MLB: Marlins Ready to Make a Run at the Top

By Brandon Engebretson
Sports Central Columnist

People still remember that horribly-bitter experience of the 1997 fire sale after the World Series. The Florida Marlins defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven excruciating games, and soon after, dismantled the team. Before anyone knew it, Kevin Brown was gone, so was Al Leiter, Moises Alou, and Edgar Renteria. Finally, Gary Sheffield, Matt Mantei, and Bobby Bonilla left the team a year or two later.
But, now, those moves don't seem so bad. It still would have been better for baseball if that team didn't dismantle so quickly, but the Marlins could have a potential powerhouse in their hands. Most of all, they're doing it like the Atlanta Braves of the 1980's, with great young arms with tons of potential.

A.J. Burnett, Brad Penny, Jesus Sanchez, Ryan Dempster, and the the wily veteran, when healthy, Alex Fernandez is a formidable rotation. Nate Bump is going along nicely, and could be a nice #3 or #4 guy in the rotation.

The bullpen is just as strong. They've got Armando Almanza, Braden Looper, and Antonio Alfonseca. In the future, they want to put Looper in as the closer because of his dominating stuff, meaning they can trade their great closer now, Alfonseca, for a need they need to fill.

The Marlin's lineup is full of young budding stars, too. Derek Lee is starting to produce the stats that was expect of him when they trade Brown for him. Luis Castillo is already one of the top leadoff hitters at second base. At third base, is former Yankee prospect Mike Lowell, who has some good pop. Right field is manned by the man with a cannon on his arm, Mark Kotsay. Throw in some solid stats and you have yourself a good right fielder.

Center field is manned by the multi-talented Preston Wilson. Sure, he strikes out way too much, but if that's what it takes for him to have a 30-30 season, the Marlins will take it. The "veteran" is in left field. All of 27-years-old, Cliff Floyd is a man with speed and pop, when healthy.

The only question to be answered in their lineup is the shortstop position. Currently manned by talented Alex Gonzalez, it could be up for grabs sooner or later. Hitting only .207 this year, Gonzalez has been in manager Dave Boles doghouse most of the summer. The Marlins acquired Pablo Ozuna in the Edgar Renteria trade with the Cardinals, and he can play shortstop. Although, the Marlins would rather see him play second base or a valuable utility role.

The Braves have a solid grip on the NL East, but every year there is a new potential powerhouse, and the Marlins are primed to make a run at the top. These Marlins are built and look very similiar to the Braves of the early 1990's, and the know that. Lookfor some great battles in the NL East for years to come.