Archive for Marlins News
Mr. Brightside
Posted by: | CommentsWho can tell you the positive in getting your butt whipped every night? The silver lining in missing playoffs?
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, and his optimistic view what’s to come, that’s who.
Tough to find the “well at least…” in a seemingly lost 2012 campaign. A season that began with promise, is winding up a face-shielding disappointment.
Times have been difficult awhile now for the Marlins fan, and you can count on a long September to boot.
Look on the bright side.
At least you’re not a New York Yankees fan. Watching your owner mindlessly spend millions hand-over-fist for the latest, well-equipped toys in free agency. Making the playoffs as an afterthought, anything less than the World Series, an utter failure.
Despite all that East Coast bravado and endless sense of entitlement that comes with being a fan of the Yanks, I think we’ll pass for now, thanks.
Florida management has worked tirelessly to earn the success they’ve had over the years. Back-to-back-to-back all-nighters hard.
Two World Series championships in 14 years of existence thanks to pinpoint scouting efforts and careful personnel decision-making with one eye always on the big picture.
It’s the Marlins way, and something for those who bleed teal to take pride in.
In SP Josh Johnson, RF Mike Stanton and SS Hanley Ramirez the Fish have three of the MLB’s most talented players.
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, or Mr. Brightside, is optimistic for 2012 and focused on doing whatever it takes to bring yet another WS trophy back to South Florida (more on this developing story to come.)
Some of the best young talent in Marlins history, Mr. Brightside looking to make an off-season splash, and the grand opening of brand new Sun Life Stadium.
As it turns out, 2011 wasn’t the year it could have been but the future’s glare has the squinting Marlins faithful reaching for a pair of shades.
The Curious Case of Joshua Johnson
Posted by: | CommentsIf an old poet chose to write about the star-crossed Florida Marlins and their ace starting pitcher’s 2011 season he wouldn’t need long to choose his angle.
Tragedy.
The latest in Marlins news has SP Josh Johnson return set for September, but the All-Star right-hander might not return to the big club this season, and instead could finish the season with a few minor league rehab appearances.
Consider this, the young and talented Marlins hovered in and around first place for much of the 2011 season’s early months. South Florida was oozing with optimism, and why not?
It’s not like Fish fans have ever seen a group of unfamiliar stars and band together for a dream season before. Oh wait, 2003 anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Young players surrounded by a few established stars can come of age in a hurry. No one knows that better then Marlins fans.
The Fish had all the components for a run to the post-season, even in the super competitive N.L. East, until the Marlins lost their anchor, rockstar, ace, and slump-buster to a shoulder injury.
When June rolled around, the Fish desperately needed a streak-stopper, someone to stop the bleeding and get the train back on the tracks. The guy that fit that exact description was dedicated and under contract but unfortunately his health didn’t cooperate.
Remain calm Marlins fans we haven’t seen the last of Josh Johnson and 2012 will be here before you know it. That’s as good a time as any to turn a tragedy into something more pleasant, say a ballad or haiku.
Maybe even a Cinderella story.
Marlins Sign 1st Rounder Jose Fernandez
Posted by: | CommentsAfter over two months of negotiating back and forth — or the complete opposite, in fact — the Marlins have finally inked Jose Fernandez, their 2011 first round selection. The deal is for two million dollars, according to Baseball America’s Jim Callis. Let’s take a look at the newest member of the Marlins organization.
This courtesy Baseball America:
He throws three swing-and-miss pitches: a fastball that sits 90-95 mph with heavy sink at times and a pair of breaking balls. Scouts aren’t sure if Fernandez means to throw both a slider and a curve, but his slider can be sharp and his curve at times has 12-to-6 break. He’s shown flashes of a changeup as well and could wind up as a four-pitch workhorse. Sturdy at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Fernandez has a mature body and will have to work to maintain his conditioning.
