The Marlins have won two World Series, but when they open camp next week, they'll have more buzz than at any spring training in franchise history.

ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" will broadcast live from Roger Dean Stadium when pitchers and catchers take the field Feb. 22. And Showtime cable will follow the Marlins for the documentary series "The Franchise."

That's what happens when you spend the winter signing big-name free agents hire baseball's most colorful manager and build a new, $515 million stadium.

Many experts believe the new-look Marlins will be contenders in a much more competitive NL East.

"It's a whole different look now, a whole different ballclub," said Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, a Marlins special assistant. "I'm not going to say they should win (it all), but they're good enough for the playoffs."

That would be quite a turnaround for a team that lost 90 games and finished last in the division in 2011. But their new ballpark, which is expected to create important revenue streams, has turned the front office from frugal to free-spending. The Marlins committed $191 million this winter to sign three free agents: shortstop Jose Reyes, starting pitcher Mark Buehrle and closer Heath Bell.

They also acquired starter Carlos Zambrano from the Chicago Cubs.

With Ozzie Guillen managing the revitalized roster, the Marlins have, at the least, gotten the attention of their division rivals.

"If you look at it on paper, you have to say the (Miami) Marlins are the biggest threat," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, whose club won the NL East last season, told Philadelphia reporters.

Manuel also said he never underestimates Atlanta, which has posted winning records in each of the past five years.

The Washington Nationals are in position to build on a third-place finish (80-81). Pitcher Stephen Strasburg is back after missing most of 2011 because of elbow surgery, and acquired left-hander Gio Gonzalez. They're also hoping that slugger Bryce Harper, their top prospect, can make the opening day roster.

Philadelphia added closer Jonathan Papelbon and veteran hitters Jim Thome and Ty Wigginton.

The New York Mets appear to be the only weak link in the division.

"This could be the most fun division in baseball," said retired All-Star John Kruk, an ESPN analyst. "Now you have four legitimate teams that can make an impact."