Marlins fans may soon have something to celebrate

Go ahead wake up South Florida — you are not dreaming. It is true that the Miami Marlins spent over $200 million dollars this past off-season to make your favorite ball club legitimate playoff contenders in the National League. Spring training is underway and if you look around you’ll see some pretty high-priced new faces: new manager Ozzie Guillen; and free agents Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Burhle. This year’s squad is already being touted as potential challengers to the mighty Phillies in the NL East and why not? Starting pitching is a key as with most clubs so the health of ace

Josh Johnson is paramount to a successful season. Newcomer Burhle is a workhorse who has gone 11 straight seasons with over 200 innings of work and double-digit wins. Factor in Carlos Zambrano, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco and collectively you have a nice group. It will also be interesting to see how this team responds to Guillen’s in-your-face-tell it like it is style. It sure won’t be boring. We have to see how superstar Hanley Ramirez responds to being moved to third base since Reyes has taken over [good move] at shortstop. If Ramirez does not pout and plays to his potential you are looking at a very dangerous team and a high-powered offense. Expect a big season from slugger Mike Stanton as well; he should flourish this season with all of these big bats in the lineup. The Marlins overall appear to be a solid club and with moving into their new stadium, who can blame the fans for dreaming and thinking big. This team is on the verge with an established starting lineup and good rotation. The bullpen may finally be the team’s strength, depending on whether Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez) is still here. There are some minor things to sort out like what kind of contributions can we expect from guys like Chris Coghlan, Scott Cousins and Donnie “bleepin” Murphy. That’s what the grapefruit league is for. For now, Marlins fans can enjoy the ride with this team. Dreams it appears, do come true.

The Sports Brothers can now be heard on WMEN 640 Sports. Check them out at www.thesportsbrothers.com

Go ahead wake up South Florida — you are not dreaming. It is true that the Miami Marlins spent over $200 million dollars this past off-season to make your favorite ball club legitimate playoff contenders in the National League. Spring training is underway and if you look around you’ll see some pretty high-priced new faces: new manager Ozzie Guillen; and free agents Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Burhle. This year’s squad is already being

touted as potential challengers to the mighty Phillies in the NL East and why not? Starting pitching is a key as with most clubs so the health of ace Josh Johnson is paramount to a successful season. Newcomer Burhle is a workhorse who has gone 11 straight seasons with over 200 innings of work and double-digit wins. Factor in Carlos Zambrano, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco and collectively you have a nice group. It will also be interesting to see how this team responds to Guillen’s in-your-face-tell it like it is style. It sure won’t be boring. We have to see how superstar Hanley Ramirez responds to being moved to third base since Reyes has taken over [good move] at shortstop. If Ramirez does not pout and plays to his potential you are looking at a very dangerous team and a high-powered offense. Expect a big season from slugger Mike Stanton as well; he should flourish this season with all of these big bats in the lineup. The Marlins overall appear to be a solid club and with moving into their new stadium, who can blame the fans for dreaming and thinking big. This team is on the verge with an established starting lineup and good rotation. The bullpen may finally be the team’s strength, depending on whether Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez) is still here. There are some minor things to sort out like what kind of contributions can we expect from guys like Chris Coghlan, Scott Cousins and Donnie “bleepin” Murphy. That’s what the grapefruit league is for. For now, Marlins fans can enjoy the ride with this team. Dreams it appears, do come true.

By The Sports Brothers
The Sports Brothers can now be heard on WMEN 640 Sports. Check them out at www.thesportsbrothers.com