Hey all, so I don't usually post that often, but a story about Hanley Ramirez was the feature on mlb.com tonight. The story with video included discusses Hanley's confidence in the Marlins' front office. He said that the front office "knows what they're doing." Personally, I think this is a great sign. I'm really thankful that Hanley isn't other Orlando Cabrera. I really feel confident with him on this team. Not only does he have GREAT numbers, but he's a great clubhouse contribution as well.

 

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

The pitching is there. We're young. We can hit. Our defense has improved. We have a strong manager and a creative front office. Our bullpen has improved as has our speed. And oh yeah...we've got Hanley Ramirez.

 

Here's to 2009, everyone! :notworthy

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

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I actually feel we have a lot better chance this year compared to last year because of how much less competition we have compared to last year. Although the mets have improved their bullpen, i feel they will regret trading Heilman, and haven't improved their rotation, and add to that that there outfield has many question marks. The Atlanta Braves are falling off fast and aren't even a threat anymore, the Nationals are the Nationals, the Marlins punching bag. And then there are the phillies. They are still the Phillies, and i see them winning the division. But remember that they lost Burrell, and their starting rotation still has as many question marks as last season's rotation. The marlins have improved their bullpen, and have kept the key components of last years team. I really feel this is our best year to win it all since our chances in 2005.

I agree, I'm glad Hanley isn't the other Orlando Cabrera. He is a good player, and I'm glad he has confidence in the Marlins. I have confidence this year as well. We definately have the good players.

With the exception of hamals on the phils I think their staff is nothing compared to ours.

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

?

 

I actually feel we have a lot better chance this year compared to last year because of how much less competition we have compared to last year. Although the mets have improved their bullpen, i feel they will regret trading Heilman, and haven't improved their rotation, and add to that that there outfield has many question marks. The Atlanta Braves are falling off fast and aren't even a threat anymore, the Nationals are the Nationals, the Marlins punching bag. And then there are the phillies. They are still the Phillies, and i see them winning the division. But remember that they lost Burrell, and their starting rotation still has as many question marks as last season's rotation. The marlins have improved their bullpen, and have kept the key components of last years team. I really feel this is our best year to win it all since our chances in 2005.

 

 

The Mets got JJ Putz when they traded Heilman, and that is a huge gain for them. Their rotation has a lot of question marks, I agree. Still, they and the Braves may still have a couple of signings left in them. I feel kinda bad for the Nats - they try to open their wallets but no one wants to play for them. I guess they have to build through the draft like other teams in that position before them.

I mean, it's pretty obvious that this is our best chance since 2005; the question is whether we have a good chance? I think we have a very reasonable one. But 2006 we were supposed to be terrible and the success we did have was a shock, but we still didn't compete for the division. We regressed in '07, and last year we weren't supposed to have any chance of being in it in September. Most projected us either battling with the Nats or in the cellar as I recall.

JJ Putz actually has seemed to regress quite a bit. His ERA and WHIP skyrocketed in 2008. Putz has also been a closer the majority of his career, so i don't know how he is going to react to being put in the setup role. The Braves big acquisition was suppose to be Peavy in a trade, but they couldn't work out a deal. It looks to me that the Braves are now going to begin to rebuild there team via there minor league system since they know they aren't a serious contender anymore, but a rotation headlined by Jair Jurjinns (can't spell) for many years to come isn't bad at all, and i would be very optimistic about the next few years if i was a braves fan. The Nationals i do feel bad about. They really do try to buy some players, the problem was the Yankees and the other teams through around the same kind of money, and the players wanted to go to a team with playoff implications, i agree building through the draft is the only way to go.

 

And the Marlins have always been unpredictable. This is the first year since 2005 that a few analysts are actually predicting us preseason to be competitive. We have a very good core this year, and we should be a playoff team if we can survive with the way the back end of our rotation is like we did at the beginning of last season, and make a deal at the deadline to bring in a pitcher to fill in that void (maybe it would be smarter to make that Sanchez deal at the deadline).

Heilman, though bad, was a Marlin killer.

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

?

 

I actually feel we have a lot better chance this year compared to last year because of how much less competition we have compared to last year. Although the mets have improved their bullpen, i feel they will regret trading Heilman, and haven't improved their rotation, and add to that that there outfield has many question marks. The Atlanta Braves are falling off fast and aren't even a threat anymore, the Nationals are the Nationals, the Marlins punching bag. And then there are the phillies. They are still the Phillies, and i see them winning the division. But remember that they lost Burrell, and their starting rotation still has as many question marks as last season's rotation. The marlins have improved their bullpen, and have kept the key components of last years team. I really feel this is our best year to win it all since our chances in 2005.

