Seven games in, 4-3, and reason to worry

 With 2 series in the books, our beloved Marlins are actaully the only team in the NL East with a winning record, and have already had their share of great defensive and offensive plays. Unforutnately, there has been less than steller (putting it lightly) performances from the starters. No question that Mitre, Sanchez, and Johnson on the DL hurts, but thank God  VandenHurk was sent down to AA. He can be Dutch all he wants, and I'm sure he's a great kid, but he does not belong on a Major league roster.  The 4-3 record is thanks moslty to one of the best bullpens in the league holding down the fort. The winning will not continue if the Marlins don't get quality starts (0 so far) because this bullpen will be taxed and sucking wind come late June at this rate. I think even though the Marlins are off to a decent start, you still have to expect them to lose 85-90 games. They will get a boost when the starters come off the DL, but how did that work out for JJ last year?  This team is still built to win in 2009 or 2010 but I will have fun watching this talented bunch grow up this year.

         Some things that I am looking for this season that the team needs to improve upon:

• A real #2 hitter. Dan Uggla can put you up 2-0 early if he gets a fastball, but pitchers are starting to figure him out and are throwing a lot of breaking balls to him. He never tries to hit the ball to the right side, a crucial part of batting second to move Hanley over. He does walk, but strikes out too much hit in the 2 hole. I know Hermida will bat 3rd when he comes back, but I would rather see him batting 2nd b/c of his patience, and moving Uggla down to 5.
• Scott Olsen needs to take the next step. Olsen says he wants to be the ace of the staff...well go out and DO IT. Lead by example. Hold this roation and team together while all the key players are hurt. Don't cause a rift in the clubhouse a la Messenger, don't get into any legal trouble, and obey team rules. Dontrelle, even when he wasn't winning was a postive influence in the clubhouse. Grow up Olsen. You're very talented. Show everyone you are more than a fiery hothead.
• Defense defense defense. Sew up those holes in the gloves.  Last year the Marlins made the most errors of any team in the NL. Hermida, Hanley and Jacobs need to sure up the glovework. They have the ability to at least be average defensively...which would be a massive improvement over last year.
• Let's see Burke Badenhop. With the demotion on VandenHurk (all those candles I lit in church worked) let's see what the sinkerballer Badenhop can do. He is suppossed to have great control, and sinkerballers can be domintating on any given day. If Maybin and Miller (the jury is still out on him) need more seasoning at the minor league level, then let us see at least one of the players we traded Miguel and Willis for.
• De Aza. I just want to see him play. You have to feel for him with his tough-luck injuries. Maybe he could even become a candidate for a #2 hitter that I mentioned before. I know Maybin is going to get a chance to play down the road, but I don't think that the Marlins oragnization should overlook De Aza just because Maybin came here in a trade. You still don't know how good he can be.

Well, with all that in mind I'll be watching my beloved fish at 7 tonight against the Nats. Let's see Olsen give us 7 innings tonight, and hopefully get another win on this road trip!

Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment!