View From Stands: First Moment of Truth

We are a couple of weeks from the June 1^st point. That is the time when everything going on in the season is taken seriously and the national media takes a closer look at the teams that are contending. Within these couple of weeks, the Marlins will have their challenges as they attempt to prove that they are worthy to be considered a legitimate contender for the title of 2008 National League East Champions or the Wild Card winner. For them, it will be their first moment of truth.

From this point until they reach June 1^st, in 9 of their next 12 games, they will face the Diamondbacks (currently with the best record in baseball), the Giants (with a talented young pitching staff), the defending N.L. Eastern Division champion Phillies, and the Mets (preseason N.L. East favorites). Then, they will be given more hurdles with a highly challenging schedule afterwards, for a long period of time.

Up to now, the critics have dismissed the fast start by the Marlins and have become a little vocal with the latest struggle. Their main argument is rooted and actually completely built upon the Marlins supposedly not having had a difficult schedule so far. However, if the Marlins can get through this stretch and remain at or near the top of the division, those critics will have to start taking serious note. Or at least come up with other excuses as they did when the Marlins faired well against certain expected winners and teams that have proven to be tougher than previously assumed. If the Marlins extend this into July, those critics will have to eat crow, accept the Marlins, and seriously re-evaluate their preseason opinions.

As far as the task at hand, here are some realistic ways to look at the 12 game stretch. Realistically, considering the road games involved, if the Marlins go 6-6, we can be satisfied, especially if it involves 3-3 or better against the Mets and Phillies. If 7-5, it can be considered an accomplished mission, and anything better is reason to start talking about opening up some space within the division. If the Marlins go 5-7, it’s not the end of the world because, with the National League being really competitive, it’s not very likely that the Marlins will fall far out of sight. You can look at this week, where the fish have lost 5 of 6, and still held onto the division lead. However, anything worse than 5-7 can become a serious problem.

As for afterwards, once the fish enter June, that can be dealt with at that time. Hopefully big bat, Josh Willingham will be back and making his presence known by then. They can also start looking towards the return of injured players like Sergio Mitre and Anibal Sanchez some time at mid-season or later to provide much needed pitching depth. Beyond that, maybe a deal or 2 can be expected should the ownership and front office feel that the team is ready for a move. Then the Marlins can go from there. However, for now, they need to focus on starting off right with these next 12 games, especially with their recent struggles.

Will they complete this current goal? Will they stand up to the challenge? We will know within these next couple of weeks. One thing for sure is that this is the first major test and a moment of truth.

This is a view from the stands.