Decade-defining Dingers
Everyone loves a home run, but even the biggest Marlins fan would find it tedious to go through all 1,371 homers that the team hit this past decade to compile a top ten list. Luckily, that has been done for you, and from the final dinger at Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphins/Dolphin/Land Shark/Sun Life Stadium in 2011 to Isan Díaz's maiden shot that went viral this past season, it is impossible to say that Marlins baseball has not been entertaining—despite all of the losses—over the past ten seasons.
Farm System Recognized
In 2003, the Marlins defied all odds by toppling the big-spending New York Yankees in the World Series with a low-budget team full of homegrown players, most notably Miguel Cabrera and Josh Beckett. The organization’s reputation for nurturing and developing elite talent carried over into this decade, and thanks to the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, and Marcell Ozuna, the Marlins made the top ten list of best overall farm systems over the last ten years.
Fans would undoubtedly have preferred some winning seasons and postseason success over that distinction. However, with the farm system currently stacked with exciting prospects once more, this impressive track record bodes well for the future.
A Weird and Wonderful Game
From the classic teal uniforms to the larger-than-life manatee cheer squad, the Marlins have always had an interesting history. As a fan, that is meant in the most sincere way. But the rest of the nation often sees the team as plain weird, so much so that the Marlins were involved in two of the weirdest baseball moments in the 2010s, according to Sports Illustrated. The fact that Justin Bour cramming his face full of donuts during his allotted break in the 2017 Home Run Derby did not make the list is sheer blasphemy.
Power Move
As has always been the case since the new ownership group came in, Miami put a lot of resources and focus into the Rule 5 Draft earlier this month. Using the third overall pick, they came away with intriguing right-handed prospect Sterling Sharp. Sharp, who mowed-down batters in the Arizona Fall League after an injury-hampered regular season, projects as a ground ball artist with great command. He should get plenty of opportunities out of the Marlins bullpen in 2020 if all goes according to plan. If Sharp's promise turns into results, then the Nationals might regret leaving him available to be selected by Miami. (By the way, congrats to Sharp on his recent engagement!)
Back to Business
All we wanted for Christmas was for the Marlins to sign the charismatic and entertaining Yasiel Puig, but that obviously did not happen. Puig is still available, and he remains a realistic option as the Marlins continue their search for a veteran outfielder with power potential. José Ureña and Caleb Smith have also been the subject of a few trade rumors, and a replacement rotation piece would surely be needed if either of the two pitchers were moved.