Countdown to Opening Day: #30 Miami Marlins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#30 Miami Marlins: Fish out of Water

PROJECTED LINEUP

LF Juan Pierre

3B Placido Polanco

RF Giancarlo Stanton

1B Logan Morrison

CF Justin Ruggiano

SS Adeiny Hechavarria

2B Donavan Solano

C Rob Brantley

P Ricky Nolasco

PROJECTED ROTATION

Ricky Nolasco

Henderson Alvarez

Jacob Turner

Nate Eovaldi

Wade Leblanc

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Steve Chisek

Set-up: Jon Rauch

Top Prospect: Jose Fernandez (RHP)

Giancarlo Stanton

The waves in South Beach were rough this winter. Not many fish made it out alive. However there was one big fish that managed to be flopping in the sands, feeling stranded, but still with a bright future ahead of him. The Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton is almost worth the price of admission alone, and considering how cheap tickets will be on second-hand online websites, get a cheap outfield ticket, sit in right field for batting practice, and watch the show before the show.

But the big question is will Stanton, a 23 year-old future MVP, be rushed into a leadership role on a team full off unknowns and unsexy veterans. Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco will help alleviate some pressure off the broad shoulders of Stanton, but they will net get him more pitchers to hit. 

There is no doubt that the Stanton will hit 40 homers if healthy, but is he mature enough in baseball years to take his walks and not try to hit 6-run homers? His approach at the plate will be the difference between a .350 on base percentage and a .230 batting average.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Just when you thought Jeff Loria was a crazy art collector that uses his money in all the wrong places, the trades of Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Beurhle, Emilio Bonifacio, Anibal Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez all bring back talent to the second-year ballpark. 

Adeiny Hechavarria

Playing with a "nothing-to-lose", "no expectations" style, the youngsters take off and more big time prospects hit the scene mid-season to help make the most unseen playoff team in history. Jacob Turner is a bonafide ace, Adeiny Hechavarria drives in 100, Juan Pierre has another strong seasons atop the order, and Jose Fernandez makes the jump from Double-A to solidify the rotation.

REAL TALK - While one or two prospects may make big enough strides this season to prove they are MLB-ready, the Marlins are asking 25-out of-25 players on the roster to play above their paygrade and beyond the abilities at this point in their career.

Breakout: Justin Turner (RHP)

Bust: Justin Ruggiano (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Juan Pierre (OF)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 69-93 (5th in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 59-103 (5th in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Houston Astros**