"Dee's going to be the disruptive one," Latos said.

Adding Gordon's game-changing speed in front of sluggers like Stanton and free-agent pickup Michael Morse gives the Marlins one of their most dynamic lineups in years. The club now has one of the fastest players in the game setting the table for one of the league's most imposing sluggers.

With the Dodgers last year, Gordon swiped a Major League-best 64 bases. The Marlins haven't had a player lead the Majors in steals since Juan Pierre posted his franchise-record total of 65 in 2003.

A lack of speed was a weakness of the 2014 Marlins, who stole just 58 bases -- fourth fewest in the Majors.

Marlins introduce Gordon, Latos and Morse

The Marlins introduce a trio of new stars with Dee Gordon, Mat Latos and Michael Morse, who are all ready to take Miami to the next level

Now with the projected lineup of Gordon at the top of the order and Christian Yelich hitting second, Miami has two running threats in front of Stanton and Morse. Along with stealing bases, they are capable of scoring from first on a double.

"Stanton and Morse, those are the guys who are going to knock Dee in," Latos said. "Those are going to be the guys you're scared of. Pitchers are scared of them, but they can always walk them. You don't want to walk Dee."

The question with Gordon is if he will get on base enough. He batted .289 with a .326 on-base percentage and 31 walks in 2014. Gordon also struck out 107 times. If he is struggling at the leadoff spot, the Marlins have versatility in their lineup to adjust. Yelich is experienced leading off, and Martin Prado can bat second.

Read the original here:
Speedy Gordon gives Marlins dynamic lineup

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January 14, 2015 at 11:44 pm by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Second Story Additions