2015 Miami Marlins
The city of Jupiter Florida had the pleasure of welcoming the new look 2015 Miami Marlins as spring training began several weeks ago. Giancarlo Stanton and company ring in the new baseball season with a revamped roster and high hopes for a triumphant season, one that is due after several uninspired ones. Nobody can dismiss the fact that Jeffrey Loria & Company are all in after signing Giancarlo Stanton to the largest contract in baseball history, 325 million. The much maligned owner for the Marlins who is known for busy off seasons that have usually led to unloading talent rather than reloading surprisingly garnered the signature that every owner in the MLB would die to have, Giancarlo Stanton's. Bizarrely, upon hearing the number of 325 million he quickly stepped away rather than pouncing on the pen and paper, he wanted to formulate the correct way in responding to this deal by not just taking the money but letting the front office know that he cares more about the product on the field and winning than any dollar amount. The Marlins brace, most notably Jeffrey Loria assured the 6'6 slugger that he can trust him, not an easy task as past history tells us that the owner of the Marlins likes to trade established pieces away for growing parts. Winter meetings began with very little chatter that any significant moves would be made, but the traditional congregation of MLB executives took a sharp left turn as Marlins acquired speedy 2nd baseman Dee Gordon from the Dodgers. In what would start the domino effect of Marlins moves, the team dealt for Michael Morse, Mat Latos, Martin Prado, and David Phelps plus the free agent acquisition of Ichiro Suzuki.
The Marlins look to build from a 2014 season that saw the team win 15 more games from 2013 to 2014. A promising outfield that is proclaimed to one of the best by most pundits is set to be put alongside an infield that will field 3 new starters. A starting rotation that gained steam and momentum down the stretch of the season is primed to build on its success, the team is also expected to get back it's ace pitcher Jose Fernandez by early June. It seems that all the pieces are in place for this team who is usually in the cellar of the NL East to make a run for the top spot and overtake the equally deserving Washington Nationals.