On a personal level, I’m excited about Fernandez for many reasons. One of which is because of his young age and where he fits in to the prospect shuffle in the Marlins organization. If you know the Marlins system, you know that the small amount of prospects they have are in Greensboro, with the exception of Chad James and Kyle Jensen to name a few who are in higher levels of the system. Christian Yelich, Noah Perio, Mark Canha, Ryan Fisher, Jacob Realmuto and Marcel Ozuna all represent the core of the system. Only one of those prospects, maybe two are impact level talents but still solidify a large gap within the franchise. Slotting Fernandez in that same group if not now, very soon, will replicate the influx of talent that the Marlins saw come up when Stanton, Morrison and Sanchez made their way to the bigs.
In any case, he’s a Marlins and the Fish didn’t lose their man. And with the Lomo news that’s occupied nearly the entirety of the internet, I’m quite surprised they didn’t.
Marlins Prospect Report: 8/3/2011
Posted by: | CommentsYour daily Marlins Minor League report…
Double-A Jacksonville (in 6-2 win over Montgomery)
Nothing extremely special took place in the Jacksonville’s victory over Montgomery. Although Kyle Skipworth again struggled at the plate, something that’s not the least bit unusual for him. Aside from going 0-2 at the plate, he dropped his average down to .198 for the year. He’s got plenty of work to do but only being 20 years of age means he’s still got some time. There were, however, a few bright spots which you’d obviously expect from the winning team. The intriguing and heartwarming story of newly-turned pitcher Chris Hatcher was displayed again tonight. The right-hander, who’s been enjoying a fine season on the mound struck out two batters in an inning of work while not walking anybody. In addition, former Tigers pitcher Zach Simons struck out three in two innings of relief while not allowing a batter to reach base via the base on balls.
High-A Jupiter (in 6-1 loss to St. Lucie)
Fortunately for the Marlins, despite their farm being amongst the emptiest in the game, there have been quite a few bright spots. One of which is outfielder Kyle Jensen who despite being 23 years of age and in High-A has put on quite a showing this season with the bat. In 361 at-bats on the year he sports a .313/.389/.548 line and has even belted 21 home runs. He strikes out way too much and is basically all bat, thus he isn’t that much of a prospect. It’s unclear what the Marlins ongoing plans for him will be, but we know he can hit, which most hitters in the organization cannot say.
Low-A Greensboro (in 1-0 loss to West Virginia)
Wow, that’s a tough one to lose. I guess it’s a good thing that minor league scores and records mean absolutely nothing. It really wasn’t a bad day for the Greensboro hitters. Marcell Ozuna collected two more hits, Christian Yelich one and same goes for Mark Canha. Good day’s for the three best hitters on the Grasshoppers. Robert Morey, a right-handed starter with fringe stuff fared out well too, pitching seven scoreless striking out basically a batter per inning while only walking one.
Transactions:
Bryan Evans assigned to Double-A Jacksonville from High-A Jupiter
Evan Reed, who was acquired along with Omar Poveda in the Jorge Cantu trade back in ’10 has been assigned to High-A Jupiter from Double-A Jacksonville, in a corresponding move.
A.J. Battisto also assigned to High-A Jupiter from Double-A Jacksonville
Holden Sprague assigned to Low-A Greensboro from Low-A SS Jamestown
Nathan Woods and Thomas Peale assigned to Low-A SS Jamestown from the GCL and Greensboro respectively
Injury Updates:
Dallas Poulk has been activated from the 7-day DL and re-assigned to High-A Jupiter
Marlins Prospect Report: 8/1/11
Posted by: | CommentsSome Minor League updates from Monday’s games…
AA Jacksonville (in 9-3 loss to Montgomery)
Jose Alvarez: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 91-57 P/S
A diminutive left-hander, Alvarez has continued to impress this season despite a rough Double-A stint in which his ERA has jumped to the 5.00′s. Even with recent struggles, it’s 30 innings pitched and his stuff hasn’t seemingly or suddenly disappeared. Thus he’s maintaining a solid walk rate and racking up a nice strikeout total (basically eight per nine innings throughout the season) even while getting hit around in the Southern League. Ever since his Boston days, I’ve always believed Alvarez is best suited for a potential bullpen role at the Major League level, especially being left-handed and only standing 5’11/155.
