Surprising division news don't look good for the Marlins

The Miami Marlins made some right calls last off-season but the season was ultimately disappointing. We've watched former players have more success and as great as it is for them, it definitely doesn't make this season look any better. Monday saw both the Atlanta Braves AND the New York Mets make the playoffs! This creates some interesting news about the season.

The Miami Marlins are one of the few NL East teams not in the playoffs.

Next season does have some optimism for the Miami Marlins. There's a great rotation to look forward to for next season, and the team finished the season on a high note. It's frustrating to see not only a last place in the division, but to see something really surprising...

What's the surprising event? MOST OF THE NL EAST DIVISION is in the playoffs! The Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets are all in the playoffs this season. Last season saw the same thing, but with The Fish instead of the Mets. Seeing most of the division in the playoffs but not having The Fish there is as frustrating as it gets.

Monday saw an exciting doubleheader between Atlanta and the Mets, that led to both teams qualifying for the playoffs. The Arizona Diamondbacks saw themselves get eliminated from contention without even playing. This guarantees that there will be a new National League pennant winning team this year. In a way, Atlanta and the Mets basically eliminated the NL Champs from even making the playoffs!

The only other time three of the five NL East teams made the playoffs was the aforementioned last season. Theoretically, we can assume that it could happen again next season. We can reasonably expect Philly and either Atlanta or the Mets to likely make the playoffs next year. The Mets will likely spend this off-season, so perhaps they're close to a lock themselves. The Washington Nationals are doing better and might improve further next season as well.

The Miami Marlins need to step up for next season. The rotation should not be wasted and the opportunity is there.