MARLINS - 3/11/02

LATEST TEAM INFO:

Welcome to the first edition of the Marlins Report in the 2002 season. No new major news except the new Manager Torborg. He will be aggressive so look for the fish to steal a lot of bases.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:

Batting:

Well the top name on many fantasy owners when they look at a Marlin roster is Cliff Floyd. He is a serious threat in the outfield. Mid way through the year last year many rankings had him as a top ten player. But as the young marlin started to feel the wrath of a 162 game schedule he slowed down like most Marlins did. His numbers slowed down just because he was getting tired. He will most likely finish stronger this year, as his body is more adjusted to the long schedule and playing in the South Florida heat. Luis Castillo is a solid guy at second base. Especially if he plays like he did in 2000. Last year he struggled compared to the year before. Castillo is a fragile guy. He is very emotional and last year was going through a lot. Maybe he can get his head in the game and play like he did in 2000 when he hit .330 and stole 55 bases. Preston Wilson is another one of the young OF that has 30-30 maybe even 40-40 potential. He too slowed down last year. He got hurt in June and never made it back to 100 percent. Charles Johnson is their Catcher and is a decent pick if you miss out on Piazza and Irod. He had a fantastic start of the year last year. But last year they had bad management who decided to play him everyday in the South Florida heat. It broke down this catcher's knees and tired him out. He had a horrible second half. Manager Toreberg said he would rest him more this year. Other guys with some to little Fantasy value are Mike Lowell a 3b who had 100 rbi's and hit about avg. He is a consistent guy and will produce for you is your in a pinch at third. Kevin Millar broke out last year. Will hit cleanup can do a little of everything. Derek Lee has looked good in camp. He put on some weight during the offseason in the form of muscle. He has the power to hit 40 homers. So check him out the first weeks if you like what you see from him. He might be finally breaking out.

Pitching:

This is what you think about when you think Marlins. They have a young but good staff. Not all of them are ready to produce for you. But if you take a risk they might pay off. Ryan Dempster is the number 1 starter. Dempster was an all-star 2 years ago. He has the capability to strike out 200 plus and win 15 this year. Brad Penny had a great year last year. He did more than was expected of him. He has the real deal stuff that makes his owners happy. Josh Beckett, the man, the myth, and the legend. He has been talked about down here in Miami since he was in diapers. Well at least it feels that way. He has been brought up slowly by the organization. Last year in his debut blew away the Cubs and left Sosa baffled. This kid is for real. He is a great risk to take. He has the ability to strike out 10 or more a game and just has the sky to gain. AJ Burnett the man with the 9 walks, no hitter. Will he let that be all he is known for? Well not if is stuff has anything to do with it. He has great stuff but control is an issue with him. He got himself in a lot of unhealthy trouble by walking guys last year. But he is young. Antonio Alfonseca the closer that lead the NL in saves in 2000. The marlins play a lot of close games since they don't produce many runs. So he will get his chances its just up to him to see which Antonio shows up. All these pitchers are young and have great stuff but another issue here could be the NL East. They're playing in a division with offensive powerhouses like the Mets and Braves. So be careful.

RUMOR MILL:

There really isn't a lot of trade talk here. But there is talk of shipping Alex Gonzales but who cares where he goes he cant hit for anyone.

INJURIES:

Charles Johnson is there only real injury. He hurt ligaments in his thumb. He is expected to be back for opening day, end of the first week at the latest.

PROJECTED LINE-UP:

Projected Line-Up:

2b Luis Castillo: Castillo can steal bases. Good pick up.
CF Preston Wilson: 40-40 can be in his future but 30-30 likely this year.
LF Cliff Floyd: Has power can hit for avg and will produce.
RF Kevin Millar: Filled in well last year and is expected to get more playing time.
3b Mike Lowell: 100 rbi guy and will be and is good if you're short on 3b.
C Charles Johnson: A solid Catcher if he can maintain his hot starts.
1b Derek Lee: Has the ability to hit 40 homers. Will he who knows.
SS Alex Gonzalez: Look else where.

Starting Rotation and Closer:

Ryan Dempster: He has great stuff and is a solid pick up.
Brad Penny: Exploded last year and has all the stuff.
Josh Beckett: The phenom will finally get his chance this year. Many publications have him as NL rookie of the year.
AJ Burnett: Has all the tools had problems with his control last year.
Matt Clement: Has good stuff and can win games if he had some run support.
Antonio Alfonseca: Top notch closer especially since the Marlins will be in a lot of games this year.

QUICK VIEW:

Add:
Cliff Floyd OF (new)
Luis Castillo 2b (new)
Preston Wilson OF (new)
Charles Johnson C (new)
Ryan Dempster SP (new)
Brad Penny SP (new)
Josh Beckett SP (new)
Antonio Alfonseca RP (new)
AJ Burnett SP (new)

Drop:
None