Miami Marlins Round Table Discussion (Part 1): When Will Jose Fernandez Return?

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Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) walks into the dugout before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Which Marlin is going to breakout this season? Which player will be a bust?

Ehsan Kassim: I agree with Travis and pick Jarrod Saltalamacchia. I highly doubt he will be as bad as he was last season, while I also doubt we get the 2013 version. However, a 15-18 home run season with a decent on base percentage and a better feel of the pitching staff is around what I expect. Hopefully he can get back to his 30+ doubles season in the spacious Marlins Park. The player that will bust will be Jarred Cosart. His strikeout numbers are underwhelming and unlike other Marlins starters, he does not avoid the walks enough. Expect some regression in his allowing home runs as well.

Travis Honeycutt: Believe it or not I’m giving Jarrod Saltalamachia the nod as the breakout candidate, or “re-breakout” candidate would be more accurate. He was good his last year with Boston, but you know, Fenway Park. I do think he’ll still strike out a ton, but might actually put up slightly better than league average numbers again with closer to 20 home run power. That qualifies as a Salty breakout in my book.

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Daniel Zylberkan: I agree with Michael, Prado was my favorite acquisition of the winter. He still is a an above average defensive third baseman and is a good contact double hitter. I think Gordon’s numbers have the best potential to fall off a cliff, if his BABIP regresses too much there’s nothing there to support his production especially as primarily a speed threat.

Miller Lepree: I don’t know if this qualifies as a break out, but I see Mike Morse having a huge year. There is still depth in the lineup behind him, with Prado, Ozuna, and (sort of) Saltalamacchia. The key here is injuries, he’s always been able to hit, he just can’t stay on the field; I think his move to first base should help alleviate that. Ozuna is a candidate.

David Polakoff: The breakout year will come from Christian Yelich, who will benefit from hitting in front of Stanton. But Ozuna will be a disappointment, unable to reach his heights from last year.

Dillon Murrell: With that being said (see question #2), I think Ozuna has a breakout. Marlins Park will always suppress his power numbers, but he makes very good contact, so that alone means he has the chance to mature as a hitter. If he improves his plate discipline, he could really become a star caliber player. I think he takes a big step forward this season. The player I think will bust is Jarred Cosart. Unless he takes a step forward in terms of K% and BB%, he’s going to regress to a certain degree. It’s not realistic to expect him to suppress home runs and hard contact at even better than elite levels, so if he doesn’t improve in certain areas he’s going to take a step back.

Michael Sonbeek: I predict a breakout season for Martin Prado. I think he’ll have the best year out of all the position players the Marlins acquired in the off-season. I think Dee Gordon will be a bust this year. As most of us on here think the Marlins shouldn’t have given up Heaney for him.

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