2014 Marlins’ Christmas Wish List

A healthy Jose Fernandez:

The savior of Miami, a.k.a Jose Fernandez, was lost in May of 2014 to a torn UCL. He is working very hard to rehab his arm, and began throwing in October. He is scheduled to take the mound again sometime around June or July, we can only pray that he returns to his old self.

May 20, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) fields questions from reporters during a press conference at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

An unphased, unfrightened, Giancarlo Stanton:

Stanton was struck in the face by a pitch on September 11, and he was awarded a massive 13 year contract during the off season. The team claims that he has passed several vision tests, but it remains to be seen whether he can stand in the box and hang in there against a curveball.

All signs point to a normal recovery, but one cannot help but fear the worst possible outcome: A scared Stanton. Hopefully, and in all likelihood, he will come back the same as he left.

Nov 19, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton listens to a question from reports during a press conference at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

90+ wins:

The Marlins haven’t enjoyed a winning season since 2009, and haven’t made the playoffs since 2003. With all of their recent acquisitions, playoff talk has arisen in Miami. Getting there, however, won’t be a walk in the park. With the Nationals in firm control of the division, it will likely take 90+ wins and a Wild Card birth to make the playoffs.

Aug 4, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Former Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon (right) and catcher Ivan Rodriguez during the tenth anniversary celebration of the 2003 World Series championship before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer:

I know, this is not going to happen nor would it make a ton of sense for this team. However, he would bring lots of attention to the club, as well a boat load of excitement. The team’s payroll is still incredibly low, and they have received 16 million dollars in trades from the Yankees and Dodgers. Scherzer would make the Marlins rotation ridiculous, and the team could probably bump the Nationals for the division title. It’s a longshot, but it’s worth dreaming about.

Oct 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) answers questions in a press conference during workouts before game one of the 2014 ALDS at Oriole Park at Camden. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Contact extensions for the rest of the gang:

With Stanton in it for the next 13 years, it’s time that his youthful counterparts receive their share of the loot. Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, and Jose Fernandez have been and will be crucial to the team’s success. In order to make sure they never sniff big bucks elsewhere in free agency, they need to be locked up now. Lucky for us, it appears discussions with those players are already underway.

Sep 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (21) connects for a double during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Ballpark. The Marlins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

No fire sale in 2015 and beyond:

Jeffrey Loria has assembled promising teams before, and the most recent one was not really given a chance. After injuries and a slow start, the team was infamously dismantled at the trade deadline, and in the offseason. This time, the group could need a full season, or longer, to figure it all out. Even if the team doesn’t live up to expectations this year, it’s crucial that the core stays together for the long haul.

Sep 16, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) in the dugout prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

A combination of any or all these items, topped off with the aforementioned Stanton’s biceps trophy hoist, would make me very happy. Please Santa, Marlins fans have been very good this year, give us what we want.