The Miami Marlins rise and fall, rise and fall. They put together a solid team, they win a World Series, they rip the team apart.

They won the World Series in 1997, then stacked six losing seasons on top of one another. They won the World Series in 2003 and haven’t made the playoffs since. In fact, those championship years are the only ones in which they’ve reached the postseason since the franchise’s birth in 1993.

Now, they’re building. The keynote signing this week was outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, and what a signing. His $325 million, 13-year contract is the richest ever awarded by a North American club and it locks in the power hitter at reasonable prices for the first few years. That means the Marlins, who were an improved 77-85 last season, can also sign some of their other young standouts.

This would be a fascinating reversal of form for owner Jeffrey Loria, but he seems headed down the path of building. The Marlins are reportedly actively trying to sign outfielder Christian Yelich, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and star pitcher Jose Fernandez. They’re also said to be interested in some top free agents, such as power hitter Adam Laroche.

Injuries to Fernandez and Stanton stopped Miami’s nascent playoff chase last year, but they’ll be deeper and more sound if some, or any, of these other signings take place.

Mike Redmond is proving to be a solid manager. The Marlins play in a gorgeous ballpark that too often is mostly empty. Miami, sadly, only loves a winner … and even then, it’s not true love.

The story begins again.

Today’s Question

Will the Marlins have what it takes to win the National League East next season?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .