Speculation

What looked like it was going to be a Halladay-led rout turned into a pretty good game last night, despite the final score. Monday’s frozen bats thawed, and Giancarlo Stanton notched #34. Not a bad tally, considering the near-zeros in April and July. It’s probably safe to say that he’s got a pretty good shot a starting job next year. But what about the rest of this year’s crew? Following is the humble opinion of yr. obt. svt.:

Sep 9, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) is congratulated by catcher Rob Brantly (19) after recording a shutout against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

Pitcher:

The Rotation:

Josh Johnson: He hits free agency in 2014, and had a decent year. He’s not going anywhere.

Ricky Nolasco: Also under contract through next year.  Will likely hang up his spikes as a Marlin.

Mark Buehrle: Definitely locked up, and was an overall asset this year.

Jacob Turner or Carlos Zambrano:  Turner is locked up through 2013, and looking like a solid back-of-the rotation guy, despite his youth. Big Z might steal his thunder if he puts in some hard off-season work.

Nathan Eovaldi or Wade LeBlanc: Not under contract next year. My guess is the Ozzie will abandon the six-man rotation next year and Eovaldi gets the nod, as long as he can develop his changeup against lefties.

The Bullpen

Heath Bell: Staying, damnit.  Too much money invested in him.  However, there may come a point that his inconsistency becomes too much for Loria to bear.

Wade LeBlanc: He has done well this year, and may stay with the team if he’s cheap enough and willing to stay in the bullpen

Steve Cishek:  Has done very well this year.   I see him as the 2013 closer.

Mike Dunn: Solid bullpen guy, and a reliable LOOGY.

Chad Gaudin: Another bullpen journeyman.

Ryan Webb: Again, not stellar, but able to keep his head up late in the game.

Catcher

John Buck: Locked up through 2013.  It’s a problem, because his bat just doesn’t deliver.  .133/.224/.217 in July, and .333/.409/.579 in August. has 3 hits and 1 RBI so far in September.

Rob Brantly: Very promising young catcher, but needs to learn more about the position and mature at the big league level.  I suspect his sophomore season will be an excellent one.  Once Buck’s contract runs out, the platooning we’ve seen this year will end, and Brantly will be the starter.

First Base

Logan Morrison:  I don’t think we’ll re-sign Carlos Lee.  He’ll want a multi-year contract, and he’s a little long in the tooth for that.  Morrison is a bit of a loose cannon with an inconsistent bat, but I think that if his knee is pain-free, he’ll hit better. He just doesn’t have the wheels or the arm for the outfield.  If we do re-sign Lee, I’d prefer to see Morrison traded.

Second Base

Donovan Solano: Solano or Bonifacio? There are arguments to make about Bonifacio at second and center, but I think Solano is the better fit for the right side of the middle.

Third Base

I honestly don’t know. Kevin Youkilis?

Shortstop

Jose Reyes: ‘Nuff said.

Left Field

Justin Ruggiano: His bat has been a godsend this year, and I think his star is on the rise.

Center Field

Emilio Bonifacio:  Awesome speed to cover a large center field and to steal many, many bases.  Between Reyes and Bonifacio, I see the Marlins owning the stolen base record again next year.

Right Field

Giancarlo Stanton: ‘Nuff said, part II.

These are my thoughts on the subject, and I’d enjoy hearing contrary thinking. Maybe we can turn this into a running thread, and post a fan consensus just after the winter meetings?