Normally you can't put much stock in Spring Training records or statistics. But for a team in transition like the Marlins, posting one of the best records in the Grapefruit League is viewed as a confidence booster.

With a bunch of new faces on the roster, not much is expected of the retooled Marlins in 2006. So enjoying success, even in games that don't count, is being used to build self esteem.

 

New manager Joe Girardi and the club are using the low expectations as a motivational tool. What Spring Training showed is that the team is hungry and eager to learn. Yes, there will be growing pains along the way, but a number of talented prospects now feel ready to make that step into the big leagues.

 

Pitching has been the trademark in the past, and it is the foundation of the franchise again. Still, outside of two-time All-Star Dontrelle Willis, much of the pitching staff is either untested or veterans who are trying to show they have something left.

 

BATTING ORDER

1. Hanley Ramirez, SS:

The former Red Sox farmhand had arguably the best spring of any Marlin. A gifted athlete with size, speed, power and baseball instincts, Ramirez is a leadoff hitter with unlimited potential.

 

2. Jeremy Hermida, RF:

The organization's top prospect since being drafted in the first round in 2002, Hermida becomes the regular in right field. Regarded as a future star, Hermida has a sweet swing and a patient eye. Like Ramirez, he will be asked to come of age as a rookie.

 

3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B:

A standout since breaking in as a rookie in 2003, Cabrera is one of the most feared hitters in the game. And he's still 22 (turns 23 in late April). Now starting at his natural third base spot, Cabrera is the undisputed leader of the lineup.

 

4. Mike Jacobs, 1B:

If his first 100 big league at-bats are any indication, the left-handed-hitting first baseman is in for a strong first full season in the big leagues. Jacobs belted 11 homers last year with the Mets. He takes on a big role, batting cleanup.

 

5. Josh Willingham, LF:

Finally getting his big break at age 27, Willingham will take on two key roles this season. He will split time between catching and playing left field. The past few years he has been a highly productive power hitter in the Minor Leagues. The Marlins are hoping he duplicates that kind of success now.

 

6. Dan Uggla, 2B:

Unpolished at the start of Spring Training, the Rule 5 pickup steps in as the every day second baseman. With his power and scrappy play, Uggla draws comparisons to Atlanta's Marcus Giles. He's continuing to improve defensively, where he was very raw at the beginning of Spring Training.

 

7. Reggie Abercrombie, CF:

An intriguing athlete because of his size, speed and power, Abercrombie has tremendous natural skills. He's not yet polished. If he learns plate discipline, and doesn't swing at everything, in time he may be a surprise talent.

 

8. Miguel Olivo, C:

After splitting last year with the Mariners and Padres, Olivo is being asked to handle a young staff. He will split time behind the plate with Willingham. His ability to hit will partly determine his playing time. The club is hopeful he will be able to cut down his strikeouts, and put the ball in play enough to get positive results.

 

ROTATION

1. Dontrelle Willis, LHP:

Paced the Major Leagues with 22 wins last year, when he was named runner-up in the Cy Young Award balloting to Chris Carpenter. A two-time All-Star, the D-Train is the Opening Day starter for the first time.

 

2. Brian Moehler, RHP:

In his second season with the Marlins, the veteran right-hander is a leader by example to a very young staff. His success will depend on the effectiveness of his changeup, a pitch he didn't throw much last season. In 2003, he had Tommy John surgery, and he just didn't feel right throwing the changeup in 2005. Now he's regaining the feel of that offspeed pitch.

 

3. Jason Vargas, LHP:

Zoomed through the Minor Leagues last season, opening in low-Class A Greensboro, before passing through Class A Jupiter and Double-A Carolina on his way to the big leagues. Became a dependable starter the second half of the season. In his first full year in the big leagues, the left-hander has confidence to log his share of innings.

 

4. Sergio Mitre, RHP:

Formerly with the Cubs, Mitre has some big league experience, and he enjoyed a nice spring. Having some Major League starts under his belt gives him a leg up on some of the rookie starters.

 

BULLPEN

Like so many of the new players, veteran Joe Borowski is in a situation where he has something to prove. A closer for the Cubs in 2003, Borowski has had some injury problems, and he's been primarily a setup reliever since. While Borowski has the most experience closing, Girardi has said he may use a closer by committee. Veteran Matt Herges is a non-roster invitees who offers experience in the back-end of the bullpen. Newly acquired Todd Wellemeyer, brought in from the Cubs, has a 96-mph fastball and now a fresh start in Florida. With the Cubs, Wellemeyer was blocked by some more seasoned pitchers. The Marlins feel he has closer potential down the road. Both have closed before, and are options for the ninth inning. But they are more suited for setup jobs now. There is a strong chance there won't be a left-handed reliever on the staff. Carlos Martinez has opened eyes with his 96-mph fastball. But there is a question as to whether he is ready to make the leap from Class A to the big leagues.

 

BURNING QUESTION:

Can you win with so many rookies? New faces haven't changed the expectation level of the franchise. Girardi repeatedly has said,"being young doesn't mean you can't play." The first-year skipper expects to win. Girardi takes pride in motivating players, and he pledges to get the most out of this squad. But is the young talent ready? Only time will tell. Cabrera and Willis are their two primary players with proven track records. The rookies and young players breaking in now will have to show patience, because the season is so long and there is a danger in rushing too many prospects into big league action. Strengthening the bullpen and solidifying the starting staff remain high priority.

 

ON THE RECORD:

"They hear all the negative things that are said about the team. We're definitely taking it to heart, and you're starting to see it," --Dontrelle Willis on how the team is responding to low expectations. :notworthy

 

 

GO FISH!! Cant wait to prove some people wrong!!

Cant wait until opening day.

IM SO EXCITED

I can't wait!

to the regular fan not too many of those names will be familiar, however with what we know on this site i feel pretty optimistic, and i can't wait to see them play.