Batting Order: There have only been two trades thus far in the offseason, with the Marlins orchestrating both of them. Secure in the SS position, they sent Jose Reyes to the Brewers in exchange for sweet hitting third basemen Aramis Ramirez, who gives them a potent bat in the sixth hole. Former Twin Matt Lawton was swapped with FA signing Alex Ochoa, allowing the Marlins to afford signing left fielder Jeromy Burnitz. Overall, this is a deceptively great lineup, featuring elite power, speed, and contact. Expect Hanley to have a big year, possibly entering the MVP race.
Rotation: The Marlins may have a rotation rated last in the NL East by the computers, but it's still a fairly formidable set of arms. Free agent signing Jiar Jurrjans pairs with Josh Johnson for a tier 2 team that should fair well. Vazquez is a solid #3 starter and Penny is a decent tier 4, at least giving them high control help. Not the strongest pitching staff, but more than capable of keeping Miami alive early in the year.
Bullpen: The weak link that could undo the Marlins' underdog story this year. FA signing Venters brings shutdown stuff to the closer role and Cishek is a capable set-up man. Even Alfonseca, despite a low control and tier, doesn't give up doubles. However, this bullpen may be expected to do too much for a rotation low on IP.
Overall: Miami is a darkhorse pennant contender and could surprise early, but their lack of pitching depth is bound to cause them to fade down the stretch. It's hard to imagine burdening this bullpen, nor causing starters to go 7 or 8, will lead to sustained success on the field. Despite a fine group of hitters the GM has assembled, Miami appears to be missing the playoffs in 2014.
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