Miami Marlins: Quick start a sign of 2014 success?
By Joe Wedra
Apr 3, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) connects for a double during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Marlins started off their season with a tough four-game series at home against the Colorado Rockies. Despite projections that the team wouldn’t succeed early, Miami got off to a huge start, taking three of four from Colorado and scoring 27 total runs.
The Miami offense, led by Giancarlo Stanton, had a great start against above-average Rockies pitching. Stanton had multi-hit games in three of the four games and drove in seven runs. The entire offense combined for 40 hits, crushing 15 extra-base hits.
Jose Fernandez led the pitching charge, going six innings in his first start of the season, striking out nine and allowing just five hits. Expect Fernandez to have a nice 2014 campaign. His smooth mechanics and unique pitching style combines with great pitches should translate to a decent amount of wins, assuming the offense will give him above-average run support.
Henderson Alvarez‘s poor start was the biggest concern in the four-game set. He allowed seven hits over just three innings of work, allowing three runs and walking two batters.
While one series doesn’t tell the story of the entire season, it might be a sign of good things to come. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a fresh talent behind the plate as well as at the dish. He hit just .167 in this first series, but expect him to help the young pitching staff through some tough times on the schedule.
The Marlins will stay at home this weekend to face the Padres in a three-game set. With players like Stanton, Fernandez, and Saltalamacchia, wins might be easier to come by than many might think.
What do you think? Will Miami contend more than last season? Weigh in below in the comments.