Do Marlins Have to Cut Down on K's?

The Marlins set a franchise record last season with strikeouts from their hitters - 1,249 to be exact. With 235 on the season, they are well on pace to exceed that mark.

Yet, the offense is still producing. Kind of like a Rob Deer wet dream.

The Marlins are #1 in the NL with runs scored (151) and tied for first with team batting average (.274). They are #2 in home runs (33, Braves have 38) and are fourth in on base percentage (.349).

So, as much as it easy as it can be to dwell on the strikeout numbers (ala the lazy journalism of the Miami Herald), if you take a look at the whole picture things look a bit differently.

The Marlins as a team strike out a lot. They did last season but also set the franchise record for runs scored. It is aggravating as a fan to watch guys swing through pitches a lot and not put the ball in play, but it is hard to argue with the trade off of having one of the top offenses in all of baseball, let alone the National League.

That said, the Marlins could use more contact in order to keep them fighting in games. Right now, the way the starters are struggling and the bullpen is just starting to find itself, it is the offense that will have to carry things. Of course, if Fredi played the right guys this may not be as much of an issue.

Olivo has 27 K's in 96 ABs and Borchard has 29 K's in 90 ABs. As for Olivo, there is little alternative although Treanor should play more. As for Borchard, he contributes less more often than not (you figure that one out!) but Cody Ross is hardly going to make more contact. Ross, however has a higher average and is displaying more power.

Once the Marlins get Hermida and De Aza back, things may change for the better in terms of cutting down on strikeouts. Yet, it is obvious that the Marlins have very little to quibble over at this point of the season given the production of the offense.