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Marlins: Three bold predictions for Spring Training

By David Levin

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins runs out his second inning home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins runs out his second inning home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 22: Brandon Kintzler #20 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs after an 8-2 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 22, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 22: Brandon Kintzler #20 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs after an 8-2 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 22, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Brandon Kintzler Becomes the Marlins Closer

This is going to be one of those moves in the middle of Miami’s offseason that we all look back on and discover how genius it really was. Brandon Kintzler gives the Marlins a dependable arm out of the bullpen, which allows Drew Steckenrider to become one of the better setup men in the Majors.

"“Kintzler, who signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract, is likely the favorite to earn the closer role,” writes Wells Dusenbury of sun-sentinel.com. “Working as a set-up man for the Cubs, the 35-year-old right-hander posted a 2.68 ERA in 62 appearances last season. Two years ago, Kintzler recorded 29 saves in 35 opportunities with the Twins and Nationals.”"

Now, he becomes the specialist the Marlins need to stabilize the bullpen.

There is still a chance Steckenrider wins the job. I thought Jarlin Garcia would get an opportunity as well, but the Marlins designated him for assignment. The bullpen got a makeover this offseason. It should be much better in 2020.

If Kintzler is as good as Sergio Romo or even better than Miami could hold onto late-inning leads instead of squandering opportunities.

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