Six Months Late

New Years' Day makes it six months since the deadline set by the preliminary agreement between the Marlins, City and County for final agreements and contracts to be signed to build the ballpark. Maybe the aggreements'll get presented to the Commissions in January. Even so, at least one commissioner wants answers to her questions or she'll vote no. And at least one person in state government wants it to be law that stadium decisions be put to public votes. (MiamiToday)

Yesterday's Rumor

The Red Sox tried to get Hanley to play center field in Fenway by offering Ellsbury and Buchholz and 'others', but "talks apparently have been aborted after no agreement could be reached." (SI.com)

Our Latest Confirmed Former Marlin

Mark Hendrickson seems headed to Ft. Lauderdale this spring as multiple sources say he's signing with the Orioles. (MLB)

Today's Rumors

The Marlins don't want Sammy Sosa, but oddly are considered one of the last refuges for players such as Pudge and Manny.

Matt's on Top

Lindstrom beats out Jonathan Broxton for the title of "Fastest Fastball in the Majors for 2008". (While Marlin-killer Jamie Moyer had the second-slowest.) (InsidePitch)

Christmas With the Johnsons

From Oklahoma to California Josh couldn't wait until his new son started tearing open presents. Josh also tells of his favorite gift, his hockey prowess, his favorite Christmas movies, and what his family holidays were like.. (MLB)

Ho Ho Ho!...Oh No, Joe Go!

The Fish continue their giving ways, as big Joe Nelson signs with the Rays. (TampaBay)

Xmas Eve Extra

Happy belated birthdays to Hanley and Cody.

Bryan Harvey now pitching coach for AA Tulsa. (HickoryRecord)

Watch the last game at Shea again, on MLB.com. (MLB)

The Marlins in "Marley and Me"...and is a Manatee movie in the works? (MLB)

TODAY'S-RUMORS: The Marlins won't go for Pudge unless he prices himself near the minimum, and they're shopping Andino to the Pirates.

Today's News Flashes

Gamefish gets awarded. (Fishstripes)

Braman appeals (to the courts if not to Marlins fans). (blogs.trb.com)

Cookie Rojas, Chris Clapinski and John Hughes do the baseball camp thing.

Things From Frisaro's Mailbox

Hanley may play 3rd base, Cantu may stay at 3rd base, McPherson will get a chance to play 3rd base, and Jeff may visit JAX.

TODAY'S-RUMOR: Marlins no want Brad Penny, but are still pondering Pavano. (MLB)

Like Father, Like Uncle

Lance Niekro is signed by the Braves to fulfill his destiny and return the knuckleball to the National League. (ChicagoTribune)

Today's Stuff

Alex Carver discovers why Taylor Tankersley sucked last year.(MarlinsToday)

Grant Paulsen talks to Logan Morrison, who says he's going to left field next year. (GrantPaulsen.com)

Cleveland wants Joe Nelson. (MLBTradeRumors)

TODAY'S-RUMOR: The Marlins are not interested in Ray King and are interested in Derrick Turnbow. (SunSentinel)

Today's News Bits

He's a Tiger-Treanor now. (Freep)

The surveillance state arrives at D. Stadium, as fans now must take care not to get tipsy on the watered-down beer the vendors are constantly selling, because a single text-message from an anal-retentive type could possibly get your season tickets taken away, even if the drunk isn't you but some bozo who sat in your seat. (USAToday)

Get all your new ballpark info (except renderings, darn it) at the new official Fish websites. (Blogs.Trb.com)

TODAY'S-RUMOR: The Marlins are sending 'feelers' to Ray King. (MLB)

News Notes

Marlins avoid arbitration with Josh Johnson, but "have not moved closer to finalizing a deal with Nolasco". (MLB)

This profile of Norman Braman contends "Braman's lawsuit might have succeeded in an unintended fashion by stalling the Megaplan until the economy caught up with it." (MiamiNewTimes)

Former Fish minor-league manager (and co-discoverer of Junichi Tazawa) Jon Deeble will be managing Austrailia in the WBC. (Google)

Matt's on Track

Treanor's getting interest from the Orioles but may already have committed to the Tigers.

ANOTHER-RUMOR: The Marlins are interested in Paul Byrd.

Out With The Old

Now that Nelson is getting offers from a dozen MLB teams, it seems the purging of the 30-year-old-and-over players on the Marlins roster will continue, as then there will be only two remaining. (FishBytes)

Karma?