 

 

This was, by far, one of the most ridiculous posts I've seen on this board.

 

Aside from the Phillies (who are the favorites, regardless, after winning it all last year), every team in the NL East has improved.

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

?

 

I actually feel we have a lot better chance this year compared to last year because of how much less competition we have compared to last year. Although the mets have improved their bullpen, i feel they will regret trading Heilman, and haven't improved their rotation, and add to that that there outfield has many question marks. The Atlanta Braves are falling off fast and aren't even a threat anymore, the Nationals are the Nationals, the Marlins punching bag. And then there are the phillies. They are still the Phillies, and i see them winning the division. But remember that they lost Burrell, and their starting rotation still has as many question marks as last season's rotation. The marlins have improved their bullpen, and have kept the key components of last years team. I really feel this is our best year to win it all since our chances in 2005.

 

 

This was, by far, one of the most ridiculous posts I've seen on this board.

 

Aside from the Phillies (who are the favorites, regardless, after winning it all last year), every team in the NL East has improved.

 

lulz, thanks for trashing everything i say on this board.

 

And how exactly have the Braves and Nationals gotten better? The Mets strengthened their bullpen, but they still have many issues with the starting rotation, and their team is still the same basic team as last year.

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

?

 

I actually feel we have a lot better chance this year compared to last year because of how much less competition we have compared to last year. Although the mets have improved their bullpen, i feel they will regret trading Heilman, and haven't improved their rotation, and add to that that there outfield has many question marks. The Atlanta Braves are falling off fast and aren't even a threat anymore, the Nationals are the Nationals, the Marlins punching bag. And then there are the phillies. They are still the Phillies, and i see them winning the division. But remember that they lost Burrell, and their starting rotation still has as many question marks as last season's rotation. The marlins have improved their bullpen, and have kept the key components of last years team. I really feel this is our best year to win it all since our chances in 2005.

 

 

This was, by far, one of the most ridiculous posts I've seen on this board.

 

Aside from the Phillies (who are the favorites, regardless, after winning it all last year), every team in the NL East has improved.

 

lulz, thanks for trashing everything i say on this board.

 

And how exactly have the Braves and Nationals gotten better? The Mets strengthened their bullpen, but they still have many issues with the starting rotation, and their team is still the same basic team as last year.

 

 

The Braves bullpen is healthy again, and they signed one of the more consistent pitchers in all of baseball...Derek Lowe. They also signed the pitcher from Japan (forgot his name now, all of the sudden).

The Nationals, while not a good team, have gotten a bit better with some additions (like...Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham).

 

The Mets main problem last year was their bullpen, yet according to you they are going to miss Aaron Heilman. Seriously...is that even possible? The only time they'll miss Heilman is when they play the Marlins b/c oddly enough, the Marlins are just about the only team in the big leagues that can't hit Heilman. I'd say they got significantly better down there, adding Putz and KRod.

Every team has improved, but I still think we're gonna win. IDk why, but I have a great feeling about this year.

Any chance you can post a link to the video? I've searched and come up short.

Any chance you can post a link to the video? I've searched and come up short.

 

 

Lol, Video of?

The Hanley feature story on MLB.com the original poster alluded to.

The video touched more on the strong core of players that Florida has. I'll admit that I've been worried about this upcoming season, because of how competitive the NL East will be, but after watching that video, I have no fear now. I am confident in this team and what it can do. The sky is the limit. And although the 2009 season is going to be a tough one, I have 100% confidence that the Marlins will challenge for the NL East Title.

 

?

 

I actually feel we have a lot better chance this year compared to last year because of how much less competition we have compared to last year. Although the mets have improved their bullpen, i feel they will regret trading Heilman, and haven't improved their rotation, and add to that that there outfield has many question marks. The Atlanta Braves are falling off fast and aren't even a threat anymore, the Nationals are the Nationals, the Marlins punching bag. And then there are the phillies. They are still the Phillies, and i see them winning the division. But remember that they lost Burrell, and their starting rotation still has as many question marks as last season's rotation. The marlins have improved their bullpen, and have kept the key components of last years team. I really feel this is our best year to win it all since our chances in 2005.

 

 

This was, by far, one of the most ridiculous posts I've seen on this board.

 

Aside from the Phillies (who are the favorites, regardless, after winning it all last year), every team in the NL East has improved.

 

lulz, thanks for trashing everything i say on this board.

 

And how exactly have the Braves and Nationals gotten better? The Mets strengthened their bullpen, but they still have many issues with the starting rotation, and their team is still the same basic team as last year.

