MIAMI -- Teams that suit up 20 rookies before the All-Star break are generally thinking of rebuilding rather than contending.

 

That is generally the case. But with the surprising, rapidly maturing young Marlins, finishing with a winning record has become a reasonable goal. And with any type of luck, or possible trades, a Wild Card push could be on the horizon in the second half.

 

Far-fetched?

 

Consider that the Marlins were 11-31 at one point before making a strong push, moving up in the standings leading up to the All-Star break.

 

With so many young players, and the team entering this season with low expectations, have the Marlins been able to surprise some opponents?

 

"I don't think we've been flying under the radar," first-year manager Joe Girardi said. "I think people know when our guys put their uniforms on, they come to play. We've got some really good players on this team. Our pitching has been really good the last [six weeks]."

 

Granted, there are realistic expectations. This season started off mainly with the intention of evaluating and cementing the nucleus of a winning foundation for years to come. Pumping resources, like extra dollars for short-term veterans, has not been part of the grand plan. But based on what's been seen so far, there are some solid pieces to build upon.

 

Rookie position players Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Mike Jacobs, Jeremy Hermida and Josh Willingham offer a strong foundation. Surprisingly, the young rotation has flourished, despite a subpar first half from two-time All-Star Dontrelle Willis.

 

Rookies Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco and Scott Olsen have made tremendous strides, each putting himself in position to win 10 or more games.

 

Where other teams are in need of bullpen help, the Marlins seem to have found a formula by developing from within. Logan Kensing and Taylor Tankersley, two promising arms in the 'pen, have impressed in late-inning setup roles. What makes their contributions even more telling is that neither was on the Opening Day roster. Both are converted starters who were in Spring Training with the team but were sent to the Minor Leagues early. Kensing has assumed the eighth-inning setup role, while Tankersley is a versatile left-hander who can be a lefty specialist and is able to log more than one inning at a time.

 

Club MVP: The most dangerous hitter in the lineup has been the steadiest performer since Day 1. At 23, Miguel Cabrera is already one of the elite hitters in the league, able to hit for a high average and incredible power while knocking in runs. With so many inexperienced hitters surrounding him, the Venezuelan still manages to be a force in the middle of the lineup. For the third straight year, Cabrera was selected to the All-Star Game, voted in each time by his peers.

 

Call him 'Ace': Maybe the record isn't there to prove it just yet, but Willis is still the centerpiece of the rotation. Even on nights he doesn't have his best stuff, the D-Train has worked deep into games, preserving the bullpen while providing an example and leadership for the rest of the rotation.

 

Biggest problem: Inexperience still leads to youthful mistakes. There is talent throughout the roster, but the on-the-job-training lends itself to untimely growing pains. In terms of the most unsettled position, center field has been an area to adjust.

 

Biggest surprise: It's not often that a Rule 5 Draft pickup can become an everyday player who makes the All-Star squad. But the front office deserves credit for rolling the dice on Uggla. The rookie second baseman, claimed in the Rule 5 Draft last December, has posted offensive numbers that rival any second baseman in the National League. Uggla has impressed with his power and ability to hit for average. He's also made great strides in the field and is a fan favorite with his overall gritty style.

 

Team needs: The club hopes that the abundance of rookies can stay healthy and hold up down the stretch. Already, a number of key players are banged up. Center field has been a position of need because of the struggles of rookie Reggie Abercrombie. Another arm in the back of the bullpen could be used, especially a second left-hander.

 

Oh, doctor: Losing rookie reliever Carlos Martinez (elbow) for the rest of the season is a blow to the bullpen, forcing others to step up. A number of regulars have been banged up for a while. Veteran right-hander Brian Moehler, the most seasoned starter on the staff, is on the disabled list with a sore right big toe. Sergio Mitre, who opened the season as the No. 2 starter, is on the 60-day DL with a right shoulder problem. Mitre may be ready by the end of the month. Jacobs, though productive, has labored through a right ankle problem since Spring Training, and Uggla is fighting through a sore right hamstring. Willingham served a DL stint with a left wrist ailment, and Hermida was on the disabled list in April with a right hip flexor. Ramirez has played through aches and pains brought on by a tender left shoulder and two sore hands.

 

He said it: "The talent is here. I think experience is very overrated. We've got enough talent to win. We just can't make the mistakes that other teams can afford to make. We pretty much have to play flawless all the time." -- Olsen, after the team started building success in early June

 

Mark your calendar: A grueling stretch of eight games in seven days on the road at Atlanta and Philadelphia (July 25-July 31); at home against the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers (Aug. 1-6); a 10-game road swing against the Braves, Mets and Phillies (Sept. 15-24); and a season finale at home against the Phillies (Sept. 29-Oct. 1).

