oops no order, didnt read that, i take it back, but still gagne # 1

than be a bloated favorite like the braves that don't deliver

The Braves don't deliver? So was it The Yankees that were on the top of The Nl East? division titles are worthless unless you can bring home a league pennant or world championship trophy.

I hope I'm not overestimating Beckett and Cabrera's production, because their improvement is key to this team winning the NL East. But I think numbers like this are reasonable, barring injury:

 

Josh Beckett: 2.5 ERA, 20 game winner, over 200 SO. 20-wins and consistent dominace over a season is this guys goal, as he reiterated in countless post-Series interviews. We saw a determined Beckett in the playoffs, and we all know what that can mean. He didn't have one CG last year, but had two in the playoffs alone. This guy will truly be a different pitcher, production-wise, than last year.

 

Miguel Cabrera: .280 BA, 30 HR, 125 RBI. If he played all 162 games last year, his (projected) numbers would be 22 HR and 115 RBI, so this isn't a huge leap. When considering how he IMPROVED his production in the playoffs, against top pitching, these numbers even seem conservative. The things a ballplayer learns from 20 to 21 are immeasurable. In the playoffs, he hit jacks against Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, and Roger Clemens. What do you think he's going to do to the Phillies lefty-staff? Remember, this guy has smased lefties since the minors.

 

Vlad talk is exciting, but the thought of watching these guys grow next year is a blessing we Marlins can't take for granted.

i couldnt agree more on what you said about Beckett but i think you're overestimating a bit on cabrera .

I like us not being favorites, its been like that both years we have won the WS. So lets make it a 3rd one. :thumbup

I think we are a bat away and a couple of decent arms on the pen to be favorites.

 

I would like to see what our rotation can do healthy a full year.

 

And if we aren't favorites, that's OK with me

If our rotation remains mostly healthy this season our chances are looking good at making at least a run at the WC.

Have we ever been the favorites? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I don't think we will be again. Even back in 97 the best prediction was for the Marlins to win the Wild Card. This year 2003, most people picked us 4th at best. I think we'll be the number 3 team as far as predictions. That doesn't mean we won't end up number one.

we should be the fav.

 

but i doubt it...