2015 Spotlight: Miami Marlins

The youthful Marlins take a big step forward in 2015, thanks in part to franchise cornerstone, Giancarlo Stanton. The right fielder manages to stay healthy for the whole season, even after missing the last month of 2014 due to an ugly fastball to the cheekbone. I predict Stanton to be a clear MVP candidate who will be among the league leaders in homeruns (45) and RBI (120). 

I'm thinking about changing my name to Giancarlo Hennessy...

The pitching staff will hold their own, at least until the return of their once and future ace, Jose Fernandez, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Expect him to make his 2015 debut in mid-June. In the meantime, youngsters Jarred Cosart and Henderson Alvarez will lead the rotation, with the solid veteran presence of Mat Latos supporting them along the way.

Some call Fernandez the "Right-handed Kershaw"

Who to watch: The obvious answer would be Stanton. He is a once in a lifetime talent who keeps getting better as he heads in to the prime years of his career. I would also argue that second baseman Dee Gordon will put another solid campaign together after being traded from the Dodgers. As the leadoff hitter, Gordon should get on base at reasonable clip (.345 OBP), which, combined with his elite speed should lead to more than 100 runs scored.

The speedy infielder is looking to make a splash as a Marlin in 2015.

Sleeper: Outfielder Christian Yelich had a quietly superb 2014 campaign, earning a Gold Glove award for his defense in left field and accruing 3.6 wins WAR. He was above-average in most offensive categories and as a former top-prospect who is still only 23, one could reasonably expect him to keep building into a star-level player. I see him playing 150 games, finishing the season with a .285 batting average and swiping 25 bases. Look for Yelich to earn his second Gold Glove award, as well.

Yelich is a serious breakout candidate fro this year.

Bust: I am not huge fan of shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria. His defense is fairly strong, but his hampering on-base skills and streaky bat are cause for concern.  I don’t’ expect him to be one of the main contributors to an otherwise successful team.

Hechavarria or "Hack"avarria?

Bold prediction: Ichiro Suzuki somehow manages to find enough quality playing time to either:

A)     Accrue the 156 hits needed for him to reach the 300 mark.

Or

B)     Earn a contract extension with the intention of making the mark in 2016.

Tough not to root for the future Hall of Famer.

Sure, it seems like a long shot, but that's why this is a bold prediction.