Another marlins Preview

9 Juan Pierre CF

Was the spark for the Marlins offensively last year as he showed a great ability to get on base (.361 OBP). He also led the majors with 65 stolen bases and was tied for fifth with 204 hits. Was the ideal table-setter in the World Series as he had a .481 OBP in the six Series games. Ranks among the top defensive center fielders in the game.

1 Luis Castillo 2B

Ranks among the best players defensively at second base in the game. And though he had a poor postseason offensively last year (.211 batting average, .291 on-base percentage), he has proven to be a reliable offensive player during his career (.292 BA, .367 OBP).

24 Miguel Cabrera RF

Got called up to the majors on June 20 last year, and made an immediate impact as he hit a home run in his first game. The 20-year-old was a regular from that point on, splitting playing time between left field and third base. Moved to right field in the postseason, a position he's expected to play this season. A potential star in the making.

19 Mike Lowell 3B

Missed the final month of the regular season last year with a broken left hand, but returned for the playoffs. He wasn't much of a factor offensively as he batted just .196 in 15 games. Prior to getting injured, he had put together impressive numbers (32 home runs, 105 RBI). He's had 90 or more RBI in each of the last four seasons.

18 Jeff Conine LF

Acquired from the Orioles in late August last season, he played a big role for the Marlins over the final month of the regular season as well as in the postseason. Made a seamless transition from first base to left field. An original Marlin, Conine, 37, has been a part of two World Championships with the club.

25 Hee Seop Choi 1B

Was a highly-touted prospect in the Cubs organization, and began last year as the club's starting first baseman. Injuries and ineffectiveness limited his playing time. He then was shipped to the Marlins this past offseason in exchange for Derrek Lee. Choi has a lot to prove as Lee not only provided plenty of offense, but was also a fine defensive first baseman for Florida.

17 Ramon Castro C

With Pudge Rodriguez gone, the Marlins now turn to Castro, who over the course of the season could show some pop in his bat. He had five home runs last season in just 53 at-bats. Veteran backup Mike Redmond, 32, could also see some playing time behind the plate.

11 Alex Gonzalez SS

Bench: Mike Redmond, Wil Cordero, Mike Mordecai, Lenny Harris, Damion Easley

THE STAFF

2003: PITCHING | RUNS ALLOWED (692 -- 6th in NL)

NO PLAYER POS

21 Josh Beckett No. 1 SP

The fireballing right-hander was good, but not great during the regular season (9-8, 3.04). But he became a true ace in the playoffs. He put his stamp on the World Series with a complete-game, five-hit shutout in the Game 6 clincher over the Yankees, earning him Series MVP honors. Expectations for him are at an all-time high entering the 2004 season.

31 Brad Penny No. 2 SP

Was up and down during the regular season as he showed flashes of brilliance as well as plenty of down points. Had a 4.13 ERA in 32 starts. Struggled early in the playoffs before having a stellar World Series, winning both of his starts.

35 Dontrelle Willis No. 3 SP

Became an instant success as he was called up in early May and went 9-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 13 starts prior to the All-Star break. Fell off a bit in the second half, however, posting a 4.60 ERA in 14 starts. Despite that, he earned NL Rookie of the Year honors. Needs to gain more consistency this season.

45 Carl Pavano No. 4 SP

Along with Josh Beckett became a hero in the World Series. In two Series games, he allowed just one run in nine innings. And during the regular season, he proved to be durable in pitching a career high 201 innings.

37 Darren Oliver No. 5 SP

Was signed in the offseason to replace the departed Mark Redman, and will likely hold onto this spot for at least the early part of the year. The return date of A.J. Burnett remains uncertain as he underwent Tommy John surgery early last season and has yet to fully recover.

49 Armando Benitez CL

Took his lumps last season with the Mets, blowing seven saves in 28 save opportunities before being traded. Has a reputation for being soft in the most pressurized moments. But in his defense, prior to last year he blew just 12 saves -- and converted 117 -- in the past three years.

Bullpen: Chad Fox, Michael Tejera, Blaine Neal, Nate Bump, Toby Borland

Fox was solid for the Marlins once he was claimed off of waivers, posting a 2.13 ERA in 21 appearances. On the current staff, he slots in as the main bridge from starting pitcher to closer. The left-handed Tejera and Neal, a righty, have had solid springs and should factor in to be major contributors.