Fluke: A flat fish considered to be bottom feeders. Don't mistake the 2008 Marlins for flukes. They do not come out flat, and they're not bottom feeders in the NL East. As of now, they are the division-leading Florida Marlins. I'm not suggesting that they will win the NL East, but playing good, solid baseball is what the Marlins do. And even if they don't win the division, they're proving to the baseball world that the future is as bright in Miami as it is in Tampa Bay.

One thing was clear in March: Despite dealing away Miguel Cabrera, they had plenty of guys capable of hitting the ball a long way and with consistency. The big question coming into the season was whether or not the young pitching staff would hold up. It's still early, but so far, they have exceeded expectations.

The Marlins have an infield that could remain in tact for quite some time. While their catchers are adequate at best, they have an improving Mike Jacobs at 1B, underrated Dan Uggla at 2B, and the exciting Hanley Ramirez at SS, and Jorge Cantu has reemerged as an offensive force at 3B. The oldest of the quartet is Uggla at 28 years of age. The four have also hit 31 homeruns in 35 games. To put that in perspective, the Mets have hit a total of 22 homeruns as a team. Add Jeremy Hermida and Cameron Maybin to the mix, and the Marlins will have a solid top-half of the lineup for many years.

While I expected the offense to perform, the pitching staff has been a big surprise so far this season. Scott Olsen came into the season as the staff ace. It seemed laughable at the time it was mentioned, but he is now 4-1 and has kept his walk totals down. Dodger castoff Mark Hendrickson is 5-1 and looking poised. Andrew Miller and Ricky Nolasco are struggling, but the potential is there to turn it around. The bullpen, has been solid as well. Gregg (Closer), Tankersley, Lindstrom, Miller, Kensing, and Pinto have not been lights out, but they have performed well enough to hold leads.

If this team goes anywhere, it will be on the heels of the team's hitting, but if the pitching can perform adequately, this team could remain in the wild card race well into September. That's not bad for a team with a $22 million dollar payroll. And for those of you who thought the Marlins would be also-rans in the NL this season, well, you fell for it.... hook, line, and sinker.


Court Adjourned!