Happy New Year!

Hope things are great in 2008.

Crist Brings Back 'Governor's Baseball Dinner'

'Florida Governor Charlie Crist will host the Governor's Baseball Dinner, a prelude to the 2008 Florida spring training and Major League Baseball season, on Feb. 26 at Tropicana Field.

'The governor, a former professional baseball executive, is reviving the annual dinner held for many years prior to the beginning of the Florida spring training season. The event will honor the Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Marlins, the 16 other teams that call Florida home during the month of March and minor-league baseball.

'Guest speakers will include Gov. Crist, Commissioner Bud Selig and members of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Also on display will be memorabilia charting more than 100 years that Florida has served as a spring training host.' (OrlandoSentinel)

3 Things of Interest

1. An essay on MVP's and expansion teams (the Marlins haven't had an MVP, but neither has the Mets, Expos, Diamondbacks or the NL Brewers). (Metaforian)

2. A comparison of NL East outfields, as they stand now. (WeShouldBeGM's)

3. And lastly a possible New Year's (sub)tropical storm in the Atlantic (it's down to the wire on whether it's the last storm of '07 or the first of '08). (NOAA)

Wood Wants Third

"[Third] is basically where I grew up playing...To hear my name being mentioned just thrills me to death. Hopefully, I'll be given that opportunity to compete for that spot." (SunSentinel)

Olivo's a Royal

The surprising announcement is met with generally positive reaction, but with little mention of his strikeout rate. (RoyalsReview)

Recapping the Marlins' 2007

(MLB)

Livan Needs Cash

'Free agent pitcher Livan Hernández -- asking $2.5 million for his Bay Point home, according to his real estate agent, Katrina Campins -- would welcome a return to the Marlins as the staff's veteran ace. But "they don't have any money," Hernandez said.' (MiamiHerald)

Merry Christmas - Marlins Sign Jose Castillo

The Pirates' castaway has played good ball in Venezuela this year. (PalmBeachPost)

HMMMM: Craig checks out the impression Castillo left in Pittsburgh. (FishStripes)

On The Road With Fredi

(SunSentinel)

Prediciting the Future

Are its projections cautious enough, or will the new financing 'plan' destroy the economy of Miami for decades to come? (MiamiHerald)

Also, plan anatgonist Norman Braman compares how Miami and Palm Beach are designing their futures. (MiamiHerald)

More Former Fish News

Robb Nen credits Richie Lewis for the pitch that made him a success. And Rene Lachemann has been named coach of Colorado Springs of the PCL.

Mr. Nothing-Wrong-With-Me Blames Injuries For 2007 Season

'"I pitched through some injuries, but they checked me out and everything will be OK," said Willis, who was hampered by forearm tightness last season. "I was healthy the last couple of weeks and I think that's what the Tigers saw that made them interested."' (ToledoBlade)

Breather

It looks like today's County Commission meeting to finalize the ballpark plan will be pushed back to January 10.

Meanwhile it seems the agreement as it stands now gives some suite seats to the Commissioners, along with cut-price tickets to the underprivileged, and a payout if Loria sells the team within 10 years.

CORRECTION: They had the meeting; they just deferred the vote to January. And now some commissioners don't want free seats. Hey, if you don't want, then some of us 'underpriviledged' fans wouldn't mind a free seat or two.

Rammed

With protesters marching outside, the Marlins win a double-header yesterday, as the County Commission voted 11-2 to allocate that "$50 million general obligation bond toward the project", and then voted 9-4 for the "massive omnibus package" that includes building the ballpark.

What's left? 'The team, the county and the city still must complete and sign a stadium finance agreement. County commissioners will meet Thursday to take another step in the process, which would authorize the county to proceed with negotiations on a stadium finance plan. Then the county and city commissions must approve the final plan.'

'"This is the biggest vote to date," Marlins president David Samson said of commissioners' approvals. "But the next vote would be the biggest vote ever."...

'The next step is reaching a binding agreement by the end of the week, which would allow all parties to move forward in hopes of drafting final design plans as early as January.

'Assuming the Marlins get more positive news on Thursday, Samson said then a "binding stadium agreement" will be reached.

'"That's when we will have a stadium deal," Samson said.'

Ramming It Through

Sure there are dissenters, but the County Commission's decision on the financial plan that will allow the ballpark (plus a plethora of other projects) will probably be made today, as rules to allow an easy postponement of the vote won't be in effect, and the "commissioners will be able to choose which members of the public can speak." (MiamiHerald)

Marlins Are This Year's Designated Era-Enders

Not only will they play the last regularly-scheduled game in Shea Stadium, they are now scheduled to play the Dodgers in that franchise's last-ever spring-training game in Florida. (DailyBulletin.com)

Select-A-Seat Attracts Dozens to Stadium

Inspiring season-ticket committments, Fredi proclaims he knew Cabrera/Willis could be traded "back when I interviewed for the (manager) position the last time in '05", and Scott announces that "he has completed a program to avoid a felony conviction." (PalmBeachPost)

This Week's B. J. Blurb

"We hear the Marlins are considering free agent Dallas McPherson (the ex-Angel) and continue exploring trades, too, in their search for a third baseman. . . . Though some baseball people project Mike Rabelo as a backup, the Marlins like his bat and how he calls a game, and privately expect him to become their No. 1 catcher." (MiamiHerald)

Words of Warning About the New Ballpark 'Plan'

First, from John Brattain's latest Hardball Times article:

'No matter how you look at it, this much is clear: The Florida Marlins have come agonizingly close to getting their field of schemes (with apologies to Neil deMause) but each time they do so, they move the goalposts.

'This tells us two things: One, Loria and Samson are making healthy enough profits that they can afford to wait until they get a deal to their liking. Any stated urgency is simply bogus, were they that desperate, a deal would have been brokered by now. The second thing it tells us is if ground is finally broken, you can bet that the fiscal succubi* that are Loria, Samson and MLB will demand changes to the deal in their favor once the project has hit the "no turning back" stage. They will demand concessions or announce that they are pulling out of the project and returning to Dolphin Stadium.

'Ignore Wayne Huizenga's threats about wanting the Marlins out. Don't forget, the reason the Marlins want a new stadium is that Huizenga gets a sizeable chunk of any stadium revenue (that usually goes to the team). He's not going to say "no" to more easy money. His threats are just a professional courtesy from one fiscal succubus* to another.' (HardballTimes)

ALSO: People of Overtown, the community where the original pre-altered funding plan was designed to help, are understandably angry. (CBS4)

MORE: The Herald's editorial guys want the county to take a breather. (MiamiHerald)

City Commission Puts New Ballpark Plan on Steriods

Uh,...maybe that's not the best analogy to use right now. (Then again, could the threat of the bad press of the steriod scandal be somehow 'inspiring' MLB and the Marlins to not make stonewalling demands in this round of ballpark negotiations?) Anyway, the city commission voted for the financial restructuring needed for the plan to work, and now it's up to the county on Tuesday. Capefish runs down the details of the plan as it stands now.

Meanwhile, Fish@Bat lists Marlins' involvement in the Mitchell Report. (And John Boles is Pissed...)

Wednesday Night Update

I probably won't do a Thursday morning post, so here's how things look tonight...

The County Mayor is 'optimistic', but the 'president of the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association' is against the new plan, or whatever it is, as it is 'still in need of significant work'.

On Thursday the Miami City Comission meets to discuss why their contribution to the new ballpark is increasing by $13 million. Their answer seems to entail rerouting property-tax money to pay for the things the hotel bed tax was paying for, so the bed tax can now pay for the stadium (bring in more sleepy tourists!). Meanwhile Miami's mayor is still talking with MLS about a soccer stadium possibly adjacent to the possible ballpark to help pay for the possible parking garage.

Speaking of baseball, here's a link to someone who thinks Detroit didn't do that great of a deal.

And I won't even speculate on the appropriateness of Mr. David Samson being honored by a group whose main concern is the treatment of horrible intestinal conditions.

New Ballpark Plan

County, MLB and Marlins officials discuss new funding scheme where the Marlins pay a lot less ultimately but pay a lot more up front, and the county puts up less but gets less from the team. Public financing would be reduced from 95 to 70 percent. MLB's lawyers seem concerned - '"I've got a lot of reading to do tonight," said Irwin Raij, an MLB attorney.' Samson 'said for the first time that if a deal can be brokered, the team would play at the Orange Bowl site.' (MiamiHerald)

D-Day in 2 Days

Miami commission's deadline for the Marlins to committ to the OB site is almost an afterthought, as decisions needed to be made on a new tunnel to the port captures the headlines. (MiamiHerald)

More Almost Marlins

Jae Seo says he almost signed with the Marlins, but he's now safely in Korea. Former Fish Wes Helms ain't arriving soon, and F. F. Paul Lo Duca heads to the Nats.

MEANWHILE: Jim Armstrong says the entire Marlins team should be 'almost'; he ends up dissing the National League. (AOLSports)

Attendance Optional

Marlins fans get a lot of bipolar abuse. When situations like the recent trade happen (as they seem to do a lot down here), some in the press moan about how no one in their right minds would (or should) ever show up to the games. But then, during the times when the press' predictions come true (as it did last year when the Fish had that day-game where almost no one showed up), it starts whining about the horrible lack of fan support and how this town doesn't deserve the franchise.

Added to that, when a fan's mania to support the players still leads him by the throat to attempt to attend a game, he chokes on the fact that he'll be not only rewarding the goofballs that currently are making this team a national travesty, but he will also be sending a large chunk of his moola, as per lease agreement, over to the first and perhaps greatest owner/destroyer of the Marlins, a man who spends his days thinking up new ways of using that money plus the 20-or-so years left of his Marlins state tax subsidy to continue to make his stadium better for football and soccer.

I'm not saying Don't go to the games. Go and enjoy if you want. I'm saying that there's no shame in considering yourself a Marlins fan even if the thought of going to the games at this moment leaves you with a sick feeling in your stomach. As Mr. Brattain thankfullly puts it, "Rest assured Marlins fans--I would love to see a responsible owner come in and build up the market. You are not bad fans--you are people who have too much self-respect to remain in an abusive relationship. I hope one day you get treated with the respect you deserve." (Those looking for his other commiserations can click here and here.)

I end this diatribe with the quote that happily absolves us fans of all responsibility over attending Marlins games at Dolphin Stadium. This quote was actually reported almost two years ago to have been spoken by Mr. President of the Marlins David Samson, and although the link to the original article doesn't work, I thoughfully had copied and pasted the entire quote into this post.

ANOTHER-ABUSE-FIGHTER: Craig stands tall against Le Batard's fan-blaming column. (FishStripes)

DuPuy Blaming South Florida For Cabrera-Willis Trade?

As Craig reports, (quoting from this article) 'Major League Baseball "will take a long, hard look" in the next two months at whether the Marlins can survive in South Florida, President Bob DuPuy told ESPN Radio on Thursday.'

What the...? Oh, I get it. This is just to light a fire under the city commissioners to get a stadium going....

'DuPuy says the answer to the Marlins' survival is a ballpark with a retractable roof. But for seven years, the team has been unable to get financial help from local and state leaders.'

Excuse me, but as noted ad nauseum on this site, the city recently found an extra $50 million to go towards the building of the ballpark, and were rewarded for their generosity by the Marlins reducing their contribution by $30-40 million. It's not the city's fault if Jeffrey's being a hard ass.

Someone's Questions and Answer

'If the Marlins are so unprofitable, if they are such a sinking ship...why would an owner, especially one who relative to other baseball owners is not wealthy at all...why would someone you think is a good business man...keep the team?

'Why does he say "no" to offers to buy the team?

'Any business man, especially a good one, Hades even a mediocre one, would cut the line at the first opportunity. If this is such a bad place to be ownership wise with no money to be made, why has Loria not sold? If the key to making this venture profitable is a home field, why has Loria DECREASED what was already a pathetic "contribution" to a new stadium? Well besides him wanting something without having to pay for it.

'The answer...the team is not the financial black hole Loria...make(s) it out to be.' (CardsClubhouse)

Clarification

Juan Rodriguez points out that Jeffrey gave that $20 million to Yale several years ago, referencing a Yale Daily News article (probably this one) that also mentions more gifts that Loria has given to Yale in the form of expensive art works, the value of which could have funded many players' salaries.

Dayn Perry Points the Finger of Blame

"(H)ere's a fiscal reality of baseball: arbitration-eligible players, in the grand scheme, are eminently affordable commodities for any organization, including the Marlins. Parting with two so gifted especially Cabrera is mismanagement of the highest order. Loria is adept at manipulating this "chicken or egg" dilemma i.e., are people not showing up because our team is lousy, or is our team lousy because people aren't showing up? to suit his interests. In this case, as it was in Montreal, his interests are in rendering the Marlins not-viable in South Florida. Doing so gives him the political cover to move his team to a market that will pony up with the tax dollars. Or perhaps he'll sell to investors in such a market and, once again, pocket an obnoxious profit.

"It's true that Loria and the Marlins have an unfavorable lease at Dolphin Stadium, but that should be incentive for him to and here's a novel idea pay for his own damn ballpark. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, among other teams, have succeeded in parks that, for the most part, are privately financed, and there's only one reason the Marlins can't join them. That reason, of course, is Loria's galling lack of commitment.

"If nothing else, critical mass is approaching. The Marlins' lease expires in 2010, and with the University of Miami football program headed for Dolphin Stadium, there simply may not be the room or infrastructure for the Marlins to remain as Wayne Huizenga's tenants. It's possible that the City would be willing to work with the Marlins on a ballpark built on the current site of the Orange Bowl, but Loria and MLB insist they want a downtown locale. It bears repeating: if that's what Loria wants, then he should foot the bill himself.

"The shame of it is that a baseball team, operated properly, could thrive in South Florida. The Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area is the seventh-largest media market in the country, and an owner willing to reinvest in the team could easily make the Marlins a top destination for free-agent talent. Certainly, it will take a new ballpark and a winning team for that to happen, but Loria is apparently unwilling to do business in a sensible manner unless he's lavished in corporate welfare." (FOXSports, hat tip to brickell)

Marlins Sell Off Major-League Rule 5 Pick, Keep Cheaper Minor-League Picks

Surprise surprise. (MLB)

Bye Bye Aaron

Boone turns away from the new Marlins, signs up with his daddy's team in D.C. (WashPost)

No Tigers-Marlins Game This Spring

The closest the Tigers will get to Jupiter will be a split-squad game against the Mets in Port St. Lucie on March 16. The Tigers are scheduled to play every NL East team this spring, except the Marlins. (Freep.com)

Dave Van Horne Traded For 2 College-Radio DJs and a Guy on a Walkie-Talkie

Uh, not really,...but this did seem to happen - supposedly while the Marlins and Detroit were making the deal the Tigers called the Mets about a 3-way, with Dontrelle and Pudge going to New York. (Mlive)(AOL)

Done Deal

It's official - Miggy and D-Train are Tigers, and the Marlins are full of prospects. MLB

THANKS: Say goodbye to Dontrelle through here.

