February 28, 200422 yr Link to his columnist page By: Miguel Lorenzo MarlinsBaseball.com Columnist With Spring Training upon us, the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins get set to defend their title in what should be the most pivotal season for Florida on and off the field. The Stadium issues with the Florida Marlins have been well documented and there is no need to reinforce the fact that for the Marlins to stay in South Florida for many years to come they need to finance a new stadium, but 2004 will also be a year in which we?ll see if Marlins fans will truly come out and support their team game in and game out if they continue to win. With the team the Marlins were able to keep intact, there?s no question they should be in the thick of things come September. While many will highlight the Marlins off-season with the fact that Catcher Pudge Rodriguez jumped boats to Detroit to play for the Tigers, there are certainly many positives to this 2004 Marlins team that are being overlooked by some. While it seems to go under the radar to many fans around baseball, the Marlins started off their off-season in grand manor by resigning Third baseman Mike Lowell and Second baseman Luis Castillo whom are two of the biggest pieces needed for Florida to have success now and the future. After keeping most of their infield intact, the Marlins then made a tough decision by trading away First baseman Derek Lee the Chicago Cubs in exchange for First baseman Hee Seop Choi and Pitcher Mike Nannini. While Lee is arguable the best fielding First baseman in the entire league, his salary was scheduled to make a jump the Marlins were just not in position to match, and while his Gold Glove defense will certainly be missed, Hee Seop Choi can certainly fill the void left by Lee quite nicely. At 6?5, 240 pounds, Choi has the build and skills to have a great defensive year in Florida, but the question lies in how well he will hit. While he struggled last year with the Chicago Cubs, the fact remains that Choi has major potential, and over time he should develop into a very good player in this league. Just in case he struggles early on though, the Marlins signed former Montreal Expo Wil Cordero to step if needed and Florida can always move outfielder Jeff Conine to first as well. Speaking of the outfield, the Marlins have one of the best in the National League with Conine in Left, Juan Pierre in center and Miguel Cabrera in Right. All three are completely different players, which brings major versatility to the group. Pierre is a speedy fielder that makes up for his lackluster arm with major speed. At the plate, Pierre rarely strikes out and is one of the best contact hitters in baseball. Cabrera on the other hand is an all around player who is on the verge of stardom. Not only does Cabrera have the power to belt in 40 homeruns, but he also has a great arm, which compliments his great fielding skills. While Conine is much older than Cabrera and Pierre, he is still an above average fielder and hitter in this league. This is where the certainties end, and the question marks for 2004 begin, as there are three major questions this team will face that will dictate how far they go in 04?. The biggest will be A.J. Burnett and the Florida Marlins starters. While Burnett has the best stuff out of the entire Marlins staff, it?s not certain how effective he will be in his first season after coming off of Tommy John surgery. As has been the case with many pitchers who have undergone the procedure, Burnett could turnout to pitch better than ever, or he might have to wait a season or two to get back into form. In addition, while Josh Beckett became a star in the playoffs, the fact remains that he has yet to go an entire season without going on the Disabled list. The Marlins are also going to have to rely on Darrin Oliver to successfully fill the void left by Mark Redmond until A.J. Burnett comes back. The key to the entire season is the starting rotation and if the unit can remain healthy, the Marlins will go far once again. The second question mark for Florida lies with closer Armando Benitez and the rest of the Marlins bullpen. Benitez has been an All-Star in this league so there is no doubt he can regain that form under the right settings. Unfortunately there is just no telling what to expect from Benitez in 2004, but what is evident is that a team lives and dies by it?s closer so for the Marlins to be successful this season, especially in close games, they will need to rely on Benitez. Another situation the Marlins face will be filling the gaps left by relievers Ugueth Urbina, Braden Looper, and Rick Helling. Florida made some additions to counter the losses by trading for Mike Neu and Bill Murphy but just as last year players are going to have to step it up in order to improve the pen. Finally, the Marlins? last concern deals with the position left up for grabs thanks to the departure of Ivan Rodriguez. While Mike Redmond is the veteran catcher on the Marlins roster, it will be promising star Ramon Castro who will hold the keys to the starting spot if he is cleared of rape charges and can play baseball this season. Expect Florida to alternate between Castro and Redmond a bit since neither catcher has ever played a complete season and while neither will provide the leadership, defense and clutch hitting ability that Rodriguez brought to the table last year, there won?t be a tremendous drop off in season numbers between Rodriguez and the Castro/Redmond combination. While it might not occur this season, Castro has the potential to be an All-Star in this league and he?s finally going to get his opportunity to prove he can reach that level. The 2004 season will be a lot like 2003 in the sense that many players are going to have to step it up for this team to go far. Probably though, the most similar characteristic that 2003 and 2004 will share in common is the fact that no one will give the Marlins a chance for a repeat. Jack McKeon and the rest of the Florida Marlins wouldn?t have it any other way.
February 29, 200422 yr in 2002 Redmond had 89 games 256 at bats, both career highs... I was talking more of 98-01. But thanks for the info.
February 29, 200422 yr like i said that is his career best . he is was and will always be a backup. get him 225 at bats and he is solid...
February 29, 200422 yr Well since you guys are on the topic of Redmond, here is a picture of me interviewing him in 2002. I don't have the audio or video of the interview right now but can tell you that what he told me that's still relevant today is that he has no clue why he dominates lefties, he just goes out and plays.
February 29, 200422 yr he clearly has some incriminating photos of Al Leiter, Tom Glavine, and Mike Hampton together :mischief
February 29, 200422 yr Oh yeah, and he'll be adding Billy Wagner to that list soon :thumbup id like to think so but he doesnt have the bat speed :lol
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