LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2013 — The Miami Marlins had big hopes in 2012 when they moved into their new stadium. They increased their payroll from $57,695,000 to $101,628,000 while signing some of the best available free agent talent.
Then they did not play well from the start so they threw in the towel, traded a few players at the deadline, including Hanley Ramirez, and ended up in last place with a 69-93 record.
The fire sale continued into the off-season as they traded away nearly every player that was worth a lick and had a significant salary, essentially negating all of the previous year’s off-season moves. Toronto was the biggest beneficiary by obtaining Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Josh Johnson, and Mark Buehrle for Henderson Alvarez and prospects.
Alvarez will join Ricky Nolasco at the top of a young rotation that probably won’t do much this year, especially if the Marlins decide to unload the $11 million owed to Ricky Nolasco. Giancarlo Stanton is the obvious bright spot in the offensive attack. Logan Morrison has some power and Juan Pierre can steal bases if he is able to get on base.
The Marlins should expect to have a similar year to last year. The difference this year is that by doing so, they will not be underachieving, just doing what is expected.
Marlins $11 million man, Ricky Nolasco/ AP Gene J. Puskar
Projected payroll: $38,837,000
Notable Players Out: SS Jose Reyes, 2B Emilio Bonifacio, 1B Carlos Lee, RHP Josh Johnson, LHP Mark Buehrle, RHP Heath Bell
Notable Players In: LF Juan Pierre, 3B Placido Polanco, SS Adeiny Hechavarria, IF/OF Chone Figgins, RHP Henderson Alvarez, RHP Jon Rauch
Prospect Watch: OF Christian Yelich and RHP Jose Fernandez
Highlight Hitter: RF Giancarlo Stanton (ZiPS 2013 Projections: .286/.369/.606 41 HR/88 R/98 RBI)
Highlight Pitcher: RHP Ricky Nolasco (ZiPS 2013 Projections: 12-13, 4.35, 6.47 K/9, 169.7 IP)
Projected Lineup: C Rob Brantly, 1B Logan Morrison, 2B Donavan Solano, 3B Placido Polanco, SS Adeiny Hechavarria, LF Juan Pierre, CF Justin Ruggiano, RF Giancarlo Stanton
Projected Rotation: RHP Ricky Nolasco, RHP Henderson Alvarez, LHP Wade LeBlanc, RHP Nathan Eovaldi, RHP Jacob Turner
Projected Closer: RHP Steve Cishek
Manager: Mike Redmond
Projected 2013 Finish in NL East: 1. TBA 2. TBA 3. TBA 4. TBA 5. Miami Marlins
Kevin J. Wells writes about Major League Baseball and punk rock music. Follow him on Twitter @WellsOnBaseball
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