This article takes a look at how the Florida Marlins did in
the 1999 season relative to preseason expectations. For an overview
of the approach used in this review, and a definition of some
of the key terms and statistics, please see the overview page
called 1999 Team-by-Team Performance Reviews.
Capsule Summary
Projected Actual
Runs for 621 691
Runs allowed 777 852
Run Margin -156 -161
Wins 66 64
Pythagorean wins 63 64
Placement 5th 5th
The end result wasn't surprising, but the personnel who did
it were. The Marlins finished last in the National League East
again despite an almost total revamping of the roster. Only three
players originally projected to have 300 at bats with the Marlins
last season actually saw that amount of playing time and the pitching
staff was also reshuffled.
Unfortunately for Marlins fans, the youth movement for 2000
may well be different from that of 1999. The Marlins could start
the season with no one on the 25-man roster having reached age
30. General Manager Dave Dombrowski is known for his keen eye
for young talent, but many of the youngsters who have been acquired
in trades since their 1997 World Championship are still developing
in the farm system. And few players who took the field for the
major league squad in 1999 stood out as being the type of player
a rebuilding franchise would use as a foundation to build around.
The Marlins management seems to agree as their leader in wins
for the past two seasons, Brian Meadows, has been dealt, along
with veteran starter Dennis Springer, starting leftfielder Bruce
Aven, and former outfield prospect Todd Dunwoody, among others.
Who the Marlins of the future will be is an interesting and
uncertain question. With Dombrowski's ability to identify talent,
it is likely that Florida will be able to produce several major
league players of star quality. Whether the purse strings will
be loosened to retain those players once they develop will determine
the Marlins' future. Will Florida denizens get witness the Marlins
in another World Series or will the Fish follow the path of Dombrowski's
old team, the Expos, and become a farm team for the rest of the
major leagues?
Key Position Players
If you're going to start looking for the future of the Marlins,
your best bet will be to stand on the pitcher's mound and look
out toward centerfield. In your line of vision, you'll see a couple
of middle infielders with potential in Alex Gonzalez and Luis
Castillo. And out there roaming the outfield is Rookie of the
Year candidate Preston Wilson. While none of this trio has Superstar
of Tomorrow written across his forehead, they did show enough
to likely be the core of a 2000 lineup that will bring a different
look to many of the other positions.
[TT: While the Marlins exceeded their projected run total by
70, it wouldn't be accurate to say they were much better than
expected. NL scoring was way up, with average team plating 65
more runs than the year before. Despite the extra 70 runs, Florida
dropped from 13th to last in scoring.]
Mike Redmond, c, age 28
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 131 34 8 0 2 10 12 3 3 1 14 0 0 .260 .290 .366 .656 12
Prorated Flo 258 67 15 0 3 19 23 5 5 1 27 0 0 .260 .286 .353 .639 23
Actual Flo 242 73 9 0 1 22 27 5 26 2 34 0 0 .302 .381 .351 .732 33
Redmond was originally supposed to platoon with the since-traded
Jorge Fabregas. The trade was largely facilitated by Redmond's
ability to hit and Fabregas' failure to do so. Redmond has now
hit .300 over parts of two major league seasons, a total of 360
at bats, and he has shown an ability to hit right-handed pitching
as well as left. He will likely be the primary catcher in 2000.
Jorge Fabregas, c, age 29
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 454 105 10 1 6 31 51 2 28 2 64 0 1 .231 .276 .297 .573 36
Prorated Flo 237 55 5 0 3 16 26 1 14 1 33 0 0 .232 .275 .291 .566 18
Actual Flo 223 46 10 2 3 20 21 2 26 6 27 0 0 .206 .289 .309 .598 20
Prorated Atl 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .143 .143 .143 .286 0
Actual Atl 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 .000 0
Prorated Tot 245 56 5 0 3 16 27 1 15 1 34 0 0 .229 .273 .286 .558 18
Actual Tot 231 46 10 2 3 20 21 2 26 6 27 0 0 .199 .280 .299 .579 19
Fabregas, the left-handed hitting catcher, hit .190 against
right-handed pitchers in 1999. Redmond, the right-handed hitting
catcher, hit .300. So much for the platoon advantage and so much
for Fabregas' stay with the Marlins. Atlanta picked him up after
he was released from the Marlins as security while Javy Lopez
was injured.
