Right now, I don't know. I mean ON PAPER, the Marlins have an absolutely terrific team and have just as good of a chance to win this thing, if not better, than any of the teams in it. Except for the bullpen of course. But I would honestly take the Marlins everyday lineup over any of the teams in the running for the wildcard. And the starting pitching is right there with the Astros, if not better 1-5.

 

It's just amazing how many teams are still right there in the running. Astros, Phillies, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, every single one of those teams has a great chance. And it's even more amazing that in September, ALL of these teams will be playing each other due to the whole NL East being in it and the fish having that big series with the Astros. Talk about survival.

 

For the Marlins, I've gotta think it's all about the bullpen. Come crunch time, the rest of the team will show up. We know that. Willis, Beckett, Burnett, the lineup, these guys will come through in the next month and a half. But that bullpen HAS to hold leads, and keep the team in the games when the starter can't go long innings. Villone, Alfonseca, Mota, Jones, these guys have to step up big time.

 

I know, it's a lot of pointless banter. But it's coming right down to it and I felt like posting to get the feel of the board. Going to be a hell of a race, that's for sure. I just hope we're on top at the end of it

Nice breakdown, and it's all legit. Marlins really do have a competent lineup--one that rivals the best in baseball.

 

Their rotation (of late) has been 'the best', in my opinion. Of course, consistency is key if we are going to finish this discussion on a positive note.

 

The bullpen worries me, but only during the regular season. With less than 50 games remaining, relievers must step up and dig in. It's time to shut the door on our opponents. At the same time, our hitting has to come around, although the recent power outage could be a result of various team injuries (LoDuca, Enc, Delgado).

 

Come playoffs, if we're still in this thing, I think the championship is ours:

 

Our rotation becomes 3 (Willis, Beckett and Burnett). That means Moehler and Vargas go to the bullpen. If you take those two, plus consistent pitching from Alfonseca, Mota and Jones, then all of the bullpen 'iffys' won't really matter.

got to play .750 ball... that's not easy... it's all about getting hot "at the right time"

 

next 13 games are HUGE... all against sub-.500 teams... have to take at least 8-9 of these games

 

also got to beat up on the Mets (6 games), Nationals (7 games) and Phillies (6 games)

We dont have to play .750 ball.

 

.666 is fine.

We dont have to play .750 ball.

 

.666 is fine.

903808[/snapback]

 

.667*

 

We can do that. 2 of 3 in each series...that's all we've done all year.

We dont have to play .750 ball.

 

.666 is fine.

903808[/snapback]

 

.667*

 

We can do that. 2 of 3 in each series...that's all we've done all year.

903887[/snapback]

 

I'm really loving the streak we're on right now. Granted, it's obviously nicer to win more games but if we continue to win 2 out of every 3, especially when we start playing division games and the Astros next month, you'll have to think we're going to like where we end up.

We dont have to play .750 ball.

 

.666 is fine.

903808[/snapback]

 

.667*

 

We can do that. 2 of 3 in each series...that's all we've done all year.

903887[/snapback]

*in really nerdy nasal voice* actually ive been playing with my calculator... you know just for fun... and according to my calculations we have to play .700 baseball to have a reasonable shot. *pushes up glasses*

Bottom line is we have to win at a good clip. Play like we did in 2003 and take it a game at a time. That years squad was so relaxed and out to have fun. This year there is pressure since on paper we should be in the playoffs. Things are clicking right now, I just hope the players stay relaxed and have fun as they push for the playoffs. We can get there.