Mr. Braman, the fighter of the Marlins stadium, is said to have lost 'massive sums of money' in the Madoff investment scandal. (Philly.com)

Does A Bigger Crowd Help A Team?

Because of the Marlins' attendance eccentriciy, this issue comes up occasionly. Colin Wyers of the Hardball Times tries to give some finality to the question by examinng "nearly every game from 1974 on", and finds that the "results certainly seem to suggest that the home crowd is a factor in giving a team home field advantage" but discovers that "super-high-attendance teams don't seem to win any more games than our high-attendance team did". And when he excludes games played after August, there's "still is an advantage to playing to a packed house, but not enough to make a difference in a full season's slate of games. There is still a sizable disadvantage to playing to an empty house". (HardballTimes)

Say It Ain't So! Joe!

One of the best Marlins relievers of last year was not tendered a contract and is now a free agent. Confusion and anger abounds at this move, and Mike Hill confused more on this morning's Hot Stove Show by saying the door's not closed and they are still hoping to make a deal with Nelson (are the Marlins hoping his value will go down on the open market?)

Bye Bye Arthur

Rhodes signs with the Reds. (MLB)

Winter Meeting Result

The Marlins drop Treanor, and pick up Zach Kroenke. (MiamiHerald)

MORE: The Fish got 3 players in the minor-league draft, and are still looking to trade Hermida. And they shut down Anibal, too. (SunSentinel)

See Mike Mordacai Play...

...this Saturday at the Old Timers' Game in Baconton, Georgia.

Vegas Happenings

Larry has the dealmakers all around but still does the texting thing, and Cody does the rodeo. (PalmBeachPost)

Bye Bye Matt

The Fish, in need of catching help, release catcher Treanor and hope they can make a deal or find someone in the Rule 5 draft. (MLB)

Keep Up With The Rumors

Check this link for the latest posts from MLB's Hot Stove Blog concerning the Marlins.

Oh Frick

Dave doesn't win the Frick, even though Van Horne is the only active broadcaster of those nominated. The winner, Tony Kubek, hasn't worked a game since 1994.

Condensed News Bits

"(D)isregard those national Web site rumors that had them (the Marlins) interested in
receiving slick-fielding shortstop Jason Bartlett...there are no plans to move Dan Uggla off
second base...(Manny Acta) said he had "no idea" how Bonifacio might fare at third
should the Marlins follow through with plans to audition him there next
spring. Bonifacio, who was reaching base at a .377 clip in winter ball,
has been playing right field almost exclusively in the Dominican
Republic..." (SunSentinel)

"The Marlins are confident John Baker can handle regular catching
duties...Marlins president David Samson told reporters that, even in a sour
economy, the club is under no pressure to trade additional players in
order to trim payroll. He said owner Jeffrey Loria has not ordered a
payroll reduction." (MiamiHerald)

"The Marlins will publish a 2009 calendar of the Manatees, their
all-male, full-figured cheerleading review...(Samson says) 'Our (season-ticket) renewal rates are up from last year thanks to the
World Baseball Classic and frankly having a low base but you cannot
assume the industry will perform.' (PalmBeachPost)

Conine Has a Career

Jeff (MLB's first player-Ironman) "has accepted a standing offer from the club to become a special assistant to team president David (MLB's first obnoxious-Ironman) Samson."(MLB)

HIS-FIRST-DUTY: Roam the hallways of the Bellagio and try to get Jack away from the craps tables.

Hermida's a Vegas Headliner

Jayson Stark considers Jeremy Hermida one of the 5 "big trading chips" of the Las Vegas winter meetings....

"People sometimes assume the Marlins will trade just about anybody on the roster who's arbitration-eligible. So why not a guy like Hermida, who has tantalized them with his talent, yet frustrated them with his unfulfilled potential? Well, there's plenty of interest (in both Hermida and the even-less-available Dan Uggla), according to clubs that have spoken to the Fish. The Marlins have been pushing Jorge Cantu over Hermida, at least so far. But Hermida fits exactly what teams like the Cubs, Phillies and Rays are looking for to plug into their outfield holes. And the Marlins have young studs like Cameron Maybin, Logan Morrison and Michael Stanton on their outfield horizon. So it will be interesting to see whether they can build a Hermida deal around Jason Bartlett and a young starter (Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine) with Tampa Bay, or around infield prospect Jason Donald with the Phillies." (ESPN)

MEANWHILE: The even-less-available Uggla is not worrying about trades but does hope to be picked for the WBC. (PalmBeachPost)

