17. Florida Marlins

Big Leagues- Going into 2011 the Marlins are looking for a gap year, not only for their young players, but 2011 also marks the last season in their old ballpark that they share with the Miami Dolphins. The Marlins are hoping that a new stadium will allow them to keep their top young players and not have to trade them away, like they have always done. This year's team though, will be very similar to every other year. They went out and signed free agents John Buck and Javier Vazquez but they should not make the huge impact that they need to get into the playoffs. From the fantasy perspective, outside of Hanley Ramirez and Michael Stanton, they pitching staff is what you want to draft. Josh Johnson showed last year that he is a stud, and should be drafted in the top 3 rounds of every draft. Even coming off injury Ricky Nolasco should be a solid starter, and Javier Vazquez could be a good sleeper finally coming back to the National League.

Catcher- John Buck
1st Base- Gaby Sanchez
2nd Base- Omar Infante
Shortstop- Hanley Ramirez

3rd Base- Wes Helms/ Chris Coghlan
Left Field- Logan Morrison
Center Field- Chris Coghlan
Right Field- Michael Stanton

Pitching- Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Javier Vazquez, Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad
Relief- Leo Nunez, Randy Choate

Top 5 Prospects
3B Matt Dominguez- Dominguez was the Marlins first round pick in the 2007 draft, and look to be the Marlins third basemen of the future. Last year he struggled with his batting average as a 20 year old in Double A, but he showed great defense and a solid power bat. The Marlins say he could win the 3rd base job out of spring training, but look for this youngster to start in Triple A.

OF Christian Yelich- Yelich was the 23rd overall pick in the 2010 draft, and he signed early enough to play in 12 games for the Marlins minor league clubs. Yelich impressed there with a .362 average in 50 plate appearances. The high school draftee is still very raw and it should be at least 3 years before we see him in the Majors.

LHP Chad James- The Marlins 1st round pick in 2009 struggled mightily in his first full year in Single A going 5 and 10 with a 5.12 ERA. James struggled with his control while walking 65 batters in only 114 innings. He's not an overpowering pitcher, so when he walks batters, it really takes a toll on his ERA. James is still way too young and raw to give up on him as a prospect and the Marlins hope he can put together a better year in 2011.

SS Osvaldo Martinez- The shortstop had a very solid year in Double A last year as a 22 year old. He batted .302 with 28 doubles. He lacks power, and is blocked by Hanley Ramirez in the Marlins lineup, which limits his potential. Look for him to virtually end up as a utility infielder whether it's with the Marlins or another team.

OF Marcell Ozuna- The Marlins signed the Dominican and as a 19 year old he showed great power in Single A. In only 74 games he batted .258 with 22 home runs and 11 doubles. Ozuna will need to work on his plate discipline to succeed at higher levels. He struck out 104 times compared to only 19 walks. He has a long way to go, but we'll keep an eye out.

Payroll and Direction-The Marlins payroll last year of 52 million ranked them towards the bottom of the league, but this team is moving in the right direction, mostly because of their pitching staff and the fact they are getting a new stadium in 2012. With Hanley Ramirez locked into a long contract and Michael Stanton emerging last year, the Marlins have the young talent to be able to surround them with free agents to help them contend. Give the Marlins a couple years, and if their payroll increases with the new stadium they could be a team to reckon with in the NL East.