Some Thots

1.) I bet Ozzie's P.O.'ed with having to face Cabrera as a division rival. He's probably right now mailing Miguel 5 or 6 chocolate cakes to congratulate him.

2.) There's been talk on how this trade will ruin the Marlins' chances for a new stadium. Ha ha ha. The way the front office has gone about its recent deal-making with the city, it's almost as if they're sabotaging their own efforts to get a new stadium anyway. Talk like this has accompanied each of the Fish's fire sales, and still for some reason stadium attempts continue.

3.) To be a Fish fan in this era means living with, if not embracing, the fire sale as the guiding principle of the organization. A year like 2007, when most of the 2006 Marlins players returned, is the anamoly rather than the norm. And we all know how the 2007 Marlins did in the standings. The big problem is now we have Flakey Fredi instead of G.I. Joe to run next year's team. Don't know if Fredi can somehow inspire these guys to play beyond their potential.

4.) Think Jeffrey now has scarfed up enough extra cash through this trade to sign his buddy Barry Bonds? Think Barry can play with that tracking bracelet on his leg?

Dave's a Frick Finalist

(MLB)

Select-A-Seat on Dec. 15, 10AM - 2PM

Be sure to rush in, fight the crowds and pick from the highly limited selection.

Meanwhile, in some other news, Cabrera and Willis are about to be traded to the Tigers for 6 players. Asked to comment, Dontrelle said, "I'm in Mexico right now with my family. I'm kind of busy."

Here's some more links, if you're interested...

(FishStripes)(MiamiHerald)(SunSentinel)(Freep.com)

(GoogleNewsSearchLatestArticles)

(Jayson Stark)(DetroitReactions)(MLive)(Fish@Bat)

Ozzie Says Miggy Not Piggy Anymore

(MiamiHerald)

Work For Fish

"The Florida Marlins will host a Job Fair on Dec. 11 for college students and graduates seeking internships, gameday jobs and seasonal positions. The Job Fair will be held at Dolphin Stadium (Gate G) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and job seekers planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP with a resume via e-mail (hr@flamarlins.com) by Dec. 7." (MLB)

Speculation Station: Steve Finley Good for the Marlins?

As the Marlins have made known their desire for a greater veteran presence on the team, Tom Krasovic writes:

"Maybe it's not a great idea to sign up Finley, but if I was a GM, I'd want my younger players to run through their paces alongside Finley in spring camp. Finley knows a lot about workout routines that build flexibility and strength. His attention to detail is excellent. He could help a centerfielder refines his skills. No one is better, for example, at landing safely after making an all-out dive for a ball. That's something Finley learned how to do.

"There are rumblings that the Marlins would like to move shortstop Hanley Ramirez to center field someday. If that were to happen sooner than later -- which is doubtful -- I'd want a guy like Finley around him all spring." (SignOnSanDiego)

Message Board Malevolence

The overall baseball world discovers that Loria's "$20 million dollar donation (to Yale) is more than the Marlins payroll in both 2005 and 2006" and starts flinging invective, promoting Mark Cuban to take over Marlins. (Sportsline)

State of the Stadium (End-of-2007-Might-As-Well-Forget-About-It Edition)

"So, let's see, since we last chronicled the ballpark saga four weeks ago, the Bonds case has surfaced, Mr. Cabrera is packing his suitcase, Major League Baseball says the site they were okay with in August is now dogmeat and, oh yes, the frustrated Miami City Commission has told the Marlins if they don't make a firm deal by Dec. 13, forget about the Orange Bowl land or any city money....

"Now, factor in one more impediment to the stadium: everyone in Florida government is trying to change property tax laws that underpin both Miami- Dade County's and Miami's income stream. So many heavy-hitters have their oar in this that the outcome could be anything at all.

"How can government deal away a half billion when it has no idea about future revenues and when the property values upon which taxes are based are about to decline next year for the first time in memory? It's fine to say the money comes out of this pot or that pot, but in the end there is only one pot that pays the freight -- us." (MiamiToday)

EVEN-MORE: Craig reveals another potential financial disaster for local governments in Florida, occuring right at this moment. (FishStripes)

Another Barry Jackson Blurb

Remember two weeks ago when B.J. reported that Commissioner Sanchez was frustrated that the Marlins shrunk their share of the future stadium's costs by $30-40 million? Today B.J. says that Mayor Diaz "is determined to get a Marlins stadium deal by year's end", even though "the funding gap hasn't closed (between $30 and $40 million)."

No Saturday Marlins News

I'm sorry, but absolutely nothing happened with the Marlins today.

Oh, a couple of Rockies-related things occured a day or two ago. If you missed it the Rocks resigned Torrealba, so we don't have to think about that for the moment. And the Rocks resigned Matt Herges again, which is cool, since he's a former Marlin, and they seem to do pretty well (e. g. the Mets).

Your All-In-One Miggy-Trade-Rumor Recap

(FOXSports)

Former Fish News

Devon White is now 'roving minor-league outfielder coordinator' for the Nats. (WashTimes)

And... HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUDGE!

Marlins' Spring Home Schedule Released

They have one game against the Red Sox, and seven against their stadium-mates. (TCPalm)

No Puerto Rico

At least for the moment, the Mets-Marlins series in P.R. has been 'shelved'. (FishStripes)

More Mets-Marlins Meldings

Besides opening the 2008 season against the Mets in Florida, the Fish are now scheduled to be playing the last regular-season game at Shea Stadium; meanwhile former Marlins radio guy Jon Sciambi is being mentioned for the now-vacant Mets radio job. (NYDailyNews)

Things I Piled Into One Post

First, to continue a theme from the last post, HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALT! (Geez, I hope I don't make this a habit, but with the posting doldrums of the offseason I may not control myself.)

Second, in a revelation/accusation that unfortunately did not surprise old cynical me, former Marlins head trainer Larry Starr says he started noticing players using steroids way back in 1984, and that "there were some players on the Florida Marlins' team that won the franchise's first World Series in 1997 that used steroids."

Third, in a side story but one that may still involve drugs and unfortunate cynicism, the lead singer of Quiet Riot, who played in the last Super Saturday of this year, was found dead on Sunday.

RETRACTION-ON-NUMBER-TWO: Starr tells the Sun-Sentinel,"I don't know if it was misinterpreted the way I said it or it came out wrong, but I would definitely say the '97 team, there wasn't one guy that really stood out in my mind at all as a possible user." (Damn, all that cynicism gone to waste...)

Tim, Robb and Andre's on HOF Ballot

(Fish@Bat)

BY-THE-WAY: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBB!