High-A Jupiter (in 4-3 loss to Daytona)
Jeff Dominguez: 2-4 with two home runs, three RBI’s and a walk
He’s extremely old for the level (25), doesn’t get on-base and most importantly isn’t your typical shortstop. At least defensively. But Jeff Dominguez certainly might have a career as a backup infielder or even fourth outfielder as long if he continues to hit. He’s got some speed and a pretty good arm but needs to get out of Jupiter, and quite fast I might add, if the Marlins have any hopes of Dominguez potentially making an impact.
Alfredo Lopez: 0-4 with two strikeouts
It doesn’t take a genius for one to realize that an 0-4 night isn’t overwhelmingly good, but Lopez is an intriguing little player which is why I wanted to discuss him. He wasn’t spectacular in Jamestown, but he’s toolsy as hec and has made lots of progress with the bat since being drafted in 2010. He’s a second-baseman who plays the position well and has real quick feet, which obviously gives him better range. He’s got a decent arm, one that isn’t strong but will definitely keep him at second-base. He doesn’t project to get much taller than he already is, but he might gain a few more pounds of muscle. He’s got nice bat speed and has shown lots of plate discipline since the move from Jamestown. Lopez doesn’t have much power but he makes contact real well and drives the ball, even if not our of the park.
Edgar Olmos: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
I’ve liked Edgar Olmos for a while, even since he was drafted. In fact, throughout the first few years of his Minor League career the reports have been solid, even if the stats haven’t. He was drafted in 2008 and still finds himself in High-A, but he was a high school pick so he’s still young. Alas, there really isn’t a rush either way. Olmos is left-handed, stands 6’5 and throws the ball on a downhill plain. He throws low-mid 90′s with a good curveball with some depth. However, he’s often been inconsistent with his velocity which has obviously caused him some bumps in the road. He’s got a good fastball with sink and has been known to challenge hitters, so he’s someone keep an eye on.
Transactions
RHP Chris Squires assigned to Low-A Greensboro from High-A Jupiter
No injuries reported as of today
MLB Trade Deadline: South Beach Forecast
Posted by: | CommentsCalm with a 70% chance of question marks.
As we swiftly approach the MLB Trade Deadline at 3 P.M. Eastern Time, it appears more and more likely that the Marlins will stand idly by.
According to ESPN’s very own Buster Olney, the Marlins are in a “holding pattern” and will likely hold onto relief pitchers Randy Choate and Leo Núñez as well as second baseman Omar Infante.
Many Marlins fans are wondering why the Fish weren’t more proactive in the trade market when their current standing in the N.L. East and Wildcard race means any playoff hopes are effectively dashed.
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria feels that the players coveted by other teams are all valuable pieces for the new era beginning next season in South Beach.
Despite the Marlins inactivity prior to the July 31st deadline the pond will assuredly be stocked full of talented Fish in what promises to be an exciting 2012 season in brand new Sun Life Stadium.
Ozzie to Skipper Fish in 2012?
Posted by: | CommentsWith the MLB trade deadline swiftly approaching, the only thing hotter than MLB Executives phones lines is U.S. Women’s Soccer Star Alex Morgan.
Despite the flurry of activity around the league and several inquires from teams looking for relief pitching down the stretch, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has elected to stand pat and appears content to do so beyond the July 31st trade deadline for non-waiver trades.
The lackadaisical nature of both the personnel on the field and in the front office has shifted Marlins fans attentions to 2012, specifically who will manage the Fish into brand new Sun Life Stadium?
According to ESPN Insider’s Doug Miitler, current Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen may be the man for the job, throwing more fuel on a fire that continues to burn.
Ozzie’s tell-it-like-it-is and do-as-I-please attitude has clearly worn Sox General Manager Ken Williams patience thin over the years and a grossly underachieving White Sox team could lead to Ozzie’s final act in Chicago.
