State of the Marlins

The Miami Marlins have had an extreme boom and bust roller-coaster ride since joining the NL as an expansion team in 1993.  They have won two championships and have had at least 4 distinct "firesales" where they trade or fail to re-sign all of their expensive players, which means all of their good players.  The franchise currently appears to be near the beginning of a longterm rebuilding phase despite lingering economic and legal fallout from the disastrous ownership of Jeffrey Loria.

Ownership:  If you want to read about a microcosm of what is wrong with the current American socio-economic system, you should read an article entitled Miami Marlins Team Ownership History on sabr.org linked to the left.  Oh my!  It remains to be seen whether the current ownership group fronted by former Yankee great Derek Jeter can rebuild its reputation and become good citizen-owners, but after reading this piece, you really have to wonder.

Grade D.

Management:

Minority Owner Derek Jeter is the CEO and seems to have a lot of input into baseball decisions.  Michael Hill is the President of Baseball Operations.  Don "Two Visits" Mattingly(or is it Donny Two Times?) is the Field Manager.  The Marlins roster is starting to show some signs of life but it's still too early to tell if they are headed in the right direction longterm.

Grade D+

Current Roster:

Starting Eight:  Jorge Alfaro C, Jesus Aguilar 1B, Isan Diaz 2B, Jonathan Villar 3B, Miguel Rojas SS, Corey Dickerson LF, Lewis Brinson CF, Brian Anderson RF.

Bench:  Francisco Cervelli C, Garrett Cooper 1B, Harold Ramirez OF, Jon Berti UT, Matt Joyce OF.

Starting Rotation:  Sandy Alcantara RHP, Caleb Smith LHP, Pablo Lopez RHP, Jose Urena RHP, Jordan Yamamoto RHP.

Bullpen:  Drew Steckenrider RHP(Closer), Brandon Kintzler RHP, Ryne Stanek RHP, Yimi Garcia RHP, Adam Conley LHP, Stephen Tarpley LHP.

Brian Anderson is the best position player.  Isan Diaz has shown promise as a prospect but had a rough introduction to the majors last year.  The Marlins added some lower cost veterans to keep the roster from being a complete dumpster fire.  The pitching staff is young with some promise.  The bullpen is stronger than the rotation.  Overall, still not a strong roster.

Grade D.

Farm System:

The farm system is in better shape than it was when the current management took over.  RHP Sixto Sanchez is the top prospect per MLB.  Last year's first round draft pick JJ Bleday is #2.  I really liked #8 LHP Trevor Rogers a couple of years ago in the draft.  Other than that, the Marlins have emphasized toolsy HS draftees who take a long time to develop.

Grade C