EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

No. 29 Florida Marlins

The Marlins are depending on RHP Alex Fernandez to be a 200-inning workhorse again. AP

1999 Record: 64-98 (5th in NL East)

Three years after winning the World Series, the Florida Marlins are probably three years away from contending again. But this year's club can make the claim that they lead the league in at least one category: young talent.

For last year's rookie sensations, All-Star shortstop Alex Gonzalez and NL rookie of the year runner up Preston Wilson, this will be a key season -- to see if they can continue their progress.

But what concerns me most is that this team is so young across the board. The projected starting lineup has an average age of 24 -- and even with 30-year old Alex Fernandez the probable rotation is in the same boat.

I believe manager John Boles could sorely use a few veterans sprinkled throughout his roster -- guys who know how to win and can relate to the younger players. But for now these youngsters will have to learn on the job and I rank Florida at number 29.

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