Ramon Castro, c, age 23
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Actual Flo 67 12 4 0 2 4 4 0 10 3 14 0 0 .179 .282 .328 .610 7
Unspectacular at the plate, Castro has a strong arm and should
do well backing up Redmond in 2000.
John Roskos, c, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 68 16 4 0 1 6 8 0 6 0 14 0 0 .235 .293 .338 .632 7
Prorated Flo 11 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 .182 .250 .182 .432 1
Actual Flo 12 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 7 0 0 .167 .231 .333 .564 1
A catcher in name only, Roskos was used as a pinch hitter in
12 of the 13 games he played as he is weak defensively. Roskos
has benefited from playing in minor league parks where his stats
have been inflated. He has good doubles power but is now a mere
3 for 22 lifetime in the majors. Without a position, he will not
get a chance to show if he can improve on those numbers.
Derrek Lee, 1b, age 23
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 593 143 34 1 21 84 84 7 62 2 156 10 3 .241 .319 .408 .727 78
Prorated Flo 210 50 12 0 7 29 29 2 22 0 55 3 1 .238 .315 .395 .710 27
Actual Flo 218 45 9 1 5 21 20 0 17 1 70 2 1 .206 .263 .326 .588 19
If he were a slick fielding shortstop, Lee's offensive numbers
might be acceptable. For a hulking first baseman, they do not
merit a spot in a major league lineup. The Marlins realized that
and sent him to AAA in mid-season. While he was there, he socked
19 homers in a hitter-friendly park, but there is nothing in his
major league record to indicate that Lee can be a successful major
leaguer.
Kevin Millar, 1b, age 27
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 67 18 4 0 2 9 12 1 6 1 7 0 0 .269 .333 .418 .751 9
Prorated Flo 363 97 21 0 10 48 65 5 32 5 37 0 0 .267 .331 .408 .739 48
Actual Flo 351 100 17 4 9 48 67 7 40 2 64 1 0 .285 .362 .433 .795 58
When Lee was sent down, Millar became the first baseman. Millar
has been a stellar minor league hitter, with a career average
of over .300. He is a selective hitter and also has some power.
He won't hurt the Marlins as a regular, but at his age, he isn't
the kind of player who can be counted on to be a force down the
road.
Luis Castillo, 2b, age 23
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 228 56 6 1 0 32 9 0 32 0 43 17 6 .246 .338 .281 .619 25
Prorated Flo 489 120 12 2 0 68 19 0 68 0 92 36 12 .245 .338 .278 .616 53
Actual Flo 487 147 23 4 0 76 28 0 67 0 85 50 17 .302 .384 .366 .750 78
What happened? Entering this season, Castillo had hit .236
in parts of three major league seasons with declining averages
each year. He had hit well in the minors but was never able to
translate it into major league success.
At least part of the reason is conditioning and physical development.
When Castillo first reached the majors, he weighed all of 155
pounds. He now tilts the scales at 175. The switch-hitter is a
slap hitter who relies on his speed a lot for success. The extra
bulk helped him shoot some more balls through the infield and
also resulted in 27 extra base hits, his highest total for any
professional season.
Castillo's conditioning skills will be called to task this
offseason. He had surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder
in September. It marks the third time he has dislocated that shoulder
since he has turned professional and the third time he has had
surgery on it.
Castillo has some work to do on his game. Defensively, he still
plays like an inexperienced player. He was second in the National
League in errors and did not show the range of a lot of his peers.
He has yet to learn how to steal bases without relying purely
on his speed. His judgement on when to take bases has resulted
in being benched in the past.
Amaury Garcia, 2b, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Actual Flo 24 6 0 1 2 6 2 0 3 0 11 0 0 .250 .333 .583 .917 5
Garcia has some major league caliber tools. He has a lot of
speed and fields his position pretty well. He also has a bit of
pop in has bat. While he is unlikely to keep his 1 HR for every
12 at bats pace up and turn 2000 into a Sosa/McGwire/Garcia home
run contest, he has a good chance of making a contribution at
the major league level, particularly if Castillo has not recovered
by spring training.
