Watch out for the Marlins

I posted this last night but it vanished. Then Willis throws a shutout. Even before the shutout, I believed the Marlins will be at least a Wild Card team who will be very scary in the playoffs. Here's why:

• Starting pitching. Willis, Becket, and Burnett have already thrown complete games. We saw what Becket did in the World Series, Burnett is another year removed from shoulder surgery, and Willis is maturing now that he's in his third season -- a sign of Willis's maturity was how many first pitch strikes he threw against the Nationals. Also, veteran Al Lieter isn't a bad guy to have at the end of a rotation.
  
• Hitting. Table setters Pierre and Castillo can beat with small ball or a murderers row of Cabrera, Delgado, Lowell, and Lo Duca can beat you with power. Willis can hit too.
• Fielding. Gold glove quality at third base, shortstop, second base, and center field.
• Managing. I'd be comfortable putting JackMcKeon up against anyone.
  
• Hung over visiting teams. 2 words: South Beach