Florida Marlins listed among the dark horses

The Dayton Daily News (Who?), came up their list of possible dark horses for the 2009 season and the Marlins are first on the list.

This is what they had to say:

Florida Marlins. Think the Rays have some arms? What if Josh Johnson, Anibel Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco, Scott Olsen and Andrew Miller all stay healthy?

Hmm, Andrew Miller?  I've seen Andrew Miller pitch and I have also seen Chris Volstad pitch and for my money the rotation would be Nolasco, Olsen, Johnson, Volstad and Sanchez. (The reason for the order is to help, or at least try and help, the number of innings thrown by the ones returning from injury.  Or in the case of Volstad to not extend him any more than necessary.)

Now, my rotation is assuming Sanchez makes progress during the offseason.  Anibal is still rehabbing for shoulder surgery which is an infinitely harder thing to do then coming off Tommy John.  With time and possibly some luck, Sanchez may regain some consistency.  He knows how to pitch, it is just a matter of the body being willing.

But if everyone can stay healthy, and maybe they can, I hope, the Marlins do possess some very special young arms.  And oh, by the way, the Marlins wouldn't be dark horses if that were to happen -- the term that applies is: front runners.