Marlins Future Looking Great

But with confusion? The Florida Marlins have always been a team to look for years to come. They have players that are top prospects in all of Minor League Baseball and almost all of them are projected to have big numbers when they reach "the show". From First Rounders Matt Dominguez and Kyle Skipworth to almost USC football star Mike Stanton to big arms like Brett Sinkbeil and Ryan Tucker. The talent is everywhere on the field! But what are the Marlins supposed to do with so much kids!

Right now current LF, Chris Coghlan, is having a good rookie campaign so far. The second basemen turned left fielder was one of the Marlins top prospects ever since he got drafted. I've been a huge fan of his ever since I saw him play in the MLB Futures All Star Game a few years back and from there, I followed him through out his Minor League career to the day he got called up. I wasn't really sure where he would play since Dan Uggla is in 2nd but he sure found himself a home out in the outfield. About one month ago he was batting around 250. and now has 12 game hitting streak and batting 286. He has tremendous plate discipline and is a natural contact hitter. I really hope he sticks around with the Marlins because he can really help the team in the top of the order. But is he to stay in the outfield forever? Or will he be another Miguel Cabrera type, infielder turned outfielder turned infielder again. ( Those who didn't know, Cabrera was a shortstop before playing outfield when he got called up)

If Coghlan goes back to 2nd, where would Uggla play? Some said the deal was Uggla was to move to 3rd base to make room for Coghlan. So what happens to 3b Matt Dominguez, their 07 first round draft pick? He is known for his fancy glove but continues to shine with his bat in the Minor Leagues. Is Uggla the odd man out?

How about in firstbase? Gabby Sanchez vs. Logan Morrison. A lot of people haven't heard of Morrison, but those who have say he is the 2nd best prospect for the Marlins. They also have Morrison projected to play in the outfield for the Marlins. -What?- Mike Stanton, ranked #26 in Milb.com Top 50 prospects, should be playing RF, Cameron Maybin, #5 on the list, plays CF, and so far Coghlan is playing LF. Marlins aren't in the AL so none of them can't DH. (That will be great for the team if they had a DH)

So what do they do with the talent? Keep them in the Minor Leagues until they die? Trade them away for short term veterans? This is the bad thing about having so much fire power in your system. You might have to give away long time players of the future to make the team a contender right away. 2003, Marlins trade away their first round draft pick, Adrain Gonzalez to the Rangers for closer Ugeuth Urbina. He did help the Marlins win the World Series but look now. Urbina is in prison and Gonzalez is one of the best hitters in baseball. Another situation is trade prospects for another one, but look what happened in 1999. Marlins got Johan Sanatana in the Rule 5 draft but then gave him away to the Twins for Jared Camp. I know, who in the world is that? I don't even know!

It just sucks to see a player who could have been part of the Marlins having success with another team, but hey, that's baseball! A business. As a boss you wouldn't like to see a former employee selling more products for your rival and not your business. Yeah you can be happy for them but that one special talent could have made the team closer to being an elite squad.



My future Marlins lineup:
C- Kyle Skipworth
1B- Gabby Sanchez
2b- Chris Coghlan
SS- Hanley Ramirez
3b- Matt Dominguez
RF-Mike Stanton
CF-Cameron Maybin
LF- Maybe a veteran or Morrison, still up for grabs.
SP- Josh Johnson