Miami Marlins: Reasons for Optimism in 2016

The Bullpen and Conclusion 

The Bullpen should also be a strength for the Marlins.  Carter Capps, AJ Ramos, Nick Wittgren and Cody Ege should all provide very necessary backing for what will be a shaky rotation and a rock solid eighth and ninth inning combination.

Bullpens are usually the last team for a team that was “good” to become “contenders” which is funny considering the Marlins overall situation.  The position players are a good group overall, they have three legitimate stars in the outfielder, a very good young catcher and a solid veteran presence at the hot corner.  Hechavarria and Gordon are a very good double play combination and although Dee’s 2015 offensive production was a mirage he will still be a 3 win player going forward if his defense was real.

Bour proved that he was replacement level hitter and he would be best served by the Marlins signing a platoon mate for him.  Bour isn’t great but I don’t see why he couldn’t put a Major League average season if the Marlins signed Mark Reynolds to hit against left handed pitching.

There is reason for optimism and if everything goes well and they sign a free agent pitcher they could possibly make a run at .500 but realistically it will be much more interesting to watch the Marlins for individual performances than actual team success.