Are the Marlins Headed South?

[ethurst2]

I missed the greatest comeback in Rockies history on the 4th when they stormed back to beat the Marlins 18-17.

So I decided to catch tonights game and really analyze the Marlins. They looked listless in a 12-6 loss. Maybe it was a hangover from the game the night before or their luck is starting to run out but it looks like the breaks that they were getting earlier in the season are getting ready to run out.

The bullpen and defense is VERY suspect. They've been able to cover it up by hitting the long ball but when you go on a drought, it means bad news for a slugging offense.

I don't see the Marlins overtaking the Phillies and winning the division. I see them barely challenging for a wild card. They are missing a good veteran presence to go with the young kids. I heard that LoDuca wants to come back to Miami and that could help.

Hanley Ramirez is going to be a Hall of Famer. That guy has some power for a second baseman. Hopefully Loria keeps this group together and build around Ramirez and I hope that Maybin shows us what all the hype is about next year.

I just don't see Florida making the playoffs. That 4th of July game showed a lot of holes. They need some bullpen pitching and solid defense and they should contend NEXT season. They could be in the World Series by 2010.

Then again, nothing is "normal" with the Marlins. Historically, they play great when they fight for a wild card slot than winning the division.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Sunstroke]

I think the Marlins' pitchers, with a few exceptions, are struggling right now, and they ran into a Rockies team that is a lot better, offensively, than people give them credit for. I'd also like to point out that it's July, and we're not even at the AS break yet. Lots of baseball to be played, and the Marlins just got Willingham back, and will get both Uggla and Josh Johnson back this week.

I think Florida will be fine, and think they'll be contending for either the East div or wildcard down the stretch this season.

[Brian Fein]

I wish they'd shore up the bullpen.  Too many great outings have been spoiled by terrible late-inning pitching.

How do you score 17 runs on 22 hits and LOSE?

I just hope they can pull it off today to avoid the sweep, or this west-coast road trip is going to be VERY VERY bad.