Six things we learned about the Miami Marlins this week

It's finally here Marlins fans! For better or for worse baseball season has finally arrived and the epic 162 game journey has officially begun. With the shrink-wrap just coming off of newly acquired players' jerseys and the ink just drying on this years set of Topps baseball cards now is as good of a time as any to examines the new rosters and players. The new-look Marlins have a lot more questions than answers, but here's the little we have already learned about the 2015 edition of the Miami Marlins

Mat Latos isn't back to ace form, yet

With all of the recent excitement regarding the acquisition of Mat Latos, it was easy to say that he was going to go out and dominate the lowly Atlanta Braves Tuesday night.  Latos didn't even make it through a whole inning and surrendered seven runs in just 0.2 innings of work. Latos left the field to a chours of boos from the Marlins fans in attendance. Latos' fastball was tanking, only getting clocked at around 88-91 MPH. He struggled throughout the night and ended up putting on an underwhelming performance in his debut. According to reports, there are no injuries to Latos, only a wounded pride.

Henderson Alvarez can carry the Marlins staff until Jose Fernandez returns

Even though the Marlins fell 2-1 to the Atlanta Braves, ace pitcher Henderson Alvarez turned in a convincing Opening Day start. Alvarez only allowed two runs in seven innings pitched, but picked up a loss due to bad run support. With a strong Opening Day outing Alvarez looks to be the ace of the Marlins' staff and has Marlins fans convinced he can hold down the fort until Jose Fernandez returns after the All-Star break.

Marlins' Catcher struggles with RISP

After disappointing Marlins fanatics last season, "Salty" has already started the season off on the wrong foot. The right-handed catcher has struck out five times in two games and has yet to tally a base hit. Patience among fans and the organization alike is wearing thin and if Saltalamacchia can't pick up the pace, he will continue to be a punch line among Marlins fans.

The offense is a work in progress

Needless to say the Fish haven't been putting together much offense over the course of the Opening Series. Poor run support contributed to the Opening Day loss, and the Marlins offense was as good as useless against the Braves on Tuesday night. The Marlins' offense struggled once again on Wednesday night, providing no run support for starter Tom Koehler.

Patience is key
While it is frustrating early, the Marlins have plenty of new pieces and it takes time to build a winner. This winter's spending spree was reason for renewed hope and three games shouldn't dim that hope. It will take time for the new players to settle into playing in a new setting in Miami. Success is a product of patience and time and that's two things Marlins fans need.

Tom Koehler will be just fine in the middle of the rotation

Tom Koehler pitched a gem on Wednesday night and it's disappointing to see the Marlins provided no run support while he was in the game. Koehler threw six solid innings and eventually cracked giving up a two-run shot to Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski. If the Marlins can get consistent production from Koehler he will be valuable down the stretch.

Overall many of the same questions we had before the season remain, and that's ok. We are in fact only three games into the season; it's not time to hit the panic button yet. So strap in and enjoy the wild ride that will be this season.