Marlins unlikely to enjoy repeat success

Are energy, team chemistry, an ancient manager and a little bit of luck all a team needs to win the World Series? For the 2003 Florida Marlins, that answer was a resounding "yes."

Who could forget the comebacks, the Cinderella story, and all the moments created by last year's Florida team? From trailing in extra innings and coming back to win, to that epic play at the plate with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the 2003 Marlins played small ball and proved that you don't have to be George Steinbrenner to bring home a World Series trophy.

But October 2003 went into the history books five months ago and, as the old clich?© goes, hope springs eternal for autumn glory throughout the National League this spring. If the story-book Marlins hope to have a snowflake's chance in hell at another World Series, or even another post-season berth, for that matter, they will have to overcome some serious obstacles.

Last year's Florida club saw early managerial turmoil result in the hiring of Jack McKeon, fresh off a South Florida golf course after being out of baseball since October of 2000, after Jeff Torborg was fired in May. McKeon led the then-struggling Marlins to a 91-71 record, second place in the NL East, and a wildcard playoff spot. Good news for Marlins' fans: McKeon will be back again this season.

McKeon's return, however, could not sway some high profile players to return to Pro Player Stadium for another run. Most notably, catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez packed his bags and headed north for a lucrative contract with the Detroit Tigers. The stocky man behind the plate anchored the Marlins in 2003 and will be sorely missed both on and off the field.

Florida also has had to cope with Derrek Lee being lured away by the Chicago Cubs. New closer Armando Benitez will have big shoes to fill in the closer position after Ugueth Urbina went to Detroit with Rodriguez. The loss of Rodriguez and Juan Encarnacion will create lineup gaps the Marlins will have serious trouble filling unless new players such as Hee Seop Choi can break out this season.

Back for Florida are scrappy young pitchers Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis. Fellow hurler AJ Burnett should soon return from Tommy John surgery and Carl Pavano and Brad Penny should add depth to what looks to be a stacked pitching core.

In the field, the Marlins return veteran Jeff Conine and 20 year old sensation Miguel Cabrera, but this team will need a miracle similar to the multitude of seemingly-divine interventions they received last year for a repeat.

The Philadelphia Phillies are the pre-season favorite to dethrone the aging Atlanta Braves atop the NL East. Philly opens 2004 in a new ballpark and, if slugger Jim Thome and veteran David Bell stay healthy, Philly should pack some pop at the plate.

In the NL Central, the Cubs, barring a tidal wave that drowns Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, and new addition Greg Maddux, should contend for their division and for the National League pennant. Derrek Lee could be back in the Series, but with the Cubs this time around. Of course, the Houston Astros' revamped rotation and solid lineup could have something to say about that.

Other NL teams to look for as opening day rapidly approaches: the Milwaukee Brewers (no joke) currently lead the Cactus League with a 16-10 record. Though they probably will be just as bad as usual, fans in Wisconsin can't help but hope that spring training means at least something come the regular season.

The Montreal Expos are second in their spring training league and, though they will again play many of their games in Puerto Rico due to virtual financial failure, could sneak into the race with their relatively unknown lineup. Otherwise, they could just send all their young prospects to other teams to become stars, as usual.