STILL-MORE: John B. points out a 'Tim Raines for HOF' site, and makes his own solid case for Raines' enshrinement. (TheProgenitorOfSGB)

Where The Loyalties Lie

Jeffrey Loria's Marlins have reportedly decided to cut back their share of the cost of a new stadium by about $30-40 million because they say they won't make as much money at the Orange Bowl site as they would've Downtown (not that they won't be making Any money, mind you; sure, they'll be making money, just not as much as their hearts had desired). While all this is going on, though, Jeffrey just ups-and-gives $20 million to his old alma mater to build a building, with the reasoning he gives being, "I could afford it".

Bye Bye Todd

Linden signs a minor-league contract with the A's and has been invited to spring training. (sacbee.com)

Thanksgiving Weekend With Mr. Brattain

Just so we don't forget what's really happening with the Marlins, here's a quick taste of his fog-clearing perspective:

"If a team can¹t survive in the Miami market, it is not because its size (around top 12-15 of MLB marketplaces), it¹s not because of the stadium, or the product (two World Series champions), or the weather. It is because it has dealt with some of the most inept, corrupt, purulent, incompetent obnoxious management this side of Enron.

"They are so far into overdraft in their goodwill account in South Florida it will take years to get it into the black...." (Click Here for More!)

New Blog

It's been on my list for a while, but there's been some interesting stuff lately on the Marlins Maniacs blog, from looks at the performances of Uggla and Fredi to coverage of the Bonds business.

The Halos Say Hello to Torii - Is Miggy Next?

The "somewhat perplexing" signing of Hunter by L-A-of-A prompts the speculation that this was a prepatory move designed to loosen enough prospects to swing a deal for Cabrera. But Angels general manager Tony Reagins says, "No, this doesn't have any bearing on any other moves..I like our club today. If Opening Day started tomorrow, I'd be ready to go."

Cody Being Eyed by Japanese Team

Ross would reportedly be possibly sought after by the Hanshin Tigers if they are unable to acquire Detroit's Marcus Thames. (DugoutCentral)

Catcher Notes

The Fish apparently haven't made an offer for Yorvit yet. Meanwhile, the Marlins' former bullpen catcher (and last year's Hammerheads manager) will now be catching instructor and bullpen coach for the Pirates.

Getting Closer to Moving Day?

The last time a Jeffrey-owned club played in Puerto Rico he ended up cashing out and taking the light fixtures with him. Guess what team's now in the final stage of talks to play some regular-season hurricane-season games at the Expos' former part-time home field? (Hint: rhymes with 'No-More-of-da-Marlins'.)

OOPS-SORRY-JEFFREY: My bad - I had forgot that Loria sold the Expos and bought the Marlins the year before Montreal played in San Juan. Still though, 2 years after the Expos played in Puerto Rico, they weren't the Expos anymore. I just got caught up in the omninousness of it all.

Marlins' New Cheapskate Offer Revealed - Soccer Stadium Getting Closer

'The Marlins, who offered $207 million toward a $500 million-plus stadium (mostly in rent payments), have dropped that by "$30 million to $40 million," Miami city commissioner Joe Sanchez said. (That is because the site changed from downtown to the Orange Bowl.) "It's very frustrating. My patience is running thin."' (MiamiHerald)

Isotopes "Top Overall Franchise in Triple-A Baseball"

Albuquerque gets the Bob Freitas Award from Baseball America, and Scott Seabol and Robert Andino are on the 2007 Topps/Minor League Baseball Triple-A All-Star team. (ObserverOnline)

Someone Else Wants the Orange Bowl Site

'Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber included Miami among the nine cities being considered as future expansion sites during his annual state of the league address on Friday in Washington, D.C.

'Speaking in advance of Sunday's MLS Cup final, Garber said he has had "preliminary discussions" with Miami Mayor Manny Diaz that focus on "a facility in the Orange Bowl area," which is also being considered as a possible site for the Florida Marlins.

'"We are aware we were not successful in the past in South Florida," said Garber, alluding to the Fusion's failure to survive at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. "We learned our lesson. We know where we need to be, and we need to be closer to where our fans are."' (SunSentinel)

Guess Which Former Marlin...

...made Number Nine on Beegs' list of the "Top 10 Dirtiest Names In Sports."

Meanwhile, Back at the Factory....

Mr. Jeffrey the Art Dealer may (or may not) have trouble keeping up
with even his penny-pinching Marlins payroll if the prices rich folks
are willing to pay for art works keep tumbling (or not tumbling).

(URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AbcNews_TopStories/~3/185274052/story)

Wiley's Ideas For 2008

(MLB)

Miguel: Wherever I Be At, I Ain't Gonna Be Fat

With trade rumors flying in all directions, Cabrera's working out at a gym in Venezuela, trying to get himself at least in better condition than last season's 'collectable' Miggy giveaway doll.

Nats a Boon for Boones?

"(T)he Marlins have spoken to the agent for infielder Aaron Boone, who batted .268 in 60 games for Florida before his season ended in September with a knee injury. The Nationals are interested in Boone, who would reunite with his father. Bob Boone, the retired All-Star catcher who managed the Kansas City Royals and the Cincinnati Reds, works in Washington's front office." (PalmBeachPost)

MetsGeek Interviews Juan C. Rodriguez...

...and gets a pretty good overview of the mainstream thinking on what offseason moves the Marlins will make. (MetsGeek)

Get 'Um While They're Young

In this article detailing the ways South Florida sports teams are auctioning off more up-close-and-personal experiences between fans and players, Marlins senior group sales account executive Mario Signorello explains perhaps the only way to build a fan base in a town of carpetbagging transplants: "A lot of people weren't born here. If you can't change their favorite baseball team, let's go after this generation of kids, so when they grow up, they can drive themselves to a game."

Fish@Bat Goes 2-for-2

Fish@Bat posted a couple of good articles recently. First, a essay on the possible advantages of trading Miggy. And second, on Broward County, who couldn't find a way to fund a new stadium for the Marlins, but has now opened up a brand new stadium for... what?

Tampa Bay Turns into Brilliant Beams of Light

The team un-devils and de-fishifies itself, and is now officially the 'Rays', as in sunrays, which fans may be seeing during games if plans to build an new Open-Air-But-Covered stadium to replace the Trop come to be. (Since those plans now require that infamous $60 million tax credit from the state, I wouldn't hold your breath, even though the governor lives just down the street.)

Parallel Time

I just noticed that I missed the third anniversary of this blog. And the first article that I linked to amazingly still exists. (And it's almost as if it could have been written yesterday.)

Marlins HAVE Played in the Orange Bowl

But it was the "International League's Miami Marlins (who) played Columbus in 1956 in a transformed OB, in which the dimensions were 216 feet down the right-field line, 250 in left and 375 to center." (PalmBeachPost)

Meeting's Over...

...and the Marlins still have Cabrera (even though they are trying to trade him, which they shouldn't), and they're still looking for a catcher.

Mike Berardino Praises Beinfest's Deal-Making Abilities

"If nothing else, Marlins fans (both of them) should take solace in that." (SunSentinel)

Marlins Fans' Abandonment Issues Continue

MLB Prez DuPuy is closer to chucking the whole idea of a team in South Florida, saying this is a "market that hasn't necessarily embraced the team despite two world championships", while, at the same time, the Marlins once again offer up their top player to the highest bidder. (MiamiHerald)(InsideBayArea)

Marlins Sign Franchise-Saving Player

Forget A-Rod or Johan - this press release makes the signing by the Marlins of Willie Glen of the Gary Southshore Railcats sound like the Second Coming of Cy Young. (And who knows, maybe...)

