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2009 Florida Marlins Odds & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

marlins-22709 The Marlins have one of the lowest payrolls in the bigs and it his hard to get the fans in the stands in South Beach, but a strong farm system keeps the Marlins competitive. Florida won 84 games in 2008 and I anticipate them putting up a similar number this season while hanging around in the playoff picture far longer than most expect. Jimmy Boyd breaks down the 2009 Marlins in this MLB betting preview. The Florida Marlins are listed at +3500 to win the World Series.

Pitching
Righthander Ricky Nolasco emerged as the unquestioned staff ace in 2008. Nolasco logged more than 200 innings and went 15-8 with a 3.52 ERA. Josh Johnson made a nice return from Tommy John surgery last season, going 7-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 14 games. Sinkerballer Chris Volstad was a pleasant surprise as well, going 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 15 games. Anibal Sanchez needs to prove that he is not on the decline because it sure looks that way. Sanchez didn’t resemble the pitcher who threw a no-hitter in his rookie season in September of 2006 very often a season ago. He gets a pass because he was returning from shoulder surgery though, and will be in the rotation. 23 year old Andrew Miller is the favorite to round out the starting rotation.

Expect to see flamethrower Matt Lindstrom in the closer roll this season after getting a taste of it when Kevin Gregg was sidelined with knee problems. Research shows that no other pitcher in baseball threw harder than Lindstrom more consistently in 2008. His average heater was just a tick below 97 mph gas. He could prove to be one the Mets let get away.

Lineup
It all starts with the best player on the team, shortstop Hanley Ramirez. This guy is so good that the ultra-tight Marlins handed him a six-year $70 million extension last may. He will make a few error with the glove, but the Marlins will live with that because of the great plays he makes and because of the staggering numbers he is putting up with the lumber. He hit .301 with 33 jacks, 67 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. Second baseman Dan Uggla joins Ramirez to make up one of the deadliest middle infield combos in the league in terms of offensive production. Uggla smacked 32 homeruns and added 92 RBIs. Uggla now has 90 homers through with first three MLB seasons, which are the most to start a career for anyone at the second base spot. Add third baseman Jorge Cantu to the mix and the Fish have one of the deadliest left side of the infield duos in the bigs. Cantu hit 29 round trippers and drove in 95 runs. Cantu was Mr. Clutch as well, hitting .324 with two outs and runners in scoring position. The Marlins have big plans for centerfielder Cameron Maybin. The 22-year-old is the definition of a five-tool player and one of the favorites for Rookie of the Year.

Prediction: 3rd NL East
The Marlins are slowly building another contender with young talent. Expect them to pick up a few veteran pieces when the time is right to go for another World Series crown like they did in 2003. In the meantime, this current group will be exciting to watch. The Florida Marlins are listed at +900 to win the NL East.

Get winning baseball picks from Opening Day through the World Series right here at Locksmith Sports courtesy of World Champion MLB Handicapper Jimmy Boyd. Beat the MLB odds this season by betting with the best.

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Written by Jimmy Boyd on February 27, 2009 · Filed Under Baseball Betting Articles, News & Previews

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