Major League Baseball

Marlins believe they're playoff-bound

Published Apr. 1, 2010 4:59 p.m. ET

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The Florida Marlins believe they're playoff-bound even though they may be above average at only one position: shortstop.

Hanley Ramirez is way above average.

The Marlins will need a big season from Ramirez if they're to fulfill owner Jeffrey Loria's expectations and reach the postseason for the first time since 2003. And reigning NL MVP Albert Pujols predicts there are a lot of big seasons to come for Ramirez.

``He's a guy who is going to win many batting titles, maybe a lot of MVPs in his career if he can stay healthy,'' Pujols said. ``Nothing that he does surprises me, because I can see the skill and the talent.''

Ramirez won his first batting title last year, hitting .342 with 106 RBIs, both career highs. He finished second to Pujols in the MVP voting and helped the Marlins finish 12 games above .500, even though they outscored opponents by only six runs because of spotty pitching and defense.

Loria believes his team underachieved and said the Marlins have sufficient talent to make the playoffs. Such expectations may be excessive for a franchise that perennially has one of baseball's smallest payrolls - about $45 million this season.

But players say they share Loria's outlook.

``We expect to make the playoffs,'' catcher John Baker said. ``We've been getting closer and closer.''

That's true: In Fredi Gonzalez's three seasons as manager, the Marlins have improved from 71 wins to 84 to 87.

``The goal is always to make the playoffs,'' ace Josh Johnson said. ``After what we've done the past two years, there's no reason we can't.''

With a new ballpark scheduled to open near downtown Miami in 2012, Loria is starting to spend a little more money. Team payroll will be the highest since 2005.

Slugging second baseman Dan Uggla, who had expected to be traded, instead received a $7.8 million, one-year deal. Johnson signed a $39 million, four-year contract, then smiled when asked about seeking advice on how to handle his money.

``I've never really known anybody that has made that much - I've been here my whole career,'' he said. ``We're finally starting to get some guys who are making a lot of money.''

Still, the Marlins upgraded only modestly in this offseason. The most significant newcomer is left-hander Nate Robertson, acquired from the Tigers at the end of spring training to fill out the rotation.

Florida must count on improvement by returning players to make up last year's six-game gap with the NL East champion Phillies, who went on to the World Series.

The Marlins' core includes Ramirez, Uggla, Johnson, and starting pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez, who have been together since their rookie seasons in 2006. That makes the perennially young Marlins no longer quite so young.

``Hopefully another year of experience will get us over the edge,'' said outfielder Cody Ross, who has also been with the team since 2006.

Reserve infielder Wes Helms, one of the Marlins' oldest players at 33, senses a more mature mood in the clubhouse.

``It seems a little different this year,'' Helms said. ``Guys seem a little hungrier and ready to do what it takes, maybe because they're a year older and more experienced.''

Age and experience are no guarantee of an ability to hit or pitch, though.

The Marlins expect to generate enough offense after finishing third in the NL in batting last year. Leadoff hitter Chris Coghlan batted .321 and was chosen NL Rookie of the Year, and Uggla, Ross and third baseman Jorge Cantu combined for 280 RBIs behind Ramirez.

Pitching is more problematic. Johnson made the All-Star team for the first time last year and finished 15-5 with an ERA of 3.23 in 209 innings. No. 2 starter Ricky Nolasco had a strong spring but needs to improve on last year's 5.06 ERA. Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad went a combined 13-21 in 2009, and Robertson is coming back from injuries after pitching only 49 2-3 innings for the Tigers last year.

A bullpen that finished seventh in the NL in ERA has been revamped, although Leo Nunez remains the closer despite tying for second in the league with seven blown saves.

Still, long-time Marlins fans - and there are a few - figure the team is overdue to make the playoffs. The Marlins reached the postseason in their fifth season in 1997, then again six years later. Both times they won the World Series.

``We're trying to do everything in our power to get to the promised land,'' Cantu said. ``Losing is not acceptable. It's not an option.''

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