Mike Lowell, 3b, age 25
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 518 132 27 0 25 68 82 6 33 2 74 4 1 .255 .303 .452 .755 70
Prorated Flo 315 80 16 0 15 41 49 3 20 1 45 2 0 .254 .301 .448 .749 42
Actual Flo 308 78 15 0 12 32 47 5 26 1 69 0 0 .253 .317 .419 .736 41
The former Yankee prospect overcame testicular cancer in 1999
and showed no signs of it slowing his progress. He performed about
as exactly as projected and will have the opportunity to start
every day in 2000.
Kevin Orie, 3b, age 26
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 92 23 6 1 3 12 11 2 9 1 14 1 0 .250 .327 .435 .762 13
Prorated Flo 233 58 15 2 7 30 27 5 22 2 35 2 0 .249 .324 .421 .745 32
Actual Flo 240 61 16 0 6 26 29 3 22 1 43 1 0 .254 .322 .396 .718 30
With Lowell out early on, the Marlins needed someone to play
third. Orie played pretty well, offensively providing what was
expected but playing extremely well in the field. Despite already
being traded once this offseason, he is in demand by teams looking
for someone to provide assistance in case a young prospect falters.
Alex Gonzalez, ss, age 22
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 543 115 20 8 10 67 51 7 28 3 111 3 4 .212 .259 .333 .592 46
Prorated Flo 544 115 20 8 10 67 51 7 28 3 111 3 4 .211 .258 .333 .591 46
Actual Flo 560 155 28 8 14 81 59 12 15 0 113 3 5 .277 .308 .430 .739 70
Here's a guy who is a bit of a mystery. He was rushed through
the Marlins system, playing a grand total of 84 games at the rookie
or A level, despite not being even 20 years of age at the time.
He put in a nice season at AAA in 1998 before being promoted to
the majors and being absolutely overwhelmed, striking out 30 times
against 13 hits in 86 at bats.
But shortstop incumbent Edgar Renteria was traded to the Cardinals
in the offseason and Gonzalez was named the starter. Soon after,
Marlins brass began talking about his supposed superior defensive
skills. Gonzalez did not play the Gold Glove caliber defense people
talked about. He was 2nd in the N.L. in errors and while he did
make some stellar plays, he was below average in getting to balls.
His hitting statistics during 1999 were very similar to those
he posted at AAA in 1998. Strikeouts and a lack of walks continued
to be problems for Gonzalez. The reasons behind his difficulties
may stem from attitude. Twice during the season he was benched
for not running out ground balls.
If Gonzalez strives to improve, he might well turn into a star
player. As it stands, his track record is too uncertain to say
what his future might hold.
Dave Berg, ss, age 28
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 79 21 4 1 1 9 8 0 8 0 15 2 1 .266 .330 .380 .709 10
Prorated Flo 294 78 14 3 3 33 29 0 29 0 56 7 3 .265 .328 .364 .692 37
Actual Flo 304 87 18 1 3 42 25 2 27 0 59 2 2 .286 .348 .382 .730 40
A useful utility player and a pretty good hitter. He played
second, short, and third last year as well as making a few appearances
in leftfield. He is a better defensive player up the middle than
at the corners.
Bruce Aven, lf, age 27
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 83 21 5 0 3 13 13 2 7 0 18 2 1 .253 .323 .422 .744 11
Prorated Flo 392 99 23 0 14 61 61 9 33 0 85 9 4 .253 .322 .418 .740 53
Actual Flo 381 110 19 2 12 57 70 9 44 1 82 3 0 .289 .370 .444 .814 67
Aven played left during Floyd's injury problems. His performance
was hard to predict as he missed virtually all of 1998 with an
injury. The speed component of his game seems to have vanished
and without it, he is at best a fourth or fifth outfielder. He
hit very well in the first half (.326, 47 RBI, .508 slugging)
but dropped off significantly in the second half (.253, 23 RBI,
.381 slugging). He was traded for outfielder Brant Brown in the
offseason.
Cliff Floyd, lf, age 26
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 489 132 33 3 17 69 72 4 45 4 97 21 10 .270 .335 .454 .789 74
Prorated Flo 257 69 17 1 8 36 37 2 23 2 51 11 5 .268 .332 .436 .768 37
Actual Flo 251 76 19 1 11 37 49 2 30 5 47 5 6 .303 .379 .518 .897 46
Floyd spend three months on the disabled list with assorted
leg and lower back miseries. When he did play, he looked very
good, driving the ball well and getting some extra bases despite
the leg problems. Although Floyd is entering his eighth big league
season, he has only had 400 plate appearances once. His hamstring
problems can now be labeled as chronic and despite only being
26, his body has a lot of wear. Another mystery with which the
Marlins must deal.
