These Miami Marlins Are Growing Up Fast This Season

These Miami Marlins are growing up before our eyes. If Major League Baseball is predicated on Statistics meaning fans judge success by said statistics, then they should see improvement across the board with this current roster.

The Miami Marlins aren’t world beaters – yet. But they are a team that will surprise a few teams and will turn a few heads the second half of the season and next year. The Atlanta Braves have proven it can be done – exceeding expectations sooner rather than later. So why not the Miami Marlins?

As Marlins broadcaster Glenn Geffner points out on his Twitter account, the numbers say it all.

The growth this #Marlins team has shown over the first half has been amazing to watch. 36-40 after a 5-17 start. 21-18 in last 39. Have won 8 of last 12 series. Consec series wins over division leaders to end half. ALWAYS grinding. Great to see. Talk to you Friday from St. Pete!
— Glenn Geffner (@GlennGeffner) July 15, 2018

This is a Marlins team that may have folded earlier this season after falling behind 5-0 on Sunday to the Philadelphia Phillies. Manager Don Mattingly and his players fought back for the win. It’s the same kind of passion for the game Mattingly showed as a player during his days with the New York Yankees.

Timely hitting has been important, but the bullpen has been equally up to the task. On Sunday, pitchers out of the pen threw five innings of no-hit baseball.

"“We’re gaining an identity,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “The only thing not to like is our record. We’ve got a young team that’s growing, moving and building. You still think there are games on the table. Hopefully, we just keep getting better.”"

And with Both the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves on the slate when the team returns from the All-Star Break, these Marlins could once again show that can compete with playoff contenders. The series against the Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers were proof how good this team can be or better yet, will be in time.

With their 2-0 win over the NL East-leading #Phillies, the #Marlins record their 8th shutout of 2018, surpassing their 2017 total in only 97 games. Tomorrow, they look to close out the first half with a second consecutive series win over a division leader on the homestand.
— Glenn Geffner (@GlennGeffner) July 14, 2018

The Marlins will continue to be without centerfield Lewis Brinson, who is still dealing with an injury. The play of Cameron Maybin has more than made up for it. If Maybin can continue to provide veteran depth along with other veterans in the lineup, the balance of young stars on this roster could Miami a tough team to play in the second half of the season.

Next: Miami Marlins Prospect Watch: Spotlight on Ethan Clark

For now, the Marlins can exhale for a few days before the second half of the season starts. It looks it could be a second half of growth and hope.

These Miami Marlins are growing up before our eyes. If Major League Baseball is predicated on Statistics meaning fans judge success by said statistics, then they should see improvement across the board with this current roster.

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