All Marlins team, pitchers

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In determining the best pitchers in Marlins history, the term “small sample size” comes into play. The Marlins have had a number of guys who were pretty good but didn't stick around long, due to either financial issues, injury problems or other factors. Bottom line, if you look quickly, you could see some pretty good pitchers in a Marlins uniform. And, away we go!

Starting pitcher: Jose Fernandez And we start with the biggest tragedy in Marlins history. Jose Fernandez was one of the top starters in MLB when he died in a boating accident on September 25, 2016. At the time of his death, Fernandez was sitting at 16-8 with an ERA of 2,86. In only 76 starts, Fernandez had a WAR of 13.1. He had a WHIP 0f 1.054 and was a two time all star. All before he turned 25. He struck out 11.2 hitters per 9 innings and while walking only 2.7. It's amazing he became the best starter in franchise history in such a short period of time. It's hard to imagine what could have been.

Starting pitcher: Dontrelle Willis In 2005, Dontrelle had one of the best seasons in Marlins history. He went 22-10 with an ERA of 2.63. Seven complete games and five shutouts were icing in the cake. Dontrell led the NL in wins, complete games and shutouts that season. His WAR for 2005 was 7.3. He also had a nice rookie season, winning the Rookie of the Year Award while going 14-6 with an ERA of 3.30. Dontrelle had some decent seasons beyond that, but nothing approached those two seasons. His total WAR for his 5 seasons with the Marlins was 17.1. Apparently Dontrelle left everything he had in Florida. After he was traded to Detroit, he was never the same.

Starting pitcher: Josh Johnson Josh is a rarity among Florida Marlins, he stayed with the team for 8 seasons. While he won in double digits only three times, he manged to record an ERA of 3.30. Johnson had his best season in 2010 when he led the NL with an ERA of 2.30 while going 11-6. 2009 was also a good one for Johnson. He went 15-5 with an ERA of 3.23. His combined WAR for 2009-10 was 13.8. Johnson was sneaky good for the Marlins and nails down the third slot in this rotation.

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett Josh sneaks in with a record of 41-34 in his five seasons in Florida. He gets bonus points for having his best season in 2003 when the Marlins won one of their world championships. He was also effective in post season, winning the 2003 Wold Series MVP award. During the 2003 regular season, Josh went 15-8 with an ERA of 3.38. Beckett's total WAR for his five seasons was 10.7. Like so many other Marlins, he went on to have more success with another team.

Starting pitcher: A. J. Burnett Burnett prevailed over a number of guys who had a couple of decent seasons for the Marlins without being spectacular. A. J. went 49-50 for his seven years in Florida with an ERA of 3.73. Burnett's best season with the Marlins was 2002 when he went 12-9 with an ERA of 3.30. He led the NL in shutouts that season. And let me once again repeat, Burnett left the Marlins and became even more successful with other teams.

Relief pitcher: Steve Cishek While most of the guys on the top of these lists of relievers are hard throwers, Cishek is an anomaly. Steve's submarine delivery is especially effective against right handed hitters, but got the job done against all hitters. I was surprised to find that Steve was third on the all time Marlins saves leaders list. In six seasons with the Fish, Steve recorded 94 saves to go with an ERA of 2.86. Cishek was also a good strikeout guy, recording 9.7 strikeouts per 9 innings. Steve Cishek, an under the radar choice as the Marlins top reliever.

Relief pitcher: Robb Nen Here's the prototypical closer for most teams. Nen is the Marlins all time saves leader with 108 in his five seasons in Florida. Nen was also a good strikeout guy, averaging 9.4 strikeouts per 9 innings. He was also the closer during the Marlins 1997 championship run. While Robb was good while in Florida, he really hit his stride with the Giants. How Marlinlike. 

Relief pitcher: AJ Ramos Out of all the teams I've compiled, the Marlins are the only one to have two AJs on their staff. Ramos had a nice run with the Marlins, picking up 92 saves in six seasons with the Marlins. Ramos' ERA of 2.78 during his time in Florida is pretty indicative of how effective Ramos was. His peripherals feature a strikeout rate of 10.4 per 9 innings. He also allowed only 6.3 hits per 9 innings and .5 home runs. The only downside was his walk rate of 4.8 per 9 innings. Not a bad trade off, all things considered.

And there they are, my selections for the Marlins. What do you think? Let me know.

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