The Breaks

Brett Carroll recovering from broken hand after recovering from shoulder sprain. (here's the story, in original English or in retranslated English)

Another Quickie Review

Again I tuned in late to this Saturday's 2-hour Hot Stove Radio Show - about 40 minutes in. This time Beinfest came on the show, but I only caught the end of the interview. Both hosts said later the 'big news' of the interview is that Beinfest is confident with Maybin being in the majors next year and also with Cody in left field and Jeremy in right. They also interviewed Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, whose interesting insight was that Manny Ramirez (or his agent) quashed the deal with the Marlins. The two hosts later talked about Greg Maddux retiring, and how tough it is for the Marlins to get trade value when all the other teams know that they have payroll constraints. Ended up with a Geffner plea for more season ticket purchases. Lots of commercials but not a bad show overall.

Rumor Shift

San Francisco GM Brian Sabean says that he "at the moment is not in trade talks with the Florida Marlins (Sanchez for Jorge Cantu) or any other team." So now Jayson Stark reports that the White Sox are now interested in Cantu.

Miami in Baseball History

Before the Florida Marlins, and before both versions of the Miami Marlins, there was the Miami Sun Sox, a team whose 1952 "pitching staff was one of the most effective in baseball history". This article from minorleaguebaseball.com tells the story of that team (and its rival the Miami Beach Flamingos) plus other tidbits of Miami baseball history.

What's the Latest Rumor?

It's a trade of Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez for Jorge Cantu. Rotoworld says it would be terrific for the Marlins. Giants Cove says it would be a disaster for the Giants.

Check Out The Future

The Future Fish blog already has Nos.40-50 covered in its yearly listing of the top 50 Marlins prospects. (FutureFish)

MORE: Another set of reviews of the best Marlins players by position can be found at the new blog, All Marlins, All The Time.

Another Miracle Season

The team that was the Miami Marlins from 1962-1971 and from 1982-1991 has released its 2009 schedule. Watch them go after the Stone Crabs in the opener.

Some Good News for Next Year

The good news for Marlins fans is, Jamie Moyer has just turned 46, "and there aren't alot of comparable 46 year old pitchers that have had good, or even passable seasons". (NewEnglandPhilliesPhan)

Quickie Trivia

What do Alfredo Amezaga, music producer Emilio Estefan, Heat forward Udonis Haslem, and '40's film star Veronica Lake have in common? (2thinkgood.com)

Will They or Won't They?

The Marlins have to offer Arthur, Luis or Paul arbitration by the end of Monday if they want draft picks when they sign with another team. (MLB)

THEY-WON'T: Marlins don't offer anyone anything. (MLB)

Ouick Review...

...of the new Marlins Hot Stove Radio Show:only caught the last half-hour; pretty good info in an overall-MLB fashion, not much specific Marlins info; somewhat hard to tell the two hosts apart; Beinfest didn't show; next week's show will be two hours, and I'll probably catch it.

What'll Bring in Fans? Nude Baseball!

Well maybe not, but "Richard Mason, the president of the Florida Naturist Association" says that nudity brings in the tourists - he points out Haulover Beach, the state's only sanctioned clothing-optional beach, is "drawing more visitors than the Florida Marlins and the Miami Dolphins combined"..."Nothing stops it from growing." (stops what?) (PalmBeachPost)

Home Boys Vs.Outsiders

Sully lists out the Marlins' All Time Home Grown Team and their All Time Acquired Team and declares an overwhelming winner (too bad Conine's Clubhouse Grill isn't open anymore). (from SullyBaseball through FishStripes)

Happy Thanksgiving!

And that goes for you too, Mr. Mushy.

Closer to Fine

Owen Kinsky writes a good overview of the Marlins closer situation. (KFFL)

Former Fish Update

Eric Owens is now managing Rancho Cucamonga. (MLB)

2011

The Marlins have put off the opening of their new stadium until 2012, but, as David Pinto points out, the delay may ultimately make the stadium cheaper to build.

What may not be cheaper for the Fish is what terms they will have to go through to secure a lease extension at Dolphin Stadium for 2011. As the Herald reports...

'The Marlins' lease with Dolphin Stadium expires after 2010, but Samson said he and owner Jeffrey Loria have spoken with stadium co-owner Stephen Ross and expect the lease will be extended through 2011. Ross is expected to assume managing control of the Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium from Wayne Huizenga after this Dolphins' season.

'But the Marlins may also need the University of Miami's blessing for another year at the stadium that the UM football program now calls home.

