Juan Pierre Returns To Home Of Career Success With Miami Marlins

Juan Pierre has traveled all over MLB during his 13 years in the league. Pierre experienced his most success in 2003 with the Florida Marlins with 65 stolen bases in helping the Marlins win the World Series. Pierre is now 35 years old and has played for four different teams since being traded by the Marlins after the 2005 season. He has now gone back to the place where he did his most damage in returning to Miami.

It is likely that Pierre finds his way into a leadoff hitter role with Miami, but the biggest key for Pierre’s return is going to be the leadership he can bring to a very young and inexperienced Miami roster. Pierre played in 130 games last season and hit .307 along the way with 37 stolen bases so there is still life left in those legs that have allowed Pierre to steal 591 bases in his career. If Pierre can go back to Miami this season and help the Marlins win more than 70 games, it is going to be a success no matter what with how bad Miami should be.

I really think Pierre is going to end up playing in 140 games for the Marlins this season and will steal another 40 bases. That will be plenty for this Miami team that needs their stars to show up to get the fans into the seats again after seeing their team get torn apart in the offseason. If Miami wants to rebuild their fan base, it is going to be players like Pierre who return to town and identify with the fans that turn things around.

Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.