Professor Rick To Do His Magic on Willis?

The man who helped turn Victor Zambrano into what he is today may be unleashed on Dontrelle. According to this blurb, "New Florida GM Michael Hill could be more willing to move left-hander Dontrelle Willis than Larry Beinfest was. The Mets could be interested in Willis if they believe that pitching coach Rick Peterson can help him solve what has created a disappointing two seasons." (NYJournalNews)

2007 End-of-Season Slump Just Hangovers From the Weekends?

After the 2007 All-Star break, the Marlins had a .500 record in games played on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, in games played from Thursday to Sunday they had a not-too-terrible 21-23 record. The rest of the week? - phooey! They went 8-21, did not win any Monday games, and won only 3 of 11 Wednesday games.

Thanksgiving Came Early

Beinfest was saying earlier in the week that the Marlins would take a while to decide on a pitching coach - but as it turned out, they took a Wiley. Mark signs up again for another stint, and gets the impression that the team will be keeping Willis and Olsen, but maybe impressions made while one is being hired by the Marlins should be suspect (e.g., Girardi).

Gammons Says Cabrera's Heading to Trade Market

But he also says if Miguelito's weight continues to be a problem, then he will become less attractive to other teams. (Start mailing those Xmas food baskets early.) (Rotoworld)

Joe's New Team Plays the Marlins March 28-29

And for one of these games, just for the heck of it, Girardi will probably manage both teams simultaneously. (MLB)

Wiley to Talk With Marlins

(MiamiHerald)

Officials Fear There Will Be Nothing Left Of Orange Bowl To Be Demolished

'"We understand folks wanting to have a piece of history, but we recommend they keep those memories in their heart because stealing history could land you in jail," Miami police Lt. Bill Schwartz said.' (Local10)

Samson Says Team Accepts Orange Bowl Site

But will the team embrace it with the same amount of money they offered for the Downtown site? Commissioner Gimenez says they'd better, while Samson says, "We just have to make sure it's a deal that makes sense for everybody." Talks continue. (SunSentinel)

Benitez Files For Free Agency

Boone and Byung-Hyun may not be far behind. (MLB)

UPDATE: Aaron files. (MLB)

MORE: Kim completes the trifecta. (MLB)

Girardi Finds Work

Looks like Joe is going to replace Joe as the Yankees' new manager. And it also looks like he'll be leading a team that's now lacking a third-baseman. Gosh, I wonder if he'll possibly suggest filling the hole with someone he's already acquainted with? (And will Jeffrey be able to stop squirming next year in his Yankee Stadium box seat?)

This Could Be It (2007 Season Edition)

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BINGO!: Sox knock Rocks' socks off, win World Series. Mike Lowell is declared the MVP of the Series.

Brrrrrrr!

It's looking clear and cold in Colorado for WS Game 3.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Pete Gergely Profile

A quick look at the guy who runs "the largest high-definition video boards in professional sports and the longest LED ribbon board in the world" for the Fins and the Fish. (StarGazetteNews)

Bye Bye Mauro

Marlins put Zarate on waivers, Padres claim him. (MadFriars)

WQAM to Send 790 Thank-You Cards

'Though The Ticket beat WQAM, 4.9 to 0.9, (in the summer Arbitron ratings) from 7 to 10 p.m., that should be alarming to 790 because Marlins games -- which contributed largely to WQAM's low rating -- move to The Ticket in '08.' (MiamiHerald)

Marlins Stiff the City; City Says Committ or Forget About It

'City Manager Pete Hernandez told frustrated city commissioners that the Marlins are backing away from a promised $207 million contribution to the cost of the 37,000-seat, retractable-roof baseball stadium.

'Marlins officials could not be reached for comment late Thursday. But Hernandez said the club is looking to cut its contribution out of concern that building a new stadium on the site of the Orange Bowl -- a plan that has gathered support recently among city and county leaders -- would not be as profitable as the downtown site that the team prefers.'

'Miami City Commissioners decided Thursday they want a full report on the status of ballpark negotiations at their Dec. 13 meeting, but they also want a public declaration from the Marlins sooner as to whether the team wants a stadium at the Orange Bowl site.

'Commissioners said a decision needs to be made about the future of the location. Commission Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez said the city has been negotiating with the Marlins long enough and if a ballpark will not be built there, he wants the city to consider options such as a park, soccer stadium or affordable housing.' (MiamiHerald)(SunSentinel)

Tonight's Game

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Boone "Wouldn't Mind Returning,.."

"...but will assess his options and make a decision in the next few weeks." He's at the Series but hasn't yet been beaten up by Sox fans - in apparently unrelated news, his brother Brett's family has been evacuated. (Boston.com)

Oh Yeah, There Was a Game Last Night...

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Lowell went 1-3 and walked twice. Matt Herges went 1.1 innings and gave up a hit and a walk and got a strikeout. And Josh went 7, gave up an earned run on 6 hits and a walk, and struck out 9, and got the win.

Former Fish Coaches Get Jobs

Jeff Cox will be the White Sox' 3rd-base coach and Rusty Kuntz will coach 1st for the Royals.

Cliff Wants to Come Back

But where's the sense in that? (mlbtraderumors)

Darn, No Snow

It looks like a drippy day in Boston up until game time; that's when the temps drop. (NOAA)

UPDATE: As of Wednesday morning there's a 70 percent chance of rain for Wednesday night.

Willis' Agent Thinks Dontrelle Will Stay

Agent Matt Sosnick meets up with Beinfest in supermarket, gets assurances, trades coupons. (MLB)

This Could Be It (AL Edition)

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BINGO: Boston wins. Lowell went 2-3 with an RBI and a walk.

AL Championship Game 6

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Lowell went 2-4 with an RBI. Borowski went 1 inning and gave up 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks.

"Right Now, We're Focused On The Orange Bowl."

So says Samson to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. 'Miami-Dade County manager George Burgess told Local 10, "There's more opportunity to get this done than in years."' (Local10)

"No Way"-Rod

Joe Frisaro not only puts the speculation to rest, but shows the historical lunacy in the notion that acquiring Alex would help in the push for a new stadium. (MLB)

Dontrelle Would Like Wiley to Return; Dontrelle Would Like Dontrelle to Return

(PalmBeachPost)

Replay of 2003 LCS Game 5?

This time around it's the American League, but it's still Josh Beckett.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Josh went 8 innings, gave up 1 earned run on a walk and 5 hits, and struck out 11. Mike Lowell went 1-4. And during the game Derrek Lee was on the other channel, playing himself on an episode of 'ER'.

Traffic Problems? What Traffic Problems?

A 'consultant to the City of Miami' says sure, you can reduce traffic problems at the Orange Bowl site, provided you devise a 'reversible roadway loop', close 'off a small inner ring of streets', create 'a permit parking program', implement 'a "way finding" system on all major highways, main roads and local streets', identify 'offsite parking facilities', provide 'free shuttle service to the stadium', dedicate 'a public transit lane', encourage 'Miami-Dade Transit to "maintain, advertise and enhance" bus service', restructure 'Metrorail and bus schedules to ensure only five minutes pass between each train or bus as patrons leave games', and find $12 million dollars to pay for all of these adjustments.