'When UM announced it was moving from the Orange Bowl to Dolphin Stadium, the university's lease required that the Marlins' infield dirt be gone by 2011.

'"It's not ideal to play on dirt," said UM athletic director Kirby Hocutt, who plans to discuss the issue with Dolphin Stadium officials.

'Samson, who attended the University of Wisconsin, called UM president Donna Shalala, who once held the same position at Wisconsin. "I said, 'Give a [Wisconsin] Badger a break'", Samson said he told Shalala. "We'll be a year late."'

Masters of Their Domains

Fish@Bat and FishStripes have both remarked on the Marlins' official web address now being marlins.com as a prelude to the seemingly inevitable name change of the team from 'Florida Marlins' to 'Miami Marlins'.

Divisions of MLB already own floridamarlins.com, florida-marlins.com, flamarlins.com, and flmarlins.com (though fl-marlins.com and fla-marlins.com are still available).

But what about the whole enchilada - the complete future name? A couple of big payouts may be needed, as the domain name registrar Network Solutions owns outright miamimarlins.com, and some guy in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea owns miami-marlins.com

Tim's The Man

Former Fish Tim Raines is the new manager of the Newark Bears. (BaseballMusings)

Happy Birthday Jack

78 years ago today, John Aloysius McKeon was born. (Wikipedia)

Three-Way Rumor Alert

"...the latest whispers in the circuit are that the Pirates
are entertaining an offer for Jack Wilson from the Tigers in what has
grown into a possible three-team deal. There's no word how far along
this is, no word who the players might be yet, and why the Marlins
might be involved, but the whispers are growing so it's obviously more
than an inquiry." (BuccoBlog)

UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal says the Marlins part of the trade would be Matt Treanor, though the rumor may or may not be bogus. (BlessYouBoys)

MIRACLE!: Judge Cohen Decides!

And Braman's butt has been kicked to the curb.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/breaking-news/story/782033.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/baseball/marlins/sfl-1121marlinsstadium,0,4961672.story

Four To The 40-Man

Brett Hayes, Chris Leroux, Dallas Trahern and Tim Wood fill up the 40-man roster and are out of the Rule 5 draft. (MLB)(SunSentinel)

Hanley Memorabilia Auction

Interested in "three game-used jerseys and one low-numbered autograph"? Then go jump into the bidding! (WaxHeaven)

Sarasorioles

Ft. Lauderdale may lose the Orioles after this coming spring, but now it looks as if Vero Beach will lose them before they even arrive. (TCPalm)

Rabelo Placed on Waivers

It's either someplace else, or Triple-A Nawlins for him. (MLB)

Stadium Contracts Still Aren't Finished

'The building of the new stadium has been delayed because the contracts are very complex documents and they must be perfect before they are voted upon, Local 10's Michael Putney reported. The contracts were supposed to be ready to go to the city and county commissions in October, but they are not yet finished.

'Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess is the lead negotiator for local government on the stadium deal, which was approved in concept in December 2007.

'Marlins President David Samson said the team needed final approval by December 2008 to start play at the stadium in 2011.

'"We're making progress, but our goal is December. It slipped a little -- we had hoped for October, November, but it's probably looking like December for them to have them to digest. It doesn't mean, again, that it would be officially agendaed for the board to vote on," Burgess said.

'"Can you tell us what, if anything, is a sticking point?" Putney asked.

'"Nothing in particular," Burgess said. "The devil's always in the details."...

'Samson said he expects commissioners to see contracts in January.

'"We're very focused on (a 2011 opening date), but we're waiting to hear from our construction managers about the delays and the impact on the construction schedule," Samson said. "We expect to make an announcement in the next 10 days."' (Local10)

Keep The Stats Coming

Wonder how the Marlins' prospects are doing in the Winter Leagues? Here's a handy page of stats from MLB.com.

Joe Frisaro Says It Ain't Another Fire Sale

"Some fans are saying another "fire sale" is under way. My take is this. Hanley Ramirez is the best player on the Marlins. He is one of the best players in the game. And Ramirez is signed for six years, and he isn't going anywhere. So the team's best player is back. Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson are the team's best two starting pitchers. Neither is going anywhere. Chris Volstad is the third best pitcher on the squad, and he also is back. So this idea of a "fire sale" -- I don't believe it carries weight.

"The other thing is this front office has made lots of moves since assuming ownership in 2002. So often there is outrage, only to see the deals pan out. Granted, not every one does, but a number of them do. So I haven't hit the panic button, because the team is basically doing what it said it would do. They are trimming off power for more speed, athleticism and defense. Also, the team isn't done dealing yet. By the time Spring Training rolls around, I fully expect this club to be a serious contender in the National League East." (MLB)

Rene Back in the Majors?