Todd Dunwoody, cf, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 627 162 30 10 12 81 62 8 40 1 172 18 4 .258 .311 .396 .706 78
Prorated Flo 184 47 8 2 3 23 18 2 11 0 50 5 1 .255 .305 .370 .674 21
Actual Flo 186 41 6 3 2 20 20 1 12 0 41 3 4 .220 .270 .317 .587 16
This one-time hot prospect began the season as the starting
centerfielder, but didn't hit and was pushed out of the job and
off the roster by Preston Wilson. After returning from AAA, he
broke his thumb and was dealt in the offseason to the Royals for
a guy who, at age 27, spent his third straight season at AA. Dunwoody
has shown no plate discipline, and at this point in his career,
it may be too late for him to start.
Preston Wilson, cf, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 189 41 11 1 8 26 28 1 13 0 62 4 2 .217 .268 .413 .681 21
Prorated Flo 498 108 28 2 21 68 73 2 34 0 163 10 5 .217 .267 .408 .675 54
Actual Flo 482 135 21 4 26 67 71 9 46 3 156 11 4 .280 .350 .502 .852 83
I remember watching this guy in many games at A ball in 1994
and wondering why, with the exception of the fact that he is related
in some fashion to Mookie Wilson, this guy was considered a future
major leaguer. He had some pop in his bat back then, swiped about
a dozen bases, rarely walked, and struck out over once a game.
He also wasn't much of a fielder, yet still played in center for
some reason.
Here we are five years later and you know what...? He's still
related to Mookie, he still has some pop, he swiped about a dozen
bases, he did not walk much, he struck out over once a game, and
he played a pretty poor outfield yet for some reason patrolled
out there in center. Sure, he received consideration for Rookie
of the Year, but this was a terribly weak rookie class in the
NL. Wilson does not have bona fide major league skills and long-term,
I see him facing the same problems and having the same results
a former South Atlantic League opponent and much more talented
centerfielder has had -- Ruben Rivera.
Mark Kotsay, rf, age 23
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Flo 568 153 23 5 10 75 66 0 43 2 61 12 5 .269 .319 .380 .699 67
Prorated Flo 490 132 19 4 8 64 56 0 37 1 52 10 4 .269 .319 .373 .693 57
Actual Flo 495 134 23 9 8 57 50 0 29 5 50 7 6 .271 .306 .402 .708 59
Forget Larry Walker, Mark Kotsay is the best defensive right
fielder in the major leagues. And he's a decade younger than Walker.
He's more like Todd Walker at the plate but he may be improving.
From July 1st to the end of the season, he hit .295. And like
virtually all of his Marlin teammates, if he learns to take a
walk, he will be all the better.
Danny Bautista, rf, age 27
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Actual Flo 205 59 10 1 5 32 24 1 4 0 30 3 0 .288 .303 .420 .723 25
Bautista received a lot more playing time than you would expect
from someone with his history. Previously a reserve outfielder
with the Tigers and Braves, Bautista started 47 games in the outfield
with the majority in right. He posted the best numbers of his
career and will likely continue his career as a reserve outfielder.
Key Pitchers
The roster shakeup has not been limited to the non-pitchers.
In the case of the pitchers, the movement is much more warranted.
Closer Matt Mantei, possibly the sole remaining player of star
caliber, was dealt mid-season to the Diamondbacks. Youngster Vladimir
Nunez was received in exchange and became a regular part of the
rotation. At the end of the year, the Marlins' winningest pitcher
for the last two seasons, Brian Meadows was traded away for reliever
Dan Miceli. Dennis Springer also departed. Alex Fernandez and
Miceli will provide verteran leadership to what may be the youngest
pitching staff in the league next season.
