Marlins Guarantee Maybin Spot

I really hope this isn’t a Randy Shannon type situation. Cameron Maybin got his callup at the end of last season and put on a hitting, fielding, running and power display that we all expected and couldn’t wait to see. He is a star in the making. So much that the Marlins feel he will be the starting center fielder going into the 09 season.

The Marlins on Wednesday continued to talk with other clubs about possible trades that could alter the look of the lineup. But with the general managers’ meetings winding down, it’s almost a given that Maybin will be the Marlins’ starting center fielder after he spent nearly all of last season in the minors.

”I think everyone saw in September what he is capable of doing, and the excitement and the talent he brings to the ballpark every day,” Hill said. “That’s what we traded for.”

I know it’s still early and the Marlins are not done wheelin and dealin, but what do you think our 09 starting lineup will look like? Here’s mine…

Cameron Maybin - CF
John Baker - C
Hanley Ramirez - SS
Jorge Cantu - 3B
Josh Willingham - LF
Gaby Sanchez - 1B
Dan Uggla - 2B
Cody Ross - RF

The Marlins Rookie Hazing

The Marlins had there rookies dress up in costumes and ride the 7 Train during the series at Shea this weekend. Fish Bytes has more pictures up on the blog as well as a breakdown of who is who.

Marlins Win 8th, Enough With the Jerry Manuel Interview

The Marlins completed the sweep of the Astros last night in blow out fashion 8-1. John Baker came up with 4 RBI and rookie Cameron Maybin went 4-4 with 2 runs scored and a walk. The Marlins start and all important series against the Phillies to close out the homestand and season at home. Try to make it out for some exciting baseball. Catch video highlights of last nights game here.

Not sure about the rest of you but I am getting sick and tired of the daily “ESPN Jerry Manuel Post Game Interview” every single day after every single game they win or lose. Is he that interesting of a character that he needs to be in our faces every night?

I know, it must be those styling glasses he sports.

Daily Matter: Cameron is a Gazelle, Joey Porter Mouths Off

Daily Matter consists of linkage from JD’s favorite sports blogs and websites. If you want a link included please drop us a line. Thanks!

• The FinsNation crew put together an open letter to a one [[Joey Eugene Porter]]. In case you did not hear, Joey had a message to this weeks opponent’s starting quarterback Matt Cassel. Fun fact: Did you know Matt Cassel had a brother who pitches for the Houston Astros? Yeah we touched him up a bit last night.

• Craig over at FishStripes gives his take on Chris Volstad’s career high in innings pitched this year. His blog is great, make sure you bookmark it.

• Armando Salguero brings up and old tired subject of Dick Satan and his role in making the Dolphins one of the worst teams in the NFL for the last few year.

• One of the greatest Dominican born MLB shortstops in history, [[Tony Fernandez]], feels [[Hanley Ramirez]] can be one of the greatest of all time. Good read, click here.

• Juan C. Rodriguez calls Cameron Maybin a gazelle. Yes a gazelle. THIS is a gazelle.

Seven in a Row, Say it Ain’t So?

So the Marlins appear to be putting there yearly run together towards the post season. Once again it appears it may be too little too late as the Phillies are also making there yearly September push. It’s a shame it’s taken so long since the All Star Break to get our pitching, defense and hitting running on all cylinders.

In case you haven’t noticed the Marlins have won 7 in a row and are looking to sweep the reeling Astros tonight. They are 5.5 back in the East and 5.0 back in the Wild Card. While I will never say die until there is a “E” next to the Marlins name in the standings.

The good news is we are setting ourselves up nicely for the next few years with a pitching rotation that looks stout with JJ, Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad. Notice I left off Scott Olsen? While his attitude has changed, I really hope we can find a taker for him and fill a couple of holes.

The Marlins crushed the Astros last night 14-2 behind a strong effort from Nolasco. Cameron Maybin made his Marlins debut and went 1-2 at the plate and ran down some nice fly balls in center.

The future is bright.