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5 Biggest Questions Facing Miami Marlins Going Into Opening Day 2016

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Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Even before the 2016 season gets underway, many are counting the Miami Marlins out in the NL East. Obviously, the Marlins have a long way to go after such a disappointing 2015 season, but there’s no doubt Miami has enough talent on the roster to surprise some folks this year. Still, plenty of questions surround the team heading into opening day, including these five the Marlins will have to answer in 2016.

5. Can Marcell Ozuna Put Last Year Behind Him?

Can Marcell Ozuna Put Last Year Behind Him? Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports
Ozuna's 2015 season was a roller coaster, including a spat with owner Jeffrey Loria and a demotion to Triple-A. That being said, Ozuna has immense talent and the potential to be one of Miami's best players. However, he has to get his head in the right place and put last season behind him. Doing so is key to Miami's success this year.

Ozuna's 2015 season was a roller coaster, including a spat with owner Jeffrey Loria and a demotion to Triple-A. That being said, Ozuna has immense talent and the potential to be one of Miami's best players. However, he has to get his head in the right place and put last season behind him. Doing so is key to Miami's success this year.

4. Is Justin Bour A One-Hit Wonder?

Is Justin Bour A One-Hit Wonder? Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports
Bour had a breakout season last year, launching 23 home runs and giving the Marlins another power source in the middle of their lineup. However, now he has to prove he can do it again. He also has to prove he can hit lefties; otherwise, the Marlins will have to platoon him and he won't make as much of an impact.

Bour had a breakout season last year, launching 23 home runs and giving the Marlins another power source in the middle of their lineup. However, now he has to prove he can do it again. He also has to prove he can hit lefties; otherwise, the Marlins will have to platoon him and he won't make as much of an impact.

3. Is Bullpen Deep Enough?

Is Bullpen Deep Enough? Steve Mitchell - USATODAY Sports
There are no worries with closer A.J. Ramos, but with Carter Capps set to miss the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, there are questions about Miami's bullpen in front of the closer. The Marlins need at least a couple of pitchers to step up and form the bridge to Ramos, with veteran Edwin Jackson being someone to watch in that role.

There are no worries with closer A.J. Ramos, but with Carter Capps set to miss the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, there are questions about Miami's bullpen in front of the closer. The Marlins need at least a couple of pitchers to step up and form the bridge to Ramos, with veteran Edwin Jackson being someone to watch in that role.

2. Can Don Mattingly Make a Difference?

Can Don Mattingly Make a Difference? Steve Mitchell - USATODAY Sports
Hiring Mattingly to be the team's manager was one of Miami's best offseason additions. He proved himself capable of taking a team to the postseason during his time with the Dodgers, but can he do that in Miami? The Marlins don't have the talent of the Dodgers, so can Mattingly's abilities as a manger make a difference?

Hiring Mattingly to be the team's manager was one of Miami's best offseason additions. He proved himself capable of taking a team to the postseason during his time with the Dodgers, but can he do that in Miami? The Marlins don't have the talent of the Dodgers, so can Mattingly's abilities as a manger make a difference?

1. How Does The Rotation Stack Up?

How Does The Rotation Stack Up? Steve Mitchell - USATODAY Sports
Jose Fernandez and Wei-Yin Chen give the Marlins a strong tandem at the top of their rotation, but if they're going to compete with the Mets and Nationals in the NL East, the rest of their rotation has to perform as well. There are no youngsters in the minors waiting in the wings, so it'll be up to Adam Conley, Tom Koehler and Jarred Cosart to give the Marlins a rotation that can win over the course of 162 games.

Jose Fernandez and Wei-Yin Chen give the Marlins a strong tandem at the top of their rotation, but if they're going to compete with the Mets and Nationals in the NL East, the rest of their rotation has to perform as well. There are no youngsters in the minors waiting in the wings, so it'll be up to Adam Conley, Tom Koehler and Jarred Cosart to give the Marlins a rotation that can win over the course of 162 games.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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