What's with those Florida Teams? [Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla]

Oh, those first place Florida Teams! The Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays are both having stellar seasons, and leading their respective divisions. How is it that the teams from down South can dominate their northern rivals?

The first key to Florida's success is Hanley Ramirez, who belonged in conversations with Chase Utley in April but has actually faded in May. Still, project his numbers over a whole season and you've got outstanding five-category production. The good news about Ramirez is that his walk rate is up, but the bad news is that he's striking out 25% of the time and his slugging percentage is way down (even though he's still hitting homers, he's barely hitting any doubles). His May slump could potentially - hopefully - be attributed to manager Fredi Gonzalez moving him into the third spot. However, he was moved back to leadoff last week, and so far hasn't set the world on fire (.690 OPS). Still, Ramirez is one of the game's great hitters, and there's no doubt he'll find his stroke soon.

Second baseman Dan Uggla has picked up in May where Ramirez left off in April. His OPS for the month is a ridiculous 1.389, and he has 12 HR, 26 RBI and 27 R with 3 games remaining. Most power hitters are notoriously streaky (Sammy Sosa, David Ortiz, Jim Thome come to mind), and obviously Uggla is having a spectacular month. It's unlikely that he'll maintain his BABIP of .362, and I imagine his 29.4% strikeout rate will catch up to him sometime. Still, for fantasy owners, enjoy his streak while it lasts! He's done a stellar job carrying the Marlins and will hopefully be able to produce for the rest of the season, but I say the numbers indicate you ought to try and sell high.

As for the rest of the team... First baseman Mike Jacobs is walking a little less than I'd like (5% BB%), but his HR/FB ratio and K% are right in line with the career numbers of prodigious power hitter David Ortiz. Plus, his .274 BABIP should improve as the season goes on. Josh Willingham has cut down on his K%, but has a high BABIP which is probably contributing to his high BA. Jeremy Hermida and Jorge Cantu are mediocre, and should continue to be so all season. And prospect Cameron Maybin awaits his call-up later in the season. He has 7 HR and 12 SB this season in the minors, and though his .242 batting average is troubling, his .350 OBP indicates he's still making things happen. This post is already getting too long, so I'll continue with their pitchers in another segment. In short, look for Ramirez to turn it around, Jacobs to be for real, and Uggla to slow down as the season goes on.