If you have been paying attention to baseball this off-season (aside from the BALCO scandal), then you should know that the Florida Marlins are regarded as the “team to beat” in the National League to many right behind the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Marlins enter the 2005 season with a balanced and threatening lineup, thanks to the signing of left-handed slugger Carlos Delgado.

The starting rotation, which has always had the potential to be dominant, may finally reach their potential because of the veteran presence of Al Leiter.

Although closer Armando Benitez quickly signed with the San Francisco Giants quickly after last season was completed, the Marlins’ bullpen is completely revamped and vastly improved from last season.

However, things could dwindle rapidly for the Fish if they find themselves missing a very important piece to this playoff puzzle.

Unlike what people like Miguel Lorenzo believe, catcher Paul Lo Duca is far more value to the Marlins this season than closer Guillermo Mota.

Why is this so, you may be asking.

Well, by reshaping their bullpen, the Marlins have also added a little insurance in case Mota falters.

The front-office signed two former closers in Antonio Alfonseca (who once saved 45 games for the Marlins and got his career back on track under the guidance of Atlanta Braves pitching instructor Leo Mazzone) and Todd Jones (who was a dominant closer for the Detroit Tigers before becoming one of baseball’s stronger set-up men).

As for Paul Lo Duca, though, there is no insurance policy.

If Paul Lo Duca were to go down with an injury, the Marlins will lose much more than a proven hitter and above-average fielder – they will lose a leader.

For the Marlins, one of two catchers will be the backup this season (Matt Treanor or Mike DeFelice).

Treanor spent some time as the backup last season; however, he doesn’t seem to be better than a backup catcher at this point in his career.

DeFelice has been a backup catcher throughout his career.

The only thing close to matching Lo Duca’s production is Josh Willingham, who will start the season in the minors, but has swung a good bat the past few seasons in the minor leagues).

But, that leadership that Lo Duca brings is irreplaceable.

With a team like the Marlins, there needs to be a leader in the clubhouse and on the field.

That role is usually assigned to the catcher.

When the Marlins won their two World Series titles, they had a solid catcher behind the plate.

In 1997, Charles Johnson (a younger one I may add) swung a decent bat and brought his Gold Glove. In 2003, there was Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and we all know what he did.

Paul Lo Duca may not be Pudge, but he’s surely the next best thing.