Reasons For Optimism

I would consider myself an optimist, but I won't lie. It is very hard to feel optimistic about the Florida Marlins these days. About a month ago, they finished off an 11-1 opening two weeks of the season and they were the talk of the league. Since then? Eight wins, twenty-two losses. Thirty games, spanning thirty-two days, and the club played .267% ball. Wow. Add on to that the misery of the two latest defeats, when the team had a great chance to secure a big pick-me-up, only to falter late, again. But, instead of piling on or waxing poetic about this miserable stretch, I will briefly note things that we should be optimistic about.

• In Andrew Miller's two starts since returning from the disabled list, he's totaled 12 IP, 4 ER, 13 K's, and a 3.00 ERA. If he can keep it up, that will be a huge boost to the rotation. Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad are pitching well and adding a third player who can deliver quality starts gives the team a much better chance to succeed. It also helps to have a good lefty to throw against the Mets and Phillies and their lineups filled with left handed and switch hitters.
• Since Cameron Maybin was sent down to AAA, he has done well, hitting .357% in eight games played. Joe Frisaro explains he could be called back up as soon as today. Whether or not that happens, he should be back sooner rather than later, hopefully with renewed confidence. (Personal thought, when he comes back, he should be inserted into the leadoff spot. He will see better pitches and should ve focusing on getting on base. The eight spot can really ruin you mentally, although I do suggest throwing Bonifacio down there and seeing what that does.)
• The law of averages suggests that guys like Dan Uggla will get hot. He is not a .200% hitter. Even in his worst season of 2007 he posted a .245%. Pretty soon he will get hot and start spraying the ball around and out of the yard. The average and production will climb.

Okay, that's about all I got. Bottom line, this team just needs to win. It needs to find a way. Winning this series against the Rays would be a good start.