County Commissioner Gimenez even finds a bright spot in all this, saying that cars stuck in traffic trying to leave games at 10:00 at night at least won't be cars stuck in traffic during Rush Hour. (MiamiToday)

OOPS: That wasn't Gimenez who said that, but "Alfred Lurigados, director of engineering for the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority".

McKeon on Short-Resting Beckett in 2003 Postseason

'"I had to make my choice. Deep down, I wanted the guy who could be dominating. I wanted the guy who could overpower these Yankees hitters. I didn't think Redman could do it."

'A few days before it became public that Beckett was pitching Game 6, McKeon sat his young star down and asked how he felt.

'"It all came about when I called him in that day," McKeon said. "I said, 'How do you feel? I'm thinking about pitching you on three days' rest.' He said, 'Let me go out and throw a little bit.' He went out and threw a little bullpen [session], and then he came in and said, 'I'm ready.' That was all I needed."....

'"You know, no one brings up the point that Pettitte pitched on three days' rest and beat us, 6-1, in Game 2," McKeon said. "Guys like Josh just relished the opportunity to pitch. We didn't even think about pitching him on three days' rest."' (MLB)

Hanley Voted by His Peers as The NL's Top Shortstop

(MLB)

Will Wakefield Turn the Sox Around...

...or will Beckett be slipped in at the last minute?

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

RECAP: Wake gets rocked, his replacement gets rocked even more. Mike Lowell went 0-4.

Citizens Advisory Committee Recommends Giving $50 Million to Marlins

They still have to go through the county commission and committees and public meetings and the city comission and my great-aunt's sisiter-in-law and the guy down the street, but it seems a new ballpark is getting at least slightly closer to reality.

County Manager George Burgess said "that the county was in deep negotiations with the Marlins that must be completed in the next few weeks if the team hopes to play in a new stadium by opening day 2011."

Burgess says "there have to be absolute guarantees" on MLB staying and on the Marlins covering cost overruns, but the Marlins haven't yet guaranteed that they'll even put up the same amount of money that they offered for the Downtown site. (SunSentinel)(MiamiHerald)

Even More Playoffs

The Rockies could sweep tonight. Here's wishing that Colorado and Cleveland win, so that continuous snow-outs may extend the Series until March.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

RECAP: Rocks are in the Series. Mike Lowell faced Joe Borowski and popped up in the 9th.

Off-Season Speculations

Here's some of Barry Jackson's perceptions: It'll be difficult to keep both Willis and Cabrera while at the same time improving the pitching....The Marlins "are very open to making a major trade"....The Marlins want to drop Olivo and acquire "a veteran free agent catcher"....They "will listen to offers for Scott Olsen but would keep him if nothing enticing surfaces".....The Marlins think Volstad is more of a major-league possibility next year than Gaby Hernandez....They want to keep Aaron Boone....The Marlins still have to "pay $4 million of Carlos Delgado's Mets salary in '08." (MiamiHerald)

NL Championship Game 3 Tonight

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Livan went 5.2 innings, gave up 4 earned runs on 8 hits (including 2 homers) and 2 walks, but struck out 2 and got a hit.

AL Championship Game 2 Tonight

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Lowell went 2-5, walked once, scored a run and got 3 RBI. Joe Borowski gave up 2 hits but no runs and struck out 1.

Another Former Marlin Becomes a 'Rising Star' After Leaving Miami...

...as Rick Kranitz is now referred to as "the hottest pitching coach commodity in baseball".

THE-NUMBERS: Florida offered Kranitz "only a $5,000 raise - from his already league-low $110,000 salary..." (BaltimoreSun)

More Playoffs

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Matt Herges pitched 1 inning and gave up a hit but no runs. Mike Lowell went 1-3 with a walk but is credited with 3 RBI. Joe Borowski pitched an inning and gave up a hit and a walk. Josh Beckett got the win over the Indians, pitching 6 innings, giving up 2 earned runs off of 4 hits (one of them a homer), but struck out 7.

Tony Perez Receives Hispanic Heritage Award

Hear him being interviewed...(NPR)

Bye Bye Reggie and Jose; Hello to the Ticket

Astros' new 3rd-base coach Ed Romero convinced Ed Wade to pick up Abercrombie off of waivers. Recovering pitcher Jose Garcia was also taken off of waivers by Oakland and Jason, Todd and Paul are headed for Albuquerque.

Did the Marlins get anything? Yeah, a new radio home (but an old stomping ground for the Ironman). Hey, do you think the Boogster will team up with Dave Van Horne again?

Welcome Back to the Playoffs

Hope you all had a nice nap. It's now time for the NL Championship Series, this time around pitting the Rocks against the Snakes.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Marlins' Jacuzzi Guys Go Under

The company that "was doing Jacuzzi work for the Florida Marlins at Dolphin Stadium" wasn't licensed to do that work - after being charged with felonies, the owners plea-bargained a deal to pay restitution to over a dozen unsatisfied customers. (MiamiHerald)

Josh Sends Us a Letter From Home

Willingham looks back at this past season, and ahead past the next two months of non-baseball-related recovery time. (TimesDaily.com)

Mr. '*' in Miami?

Alex Carver lays out the case for making Barry Bonds a Marlin. (MarlinsToday)

Kim Won't Play For Korean National Team

Citing fatigue and his uneven season, Kim does not want to be "more washed up than beach sand". (KoreaTimes)

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Joe Frisaro responds to questions about Hanley, Jeff, Andruw, the stadium, the pitching, and the arbitration-eligible. (MLB)

Wolf to AFL

Again, not Aussie football (Yay Geelong!), but the Arizona Fall League. (MLB)

Indians-Yankees Tonight

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

ALL-SET: Yankees eliminated.

F-F-R: Ron Villone made 5 pitches to complete a scoreless third-of-an-inning. Joe Borowski gave up an Abreu homer but got the save.

Marlins Need a Geek

Well, at least some of them do, when their computers break down. (MiamiHerald)

AL Playoff Games Today

The Yankees and Angels could get swept today.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BYE-BYE-ANGELS: Yankees hold on, though.

F-F-R: Mike Lowell went 2-for-4 including an RBI double. Justin Speier and Darren Oliver gave up 6 runs in one inning. Joe Borowski pitched an inning and gave up 2 walks but no runs.

Marlins Continue to Punish Anibal After Letting Rest of Team Run Wild

'Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez "is upset," his agent said, after a meeting with team management did not resolve a dispute over whether he was injured before or after his May 4 demotion to the minors. The issue has financial stakes, and agent Dan Lozano will proceed with a grievance against the team.

'"The Marlins are essentially questioning his integrity. That's disappointing," Lozano said. The Marlins hope Sanchez will return from shoulder surgery by spring training, or soon after. Lozano indicated he's "ahead of schedule."

'....The Marlins know they need more veteran leaders, and for reasons beyond performance. One Marlins person said there was too much childish behavior from several players (including on team flights), and no consistent policing of it. One of the first issues a coach from an opposing team brought up about the Marlins was lack of discipline." (MiamiHerald)

Only NL Playoff Games Tonight

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BYE-BYE: Cubs and Phillies are eliminated.