Guillen’s teams have always played hard for the fiery former shortstop and his nonsense style and undying loyalty could be the spark the talented young Marlins need for a successful 2012 season in their new stomping grounds.
Which Marlins Will Be Sent Packing After SD Sweep?
Posted by: | CommentsIt is officially time for the Fish to raise the white flag on 2011.
After the lowly San Diego Padres finished off a devastating three game sweep of the Marlins at Dolphins Stadium, the 2011 picture has come into focus.
According to Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel, the Phillies and Fish have had discussions regarding Marlins closer Leo Núñez. If Núñez is dealt, Jack McKeon informed the Miami Herald that Edward Mujica will assume the ninth-inning responsibilities.
In a report from ESPN Insider’s Jason Churchill, another Marlin likely to be dealt before the July 31st deadline is utility infielder Omar Infante. The versatile middle infielder could be on his way to the Midwest and a Milwaukee Brewers team in desperate need of an upgrade at shortstop.
Even the best efforts of legendary manager Jack McKeon, a recent July hot streak, and the optimism of Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria couldn’t stop a sinking ship from going down.
The Marlins will likely be watching the MLB playoffs from home this fall. As a result, the Fish need to continue shaping the roster that will bring the Marlins into their inaugural season at brand new Sun Life Stadium in 2012.
Fish Coveting Cubs 3B Ramirez, Starting Pitcher?
Posted by: | CommentsAfter an atrocious 1-19 June stretch under Edwin Rodriguez, many considered the Marlins dead in the water and a potential seller at the July 31st deadline.
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria recently put that sentiment to rest.
The Marlins had their season high six-game winning streak under interim manager Jack McKeon snapped against Ryan Dempster and the Chicago Cubs, but the Fish are not about to concede the 2011 season.
“I haven’t counted us out yet,” Loria said. “I hope you guys (the media) haven’t. I know it looks tough, but what are we now, four under? Jack says as soon as we get (to .500), you never know what can happen. I would never bet against Jack McKeon.”
According to Loria, the Fish will be trolling the market for both an established third baseman and more starting pitching with sights on the inaugural season in their new stadium.
Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez is likely available for the right price, would the Fish bite at the right offer? The more likely scenario would be coveting the 33 year-old slugger’s services this off season to solidify the middle of the order.
One of baseball’s scarcest commodities, quality starting pitching, is also on Marlins radar.
The Marlins firmly believe they can still contend in 2011, so a deadline deal is a possibility, if not a priority.
For more on the Fish from Loria: ESPN AP
Marlins Have Big Fish For Trade Bait
Posted by: | CommentsRHP Leo Núñez, who is having an excellent season that will likely lead to a a sizable raise in arbitration, and utility infielder Omar Infante have been mentioned as prospective Marlins trading chips as we move closer to the July 31st trade deadline.
According to ESPN Insider’s Jason A. Churchill however, those aren’t the biggest Fish that could be moved from the pond before the deadline. It appears RHP Anibal Sánchez may be on the market as well. Sánchez would command a great deal of talent in return as the young starter would likely be the most coveted arm on the market.
The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are two obvious fits if Sánchez indeed is made available and teams feel Sanchez is worth the hefty price that the Marlins righty will command.
It remains to be seen if talks will heat up for Sánchez as the Marlins now currently view the 6 game winner as one of their future cornerstones as they prepare to move into a new ballpark in 2012, along with the injured Josh Johnson.
Impact starting pitching, which has been had only at a premium on the trade market in years past, has only gone up in value. The San Francisco Giants proved that a team can win a World Series with a marginal lineup as long as the team marches out a dynamic set of starters and a reliable bullpen.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers have both instituted their own version of the 2010 Giants World Series blueprint in 2011. The Marlins hope to have a young version of the blueprint in Sánchez, Johnson, and RHP Ricky Nolasco
Elsewhere in the MLB: See where 3,000 puts Jeter on the list of all time greatest shortstops.
