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FIELDING The Marlins aren’t awful in the field, but this isn’t a collection of standouts, either. The young outfield will get to balls, particularly Yelich and Ozuna, but there is a potential for trouble, too. Stanton has a strong arm in right. Adding veteran Rafael Furcal at second isn’t exactly going to make the Marlins stronger up the middle, but Saltalamacchia is a steady catcher, and Adeiny Hechavarria has pretty good range at short, although he has to become more reliable when he does reach the ball. Signing Casey McGehee to play third isn’t exactly going to make Miami more airtight in the infield. STARTING PITCHING The Marlins received an outstanding performance last year from Jose Fernandez, who went 12-6 with a 2.18 ERA and struck out 187 batters. He has tremendous potential and a dazzling array of pitches that should make him a Cy Young candidate for years to come. He’ll anchor a rotation that is young and unproven, but has the ability to be solid in a season or two. Nathan Eovaldi had a 3.39 ERA last year in 18 starts, and Henderson Alvarez posted a 3.59 ERA in 17. Both are 23 and should be able to handle a full season of starting without struggling too much. Jacob Turner is a 22-year old who will become a real threat when his breaking stuff matures and he cuts back on the walks. RELIEF PITCHING Steve Cishek posted 34 saves last year and proved that he could blow hitters away on a pretty regular basis. The Marlins may not win a lot, but when they have a chance late, Cishek makes sure the door gets closed. He’ll be set up by lefty Mike Dunn and righty A.J. Ramos, both of whom can strike out folks, but Ramos has to have better control. Veteran Carlos Marmol can still be effective, while Kavin Slowey should be the long man. Even though Henry Rodriguez had poor 2012 and ’13 seasons, he impressed with his ability to strike people out during the spring and earned a could find himself in the pen at some point. MANAGING Mike Redmond is a good man to handle the young Marlins. He’s patient but capable of making sure the players understand him. A former catcher, Redmond understands the game completely and is able to instruct the younger Miami players well. Redmond kept a positive attitude during his first season with the team, despite having to deal with injuries, a lot of roster moves and a group of players who had little big-league experience. Redmond was able to teach, protect his players but also show them how things are done in the big leagues, all without alienating people. Expect him to grow as the Marlins do. Giancarlo Stanton JOEL AUERBACH/GETTY IMAGES SPORT


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