Ehsan Kassim’s Bold Predictions for Miami Marlins 2014 Season

Mar 25, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (32) wears a protective mask during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rafael Furcal spends majority of season on DL; Derek Dietrich thrives

In Rafael Furcal, the Marlins added a solid player. He is a slick fielding short stop and has an above average bat. That is true of the Furcal that played for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers until the 2010 season.

The Marlins instead signed the 2014 version of last season’s Placido Polanco. Furcal will spend a majority of the season dealing with what most 36-year old baseball players deal with, father time catching up to them. Furcal will spend more time on the Marlins disabled list than on the field.

These injuries are not for naught for the Marlins, as Derek Dietrich will emerge as a legitimate second base option for the Marlins going forward. Dietrich will provide pop to the bottom of the Marlins lineup and give the Marlins average defense at second base. Dietrich will exceed 20 home runs for the 2014 season, if he is given the proper amount of at bats.