The Marlins might have the best top-three starters in the NL in right-handers Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad, all of whom were enjoying strong springs. But the talent curves drops drastically from there.

Right-hander Anibal Sanchez has been inconsistent, but the bigger question is Andrew Miller, the team's only left-handed starter. The new delivery that he worked on all winter produced a 7.82 ERA over his first four spring appearances as he struggled to locate his fastball and slider.

Even if Miller and Sanchez can match the other three starters, there are bigger concerns in the bullpen. Closer Matt Lindstrom, out since March 15 with a sore right rotator cuff, was hoping to open the season with the team. Scott Proctor, the setup man, will be out at least until May because of lingering soreness in his right elbow.

That leaves Leo Nunez or Logan Kensing as the closer. Burke Badenhop and Kiko Calero, a non-roster invitee, have pitched well all spring, but the relievers are a mostly inexperienced bunch. If the no-name bullpen can produce, then the team has a real chance.

The good news is that the lineup looks like a run-producer, starting with center fielder Cameron Maybin, who will lead off. Maybin has had a terrific spring, and he is using his speed to reach base by bunting for singles, something he's never done until this year.

Shortstop Hanley Ramirez will have to prove he can hit as well in the No. 3 spot as he did leading off for the past three years. He was hitting .100 going into March 28. Jorge Cantu will hit fourth, followed by Dan Uggla, a duo the team will depend on for most of its power.

One starting position might not be settled until the final days of camp -- whether to go with rookie first baseman Gaby Sanchez or move Cantu to first and start Emilio Bonifacio at third. Sanchez struggled with a .200 spring average before a bone bruise on his left knee put him out of action for a week.

The team will open the season without its best bench player, Alfredo Amezaga, who's out with a sprained left knee that he suffered in the World Baseball Classic. Wes Helms has the other backup infield spot, but two outfield spots were still up for grabs.

THE MARLINS WILL CONTEND IF ...: RHP Matt Lindstrom's sore right rotator cuff heals when the season starts and doesn't act up. RHP Anibal Sanchez and LHP Andrew Miller can pitch as well as the top three right-handers have looked this spring. SS Hanley Ramirez and 2B Dan Uggla improve their defense, which looked shaky this spring (nine combined errors through March 26). There's talent here, but the postseason might be one more year away.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: CF Cameron Maybin looks like a more polished and confident player this spring than he did last March. He is recognizing pitches better and using his speed to bunt for singles. He looks as if he's ready to build off his hot September, when he was called up from Class AA and went 16-for-32.

ON THE DECLINE: LHP Andrew Miller went 6-10 with a 5.87 ERA last season while battling a sore knee. The team started working with him in October on a new delivery, but the results this spring haven't been encouraging. His knee has felt fine and he has found success with the changeup, but he allowed runs in the majority of his Grapefruit League innings.