Going into 2007 there is an air of optimism around the new look Florida Marlins. The team went out and filled some holes with 2nd tier free agents (unable to sign any of the big name ones) that should compliment a decent core of players. The strength of the Marlins is by far their bullpen and their infield.

The infield is lead by 3B Alex Rodriguez and 2B Marcus Giles. Rodriguez should supply at least 30HR's and 100RBI's while Giles, depending on where in the order he is hitting, should be a notch below Rodriguez's numbers. Carlos Pena had a bit of an off year last year but he still hit 19HR's and had 85RBI's. He could bump those up to 25 and a 100 if he doesn't get injured this year. SS is a position that is in the air. Rodriguez could play there but if he does that means that power hitting Mike Hessman has to play his worst positon, while having the oldster Kevin Millar in RF. What looks like will happen on most days is have Hessman in LF, Matt Lawton in RF, Rodriguez at 3B, and light hitting slick fielding Cesar Izturis at SS.

Lawton and Micheal Tucker are two 35 year olds expected to hit .270 with a dozen homeruns and 60 RBI's this year, with a few steals from Lawton. Hessman should provide 20HR's in his 1st full year.

At catcher Paul Lo Duca was signed in the off-season and if he can do what he did at the plate in 2005 then it would be a very good year. Tom Wilson will be the back-up.

Overall the lineup should look like this on most days:
RF Matt Lawton
CF Micheal Tucker
2B Marcus Giles
3B Alex Rodriguez
1B Carlos Pena
LF Mike Hessman
DH Ben Broussard
C Paul Lo Duca
SS Cesar Izturis

The rotation starts and begins with Roy Oswalt. He will lead the staff and hopefully bring 20 wins. Mike Redman was brought over with the new GM from SF and is expected to bring 15 wins and well over 200IP. The 3rd pitcher will probably be Neil Cotts, a hard throwing pitcher that if he keeps the ball around the plate could have an ERA around 4. Veteran Chan Ho Park had a solid year last year and hopes to continue doing what he did, 200 IP with an ERA in the 4.50 range. Ben Howard is the last pitcher in the rotation and is a lesser Neil Cotts. Brad Radke can start in a pinch and 21 year old Luis Lorenz could be ready half way through the season.

The bullpen now has a lot of quality arms. Free agent Trey Hodges will take over the closer's role from Eddie Guardado who will move to setting him up along with Kevin Walker (who's name has been mentioned in trade talks since the day he signed with the team). Walker will be some middle relief innings and will team Dan Wheeler and Alan Embree. Rocky Biddle is also in the mix. Brad Radke will be the swing man with spot starts here and there. Overall it looks like if the Marlins have the lead when the bullpen comes in, they should win.

There are definetly some holes to fill (a leadoff hitter, another bat in the middle of lineup, more starting pitching) and expect the new GM to try and make some trades. The Marlins aren't that deep in the farm so it's up in the air if deals will be made to supplement the farm or if the team will deal what decent prospects it has left.