The trade deadline is right around the corner and teams are looking to retool their rosters. While that is the big story in baseball right now there are a few other things happening in Miami to keep an eye on. This team has been flying under the radar this season, but they are a team to pay attention to during the rest of the season.
The Marlins can be dangerous if they get to the playoffs. They are 2nd in the NL East right now trying to inch away from the New York Mets in the standings, and catch up to the Washington Nationals.
So far this has been a season of ups and downs for Miami, but they are making their presence felt in the National League. One of the biggest stories of this season for Miami has been Ichiro Suzuki and his quest for 3,000 hits in the Majors.
Throughout his career the 42 year old right fielder has always been able to hit in the clutch and score runs. He still runs with speed and that has been helping his team in a big way. He is just 2 hits away from reaching that mark, and that will solidify him as a hall of famer in this league when he does retire.
This season for Miami did see some bad times due in large part to the 80-game suspension of Dee Gordon due to his use of PED’s. That suspension changed the dynamic of the team because it took several extra base hits and RBI’s off of the field.
Now that Gordon has returned to the team he will have to make adjustments to get his game back on track.
It is now the middle of the season and his team cannot afford for him to play like it is the beginning of it. He has his work cut out for him, but the all-star infielder knows his team is depending on him.
This season can be either good or bad for the Marlins, but if they keep fighting in their division they will be able to land a playoff spot. Having a player like Giancarlo Stanton who can get the job done on offense and defense is a great asset for a team.
Not everyone on the team can hit with the same power as he does, but they do not have to. Small ball is what has been able to win championships over the past few seasons. The Marlins need to take advantage of the players that can get extra base hits and the occasional home run.
Right now the NL East is a three team race between the Marlins, Mets, and Nationals. That type of competition is tough, but the Marlins can shock their division if they keep playing well. The Mets are right on their tale with only 1.5 games separating them.
The Marlins would be able to keep the defending NL champions out of playoff contention by winning series, staying above .500 and staying healthy. There is a lot of baseball left to be played and anything could happen, but the Marlins have a great opportunity on their hands and they cannot waste it.