The Miami Marlins have anticipated the start of this season and the opening their very own ballpark for nearly a decade. Heading into the off season, the usually stingy management decided to open their wallets and invest in a new coach and some new talent to make the 2012 season more exciting. Opening day came and went, and the Marlins found themselves near the bottom of the NL East with a manager suspended half their games for his controversial comments.

Two weeks into the season and the Marlins are not where they thought they would be. With a 5-6 record, they are in last place in their division (even though that same record would be good for 2nd place in the Central). Their offense has been stagnant, newly acquired closer, Heath Bell, has blown two saves, and Josh Johnson has looked like anything but an ace. Despite their shortcomings, their have been some bright spots for the Fish.

Surprises

• Emilio Bonifacio leads the Marlins with a .341  average and a .449 on-base percentage. He’s also tied for the most stolen bases in the majors with seven.
• Omar Infante has more home runs (4) than Hanley Ramirez, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gaby Sanchez combined (3, all by Ramirez). He leads the club with nine of his thirteen hits being extra base hits.
• The Marlins Bullpen has been superb (aside for the closing woes). Steve Cishek, Chad Gaudin, and Randy Choate have allowed a combined zero earned runs in 16 innings pitched. The Bullpen has accounted for three of the five wins.

Room for Improvement

• Giancarlo Stanton is doing his best Albert Pujols impression and is homer-less in his 40 plate appearances.
• Gaby Sanchez is batting a mere .200. Last season Gaby averaged 5.9 at bats/strikeout. Already this season, he has struck out 11 times and is averaging 3.6 at bats/strikeout.
• Josh Johnson allowed 21 hits and 9 earned runs in his first two starts. He did not allow his 21st hit and 9th earned run until his seventh start in the 2011. JJ settled down Tuesday night against the Cubs, lasting seven innings pitched and allowing only two earned runs.

The Marlins are in no position to panic, things have started to come together as of late. They are one blown save away from having a 4-game winning streak. With the end of the starting rotation looking solid, it is only a matter of time for front end to sharpen up. Only thing to say here: 151 games left.

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