'08 RAPs: Florida Marlins

After a strong showing in 2006, the Marlins fired manager Joe Girardi and hired Fredi Gonzalez. This move, coupled with injuries to the Marlins top young pitchers, led to a last place, 2007 season in which the Marlins only achievement was knocking off the Mets on the last day of the season. General manager, Larry Beinfest has spent the offseason bringing in veterans to aid in the growth of the young players while also stockpiling young players (mainly from the Cabrera/Willis deal) who will be the faces of the franchise heading into their new stadium.

Here's a list of Beinfest's moves:

• Signed Luis Gonzalez to a one-year deal.
• Signed Mark Hendrickson to a one-year deal.
• Signed Dallas McPherson to a one-year deal.
• Trade pitcher Dontrelle Willis and third baseman Miguel Cabrera to Detroit for outfielder Cameron Maybin, catcher Mike Rabelo and pitchers Andrew Miller, Burke Badenhop, Eulogio De La Cruz and Dallas Trahern.

Here's the roster rundown:

Pitching Staff:
SP1: Sergio Mitre
SP2: Scott Olsen
SP3: Andrew Miller
SP4: Mark Hendrickson
SP5: Ricky Nolasco/Rick Vanden Hurk
CL: Kevin Gregg
SUM: Justin Miller/Henry Owens/Matt Lindstrom

C: Matt Treanor/Mike Rabelo
1B: Mike Jacobs
2B: Dan Uggla
SS: Hanley Ramirez
3B: Dallas McPherson/Jorge Cantu/Jose Castillo/Alfredo Amezaga
LF: Josh Willingham/Luis Gonzalez
CF: Cameron Maybin/Alejandro De Aza/Cody Ross
RF: Jeremy Hermida/Brett Carroll

Predictions:
Easiest- The Marlins will have a worse record than last year.
Boldest- The Marlins will finish at least 30 games back of first.
Team MVP/Best Season- Hanley Ramirez (28-32 HRs, 85-90 RBIs, 20 SBs, 100-115 RS)
Best Pitcher/Breakout Player- Andrew Miller (7-9 Wins, sub-4 ERA)

Stay Tuned: Nationals Rundown and Predictions Tomorrow afternoon!