 

Fearless second-half prediction: Maybe, just maybe, with some luck and a trade or two, this youthful squad can sneak into serious Wild Card contention. Should the team stay the course, a more realistic goal would be finishing .500, which is possible if the abundance of rookies can hold up in the final months.

Is this from the MLB site?

 

 

 

EDIT: I found it:

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...sp&c_id=fla

 

Credit: Joe Frisaro.

 

Please don't forget to link your articles, peeps. :thumbup

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

 

 

:banghead

 

 

Look, it can't be both ways. We can't declare Willis completely untouchable and then become vultures for another team's star.

 

To get Crawford will likely cost Olsen, Nolasco, Willingham and possibly one of the fab-5. Do you want to do that? I don't.

What this article isn't accounting for is that some of the performances we have seen so far may have been just a flash in the pan. Kensing and Nolasco have both struggled a lot more recently and it's going to take stability from both these guys, especially Kensing in the setuo role, to keep us fighting for .500.

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

 

 

:banghead

 

 

Look, it can't be both ways. We can't declare Willis completely untouchable and then become vultures for another team's star.

 

To get Crawford will likely cost Olsen, Nolasco, Willingham and possibly one of the fab-5. Do you want to do that? I don't.

i want willis and cabrera (and hermy) to stay put. but i was just saying that if we were able to acquire crawford we'd be in contention. i'd be willing to do something like: Crawford for Nolasco, Johson, Willingham or johnson, sanchez, willingham..

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

MSN Sports gave the Marlins a B+ grade in their midseason reports.

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it

I would love to see us acquire a guy like crawford if it meant to get into the playoffs...however, that would mean giving up three or four of our players and they would have to be GREAT. Guys like Johnson or Olsen for example. I know the Marlins have done it before and I would absolutely love to see them win the Wild Card, but the odds are against them. I would not give up players that have the ability to post outstanding numbers, for example, olsen or johnson (who are already doing an excellent job), willingham, hermida, or nolasco (how many cubs fans do you think are pissed that they let him go?) I just would rather hold on to the talent we have right now and who knows, maybe by the time next season begins, we could have a resolution with the whole stadium ordeal, or at least closer to one. Then, that would assure us a future here in south florida and we could go out and get some proven veterans. Imagine having guys like Cabrera, Willis, Ramirez, Uggla, Jacobs, Olsen, Johnson, Nolasco, Willingham, Hermida, Kensing, etc. along with some good free agents for the next seven to ten years?!?! We would be one of the elite teams in baseball. Do I think we should give that up for a guy like Crawford who is not a GREAT player but a solid one? NO WAY!

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it This is the Orioles we are talking about.

 

 

 

:mischief

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

 

 

:banghead

 

 

Look, it can't be both ways. We can't declare Willis completely untouchable and then become vultures for another team's star.

 

To get Crawford will likely cost Olsen, Nolasco, Willingham and possibly one of the fab-5. Do you want to do that? I don't.

i want willis and cabrera (and hermy) to stay put. but i was just saying that if we were able to acquire crawford we'd be in contention. i'd be willing to do something like: Crawford for Nolasco, Johson, Willingham or johnson, sanchez, willingham..

Johnson as in Josh Johnson? as in the guy who needs to have recorded one more out to qualify for the lead in the national league in ERA...hmmm...id rather watch abercrombie with johnson than crawford or anyone else without johnson

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it

Why wouldn't they,they're 14 games back in the A.L East,which is one of the most competitive leagues in baseball.They're 17 games back in the Wildcard.Dude,we throw in a couple players and the O's i'll be settled.Just remember what we did for Ugeth in 2003.Although the O's are definetly going to ask for more than what the Rangers asked for Ugeth,they will not ask for more than what the Rays are going to ask for Crawford.

 

BTW,i'm just wondering here,weren't we interested in acquiring Corey about a year ago or so,for Juan Pierre,when JP was struggling i think it was?even though Corey had a horrendous season last year.

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it

Why wouldn't they,they're 14 games back in the A.L East,which is one of the most competitive leagues in baseball.They're 17 games back in the Wildcard.Dude,we throw in a couple players and the O's i'll be settled.Just remember what we did for Ugeth in 2003.Although the O's are definetly going to ask for more than what the Rangers asked for Ugeth,they will not ask for more than what the Rays are going to ask for Crawford.

you do realize Urbina cost the Marlins their 3 top 12 prospects in Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Snare and Will Smith.. the Orioles have 0 reason to trade Patterson(unless they dont plan on re-signing him)... then it could certainly be an interesting player to go after

I give it an "A-". You have to give them the "A" for going well beyond nearly everyone's expectations. Also, look at the difference of a year. At the ASB last year, most of us were calling for Jack to be fired, JP & Mikey Lowell to be traded, hoping to get another bat, Lou Pinella, etc. This year, we're playing above expectations; playing, even though there are mistakes, we're seem to make less than last year particularly in decision making; we're playing harder and more unified. Not to mention, we have more hope for the second half than we did last year. There are alot of things going better this year than last year. We may even end up with a better record if the fish can get into another hot streak to get us over .500.

 

Normally, all of this would lead to an "A+" or at least an "A", but I have to give the minus for the times that we have brought in Matt Herges or Logan "Whiplash" Kensing at moments when they were clearly going to fail. It's clear really early, like the first batter that they both face whether they will fail or not. Herges can't find the strike zone if even the catcher and Logan "MR. B.P." Kensing has his pitches up just begging to be blasted into the Atlantic Ocean or the place of birth for all MLB baseballs. If Girardi would just take them out after one batter and never, I mean NEVER , bring them into a game with men on, the problem should be resolved. Then I can give the Marlins and "A+", but most people would too because they would win those games that these 2 often blow.

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

 

 

:banghead

 

 

Look, it can't be both ways. We can't declare Willis completely untouchable and then become vultures for another team's star.

 

To get Crawford will likely cost Olsen, Nolasco, Willingham and possibly one of the fab-5. Do you want to do that? I don't.

i want willis and cabrera (and hermy) to stay put. but i was just saying that if we were able to acquire crawford we'd be in contention. i'd be willing to do something like: Crawford for Nolasco, Johson, Willingham or johnson, sanchez, willingham..

Johnson as in Josh Johnson? as in the guy who needs to have recorded one more out to qualify for the lead in the national league in ERA...hmmm...id rather watch abercrombie with johnson than crawford or anyone else without johnson

JJ's having a great year so far --and i knew when i mentioned him in a trade, i'd get some replies back. i don't think he'll keep it up. he's always been slated as a middle-lower of the rotation guy. right now he's pithcing like an ace. baseball america(?) rated him as a B or B- (i forgot)..but it'd take a lot to get crawford and i'd be willing to do it.

 

Normally, all of this would lead to an "A+" or at least an "A", but I have to give the minus for the times that we have brought in Matt Herges or Logan "Whiplash" Kensing at moments when they were clearly going to fail. It's clear really early, like the first batter that they both face whether they will fail or not. Herges can't find the strike zone if even the catcher and Logan "MR. B.P." Kensing has his pitches up just begging to be blasted into the Atlantic Ocean or the place of birth for all MLB baseballs. If Girardi would just take them out after one batter and never, I mean NEVER , bring them into a game with men on, the problem should be resolved. Then I can give the Marlins and "A+", but most people would too because they would win those games that these 2 often blow.

 

logan's been great this year! last year and previous years, he sucked..but he's been one of greatest 'pen pitchers this year.

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it

Why wouldn't they,they're 14 games back in the A.L East,which is one of the most competitive leagues in baseball.They're 17 games back in the Wildcard.Dude,we throw in a couple players and the O's i'll be settled.Just remember what we did for Ugeth in 2003.Although the O's are definetly going to ask for more than what the Rangers asked for Ugeth,they will not ask for more than what the Rays are going to ask for Crawford.

you do realize Urbina cost the Marlins their 3 top 12 prospects in Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Snare and Will Smith.. the Orioles have 0 reason to trade Patterson(unless they dont plan on re-signing him)... then it could certainly be an interesting player to go after

Yes i definetly do realize that,and regardless he's only signed for a one year contract..Why wouldn't they be willing to trade him,they don't have much of a chance to contend,unless a miracle happens..might as well get some talent for next year or the year after,they need pitching..We've got enough of that in our system.We can also stay with the team we have and put Cody to play CF or Alfredo..We also need another LHP to come out of the pen,my choice for that..Damaso Marte,he's with the Pittsburgh organization right now..dude's got a 2.97 ERA on a team that's 30-60 .

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

 

 

:banghead

 

 

Look, it can't be both ways. We can't declare Willis completely untouchable and then become vultures for another team's star.

 

To get Crawford will likely cost Olsen, Nolasco, Willingham and possibly one of the fab-5. Do you want to do that? I don't.

i want willis and cabrera (and hermy) to stay put. but i was just saying that if we were able to acquire crawford we'd be in contention. i'd be willing to do something like: Crawford for Nolasco, Johson, Willingham or johnson, sanchez, willingham..

 

I agree about Cabs and Hermida... But give up that for Crawford? ARE YOU NUTS? :blink:

great article. i really think if we make a couple of moves (ex. acquire crawford) we could be in the race for the WC...it can be done.

 

:banghead

 

 

Look, it can't be both ways. We can't declare Willis completely untouchable and then become vultures for another team's star.

