Unlike last February, when south Florida was brimming with excitement over the debut of a new stadium and a roster stocked with standout acquisitions like Jose Reyes, Matt Buehrle and Heath Bell, expectations are low for the Miami Marlins in 2013.
Owner Jeffrey Loria started a fire sale during the second half of last season when he unloaded Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante. He continued this offseason by dealing Reyes, starting pitchers Josh Johnson and Buehrle, infielder Emilio Bonifacio and catcher John Buck to Toronto for Major Leaguers Henderson Alvarez, Yunel Escobar and Jeff Mathis along with prospects Adeiny Hechevarria, Jake Marisnick, Justin Nicolino and Anthony DeSclafani.
Though the Marlins are not expected to contend for a post-season berth this season, there is reason for optimism. Many players on the team’s projected opening day 25-man roster are promising young names acquired in the array of trades that were implemented last year and this offseason. Miami’s farm system is also well-stocked with potential impact players who are almost Major League ready.
Jose Fernandez, a 20-year-old right-hander who was the 14th overall pick in 2011, is Miami’s top prospect and is climbing the system so fast that he could make his Major League debut later this year. Nicoloni, a 21-year-old left-hander, could be on the same fast track to the Marlins.
The club’s lone superstar, 23-year-old slugging outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, remains on the roster after an offseason that saw his name included in trade speculation.
Miami’s starting lineup is projected to include two trade acquisitions (23-year-old catcher Rob Brantly, who joined the club from the Tigers in the Sanchez deal; and defensive whiz Hechevarria at shortstop) along with two veterans signed as free agents (Placido Polanco at third base and Juan Pierre in left field).
Justin Ruggiano, who spent several seasons as an extra outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays but made the most out of his playing time with the Marlins last year, is slated to serve as the starting center fielder. Donovan Solano, a 25-year-old second baseman, will get his first chance at a starting role.
Left-handed hitting first baseman Logan Morrison has yet to realize his potential, and if he does it might not be in Miami since he can be a lightning rod for controversy. The 25-year-old Morrison joins Nolasco and Stanton as Marlins who could be traded by opening day or the July 31 deadline.
After an impressive 2012 campaign, 26-year-old right-hander Steve Cishek is tabbed as the closer, headlining a bullpen that is mostly composed of unknowns.
The 2013 Marlins could lose 100 games, but with the myriad of promising young players on the roster and in the farm system, the future appears to be bright in Miami.
About Roger Dean Stadium
Built in 1998, Roger Dean Stadium is the spring training home of the Miami Marlins.
The stadium holds 7,000 fans and has luxury sky box seats, field and loge box seats, bleachers and berm seating. Around 300 fans can relax out on a blanket in the berm seating area, which is located in front of the Party Deck in right field.
About Jupiter and the Palm Beach Area
In 1893, Henry M. Flagler declared Palm Beach as a “veritable paradise.” That year, Flagler set about building the largest wooden structure in the world – The Royal Poinciana Hotel – in Palm Beach, and connected his railroad from the northern United States to South Florida. In 1896, Flagler opened the Palm Beach Inn, which soon became known as The Breakers Palm Beach – now a legendary, five-star resort.
Just 18 years later, the town of Palm Beach was incorporated. Since then, everyone from Hollywood stars to heads of state, from literary and artistic icons to Old Money and international business magnates have come to enjoy this lush island as a vacation destination.
With more than 47 miles of Atlantic coastline and countless waterways, there is no shortage of liquid assets to enjoy in The Palm Beaches. From fishing, diving and snorkeling to sailing, boating and yachting, the range of on- or in-the-water experiences are endless. With an average annual temperature of 75 degrees and ample Florida sunshine, the area’s enviable weather creates an ideal environment for year-round outdoor fun.
The Palm Beaches offers more than just a visit to pristine beaches. Travelers can enjoy a variety of unique and one-of-a-kind experiences on any budget. Here’s a sampling: full-moon bike rides along some of Riverbend Park’s 15 miles of trails, up-close animal encounter at Lion Country Safari, a dive with the country’s only private S.C.U.B.A. Country Club, and interaction with the turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s special rehabilitation facility.
With more than 200 theaters, museums, arts centers, indoor and outdoor performance stages, and other cultural venues, it is no wonder The Palm Beaches are considered Florida’s Cultural Capital®. From the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, the Norton Museum of Art, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Maltz Jupiter Theater, and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, The Palm Beaches bring together a variety of thriving art districts, nationally recognized performers and dozens of internationally renowned annual events. For more information, visit here.
Miami Marlins Spring Training Information
February 11 – Pitchers and Catchers Report
February 14 – Position Players Report
Roger Dean Stadium
4751 Main Street
Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 775-1818
2013 Ticket Prices
Field Box, $28
Loge Box, $26
Bleachers, $15
SRO, $8
For ticket information and a Marlins spring training schedule, visit here.