Ryan Dempster, starter, age 22
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 5.68 4 4 1 1 0 19 21 2 10 12 .284 .798
Prorated Flo 5.68 30 30 8 8 0 144 159 15 76 91 .284 .798
Actual Flo 4.71 25 25 7 8 0 147 146 21 93 126 .262 .800
Dempster had a horrible July, going 0-3 with a 10.88 ERA and
averaging less than five innings a start. Take away that month
and his 3.51 ERA is one of the best in the National League. His
4.71 ERA is lower than would be expected based on the amount of
walks and extra base hits he gave up. Nonetheless, Dempster is
a good power pitcher who has pitched surprisingly well for his
age and what he has supporting him. With a little help and experience,
he may develop into a top-notch pitcher.
Alex Fernandez, starter, age 29
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 3.53 32 32 13 10 0 219 195 25 61 186 .238 .685
Prorated Flo 3.53 21 21 9 7 0 144 128 16 40 122 .238 .685
Actual Flo 3.38 24 24 7 8 0 141 135 10 41 91 .252 .689
Look at the numbers above and imagine what they would be like
if his shoulder wasn't a wreck. Fernandez had rotator cuff surgery
in 1998 and made his much ballyhooed return in 1999. He had pain
at the start and was put on the disabled list. He returned to
the DL later with groin problems and then required additional
rest and cortisone for his shoulder. His season ended in early
September and he underwent surgery again to treat the shoulder.
Brian Meadows, starter, age 23
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 5.44 32 32 8 14 0 189 239 22 51 96 .312 .819
Prorated Flo 5.44 31 31 8 13 0 180 228 21 49 92 .312 .819
Actual Flo 5.60 31 31 11 15 0 178 214 31 57 72 .302 .859
He's 23 years old on a team in the midst of a youth movement
and is one of just 42 pitchers in the majors to start 30 or more
games in each of the last two seasons. He has more wins than any
other Marlin the last two years. So why was Brian Meadows traded
for a setup reliever?
Primarily because he has shown no signs of being able to get
people out. The numbers he allowed last season were almost identical
to the batting statistics of the White Sox Magglio Ordonez. When
everyone you face hits like Ordonez, success is not right around
the corner. Furthermore, there were no signs of improvement during
the season. In the second half, Meadows walked more batters than
he struck out.
Vladimir Nunez, starter, age 24
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Ari 5.40 11 0 1 1 0 17 20 2 8 13 .303 .866
Prorated Ari 5.40 21 0 2 2 0 32 38 4 15 25 .303 .866
Actual Ari 2.91 27 0 3 2 1 34 29 2 20 28 .242 .722
Prorated Flo 5.40 45 0 4 4 0 69 82 8 33 54 .303 .866
Actual Flo 4.58 17 12 4 8 0 75 66 9 34 58 .243 .731
Prorated Tot 5.40 66 0 6 6 0 100 120 12 48 78 .303 .866
Actual Tot 4.06 44 12 7 10 1 109 95 11 54 86 .242 .728
Although he is well regarded, Nunez entered 1999 not having
had great success at the minor league level. Disregarding a stellar
performance at the Rookie level, his minor league record was 14-15
with an ERA over 5.00. He pitched a few innings for the Diamondbacks
in 1998 and did not fare well either. Things changed in 1999,
though. Nunez was able to get people out consistently and after
being traded to the Marlins was moved into the rotation where
he will be in 2000.
Dennis Springer, starter, age 34
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 4.43 27 27 9 9 0 161 154 21 73 79 .254 .757
Prorated Flo 4.43 33 33 11 11 0 196 188 26 89 96 .254 .757
Actual Flo 4.86 38 29 6 16 1 196 231 23 64 83 .303 .821
Springer is no longer with the Marlins after giving up a lot
more hits than expected and losing sixteen games.
A.J. Burnett, starter, age 22
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Actual Flo 3.48 7 7 4 2 0 41 37 3 25 33 .242 .715
The pitcher with the greatest potential in the rotation. Burnett
received a late season callup from AA Portland where he was 6-12
with a 5.52 ERA. He struck out over a batter an inning. Like most
young power pitchers, he has control problems.