 

 

The Braves bullpen is healthy again, and they signed one of the more consistent pitchers in all of baseball...Derek Lowe. They also signed the pitcher from Japan (forgot his name now, all of the sudden).The Nationals, while not a good team, have gotten a bit better with some additions (like...Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham).

 

The Mets main problem last year was their bullpen, yet according to you they are going to miss Aaron Heilman. Seriously...is that even possible? The only time they'll miss Heilman is when they play the Marlins b/c oddly enough, the Marlins are just about the only team in the big leagues that can't hit Heilman. I'd say they got significantly better down there, adding Putz and KRod.

And Javier Vasquez

Heilman was the Mets fill in 5th starter. Now they are forced to rely on Neise, just as we are forced to rely on Miller. LOL at calling the Nats improving by adding Scotty O and Willingham, Scotty O is a 4th starter on most teams and Hammer is still an outfielder with way too many back problems.

 

The Braves did get that Japanese player, but without seeing anything from this Japanese player from video and analyzing him, you cannot seriously tell me he will help.

 

Derek Lowe was that surprise signing. I guess they were trying to make it up to the fans for missing out on Peavy. He's been consistently good since 2005, but again he is 36 years old. He is just one injury away, and even if he stays healthy, the only real starting pitcher that can contribute on the Braves is Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez is a joke, Tim Hudson was injured a lot last year, but if healthy he can be dominent. Problem is you can't bank on him to be 100%. and Jorge Campillo again is a good pitcher, not great.

 

There rotation has a lot of promise, it can really go either way. their problem is their starting lineup. Obviously they have Chipper with his knee problems, Yunel Escobar who is emerging as their star player for many years, Brian McCann, the all around great hitting catcher, and after taht there's not much to say...

 

Casey Kotchman is still an understudy of Mark Texiera, and that 647 OPS last season does not scream "Lineup Presence"

 

they lost there reliable veteren in Kotsay. Jeff Francoeur is quickly becoming the joke around major league baseball, and the rest of their lineup is pretty hard to recognize without a lineup card.

Heilman was the Mets fill in 5th starter. Now they are forced to rely on Neise, just as we are forced to rely on Miller. LOL at calling the Nats improving by adding Scotty O and Willingham, Scotty O is a 4th starter on most teams and Hammer is still an outfielder with way too many back problems.

 

The Braves did get that Japanese player, but without seeing anything from this Japanese player from video and analyzing him, you cannot seriously tell me he will help.

 

Derek Lowe was that surprise signing. I guess they were trying to make it up to the fans for missing out on Peavy. He's been consistently good since 2005, but again he is 36 years old. He is just one injury away, and even if he stays healthy, the only real starting pitcher that can contribute on the Braves is Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez is a joke, Tim Hudson was injured a lot last year, but if healthy he can be dominent. Problem is you can't bank on him to be 100%. and Jorge Campillo again is a good pitcher, not great.

 

There rotation has a lot of promise, it can really go either way. their problem is their starting lineup. Obviously they have Chipper with his knee problems, Yunel Escobar who is emerging as their star player for many years, Brian McCann, the all around great hitting catcher, and after taht there's not much to say...

 

Casey Kotchman is still an understudy of Mark Texiera, and that 647 OPS last season does not scream "Lineup Presence"

 

they lost there reliable veteren in Kotsay. Jeff Francoeur is quickly becoming the joke around major league baseball, and the rest of their lineup is pretty hard to recognize without a lineup card.

 

The Nats Opening Day starter last year was Odalis Perez, I believe. Again, just b/c Olsen and Willingham aren't anything special, doesn't mean that the Nats haven't improved.

The Braves pitching is a lot better, this year. I forgot about Javier Vazquez (thanks to the person who mentioned it).

 

As for Heilman...I seriously don't know if we're talking about the same guy anymore. Heilman was NOT the Mets fill-in 5th starter. He was the setup guy who blew a bunch of games for them. As a matter of fact, at one point and time last year, Heilman was the Mets main closer, in the closer by committee they had going after Wagner went down.

Heilman was the Mets fill in 5th starter. Now they are forced to rely on Neise, just as we are forced to rely on Miller. LOL at calling the Nats improving by adding Scotty O and Willingham, Scotty O is a 4th starter on most teams and Hammer is still an outfielder with way too many back problems.

 

The Braves did get that Japanese player, but without seeing anything from this Japanese player from video and analyzing him, you cannot seriously tell me he will help.

 

Derek Lowe was that surprise signing. I guess they were trying to make it up to the fans for missing out on Peavy. He's been consistently good since 2005, but again he is 36 years old. He is just one injury away, and even if he stays healthy, the only real starting pitcher that can contribute on the Braves is Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez is a joke, Tim Hudson was injured a lot last year, but if healthy he can be dominent. Problem is you can't bank on him to be 100%. and Jorge Campillo again is a good pitcher, not great.

