Team Report
We all know the Marlins head into the long off season with a record number of arbitration eligible players set to make more money. While there are 15 arby players, not all of them will return with the Fish next year. With a little help from Yahoo Sports, I will break down our off season outlook…
Free Agents: OF Luis Gonzalez, C Paul LoDuca, LHP Arthur Rhodes, LHP Mark Hendrickson.
The only one from this group that I expect to return is Arthur Rhodes. Rhodes is still effective even as he gets older. Problem is he can’t give you more than a few batters a game. Rhodes was a huge asset down the stretch last year when Renyel Pinto started struggling. A one year offer seems fair for Rhodes who deserves a Kevin Gregg 2008 type salary, considering he was much more effective than Gregg.
Arbitration-eligible: 2B Dan Uggla, RHP Kevin Gregg, LHP Scott Olsen, RHP Ricky Nolasco, 1B Mike Jacobs, LF Josh Willingham, 3B Jorge Cantu, RF Jeremy Hermida, CF Cody Ross, INF Alfredo Amezaga, RHP Josh Johnson, C Matt Treanor, RHP Joe Nelson, RHP Logan Kensing, 3B Dallas McPherson.
We already know the story on most of these guys. I do expect the majority of these guys to be back and battling in Spring Training for starting jobs. Kevin Gregg, Mike Jacobs and Scott Olsen are 80-90% gone and guys like Dan Uggla would be traded only if the Marlins are blown away by an offer. That being said Hermida should get another shot in Spring Training to prove he is worth sticking around. Cantu should be back as well. I also expect McPherson to get a legitimate shot out of Spring Training for third base.
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.
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.
Domination
It was nice to see a Marlins pitcher put in a good effort last night and not have to worry about his lackluster offense not show up, again. [[Ricky Nolasco]] tossed the Marlins first complete game in 301 games which stems back to the 2006 season, when [[Anibal Sanchez]] tossed a 8 inning complete game.
I only stayed up for half the game but in the 5 innings I saw of Ricky, he was flat out dominant. Granted he was up against a team which featured guys like [[Travis Ishikawa]]. Not only was Ricky dominant on the mound, he also showed up his weak offense with a 2 RBI double early in the game.
You know it was a lousy night for the Giants when these are the only two highlight videos on the team website for last nights game:
- Winn’s first-inning single
- Sandoval’s double
The Marlins look to keep the good times going tonight against Matt Cain. Scotty O takes the mound for the Fish.
Tonight: Mets @ Marlins (Game 106)
[[New York Mets]] @ [[Florida Marlins]]
First Pitch: 7:10 PM EST
Pitching Matchup: [[Ricky Nolasco]] vs [[John Maine]]
Location: Dolphin Stadium
Conditions: Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Low 78F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
The Fish come back home splitting a series against the Cubbies in Chicago to take on the surging New York Mets. The Mets have strung together an impressive stretch of wins and the Marlins look to jump in the way. Starter Ricky Nolasco is looking to help the Marlins make up ground on the first-place Mets when the two teams begin a three-game series Monday at Dolphin Stadium.
Here are your starting lineups courtesy of Fish Bytes…
Marlins (55-50, 2 GB of first-place Mets in NL East): Hanley Ramirez SS; Jeremy Hermida RF; Jorge Cantu 3B; Josh Willingham LF; Dan Uggla 2B; Mike Jacobs 1B; Cody Ross CF; John “Don’t Call Me Ponch” Baker C; Ricky Nolasco P.
Video preview of tonights game can be found here. Read a Mets fans take on the series over on Metsblog.
As always, GO FISH!!!
Marlins Fodder
Chew on this…
- The Marlins were white washed by the Braves last night 9-4. Ricky Nolasco struggled once again against the Braves and still look lost on offense. Someone should tell these kids the All Star break is over and it’s time to get back to business. Can’t live and die by the home run. Nolasco is now 0-3 against the Braves this season. He is 10-2 against everyone else. His ERA against the Braves is an unsightly 10.56. His ERA against all other opponents: a nifty 2.70.
- Justin Miller, who has been on the DL with right elbow inflammation, was activated by the Marlins today. To make room for Miller, the Marlins optioned Ryan Tucker back to Double A Carolina.
- Joe Frisaro from the MLB Trade Talk blog breaks down the Marlins trade plans. Here is a small excerpt…
According to the source, the Marlins don’t appear willing to up the ante of prospects to pull off a trade. Florida has a number of talented pitching prospects. The team, however, is not willing to part with right-hander Chris Volstad, recently called up from Double-A.
The article goes on to talk about the Marlins interest in Willy Tavares and Yorvit Torrealba. It’s also been known that the Marlins have sent scouts to watch Orioles closer George Sherrill.
Your thoughts on who the Fish should target?
Source: MLB.com, MLB Trade Rumors, Fish Bytes
Tonight: Braves @ Marlins (Game 101)
[[Atlanta Braves]] @ [[Florida Marlins]]
First Pitch: 7:10 PM EST
Pitching Matchup: [[Tim Hudson]] vs [[Ricky Nolasco]]
Location: Dolphin Stadium
Conditions: Some clouds. Low near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
The Marlins look to take the rubber game against the Braves tonight. They go up against Tim Hudson who has had excellent success against the Fish in the past. Fish ace Ricky Nolasco toes the slab tonight and goes for win number 11.
Here are your starting lineups courtesy of Fish Bytes (TBA)…
Video preview of tonights game can be viewed here.
As always, GO FISH!
