Florida Marlins 2008 Midseason Update

The surprising Florida Marlins are eyeing a spot in the playoffs this season, posing a real threat in the NL East.

Florida Marlins: Season Overview
Much along the lines of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League, the Florida Marlins expected 2008 to be a rebuilding year. Perhaps it is the result of the shaky play in the National League East division, but the Florida Marlins are shooting for one of the four playoff spots in the NL and are in stone’s throw of the NL East crown. The Florida Marlins started the season hot and then hit a snag during a stretch in which they played the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. But a favorable July schedule has the Florida Marlins right back in the mix of things in the NL East.

Florida Marlins: Offense
Early in the season it was the Florida Marlins’ scorching-hot offense that was carrying the team. Now the bats have cooled a bit, and the Florida Marlins are leveling out. Still, at the halfway point of the season, the Florida Marlins are playing with a solid offense, but shaky pitching has kept the Florida Marlins from advancing further in the NL East. Hanley Ramirez has had a dazzling season offensively, leading all shortstops in Major League Baseball with 22 homeruns. Sitting comfortably atop the Florida Marlins batting lineup for now, Hanley Ramirez has the potential to bat in the third spot once he matures; this will give the Florida Marlins an extra boost on offense if he can bat with runners on base.

Florida Marlins: Defense
Just when they needed a boost, the Florida Marlins will receive a boost in their pitching rotation with the return of RHP Josh Johnson. Noted for his consistency, Josh Johnson is returning early from a ligament replacement surgery. Josh Johnson is eager to give the Florida Marlins a boost in the bullpen. Scott Olsen recently pitched to his first win since early May giving the Florida Marlins bullpen a much-needed rest. The Florida Marlins’ current streak without a pitcher throwing a complete game is the longest in the history of Major League Baseball. That is not the kind of record the Florida Marlins will need to move up in the standings in the NL East division, and it is not the type of precedent that will give a young team confidence.

The starting pitching is not necessarily the issue for the Florida Marlins. In fact, Scott Olsen has left several games with the lead this season. The issue is when the defense behind the pitcher can’t protect the lead and when the bullpen struggles to keep leads. With an offense that fluctuates between hot and cold, the Florida Marlins desperately need to find some consistency in their pitching rotation if they hope to win consistently.

Florida Marlins: Season Standings
Currently trailing the Philadelphia Phillies for the top spot in the NL East by 1.5 games, the Florida Marlins have surprised everyone by streaking to a record of 47-44. The Florida Marlins have played better than anyone might have expected them to play. A favorable record from June through the All-Star break will help them stay on pace in the NL East and keep the Marlins within striking distance of the vulnerable Philadelphia Phillies. The New York Mets are on a five-game winning streak. Both the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies should look out for the New York Mets who are making their push for the top.

Florida Marlins: Standout Players
Last season, Cody Ross might have led Major League Baseball in slugging percentage if he had been given more at bats. This season Cody Ross has the confidence of the Florida Marlins organization and a full-time job, and he is rewarding the Florida Marlins by having a career year. In a streaky offense, Cody Ross seems to have finally found his comfort zone in the batter’s box. Cody Ross had a big series against the Colorado Rockies, putting himself on pace for 27 homeruns and 87 RBIs in only 405 at-bats.

Florida Marlins: Second-Half Outlook
After the All-Star break, the Florida Marlins will meet division leader Philadelphia Phillies in a series that could make or break one team in the NL East race. If Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad can pitch to their potential, the Florida Marlins can be a real threat to the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies down the stretch. If the pitching doesn’t improve in the second half, the Florida Marlins will have a tough time trying to keep pace with the Philadelphia Phillies and the surging New York Mets. Even if playoff hopes don’t pan out this season, Florida Marlins fans at Dolphin Stadium can rest assured that the Florida Marlins have a nice young foundation for seasons to come.