Jesus Sanchez, long reliever, age 24
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 4.73 32 32 10 12 0 187 194 23 95 161 .269 .772
Prorated Flo 4.73 14 14 4 5 0 81 84 10 41 70 .269 .772
Actual Flo 6.01 59 10 5 7 0 76 84 16 60 62 .291 .972
Possibly the biggest disappointment of the pitching staff in
1999. Sanchez was expected to be part of the rotation and did
so through the first two months. As a starter he was 1-4 with
a 6.96 ERA. He had difficulties with his control and was moved
to the bullpen in an effort to work his difficulties out. It never
happened. How he performs in spring training will determine his
role with the team.
Vic Darensbourg, setup man, age 28
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 2.88 70 0 6 3 2 100 82 9 44 103 .223 .651
Prorated Flo 2.88 30 0 3 1 1 43 35 4 19 44 .223 .651
Actual Flo 8.83 56 0 0 1 0 35 50 3 21 16 .340 .931
Sanchez wins the disappointing pitcher award over Darensbourg
because Sanchez was to be a starter whereas Darensbourg was to
be the setup reliever. When you only win 64 games, a failed starter
is a little more harmful than a bad season by a guy who only pitches
the seventh and eighth innings. And Darensbourg pitched even less
than that.
Nothing went right for Darensbourg in 1999, but the most mystifying
thing was his inability to strike anyone out. Since becoming a
professional, Darensbourg had averaged nearly a strikeout an inning.
He had problems finishing batters off last season, allowing more
hits than strikeouts after getting two strikes on a batter. The
Marlins acquisition of Miceli indicates that Florida does not
have much confidence in his ability to rebound in 2000.
Brian Edmondson, setup man/long reliever, age 26
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 4.62 23 0 2 2 0 39 40 5 20 26 .268 .797
Prorated Flo 4.62 57 0 5 5 0 96 99 12 49 64 .268 .797
Actual Flo 5.84 68 0 5 8 1 94 106 11 44 58 .290 .838
Edmondson was another pitcher that made the Miceli acquisition
necessary. When Darensbourg had his troubles, Edmondson was used
as the setup man. His performance was not much better. His results
were not a surprise, however. Another Marlin reliever who experienced
control problems in the latter part of the season. Almost makes
you wonder if they missed Jorge Fabregas.
Braden Looper, setup man/long reliever, age 24
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 4.64 53 0 2 3 0 54 63 5 19 53 .294 .789
Prorated Flo 4.64 82 0 3 5 0 84 98 8 29 82 .294 .789
Actual Flo 3.80 72 0 3 3 0 83 96 7 31 50 .293 .744
The best of the Florida setup men in 1999. The Cardinals number
one draft pick in 1996 was solid throughout the year. He will
likely be used as a long reliever in 2000.
Armando Almanza, long reliever, age 26
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 4.13 53 0 4 4 0 70 73 5 43 87 .271 .768
Prorated Flo 4.13 11 0 1 1 0 14 15 1 9 18 .271 .768
Actual Flo 1.72 14 0 0 1 0 16 8 1 9 20 .154 .516
Acquired with Looper from the Cardinals before the 1999 season.
His remarkable major league debut was halted early because of
neck and shoulder problems. The hard throwing Almanza will have
a shot to make the club in spring training.
Antonio Alfonseca, closer, age 27
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Flo 4.53 70 0 5 5 2 95 108 12 35 65 .287 .800
Prorated Flo 4.53 54 0 4 4 2 74 84 9 27 50 .287 .800
Actual Flo 3.24 73 0 4 5 21 78 79 4 29 46 .274 .716
After Mantei was traded, Alfonseca became the closer. At 6'5",
he looks like your prototypical closer, but really is out of the
Jeff Shaw mold. Alfonseca lacks Shaw's pinpoint control, however,
and that will prevent him from achieving the same level of success
that Shaw has had.
Outlook
Bleak. Despite having one of the most astute judges of young
talent in Dave Dombrowski, the Marlins do not have much talent
to build a winning team around. Dombrowski has been told that
he can increase the payroll to $25 million this season. That is
not a solution to this teams woes, however. The major move of
the offseason so far has been the acquisition of a setup reliever.
Before you bridge the gap between the sixth and ninth innings,
it helps to have a lead by the sixth. In order for that to happen,
the rotation and the eight guys at the plate have to perform significantly
better than they did in 1999.
Projections and text: Copyright © 1999.
Diamond Mind, Inc. All rights reserved.
Actual 1999 statistics: Copyright © 1999. STATS, Inc. All
right reserved.
