To say it was an easy road to prosperity does not compare to what the Marlins accomplished this year. They were tested early and won numerous games to start the first half of the season, at that point Marlins fans felt a shift of energy they haven’t felt in a long time.
It isn't easy digging deep into yourself as an organization to stomach the criticism while pursuing the one goal every team sets in the beginning of the season, October baseball. The Marlins were losing games consecutively, and still, they hung around in the playoff race; maintaining pace with the Reds, Cubs, Diamondbacks, and even the Padres up until the last series of the year. Miami fought through it all, won in key moments. The Marlins won five of their last seven games and jumped the Diamondbacks to take the second NL Wild Card spot.
After 20 long years, fans were finally able to celebrate their team making it to the playoffs. The Marlins are a playoff team and will be on the road to start what could be a surprisingly amazing playoff run. They will have to earn their respect as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies. The Marlins won the season series against their divisional rival 7-6 this year. Miami has played against the Phillies well this season but if you know baseball, you know experience plays a factor. The Phillies have all the experience after being nearly a year removed from the 2022 World Series, but the Marlins have guys with playoff experience and their team chemistry has developed into something the organization truly believes will be a factor going into the playoffs. Players such as Yuli Gurriel, Jorge Soler have played major roles for their teams on the biggest stages, that leadership will be needed for their teammates who are experiencing their first ever playoff run.
Miami will start Jesus Luzardo for Game 1, Braxton Garrett for Game 2, as Sandy Alcantara is out for the season with a UCL sprain. The next man up mentality has ran through this team all year but Luzardo and Garrett will be up for the challenge, it’s a prime moment in their career. The Phillies will start Zach Wheeler for Game 1, Aaron Nola for Game 2. Wheeler and Nola have plenty playoff experience and will look to lead the charge into beating Miami.
All in all, the Marlins being back in the playoffs is amazing to see, it’s great to see Skip Schumaker take accountability throughout the year through the good and bad. Kim Ng made the trades that brought in Jake Burger and Josh Bell who have boosted the team since arriving. The Marlins have a lot to be proud about this season but the main event is set, they have no choice other than to rise up to the occasion. Will the Marlins prove themselves as a worthy contender or will they allow Philly to advance?
Great article!!