Predicting the Miami Marlins Opening Day 25-Man Roster

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?