2007 Florida Marlins March 14 2007 Preseason Review by baseballhistorian.com The pitching staff is one of the best in baseball thanks to a group of rookies last year. Their offense featured four players who busted out 20 or more homers. Catcher Miguel Olivo rates top-notch defensively, the rest of the young infielders were upgrading as the season progressed. The outfielders use their speed to cover acres of ground, and are improving in the hitting department. The 2006 Florida Marlins posted winning home record of 42-39, but were just 36-45 on the road, and a 78-84 season record. Here’s the Scoop! The bright spot was the Marlins pitching staff which compiled a solid 4.22 ERA compare with a NL average of 4.65. High-kicking lefty Dontrelle Willis had a 12-12 record, 3.87 ERA, struck out 160 batters in 223.1 innings. Already a major star, Dontrelle Wills is just 25-years old. Right-handers Ricky Nolasco, 24-years old and Anibal Sanchez, 23-years old command respect from opposing batters. Ricky Nolasco throws a fast ball that approaches 95 mph and a changeup and curve that rates near 5-Stars. He had a 11-11 record, a 4.82 ERA 99 Ks in 140 innings. Anibal Sanchez has a four-seam and 2-seam fastballs that tail in, and a curve, a slider and solid changeup. Josh Johnson, 23-years old, went 12-7, with stunning 3.10 ERA, and had 133 Ks in 157 innings, nd that’s from throwing a 95 mph heater. Reliever Taylor Tankersley, a 24-year old left-hander, had huge successes against left-handed batters and right-handers fared not much better. Taylor Tankersley had a 2-1 record, 3 saves, fine 2.85 ERA and struck out better than a batter an inning in 2006, 46 Ks in 41 innings. Two right-handed relievers, Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens, were picked up from the Mets in November. Both pitchers had impressive minors league records and either might become the Marlins closer of the future. Randy Messenger has great control of a 90 mph fastball, a curve ball and a slider. Another reliever, veteran sinker baller Sergio Mitre is expected to return to form after spending a lot of 2006 on the DL. Second baseman Dan Uggla hit .282, powered a team-high 27 homers, scored 105 runs, 90 RBI in 611 at bats. Veteran third baseman Miguel Cabrera remains Florida premier position player. Last season Miguel Cabrera hit .339, lined 26 Hr, 112 Runs, 114 RBIs, and walked 86 times. Leadoff hitter, shortstop Hanley Ramirez is fast on the base paths, hit .292, 17 Hr, scored 119 runs, 59 RBIs in 633 games. Mike Jacobs, 26-year old first baseman, batted .262, 20 homers, 54 Runs, 77 RBI. Catcher Miguel Olivo hit .263, 16 Hrs, 52 Runs, 58 RBI. Miguel Olivo rates one of the top throwing arms in MLB. Centerfield Alfredo Amezaga hit .260, 3 HR, 42 Runs, 19 RBIs in 334 at bats. LF Josh Willingham hit .277, lined 26 Hr, 62 Runs, 74 RBIs in 502 at bats. RF Jeremy Hermida batted .251in 307 at bats, 5 Hr, 37 R, 28 RBI. OF Reggie Abercrombie, 26-years old, will be battling for a starting spot in 2007. For complete stats of all baseball players, please see Players section on the upper left-side of our home page For loads of fun reading, type in Yankees, Cardinals, Pirates, Red Sox, Cubs or all other teams in our Search on the lower left-side of our home page |
