Cubbies Crib sits down with Marlin Maniac

Sep 1, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder

(27) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

What do you need to know about the Miami Marlins? Marlin Maniac Senior Editor Ehsan Kassim sat down with Cubbies Crib to give Cubs fans a little bit more insight into the cellar dwellers of the National League Central.

Apart from pitching phenom Jose Fernandez, what has been the bright spot of the Marlins’ season?

"The Marlins starting pitching on a whole has been a pleasant thing to watch in 2013. The team’s rotation has gotten stronger as the season has progressed and with Fernandez leading the way, they are a group with a young core. Turner has struggled of late, but has shown flashes of the brilliance that once made him a top prospect. Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez have been strong since their return from the DL to begin the season and seem to fit prominently into the Marlins future.The offensive side has been mostly a dull, but seeing top prospect Christian Yelich excelling in the majors and Logan Morrison finally healthy, the team does have some upside on the offense that could be seen a few years down the road."

What has been the team’s strengths/weaknesses in the past week?

"The same as all season long, the pitching has been strong and the hitting has been near non existent. Before the seven run outburst on Sunday, the team only had nine runs in their previous five games. The Marlins are currently 1-5 on their current road trip. In that span, the pitching staff has allowed 22 runs, with the majority of the damage (9 runs) coming in one game. The Marlins have played strong defense all season long, but that seemed to betray them over the past couple of weeks. Botched routine plays has been a culprit in the Marlins recent struggles, as the team’s offense is not good enough to be giving away extra outs to the opposing teams."

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Are there any sleepers that could prove damaging to the Cubs during the series?

"Jake Marisnick had some strong at bats on Sunday and seems to be improving on the run in the majors. Hopefully he can carry his strong at bats in Atlanta over to Chicago and finally have a breakout series against the Cubs."

Any other thoughts on this intriguing matchup?

"Brian Flynn will be making his Major League Debut on Wednesday afternoon in place of Jose Fernandez. The Cubs will not see the Marlins rookie phenom this series, as the Marlins want to save his final two starts for home against the Nationals and Braves."