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Florida Marlins
By Jacob Luft, CNNSI.com If the Florida Marlins were to enter a plea for their performance this offseason, it would be "no contest." Florida might as well adopt that phrase as its motto for the upcoming season as well. By staying idle while the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets drastically improved, the Marlins assured themselves of no better than a third-place finish, and quite possibly a fourth behind the solid Philadelphia Phillies. From the end of the 2001 season to the opening of spring training, the Marlins were without a de facto owner, general manager or manager. You've heard of steering by the stars? Even if there were a sextant aboard this ship, there wouldn't be anyone at the helm to use it. At one point, the man in charge was Julio Rebull Jr., an executive vice president with a background in marketing. On the bright side, at least the Fish didn't sell off any of its top players in a 1997-like firesale. All-Star Cliff Floyd is still in teal, as are up-and-coming stars Preston Wilson, Brad Penny and Josh Beckett. The biggest problem this team has -- shortstop Alex Gonzalez -- easily could have been addressed in the offseason had a GM been around to make a move. For more than two seasons, Gonzalez has been a negative influence in the clubhouse and a stubborn, uncoachable hitter. The fact that slow-footed Derrek Lee has to bat second is a testament to the lack of faith the team has in A-Gone. Otherwise, the Marlins have a nice lineup of young hitters, although Floyd's fragile health still will be the key to the offense's potency. The pitching rotation lacks a quality left-hander but consists of five power-pitching righties who can shut down any team on any given day. Up for grabs: The franchise. The fickle South Florida fan base won't support the team unless it wins something big ... like, say, the division title for starters. This club is already on the contraction hit list, and another lackluster season won't do anything to spur local politicians to help with a new stadium. And without a new ballpark on the horizon, the Marlins will be headed to another city -- or oblivion -- for 2003. Spring chicken: Second baseman Pablo Ozuna has 169 stolen bases and a .324 average in five minor league seasons. The 23-year-old prospect is expected to make the club as a backup infielder and could step in as the everyday second baseman if Castillo's injury woes continue.
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