The 2008 Marlins learned there was life without Miguel Cabrera. But they also learned that living and dying by the long ball won't overcome shortcomings on pitching and defense.
After trading the biggest offensive force in franchise history, the Marlins put together a power-packed season -- setting a franchise record with 208 homers and a major league record as the first team in history with four infielders hitting 25 apiece. But they hope to get by next year without so many home runs and with a return to the philosophy that built the 2003 World Series team -- pitching, speed and defense.
The front office believes the team will contend in 2009 because of the starting pitching, which blossomed in the second half with the return of injured starters Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez and the emergence of rookie Chris Volstad, the organization's top draft pick in 2005.
Right-hander Ricky Nolasco blossomed into the staff ace, and left-hander Andrew Miller will be counted on to improve after an erratic 2008 season.
But the pitching won't be nearly as effective unless the team improves its defense. After posting the worst defensive numbers in the league in 2007, the team made marginal improvements in 2008. One way it might improve in 2009 is by trading away some of the 15 arbitration-eligible players this winter.
Second baseman Dan Uggla and first baseman Mike Jacobs combined to hit more than 60 home runs. But Jacobs' 11 errors were tied for fourth most among NL first basemen, while Uggla's 13 were tied for second most among the league's second basemen. And they could command a combined $6 million.
Shortstop Hanley Ramirez plans to work on his defense this winter at home in the Dominican Republic. He also needs to improve his situational hitting, as he could be moved from leadoff to third in the batting order next year. Center fielder Cameron Maybin hit well in September and could end up as the new leadoff hitter.
