MLB 2015 Postseason Features Many Ex-Miami Marlins

Oct 3, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) makes a leaping catch on ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jean Segura (not pictured) in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

National League

Chicago Cubs-

Hey, remember this!

Yea, good times.

Chris Coghlan

probably also remembers 2003, as it marked the first time he was drafted by an MLB team. Opting for college instead, three years later he’d be drafted as a Marlin in the first round, and would go on to win the Rookie of the Year Award in 2009. And then he settled comfortably into the career of a middling fourth outfielder, eking his way back to semi-regular status over the past two years with the Cubbies. Since hitting .321 in 2009, he’s hit over .256 twice, never faring better than .281. No trade to assess here either, as he was just released outright after the 2013 season.

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Los Angeles Dodgers- Hey, remember this! It’s an important starting point. With Miggy and the Tigers gone, Dodgers slugger Adrian Gonzalez easily ranks as the most prolific ex-Marlin playing in the 2015 postseason- despite never playing a game in a Marlins uniform. Another former first round pick, this was one was moved in a key deal with the Rangers in 2003 for reliever Ugueth Urbina, in a move that helped Miami secure a 2003 playoff berth and their second championship. Justin Ruggiano and Chris Hatcher also feature on the roster, making this your best bet if going solely on number of Marlins.

New York Mets- Nada. But will go out on a limb and say at least one player on the 40 man roster of this team is a Marlin next year.

Pittsburgh Pirates- Interesting mix of ex-Marlins here, as they feature one of more popular players in team history, as well as one of their biggest busts. Speaking of course of the great Allan James Burnett and Michael Morse. A.J. projects to hang it up after a 17 year career, the first seven of which came in Miami. And then there’s Morse, who did get a hit at some point over the Pirates last nine games. Between what Justin Bour did with more playing time and- more importantly- what Morse did with his playing time, not exactly sorry he’s off both the roster and the books. But A.J. Burnett…. Was always sorry he was allowed to leave; in an emotion many fans can identify with, he never really got along with Jeffrey Loria.

St. Louis Cardinals- All about the bullpen when you take a peak at the future 2015 World Champions in terms of former Fish. On the one hand, there’s the venerable Randy Choate, who will probably still be striking out a fearsome lefty a week decades from now when Julio Franco finally stops playing baseball. Then there’s Steve Cishek, who managed to close only three games for the Marlins this year before closing the door on Mike Redmond‘s career as manager. He had a brief Dysonnesque hot streak after being traded to the Cards for Kyle Barraclough this summer, before settling back into the depressing form that made him expendable this season. Barraclough meanwhile looks as if he could be an affordable fixture for years to come. Then again, Cishek looked the same way in 2012. Relievers are tricky.

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