F-F-R: D. Lee went 2-for-4. C.Floyd went 0-2, walked twice and was hit by a pitch. Livan pitched 6 innings, gave up 5 hits, 5 walks, one earned run, struck out 2, and got a hit.

Only AL Playoffs Today

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

F-F-R: Lowell walked once, went 0-2 but got an RBI on a sac fly, and made a throwing error.

How Good Was Hanley's Offense in 2007?

"Measured by VORP, Hanley was the second most productive hitter in baseball this year, closer to Alex Rodriguez than any NL hitter was to him. For reference, he outproduced Holliday by about 15 runs, Prince Fielder by 20, Jimmy Rollins by 23, and Ryan Howard by more than 35." (HardballTimes)

BUT-WHAT-ABOUT-MIGGY?: "For baseball nuts, there are far worse ways to kill an hour than to discover everything Baseball-Reference.com has to offer.

"Among the site's terrific toys? Something called "Similarity Scores," which attempts to compare a player's statistics to every other player in history.

"For example, who's the closest historical comp for precocious Florida Marlins slugger Miguel Cabrera? None other than Hank Aaron. Intriguing, no?" (DailyHerald)

Today's Playoff Games

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

FO-FISH-RECAP: Wes walked and scored a run, Alfonseca pitched one inning and gave up a hit. D. Lee went 1-4 with a walk and a strikeout, Dempster pitched one inning and struck out 2.

Ed Romero to Houston

The Marlins' 'roving infield coordinator' for the last three seasons will now be standing still at third-base for his buddy Cecil and the Astros. (MLB)

Hanley Has Shoulder Surgery

He should be all healed up by spring training time. (MLB)

181 Days To Go Till Opening Day

Meanwhile, to pass the time, here's the start of the playoffs...

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

FORMER-FISH-ROUNDUP: Wes Helms went 0-2 in the Phillies' loss. D.Lee went 1-4 with 3 strikeouts, Cliff F. went 0-4 with 2 strikeouts in the Cubs loss. Josh Beckett gave up 4 hits and struck out 8 in his complete-game win; Mike Lowell went 1-3.

'Former Marlin-based Playoff Predictions'

Xenod rates the playoff teams according to their FM Power. (TheImmaculateInning)

Bye Bye Roxy

The first official casualty of the postseason, Mr. Bernstein's nasal tones will no longer try to bridge the years in attempting connection with Mr. Van Horne's historical observations.

His future should be bright, as it was for other former second-banana Marlins radio guys like Dave O'Brian and Jon Sciambi. (MiamiHerald)

"The Life and Trials of David Weathers"

(HardballTimes)

Wild Card Playoff Tonight

San Diego plays one game in Colorado.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

WILD-FINISH: Former Marlin Jorge Julio, true to form, gives up two runs, and the Padres lead 8-6 in the 13th inning. But former Marlin Trevor Hoffman, untrue to form, blows it big time, and the Rockies head to the playoffs, winning 9-8.

Beinfest Gives End-Of-Season Interview

"Given our situation, we can't rule anything out...Everything is worthy of discussion because of the needs we've identified....We cannot sit here and not be active given that we're last in pitching and defense...When you look at errors on the left side of the infield and you talk about the quality of players on the left side, they are correctable...

"I would have to say you will have to come in and show us that you want to be in the rotation again and you want to be productive...They know what's lurking in Double-A. It should be good competition...

"Ollie needs to improve several aspects...His slider needs to get back to where it was. He needs to work on controlling himself. He's an emotional guy in the game and he needs to get back to what made him successful a year ago...

"I can't give you a real reason the ERA is inflated, but Dontrelle's going to be just fine...He is a big winner. He's got a great career ahead of him...

"We may have missed a little bit of that this year and it's my fault if we didn't have enough veterans...But it think it is important and it is something that we will look at." (PalmBeachPost)

This Could Be It (Deluxe 2007 Edition)

Today's game would definitely end the Marlins season and possibly end the Mets season as well. Meaningful game, anyone?

Dontrelle goes up against Tom.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BINGO!: Marlins celebrate at Shea as the Mets clean out their lockers - Fish win 8-1, and the Phillies win the NL East.

Working Overtime

Craig took time off from his weekend and said pretty much what needed to be said about the front office promotions and yesterday's 'brawl'.

Agggh! Quick! Re-up the Doses of Hypnoses!!!

At 2:00 PM ET, the Marlins are losing 5-0 at the end of the 2nd inning. (Hope they won't need the scolpolamine.)

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

RE-CRAP: Marlins found out they were playing the Mets, lost 13-0. Hanley was hit by a pitch that was ruled a foul ball, but x-rays were negative. Player of the Game is Paul Hoover, who kept the Mets from no-hitting the Fish.

Marlins Finish the Season at (Chicago) Against the (Cubs)

All the Marlins need to do to insure that they finish out the year on a winning note is to get the team hypnotist to convince the players and coaches that they are actually playing the Cubs in Chicago this weekend. (It may make the team's free hours a little confusing, but hey, just keep them on the bus.) Mr. Kim pitches against the (Cubs') pitcher Mr. Perez.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

IT-WORKS: Fish win 7-4

Sun Sets at Home

A late afternoon game to finsh out the home season. Projected start time is 4:05 ET. Projected starters are the infamous Scott Olsen against the incremental Steve Trachsel.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

KUNK: That?s the soul-enriching sound of the jaws of all those Cubs fans all over the planet dropping on the floor as the Marlins win their 10th straight against Chicago, 6-4.

Jim Beattie Now Interim Bullpen Coach

Beinfest's old buddy has a shot at the pitching coach job. (MLB)

Next...

With Kranitz safely out of the ballpark, Willis pitched his best game of the year. Here's hoping that same magic passes on to Barone. Jason Marquis should start for Chicago, weather permitting.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

YES: Barone wasn't great but the bullpen was - Marlins beat the Cubs 7-4.

The Fun Thing About Cubs Fans

At least for the moment, the words 'curse' and 'collapse' will be constantly flying through their heads. (FOXsports)(HookLineDriveSinker)

Welcome Cubbies!

It was probably good that we didn't have a game yesterday as we had on-and-off rain storms throughout the day - oh oh, it seems the same weather's predicted for tonight. Well, at least it will rain on piles of Cubs fans.

Dontrelle gets the start tonight with speculation heating up about his future with the Fish. Ted Lilly attempts to dodge the raindrops for the Cubs.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

ALRIGHT: It didn't rain, but Dontrelle gives up only 2 hits and gets the win as the Marlins beat the Cubs 4-2.

Beinfest to Kranitz: "If You Can't Committ, Then You Must've Quit"

Aggravated Larry peeved that Rick didn't accept Marlins' paltry pay raise, tells him good luck finding another job.

(MiamiHerald)(SunSentinelBlog)(PalmBeachPost)

Fish Off Today

It's the last day off until there are a lot of days off. If you wish you can check to see if the Nats can soften up the Mets at Shea.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

RESULT: Mets softened.

"Equity Seat Rights"?

I saw an ad saying "Equity Seat Rights" posted next to the Marlins dugout when I was at the game on Saturday, and wondered "What the...?" Sarah Talalay explains what it means, and how it could possibly affect the Marlins' future plans...(Blogs.Trb.com)

Go Figure

The Marlins lead the league in strikeouts, but are 4th best in the majors in homers, and will probably beat the team record in runs scored. The stadium in Miami surprisingly is now a homerun-hitting park (7th in the majors), but again it's little help to the Marlins, who now "have the worst home record in baseball (33-45)".

