This franchise can do better, spending wise, than they did a year ago and make strides towards competing for a championship within a few years. What they need to focus on is filling out a roster, developing talent and competing. With guys like Stanton and other toolsy athletic players in the farm system, this franchise is not as far away as many on the outside believe. Christian Yelich has the ability to develop into a star. Zack Cox, acquired in a trade from the Cardinals last year, was considered to be the best college hitter of his draft class two years ago. Both of these guys should get to Miami this year. Rob Brantly could compete for the starting catching job next spring and many say that he can hit major league pitching. Adam Conley could compete for a rotation spot, especially if they deal JJ, and he has promise.

So, while the Marlins may not be as loaded as other teams in the NL East, they have a lot of talent and a lot of potential. This is a team that could grow together rather quickly. I wouldn’t expect them to compete for a playoff spot next year but if they are developed right, they can get there rather quickly. With the talent they have, and a few savvy moves, the Marlins could be right back into contention by 2014. They just need to stick with the plan and be patient.

This will give the team a completely fresh start and it should excite fans to see that they aren’t just recycling another former big league manager. Redmond is young and energetic. Hopefully he is patient though. That may be what he needs the most with a roster that is in a state of influx. His biggest job will be developing what is expected to be one of the youngest rosters in the majors next year. It looks like a great opportunity and a good challenge. It is certainly a great story, seeing a man who played here for six seasons get his first opportunity to manage here.

The Marlins did listen to offers during the trade deadline and many around baseball said their asking price seemed too high. However, with Zack Greinke being the only dominant starter in free agency, one would think that the market would be larger for a guy like JJ now. There are always teams out there looking to deal for a starter and this year should be no different. The Marlins would be smart to talk to contending teams with strong farm systems, the Rangers and Orioles seem to be the first that come to my mind, that feel they maybe one starter away from really making some noise.

Josh Johnson is really popular in Miami and trading him may not be the popular move but it could be the most beneficial. This is a franchise that knows all about the fire sale and how immediate a well executed one can pay off. While I don’t think it is time for a complete fire sale, I do think that it is a good time for some pretty significant changes. The payroll won’t be what it was two years ago but it also is not going to be really close to what it was heading into this past season either. There are a lot of holes on this team and I think that JJ could help more by leaving than he could by staying and hopefully giving the Marlins another 200 innings.

I think Marlin fans should really hope this deal does not happen. However, I believe that if the Yankees eat enough of the money owed to Alex Rodriquez it will be a hard deal for the Marlins management to pass up. There is a hole at third in Miami and while Alex is better than what the Marlins currently have, the baggage that comes along with him is huge. The Marlins management is in a spot where they really need to be honest with themselves. With the young cores that the Braves and Nationals have, this team could be a few years away from being a serious contender. If that is the case, why do you need Alex Rodriguez? You don’t field a team with the sole purpose of putting butts in seats and I sincerely hope that Marlins management realizes that. If they don’t, take a long look at last year with Ozzie.