The Miami Marlins made one of the biggest splashes this off season with the acquisitions of second baseman Dee Gordon, first baseman Mike Morse, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, and pitchers Mat Latos, Dan Haren and David Phelps. Not to mention the 13-year, $325 million extension for superstar outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.
The Marlins are coming off of a 77-85 season, and after averaging 70 wins a year over the last four seasons, the goal for Mike Redmond’s team this year is to compete for the playoffs.
The fastest addition to the team is 26 year old Dee Gordon, who the Marlins received in addition to Dan Haren from the Dodgers in exchange for pitcher Andrew Heaney and other prospects. Gordon, who led baseball in stolen bases last season with 64, is excited to play for Miami.
“I’ve got great teammates, great coaching, great ballpark, great atmosphere. I’m just excited to be in Florida, playing.”
Giancarlo Stanton, the $300 million man, is the center of attention this spring, after his 2014 season ended on September 11th when he was hit in the face by a pitch, suffering multiple fractures and lacerations. Stanton still led the National League with 37 home runs and a .555 slugging percentage, and came in second to Clayton Kershaw in NL MVP voting.
“I feel good,” says Stanton, “I have to get the timing completely there, the last week [of spring training] is mainly for that.”
The Miami Marlins are currently sitting at 11-10 so far in spring, with Dee Gordon leading the league in steals, and first baseman Mike Morse tied for the lead in RBIs.
Miami defeated the Boston Red Sox 9-4 in Jupiter on Tuesday, after scoring eight runs in the eighth inning. Manager Mike Redmond spoke after the game regarding the comeback.
“It was nice to see guys come in off the bench and have some great at bats, and put some runs on the board and have a comeback win. It’s always nice to win in spring training.”
The Marlins will attempt to win the National League East for the first time in franchise history, as both times they won the World Series the team was the wild card winner.
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