The general fan of the MLB doesn’t hear much about the small market Miami Marlins, and many Marlins fans are jaded due to past transgressions of Marlins management and ownership.
The mere mention of the Miami Marlins conjures up images of the ill-fated Miguel Cabrera trade that gave the Detroit Tigers a Triple Crown Winner. A more recent transgression was the spending spree in the offseason before 2012 and the franchise pressing the reset button on the experiment within one calendar year with a huge firesale.
Fast forward to 2014, and the Marlins are much improved. The Marlins are currently sitting above .500 and very much in the NL East race. When the fans look beyond the reputation and perception of the Fish, there are reasons to keep an eye out on the 2014 Miami Marlins. Without further ado, here are the reasons why the Marlins are worth monitoring.
1) Starting Pitching – The Marlins starting pitching has been stellar in 2014. Jose Fernandez is excitable and with a 1.74 era, he is a Cy Young Candidate. Every time Fernandez pitches, it is must see TV. The Marlins also have three starters in the rotation who average less than three runs a game. The rotation may also be bolstered if Marlins prospect Andrew Heaney gets a call-up to the Marlins, which would give the fish a solid option 1-5.
2) Offensive Production – There is no denying that the Marlins were far below average offensively in 2013. The Marlins were in last place in runs last season, but things have changed in one season. The offensive of the Marlins has stepped up and gotten themselves in the top 10 in runs scored and home runs in the MLB. The Marlins are getting expected contributions from Slugger Giancarlo Stanton, but it’s the surprise contributions from other hitters that have lead the improvement. Free Agent pickups Casey McGehee and Jarred Saltalamacchia have been vast improvements over contributions made by last year’s players playing at catcher and third base.
3) Coaching – Mike Redmond has been much improved in 2014. The team is vastly improved, and their cohesiveness is evident. The Marlins are coming from behind in many games, which shows fortitude that wasn’t evident in 2013. Hitting Coach Frank Menechino has the Marlins hitting much better from last season and looking to be over the fiasco of 2013 with hitting coach Tino Martinez. The 2014 Miami Marlins coaching staff will have the team ready to play each game.
The 2014 Miami Marlins are much improved over the 2013 team. The team is currently sitting with the best home record in MLB. The Marlins are probably a year away from serious playoff contention, the excitement has started this season. Young phenoms Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton are the best players on the field in most games, and their teammates are providing the support needed to make the Marlins legitimate. Don’t be surprised if the Marlins improve 20 games and get to .500 this season, which will be reason enough to watch.
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