Dobbs says Marlins are "team to beat"

   JUPITER -- Never mind that, as they enter their 20th season, the Marlins have never won a division title. Forget that they finished in dead last in 2011, 30 games behind the first-place Phillies. With all of the bold moves made over the winter, utility man Greg Dobbs thinks the Marlins should be considered "the team to beat" in the National League East.

   "We've changed the equation quite a bit," Dobbs said. "I'm not going to say the Phillies are the team to beat. I'm not going to say the Braves are the team to beat. It's a whole new slate. I think we're the team to beat. I want us to be the team to beat."

    Dobbs arrived at spring training a year ago trying to re-establish his career. A non-roster in invitee, Dobbs not only made the club, but ended up playing a large role for the Marlins, appearing in 134 games while hitting .275. He said he explored all his options as a free agent after the season, but decided ultimately to return to the Marlins on a two-year deal.

    "The front office -- ownership -- made some big moves, some huge huge moves," Dobbs said. "As I saw that happening throughout the winter, I kept thinking to myself more and more, it's just going to be a much more exciting place to play, with a lot of expectations and a lot of promise. Ultimately, I was very fortunate this ended up being my home again for two years.

     "If we can stay injury-free, we'll be in the postseason. There's no reason why we shouldn't We're going to win and we're going to get to the postseason."