Predicting the Miami Marlins Opening Day 25-Man Roster

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We are just 10 days away from Opening Day 2013 for the Miami Marlins. In the coming days, leading up to the Opener against the Washington Nationals, the Marlins will be making some more roster moves to get their active roster down to 25 players.

Notable players that will not make the Marlins roster will be top prospects Jose Fernandez and Christian Yelich. Fernandez was optioned to the minorslast week and Yelich will be sent down sometime before the season starts as well. Both players could make an impact with the Marlins by the end of the season, though.

Mar 9, 2013; Melbourne, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (76) against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Morrison and Jeff Mathis will also not be ready for Opening Day and will start the season on the disabled list. Both are expected to return to the team in early-May.

The Marlins released Chone Figgins yesterday, which is a sign that the baseball gods do not totally hate Marlins fans.

The team will continue to trim the roster from 42 to 25 over the next few days, here is my best prediction of what the 25-man roster will look like for the Marlins:

Closer:

Steve Cishek

This one is obvious. Cishek has had the Marlins closer role down from the end of last season. I still believe he should have been the Marlins closer heading into last season, but let’s not cry over spilled milk.

Left-Handed Relievers:

Michael Dunn

Dan Jennings

More than likely, the Marlins will carry two left-handed relievers on their roster. Dunn has been phenomenal this spring, posting an impressive 1.29 ERA in seven innings. Jennings has not been overly impressive this spring, but he is likely the best option for the Marlins to use. I am not 100% sold on Jennings making the roster, but this is my prediction for now.

Rest of the Bullpen:

Ryan Webb

A.J. Ramos

Jon Rauch

Kevin Slowey

Manager Mike Redmond has already mentioned numerous times that Rauch will handle the set-up duties for Cishek, so he is all but a lock to make the team, even with his struggles this spring. Webb also seems like a lock for the Marlins pen. His future with the Marlins hinges on his performance this season. Lastly, I have Kevin Slowey making the Marlins team as a reliever, but he could also make the team as the fifth starter.

Starting Rotation:

Mar 17, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco(47) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ricky Nolasco

Henderson Alvarez

Wade LeBlanc

Nathan Eovaldi

Jacob Turner

Nolasco was the named the Marlins Opening Day starter a while back and was a lock to make the team, barring a trade. Alvarez and Eovaldi are interchangeable, both have live arms and need to induce more whiffs in order to be successful. LeBlanc will be the Marlins lone lefty in the rotation and has had an impressive spring for the team. Finally, though he has struggled mightily this spring, I expect Turner to make the team based on the comments made by Redmond following his last start. This is what pushes Slowey to the Marlins bullpen.

Catchers:

Rob Brantly

Kyle Skipworth

Brantly is the Marlins starter for the 2013 season without any question. His play last season after the midseason trade was inspiring enough to earn him the role as the starter. With Mathis out due to his broken collarbone, Skipworth becomes the backup by default, since the Marlins have not shown any interest in outside options for the catcher position.

Infield:

Starters:

Casey Kotchman

Donovan Solano

Adeiny Hechavarria

Placido Polanco

Kotchman looks like a lock to notch the Marlins starting first base job with Logan Morrison still out. Kotchman provides strong defense, but a BABIP bat. He has limited upside offensively, so Marlins fans should tamper expectations. Solano seemingly earned the starting second base role after a strong 2012 campaign. Solano hits for an empty average and his minor league numbers suggest last season was a fluke. Hechavarria was a key piece in the Marlins fire sale trade. He is going to be the everyday short stop, but he is an all-glove player, as his bat lags severely behind his glove. Polanco is healthy and should provide the Marlins with an average bat and above average defense at the hot corner.

Reserves:

Kevin Kouzmanoff

Nick Green

Greg Dobbs

March 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (15) works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kouzmanoff has had a strong spring, posting a .345/.387/.759 slash line with three homers. He will backup the corner for the team. Green is the favorite to back up the middle infield after the team released Figgins. Green is 34-years old and is not more than a Quad-A player. Finally, Dobbs will provide the “invaluable” leadership on the team. Other than that, he does not provide much in measurable statistics.

Outfield:

Starters:

Juan Pierre

Justin Ruggiano

Giancarlo Stanton

Pierre was signed to be the starting center fielder for the Marlins and should provide some value with his base running, granted he gets hits like he did last season. Ruggiano was the favorite heading into camp to be the Marlins centerfielder and with him back healthy, he should retain that role, as he has the highest upside of all the Marlins options. Finally, not much has to be said about Stanton. By now, we all know he is a lock for the roster and what he can provide.

Reserves:

Gorkys Hernandez

Hernandez is out of options and with his bat picking up as of late, he has an upper hand to make the team over Chris Coghlan. The Marlins will probably consider carrying five outfielders, but the need for infield depth could factor into Coghlan starting the season in the minors.

How do you guys think the roster will shape up? Will Coghlan be denied of a roster spot, even with his strong spring showing?

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