Speed, power, versatility added to Marlins lineup

MIAMI -- The Marlins made plenty of strides in 2014, improving their win total by 15 games, and staying within striking distance of a National League Wild Card spot into mid-September. Compared to their rough 100-loss campaign in '13, there were plenty of positives.

Miami's mission this year is to take a giant step forward. The front office reshaped the roster, adding the speed of Dee Gordon, the power of Michael Morse and the overall consistency of Martin Prado to the lineup, while also acquiring Mat Latos and Dan Haren to round out the rotation.

The additions, combined with an exciting core, have the organization thinking playoffs.

Still, for all the successes the team had in '14, it ranked seventh in the National League in runs scored (645), 12th in home runs (122), second in strikeouts (1,419) and 13th in stolen bases (58). The pitching gave up 674 runs (fifth most in the league) and the 3.78 team ERA ranked 11th.

With Spring Training starting Friday at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., MLB.com projects the lineup, rotation and key bullpen spots.

2014 record
77-85, 4th in the NL East

Projected batting order
1. 2B Dee Gordon:
.289 BA, .326 OBP, .378 SLG, 64 SB, 12 3B with Dodgers in 2014
2. LF Christian Yelich :
.284 BA, .362 OBP, .402 SLG, 9 HR, 54 RBI in 2014
3. RF Giancarlo Stanton :
.288 BA, .395 OBP, .555 SLG, 37 HR, 105 RBI in 2014
4. 1B Michael Morse:
.279 BA, .336 OBP, .475 SLG, 16 HR, 61 RBI with Giants in 2014
5. 3B Martin Prado:
.282 BA, .321 OBP, .412 SLG, 12 HR, 58 RBI with D-backs/Yankees in 2014
6. CF Marcell Ozuna :
.269 BA, .317 OBP, .455 SLG, 23 HR, 85 RBI in 2014
7. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia :
.220 BA, .320 OBP, .362 SLG, 11 HR, 44 RBI in 2014
8. SS Adeiny Hechavarria :
.276 BA, .308 OBP, .356 SLG, 1 HR, 34 RBI in 2014

Projected rotation
1. Henderson Alvarez , 12-7, 2.65 ERA in 2014
2. Mat Latos, 5-5, 3.25 ERA with Reds in 2014
3. Jarred Cosart , 13-11, 3.69 ERA in 2014
4. Dan Haren, 13-11, 4.02 ERA with Dodgers in 2014
5. Tom Koehler , 10-10, 3.81 ERA in 2014

Projected bullpen
Closer: Steve Cishek , 39/43 saves, 3.17 ERA in 2014
RH setup man: A.J. Ramos , 2.11 ERA in 2014
LH setup man: Mike Dunn , 3.16 ERA in 2014