Florida's first manager has a shot for a coaching job with the Rockies. (GreeleyTribune)

Give Your Kid Some Cookie For Christmas

"The Juan Romero Baseball Camp is celebrating its 20th year in Southwest Florida with a winter hitting camp Dec. 22 through 24.

"The Juan Romero Winter Baseball Super Hitting Camp is a three-day event for players ages 6 to 16. Players will be divided into age divisions at the camp, which runs from 8:45 a.m., to 1 p.m., daily at Naples' Fleischmann Park.

"The cost is $190 for those who register in advance and $210 on the first day of the camp. The price includes a camp photo and a t-shirt. There is a 10-percent discount for immediate family members.

"This year's special guest coach is Cookie Rojas, the voice of the 2003 World Series champion Florida Marlins. Rojas was a five-time All-Star second baseman and played in the majors for 16 years. He has coached in the MLB for more than two decades.

"In addition to Romero, the camp director, the staff includes several Major League coaches and local high school coaches.

"For more information, call 732-9664 or visit www.juanromerobaseball.com." (NaplesNews)

Survey Says...

The Herald gets 300 responses from all over the planet to their poll asking how good for the team were the Marlins' three most recent trades. The results are at (FishBytes)

Marlins to Play 2 WBC Teams This Spring

Spring training will start with the Cardinals on Feb. 25 and end with the Blue Jays April 4. (TCPalm)

Hanley's a Silver Slugger

"For the first time in his career, Ramirez is taking home the Louisville Slugger's Silver Slugger Award for National League shortstops." (MLB)

Bye Bye Kevin

Gregg traded to Cubs for fireballing Minor League pitcher Jose Ceda.
This link has his stats...

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/C/jose-ceda.shtml

Ceda's 'a big, strong, power-armed right-hander who could possibly wear the "closer of the future" label'. (MLB)

OH-OH?: "He hasn't pitched since Oct. 29, however, when he was shut down after one outing for Escogido in the Dominican Winter League.

Still trying to find out why he was shut down, but he walked two batters and recorded no outs in his only winter appearance." (SunSentinel)

Economists Can't Stop Stadiums

Just as surely as economists see "no evidence in the large body of peer-reviewed scholarly research on the economic impact of professional sports facilities that indicates any professional sports facility construction project, or the ongoing operation of any such facility, has generated any tangible economic benefits in the local economy", they just as surely watch those sports facilities they argue against being built - "Our argument just doesn't win. We've been making this argument for years and the subsidies haven't stopped". (MiamiHerald)

Economy Got You Down?

That pink slip can be your ticket to exciting rewind action on alternate Wednesdays at noon, when FSN will be piping into your home replays of last year's best Marlins games. Catch as many as you can before they turn your cable off. (MLB)

Hometown Hanley

Hanley's talking with the Marlins about playing Dominican Winter Ball - he already wants to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. (BaseballWorld.com)

It's Official

Here's a transcript of the Nationals' press conference introducing Josh and Scott to Washington. (Nats320)

Ramirez Re-do

The City of Champions blog has "2 solid sources" saying the Marlins are once again trying to sign Manny Ramirez.

NEWS: Olsen and Hammer going to New Obama City

(Hat tip to weird vic over at FishStripes) Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham are going to the Nationals for second-baseman Emilio Bonifacio (watch out, Danny) and two guys from the New York-Penn League.

MORE: Mike Berardino says Danny's safe at least until July (watch out Alfredo) and the Fish won't be going after Pudge. (SunSentinel)

EVEN-MORE: Clark Spencer reports Bonifacio "can also play the corner outfield positions". (MiamiHerald)

"Maybin? Maybe Not."

Peter Bendix checks out Cameron's AAA stats last year and postulates that Maybin's 2009 with the big club may not be too spectacular. (FanGraphs)

Next Year's 'Super Saturdays' - Even More Latin Acts

'The Florida Marlins booked such tropical stars as Willy Chirino, Olga
Tanon and El Gran Combo to play 50-minute shows after select "Super
Saturday" home games last season. Sean Flynn, marketing VP at Miami's
Major League Baseball team, expects more than half the acts for next
year's "Super Saturday" games to be Latin performers. Musical guests
are paid a flat fee rather than a percentage of ticket sales.

