What was set up to be an historic year in Florida Marlins history didn't live up to its billing, with the Florida Marlins struggling down the stretch and falling shy of the playoffs for a second straight year. The year was spiced with many outstanding moments, however, including a 9-0 win in the opener and the debut of their newly signed star slugger Carlos Delgado at first base.
Along the way, the Florida Marlins got some outstanding individual performances from emerging ace Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera, among others. The Florida Marlins had a franchise-record four players at the All-Star Game in Detroit, sending catcher Paul Lo Duca, Willis, Cabrera and speedy Luis Castillo. Josh Beckett set a career high with 15 wins, while Willis (22 wins, 2.63 ERA) finished second in voting for the NL Cy Young Award. Cabrera had the best year of his short career, finishing third in batting average at .323 and hitting 33 home runs to boot.
The disappointing close to the year left the Florida Marlins in limbo, and manager Jack McKeon was reassigned in the organization, opening the door for new manager Joe Girardi.