 

There rotation has a lot of promise, it can really go either way. their problem is their starting lineup. Obviously they have Chipper with his knee problems, Yunel Escobar who is emerging as their star player for many years, Brian McCann, the all around great hitting catcher, and after taht there's not much to say...

 

Casey Kotchman is still an understudy of Mark Texiera, and that 647 OPS last season does not scream "Lineup Presence"

 

they lost there reliable veteren in Kotsay. Jeff Francoeur is quickly becoming the joke around major league baseball, and the rest of their lineup is pretty hard to recognize without a lineup card.

 

The Nats Opening Day starter last year was Odalis Perez, I believe. Again, just b/c Olsen and Willingham aren't anything special, doesn't mean that the Nats haven't improved.

The Braves pitching is a lot better, this year. I forgot about Javier Vazquez (thanks to the person who mentioned it).

 

As for Heilman...I seriously don't know if we're talking about the same guy anymore. Heilman was NOT the Mets fill-in 5th starter. He was the setup guy who blew a bunch of games for them. As a matter of fact, at one point and time last year, Heilman was the Mets main closer, in the closer by committee they had going after Wagner went down.

 

lulz, you can't say Heiman was the closer when he only got 8 save opportunities, and you can't say anything on such a small sample size of save opportunities. Yes, Heilman sucked as a reliever, but i still see potential in the kid for god knows what reason. He actually looks more successful when he starts than when he is in the bullpen. And to tell you the truth Luis Ayala became the mets main closer when Wagner went down.

IDK, but I do see the Nats as having better offensive production this year. I believe Milledge has consistently shown improvement the past two years and will have a very good year in 09. In addition, I also see Dukes make major contributions to that offense if he can get his head on straight. Maturity should help settle him down. This one two punch, i beleive, will greatly improve the offensive production of that team. Add Willingham, and they are much better offensively this team.

 

I don't think people are appreciating the level of talent in that OF.

Heilman was the Mets fill in 5th starter. Now they are forced to rely on Neise, just as we are forced to rely on Miller. LOL at calling the Nats improving by adding Scotty O and Willingham, Scotty O is a 4th starter on most teams and Hammer is still an outfielder with way too many back problems.

 

The Braves did get that Japanese player, but without seeing anything from this Japanese player from video and analyzing him, you cannot seriously tell me he will help.

 

Derek Lowe was that surprise signing. I guess they were trying to make it up to the fans for missing out on Peavy. He's been consistently good since 2005, but again he is 36 years old. He is just one injury away, and even if he stays healthy, the only real starting pitcher that can contribute on the Braves is Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez is a joke, Tim Hudson was injured a lot last year, but if healthy he can be dominent. Problem is you can't bank on him to be 100%. and Jorge Campillo again is a good pitcher, not great.

 

There rotation has a lot of promise, it can really go either way. their problem is their starting lineup. Obviously they have Chipper with his knee problems, Yunel Escobar who is emerging as their star player for many years, Brian McCann, the all around great hitting catcher, and after taht there's not much to say...

 

Casey Kotchman is still an understudy of Mark Texiera, and that 647 OPS last season does not scream "Lineup Presence"

 

they lost there reliable veteren in Kotsay. Jeff Francoeur is quickly becoming the joke around major league baseball, and the rest of their lineup is pretty hard to recognize without a lineup card.

 

The Nats Opening Day starter last year was Odalis Perez, I believe. Again, just b/c Olsen and Willingham aren't anything special, doesn't mean that the Nats haven't improved.

The Braves pitching is a lot better, this year. I forgot about Javier Vazquez (thanks to the person who mentioned it).

 

As for Heilman...I seriously don't know if we're talking about the same guy anymore. Heilman was NOT the Mets fill-in 5th starter. He was the setup guy who blew a bunch of games for them. As a matter of fact, at one point and time last year, Heilman was the Mets main closer, in the closer by committee they had going after Wagner went down.

 

lulz, you can't say Heiman was the closer when he only got 8 save opportunities, and you can't say anything on such a small sample size of save opportunities. Yes, Heilman sucked as a reliever, but i still see potential in the kid for god knows what reason. He actually looks more successful when he starts than when he is in the bullpen. And to tell you the truth Luis Ayala became the mets main closer when Wagner went down.

 

 

I remember hearing alot of teams wanted heilman so they could try him as a starter.

