5 Predictions: Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies

Okay Marlin Maniacs, let’s rally behind this team and help them pick up much needed momentum. After losing the season opener and dropping 2 of 3 to the Cincinnati Reds, your Miami Marlins now travel to face the (1-2) Philadelphia Phillies for a 3 game series. Today, I will make 5 predictions and hopefully they will be closer and more successful than my previous post.

1. The Miami Marlins will win 2 of 3 and take the series.

Looking at the match ups, the Phillies will make the series very tough for the Marlins to win two. Anibal Sanchez will match up with Cole Hamels Monday, Josh Johnson with Roy Halladay Wednesday, and Buehrle with Joe Blanton Thursday. Though the Phillies have the edge in rotation, I am confident in saying the Marlins have the offensive advantage. With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley out with injuries, the Phillies line-up will be lacking 2 of their hometown stars. Though the fish dropped 2 of 3, their bats are finally starting to come alive and should make a winning impact.

2. Giancarlo Stanton will join the home run crowd.

Can you believe it? 4 games in and Omar Infante has more home runs than the young slugger Stanton. Expect this to change this series. Watching Stanton swing the bat has always been a treat, and I am more than confident in saying he will reward us soon. Maybe today.

3. Hanley Ramirez will break out of his slump

Hanley Ramirez has again found a way to make us scratch our head. Coming off a stellar Spring Training, Hanley was expected to come out of the gates swinging. Well as you know, that has not exactly happened. Through 4 games, Ramirez is hitting .133 with just 2 hits in 15 plate appearances. Striking out 4 times, Ramirez has also made a few bone-headed defensive plays. Still early, Ramirez knows this series is an important one and will fine-tune his game and adjust. I EXPECT Hanley to get it together and break out of his slump this series. My guess is 5 hits, 1 home run, and 4 RBI’s.

4. Heath Bell will record 2 saves

Just because I think the Marlins will win 2, I still believe the games will be nail biters. Expect 1-2 run games heading into the ninth with Bell getting opportunities to rebound off his first blown save. Though I still show bitterness for overpaying the closer, he is still a top option and will bounce back soon enough.

5. People will panic when Josh Johnson falls to 0-2.

Lets face it, Roy Halladay is too good. Yes, Josh Johnson is a boss but he is still light years away from Doc. I expect the Philles to take game 2 of the series behind a strong outing from Halladay. This is where the stupid, clueless fans will panic and rant on Josh Johnson. DO NOT WORRY. As long as JJ is healthy he will be fine. I expect big things from Johnson this year, and you should too.

You can ‘Like’ Marlin Maniac by clicking here. You can follow Marlin Maniac on Twitter @MarlinManiac and you can follow Will Stanifer on Twitter at @willstanifer.