Split the Spoilin'?

It's Maine verses Seddon today as the Fish try to even the series.

If that won't get you to the game, then it's Jeff Conine's final game in Miami, so go to the game today and give him a ovation.

And if that's not enough to get you out there, how about this? - they are giving away Mermaids Calendars today.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

FISH-PUT-UP-A-FIGHT: The Marlins fought back from 3 runs behind to tie the game in the ninth, but finally lost to the Mets 7-6 in 11 innings.

Live Spoilin'

Fox will be televising the game today (the FOX Screwballs are already here). I'll be at the game today with some pretty good seats, so it may be my first chance to be on HDTV. Look down the third-base line and, if you see some nondescript person who doesn't look like much of anyone, that may or may not be me. Super Saturday will feature Vince Neil and Quiet Riot and fireworks.

Beltran and Cody and Hammer are all listed as day to day, but Delgado came back with a vengance last night, and Wagner may be ready to pitch tonight (hopefully not needed).

Byung-Hyun Kim and Oliver Perez both pitched badly last time out. Here they come again.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

SPOIL: Oliver did better than Kim, and the Mets win 7-2. Quiet Riot arrived late. Vince Neil's volume was turned up. At least it didn't rain.

The Number One Marlins Fan

He greets players at spring training, at home and away games, he takes them to dinner, he loans his car to the pitching coach - he's such a fan that even security has been called. (PalmBeachPost)

Time For Some Spoilin' (Yom Kippur Edition)

It'll be Scott verses Pedro tonight. Shawn Green will probably not play.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

OY-VEY: Marlins make a team-record 6 errors and give up 8 unearned runs, but still could have tied it in the 8th until Schoeneweis showed up to shut the Fish down - Marlins lose 9-6.

Time for Some Spoilin'

D-Train verses Tom Terrific tonight. Unfun Stat: The Mets have won eight straight in Miami Gardens.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

SPOILIN-FUN: Dan smacks a liner into the oufield scoreboard that brings Hanley (fresh from his 200th hit this season) in from first, and the Marlins defeat the Mets in the bottom of the 10th, 8-7. The Fish came back from a 3-0 defecit in the 5th, and scored 3 runs in the 9th to tie. Dontrelle bunted on and doubles, Dan hits 2 single and 2 doubles, Miggy doubles and homers. Honourable mention goes to Mr. Marlin Jeff C., who struck out 3 times to end Mets innings.

Barone vs. James Tonight

Dontrelle has been pushed back a day to Thursday against Glavine.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

YA-WIN-4-YA-LOSE-4: Fish lose 5-1, get swept for the 9th(!) time this season.

CLARIFICATION: "The Marlins were swept for the seventh time this season in a series of at least three games in duration."

It's "The Florida Marlins: Season 15 DVD"

Operators are standing by (just not near their phones). (HookLineDriveSinker)

Chris Seddon vs. Jo-Jo Reyes Tonight

Hope the brutality doesn't get out of hand.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

FUDGE: Fish fail 4-3.

Pitcher Potporri

Anibal to meet with the tightwad Marlins in his continuing attempt to regain his major-league status...Sergio winding down...AND: "The Marlins could culminate their season with 12 complete-game shutouts and their rotation ERA would still be a robust 4.93." (SunSentinel)

In Case You're Wondering...

You may have noticed that I have not made any mention about what caught the sports-news-world's attention last week, nor have I even linked to any of the stories or commentaries or blog postings or one-liners.

Kim Battles Smoltz in Atlanta Tonight

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

OH-BOTHER: In some ways it seems perversely appropriate that, a day after the Marlins website posts an article entitled "Kim Settling in With Florida", that same Mr. Kim would stride confidently to the mound at Turner Field and give up about eight-hundred runs to the Braves. Okay, so that was a little exaggerated. Nevertheless, tonight's performance has suddenly put him (Kim) in hot contention for the Marlins' "Awful Starter of the Year" contest, which is coming down to the wire with no clear winner in sight. Meanwhile, Alfredo had no clear baseball in sight out in centerfield, and Miggy's hit streak ends.

Shall the Brooms Come Out?

Olsen against Morales today.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

NO-BROOMS: Marlins get collective butts kicked, 13-0.

More History

Besides Cabrera's first grand slam, he also "became the third active player to reach triple-digit RBI in each of the past four seasons."

But not only that, Miguel became "the third-youngest batter in baseball history with four consecutive 100-RBI seasons, trailing only Mel Ott and Ted Williams. He is the youngest right-hander in baseball history with four 100-RBI seasons in a row."

And not only that, but on Friday "Kevin Gregg became the fourth different Marlins pitcher in as many years to close at least 30 games. Armando Benitez (47) started the run in 2004 and it continued with Todd Jones (40) and Joe Borowski (36).

"According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no other team in major league history has had four different 30-save closers in a four-year span."

This Could Be It (Part 2)

The Marlins are 15.5 games back in the Wild Card race and they have 15 games to go, so it has been announced that they have been eliminated. But it seems that the Padres, who are leading the Wild Card at the moment, have 16 games left to play. Maybe my math is screwed up, but if the Marlins win (and the Padres lose) every game from here on, and every one else in the race loses just the right amount for the rest of the season, then we got ourselves a tie for the Wild Card. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Mitre is up against Ubaldo Jimenez tonight. Sergio is coming off nine days of rest, and this is his first time he's ever pitched in Denver. So expect his sinker to be flying up into the batter's faces.

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BINGO: San Diego wins, so I can uncross my fingers. But Sergio's sinker sunk for a good while, and Miguel Cabrera hits his first-ever grand slam, as the Marlins defeat the fading Rockies 10-2.

Willis Against Fogg in Denver

A positive note: "Florida has won five of the past seven games at Coors Field." (ABClocal)

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MAKE-THAT-SIX-OF-EIGHT: Dontrelle gets a win as the Fish beat the Rocks 7-6.

'The Keeper of The Mouse' Passes Away

Ralph Kent dies at age 68. The 'Disney Legend' "trained other artists to draw Mickey Mouse and was responsible for deciding what merchandise related to the cartoon rodent was released." The reason I'm posting this in here is that, according to this article, he also designed "the big fish that represents baseball team the Florida Marlins."

MORE: "In addition to his work with Disney, he designed Billy Buffalo, the mascot for the Buffalo Bills pro football team, and Billy the Marlin, the mascot for the Florida Marlins major league baseball team, his wife said." (BaltimoreSun)

Questions, Questions

Mike Berardino sums up pretty much all of the questions facing this franchise during the offseason. (SunSentinel)

No Game Today

Hope Todd got some Pollo Tropical before flying to Denver. Also glad to hear that Mr. Kim is improving in his English (his example came over loud and clear on the radio too). And congratulations to Mr. ans Mrs. Ramirez on the birth of Hanley Jr.

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Forget Your Job, or Take a Long Lunch...

...and come out and see what promises to be the smallest crowd of the year. Hanrahan against Kim today.

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DOUBLE-YIPPIE: Fish beat Nats in 12, 5-4.