Heilman was the Mets fill in 5th starter. Now they are forced to rely on Neise, just as we are forced to rely on Miller. LOL at calling the Nats improving by adding Scotty O and Willingham, Scotty O is a 4th starter on most teams and Hammer is still an outfielder with way too many back problems.

 

The Braves did get that Japanese player, but without seeing anything from this Japanese player from video and analyzing him, you cannot seriously tell me he will help.

 

Derek Lowe was that surprise signing. I guess they were trying to make it up to the fans for missing out on Peavy. He's been consistently good since 2005, but again he is 36 years old. He is just one injury away, and even if he stays healthy, the only real starting pitcher that can contribute on the Braves is Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez is a joke, Tim Hudson was injured a lot last year, but if healthy he can be dominent. Problem is you can't bank on him to be 100%. and Jorge Campillo again is a good pitcher, not great.

 

There rotation has a lot of promise, it can really go either way. their problem is their starting lineup. Obviously they have Chipper with his knee problems, Yunel Escobar who is emerging as their star player for many years, Brian McCann, the all around great hitting catcher, and after taht there's not much to say...

 

Casey Kotchman is still an understudy of Mark Texiera, and that 647 OPS last season does not scream "Lineup Presence"

 

they lost there reliable veteren in Kotsay. Jeff Francoeur is quickly becoming the joke around major league baseball, and the rest of their lineup is pretty hard to recognize without a lineup card.

 

The Nats Opening Day starter last year was Odalis Perez, I believe. Again, just b/c Olsen and Willingham aren't anything special, doesn't mean that the Nats haven't improved.

The Braves pitching is a lot better, this year. I forgot about Javier Vazquez (thanks to the person who mentioned it).

 

As for Heilman...I seriously don't know if we're talking about the same guy anymore. Heilman was NOT the Mets fill-in 5th starter. He was the setup guy who blew a bunch of games for them. As a matter of fact, at one point and time last year, Heilman was the Mets main closer, in the closer by committee they had going after Wagner went down.

 

lulz, you can't say Heiman was the closer when he only got 8 save opportunities, and you can't say anything on such a small sample size of save opportunities. Yes, Heilman sucked as a reliever, but i still see potential in the kid for god knows what reason. He actually looks more successful when he starts than when he is in the bullpen. And to tell you the truth Luis Ayala became the mets main closer when Wagner went down.

 

 

Ayala became the main closer, after Heilman sucked so bad at it. The plan was for Heilman to close out games. He just so happened to blow 5 of his 8 save opps.

BTW, Heilman is a better reliever than he is a starter.

Any chance you can post a link to the video? I've searched and come up short.

 

I cannot find it either. Here's the link to the video: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/news/articl...sp&c_id=fla

 

As for the link to the video, I can't find it, but I'll keep looking and I'll post it if and when I find it.

With the Braves, you have to mention Tommy Hanson. He may not start the year in the majors, but he will probably be up soon. Young guys are prone to have their problems, but he looks like he can be a beast very soon.

I pretty much agree with what Erik has already mentioned. I don't see how all the other NL East teams have become weaker, if anything our division has become more competitive.

The Phillies, as the reigning champs, really didn't have much to improve. Their rotation is amazing with Hamels (which I still find funny the Marlins never lost against him) and Moyer. They have great offensive numbers and their bullpen was good. The only asset they lost was Burrell which they replaced with Ibanez who actually had better offensive stats last season (except maybe HRs).

 

The Mets area of concern last season was their bullpen which they've fixed (at least theoretically) with K-Rod as closer and Putz as set-up. You might argue that they are still the same team but you'd be wrong. How can they sign K-Rod and Putz to remedy their tattered bullpen which gave up God knows how many leads last season (I read somewhere that by Sept they'd blown 29 games), and still be the same team?

 

The Nats have taken steps to improve as well. Most notable to us as Marlins fans is the acquisition of Scotty O and Willingham. They added Terrell Young in the Rule of Five (though he's probably starting in the minors) and they signed Daniel Cabrera. To be honest, Cabrera kind of sucks but I'm assuming the Nats have plans for him or see something in him others don't. I've also read rumors of the Nats interested in Orlando Hudson but take that with a grain of salt. What some need to take into consideration is that the Nats have done what is within their means to acquire great players but there is nothing they can do if players don't want to play for the team. They tried to acquire Teixiera but were turned down. They also signed their star Zimmerman to a one year deal.

 

The Braves have added Kawakami, Derek Lowe and Javier Vasquez. They also added a back up catcher in Dave Ross. They might not have improved to what some would like but I do think that Lowe actually improves their rotation and, although Vasquez did struggle last year, he was fairly decent in 2007. I know absolutely nothing about Kawakami.