Five reasons to come out to Marlins Park in 2015

Mar 10, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) at bat against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The New Infield

I’m not going to sit here and rehash all the moves the Marlins made in the offseason; you already know who the new players are. I am, however, going to note just how much of an improvement the team looks to have acquired over the warm bodies that manned the infield in years past and why the new faces should make the Marlins a much, much better team.

Michael Morse > Garrett Jones

But you already knew that.

Dee Gordon > Donovan Solano/Jeff Baker

No disrespect to Solano and Baker, but both are utility bench players at best and have no business seeing hundreds of plate appearances per season. Baker was actually the Marlins Opening Day second baseman last season, a move I would normally ridicule, but Mike Redmond gets a pass because the Rockies had a left hander on the mound that day and Baker bats righty, so I’ll let that one slide.

Martin Prado > Casey McGehee

“Hits McGehee” wasn’t all that bad last season, but his power evaporated and his defense was dreadful so I’m not upset the Marlins traded him to the Giants. Prado, who came over from the Yankees, has much more pop in his bat and plays slick defense at the hot corner. One of Prado’s perks is his versatility. He is penciled in as the Marlins full-time third baseman, but he can play almost anywhere in the infield, as well as in left. He can also bat all over the lineup; ideally second, fifth or sixth, so Redmond will have plenty of flexibility with his new veteran.

Next: Party in left field (no, not THAT party)