 

To get Crawford will likely cost Olsen, Nolasco, Willingham and possibly one of the fab-5. Do you want to do that? I don't.

i want willis and cabrera (and hermy) to stay put. but i was just saying that if we were able to acquire crawford we'd be in contention. i'd be willing to do something like: Crawford for Nolasco, Johson, Willingham or johnson, sanchez, willingham..

Johnson as in Josh Johnson? as in the guy who needs to have recorded one more out to qualify for the lead in the national league in ERA...hmmm...id rather watch abercrombie with johnson than crawford or anyone else without johnson

JJ's having a great year so far --and i knew when i mentioned him in a trade, i'd get some replies back. i don't think he'll keep it up. he's always been slated as a middle-lower of the rotation guy. right now he's pithcing like an ace. baseball america(?) rated him as a B or B- (i forgot)..but it'd take a lot to get crawford and i'd be willing to do it.

 

i understand your point...but i just dont see the sense in trading him until he proves he cant/wont pitch like an ace...i mean the kid rarely lays an egg and while he might be pitching out of his mind now, maybe that is what he was destined to do(sorry for the romanticism). I think Johnson has figured something out, its clicking for him and while he doesnt have great stuff and isnt a big strike out guy, he gets outs and that is fine by me :thumbup

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it

Why wouldn't they,they're 14 games back in the A.L East,which is one of the most competitive leagues in baseball.They're 17 games back in the Wildcard.Dude,we throw in a couple players and the O's i'll be settled.Just remember what we did for Ugeth in 2003.Although the O's are definetly going to ask for more than what the Rangers asked for Ugeth,they will not ask for more than what the Rays are going to ask for Crawford.

you do realize Urbina cost the Marlins their 3 top 12 prospects in Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Snare and Will Smith.. the Orioles have 0 reason to trade Patterson(unless they dont plan on re-signing him)... then it could certainly be an interesting player to go after

Yes i definetly do realize that,and regardless he's only signed for a one year contract..Why wouldn't they be willing to trade him,they don't have much of a chance to contend,unless a miracle happens..might as well get some talent for next year or the year after,they need pitching..We've got enough of that in our system.We can also stay with the team we have and put Cody to play CF or Alfredo..We also need another LHP to come out of the pen,my choice for that..Damaso Marte,he's with the Pittsburgh organization right now..dude's got a 2.97 ERA on a team that's 30-60 .

I just dont see why the Orioles would want to move their possible CF for the next 3-5 years.... he is relatively cheap and unless they arent planning on re-signing him(which i doubt), Id say he isnt rightly available

I think ya'll should get Crawford out of your heads,think about a player that'll be easier to acquire for us.Someone like Corey Patterson,he is currently playing for Baltimore,and he has speed,he can play defense,and he can hit.

 

Just for the record,he is also a left handed hitter just like Carl.

 

how is Corey Patterson someone easier to get? lol

He sure as hell is no Carl Crawford,Dude's got a one year contract for 2.8 Million.Everyone here know's nobody is going to pay the same price for Patterson as they will for Crawford dude..Patterson i'll be alot easier for us to aquire.Won't take us as many players to give,as would Carl.

didnt realize all he did was avoid arbi this year.... then again, do the Orioles even want to move him?... i seriously doubt it

Why wouldn't they,they're 14 games back in the A.L East,which is one of the most competitive leagues in baseball.They're 17 games back in the Wildcard.Dude,we throw in a couple players and the O's i'll be settled.Just remember what we did for Ugeth in 2003.Although the O's are definetly going to ask for more than what the Rangers asked for Ugeth,they will not ask for more than what the Rays are going to ask for Crawford.

you do realize Urbina cost the Marlins their 3 top 12 prospects in Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Snare and Will Smith.. the Orioles have 0 reason to trade Patterson(unless they dont plan on re-signing him)... then it could certainly be an interesting player to go after

Yes i definetly do realize that,and regardless he's only signed for a one year contract..Why wouldn't they be willing to trade him,they don't have much of a chance to contend,unless a miracle happens..might as well get some talent for next year or the year after,they need pitching..We've got enough of that in our system.We can also stay with the team we have and put Cody to play CF or Alfredo..We also need another LHP to come out of the pen,my choice for that..Damaso Marte,he's with the Pittsburgh organization right now..dude's got a 2.97 ERA on a team that's 30-60 .

I just dont see why the Orioles would want to move their possible CF for the next 3-5 years.... he is relatively cheap and unless they arent planning on re-signing him(which i doubt), Id say he isnt rightly available

Well dude,lets just see what happens with Corey,i respect your take on him.What ya think about Marte as a LHP out of the pen?

MSN Sports gave the Marlins a B+ grade in their midseason reports.

 

 

Donovan of CNNsi.com gave them an F. Shows what he knows. What a douche. Meanwhile the Yankees get an A for spending $80 million more than anybody else and not even being in the playoffs as of today.