The Marlins played well all spring despite injuries to starting pitchers and catchers. If the starters can go at least five innings each time out in April, giving early rest to the bullpen, that would be a huge improvement over last year. The team desperately needs LHP Scott Olsen, limited to just three starts this spring because of shoulder tendinitis, to replace Dontrelle Willis as the staff's innings-eater.

ROTATION:

1. LHP Mark Hendrickson

2. LHP Andrew Miller

3. RHP Rick VandenHurk

4. LHP Scott Olsen

5. RHP Ricky Nolasco/RHP Chris Volstad

Because of early injuries to RHP Sergio Mitre and Olsen and inconsistent outings from right-handed candidates, the rotation was a mystery going into the final week of spring. Hendrickson will start the opener. Olsen was slotted in the fourth spot because of his missed time. Volstad and RHP Burke Badenhop, both of whom had terrific springs, threatened to emerge as sleepers. The fifth starter won't needed until April 13 because of early off-days.

BULLPEN:

RHP Kevin Gregg (closer)

RHP Justin Miller

RHP Lee Gardner

LHP Taylor Tankersley

RHP Matt Lindstrom

LHP Renyel Pinto

RHP Logan Kensing

The bullpen was busy in 2007 because of an injury-riddled rotation. With young and inexperienced starters this season, the relief corps could be in for another busy year. The experience from last year will help. And Kensing, who pitched well in September, should be productive in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Keep an eye on Lindstrom, who had an inconsistent spring and could lose his spot to veteran RHP Joe Nelson.

LINEUP:

1. SS Hanley Ramirez

2. 2B Dan Uggla

3. RF Jeremy Hermida

4. LF Josh Willingham

5. 1B Mike Jacobs

6. CF Cody Ross

7. 3B Jorge Cantu

8. C Matt Treanor

Hermida was nursing a tight left hamstring into the final week of camp and was questionable for Opening Day. Ramirez, the team's best offensive player, will stay in the leadoff spot, where he hit well all spring. Willingham and Jacobs had two combined home runs this spring through March 23. Cantu might hit as high as fifth. Ross will platoon with someone else -- most likely Alejandro De Aza -- until Cameron Maybin is ready for a promotion. Ross, a right-handed hitter, gets the start in the season opener vs. LHP Johan Santana.

RESERVES:

OF Luis Gonzalez

INF Jason Wood

INF/OF Alfredo Amezaga

OF Alejandro De Aza

C Mike Rabelo

Rabelo (sprained left leg) could open the season on the disabled list but should get most of the playing time once healthy. De Aza will split time in center field with Ross, a right-handed hitter. Willingham appeared to favor his sore back again this spring. If it acts up, Gonzalez will spell him. Gonzalez could start Opening Day if Hermida (tight left hamstring) isn't ready.

ROOKIE WATCH: RHP Chris Volstad and RHP Burke Badenhop both barely saw action at Class AA last year, but both pitched extremely well this spring, enough to jump-start their roads to the majors. If they don't make the team out of camp, they'll be back sooner than September. CF Cameron Maybin had an inconsistent spring, but with consistent production in the minors, the former first-round draft pick could be back in the majors by June.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RF Jeremy Hermida (tight left hamstring) might miss the first four games of the season.

C Mike Rabelo (sprained left leg) was injured March 13. He hopes to play in the final exhibition series against the Yankees but remains questionable for Opening Day.

LHP Renyel Pinto (jammed right big toe) missed a week but will be ready for Opening Day.

RHP Sergio Mitre (right forearm strain) left the Feb. 28 game against Baltimore. He won't pick up a baseball sooner than mid-April, pushing his return into May or June. He was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21.

LHP Scott Olsen (left shoulder tendinitis) is on track to start the team's fourth game of the season.

RHP Anibal Sanchez (shoulder surgery in June 2007) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He isn't expected to pitch in the majors until June or July.

RHP Josh Johnson (reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He started throwing from a mound early in spring training. He is targeting a July return, but it's possible he might not be ready until September.

RHP Henry Owens (right shoulder surgery in August 2007) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He won't be back before the All-Star break.

RHP Harvey Garcia (right shoulder tendinitis) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. The timetable for his return was unclear.

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