Marlins ace Josh Johnson was hampered by a series of nagging injuries and made just nine starts. he is now complemented with Mark Beuhrle and both starters are interchangeable for the ace position in the rotation. Ricky Nolasco (10-12, 4.67 ERA) and Anibal Sanchez (8-9, 3.67 ERA) will take the third and fourth starter positions. Credit has to be given to the Marlins for taking a shot a Carlos Zambrano, who will be the fifth starter. His fiery and unstable behavior is widely noted and detailed, but if there was one manager that could straighten him out, it would be Guillen. 

The bullpen has been vastly improved with the signing of Heath Bell for the closer position. Last year’s closer Juan Carlos Oviedo will move to the 8th inning set-up role. 

Contenders

This is the team, if you like dark horses and Cinderella teams. They have all of the youth to improve throughout the season whereas the 162 game generally takes it’s toll on older teams. They are certainly worth a look as a solid bet that does have big-time value. I highly recommend a play for them to win the NL East and the NL Pennant to your MLB picks.