'The acts also get other benefits, including promotion through TV,
radio, print and outdoor ads that run before the performance. Though
factors like a team's record, the day's opponent and the weather all
affect attendance, Flynn says the goal is to get at least half the
crowd to stay for the concerts. By some measures, "our Hispanic shows
are outperforming our general-market shows," he says.

'Performers bring teams another benefit: sponsors eager to reach the
Hispanic audience, such as automakers and beverage companies. "We've
been able to bring folks in who wouldn't normally do business with us,"
Flynn says. (Javno.com)

Ahead to the Past

The International League's Braves have announced their schedule for their first-ever season in Gwinnett County, Georgia. They had previously spent their last 43 seasons in Richmond, Virginia. But why do I mention this? Because this team, in the middle of its storied 122-year history, was the original Miami Marlins that played here from 1956 to 1960.

Perry's Back in Baseball

Former Fish Hill is now the first base/infield coach with the Pirates. (MLB)

Interest

The Marlins are one of the teams showing interest in Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa. (Philly.com)

And the Cubs have shown some interest in Jeremy Hermida. (ChicagoTribune)

Geffner Going?

Our new radio fellow is being mentioned for the recently-open San Diego TV job, along with former Fish-caster Jon Sciambi. (NCTimes)

Danny Vindicated?

David Pinto, in the process of calculating the 2008 numbers to produce Probablistic Models of Range for each fielding position in the majors, is stunned to discover that the Marlins had the best defensive efficiency ratio in the majors at the position of second base. "The Marlins number one at second base? That certainly flies in the face of Dan Uggla's performance in the All-Star Game", says Mr. Pinto. "...One thing I need to look at more closely is why Dan Uggla does so well..."

Marlins' Future In a Word? Maybin!

Mike Hill discusses the possibilities with Cameron defensively and offensively.

Moves News

Moves News

Luis Gonzalez files for free agency. (MLB)

Marlins are shopping Scott Olsen, looking at the Rangers' catcher Max Ramirez. (MLB)

Pavano may be a possibility, and Beinfest says the Marlins are talking 'internally' about keeping Arthur Rhodes. (MiamiHerald)

But Rhodes' agent says that the Marlins haven't talked to him in weeks. (SunSentinel)

Meet the New Park, Same as the Old Park

It's revealed that the new Marlins ballpark will have pretty much the same outfield dimensions as Dolphin Stadium (including a Bermuda Triangle), with the added attraction of fans being able to look through the outfield wall, and some weird thing that Jeffrey's planning for deep center field. (MLB)

Marlins Claim Dan Meyer From Oakland

'A former top prospect in the Braves organization, Meyer was traded to the Athletics in December 2004 as the centerpiece of the Tim Hudson deal. Meyer has struggled during a 19-game major league career that's spanned three seasons, going 0-6 with a 7.63 ERA, including a 0-4 and 7.48 ERA in 11 games (four starts) with the Athletics in 2008....

'Though Meyer, 27, has yet to put it together in the majors, his minor league numbers are promising. During the past two seasons he allowed fewer hits (216) than innings pitched (238) for the River Cats in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Meyer also struck out 214 and walked 103 during that 43-game (41-start) span.'

ALSO: Logan hits for the cycle in the AFL. (SunSentinel)

Was The Jacobs Trade A Good Deal or Not?

Two brothers battle it out. (BrushBackPitch)

Own A Piece of the Marlins

Check out this plan to buy out Jeffrey and institute a Green-Bay-Packers style of ownership here in SoFla. (MyMarlins.com)

A Few News Notes

Justin Miller has joined up with the Giants. (MLB)

Jason Wood has retired. (Fish@Bat)

Misty May signs autographs in a Wal-Mart in Arkansas. (NWAnews)

It's 'Free' Agents, Not 'Three' Agents

MLB's Joe Frisaro seems stuck on the Marlins having just three free agents. In Thursday's article about Lo Duca filing for free agency, Frisaro wrote...

"The Marlins have three free agents: Lo Duca, lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes and outfielder Luis Gonzalez."

Craig from Fishstripes correctly pointed out that Mark Hendrickson is a free agent also, which upps the Marlins' total to four.

This morning in his story about Hendrickson filing for free agency Frisaro wrote...

"Hendrickson declared one day after catcher Paul Lo Duca filed for free
agency. Outfielder Luis Gonzalez is the lone remaining free agent from
the 2008 squad who has yet to file. None of the three are likely to be
with Florida in 2009."

Seems this 'three' business has gone beyond the 'mistake' category.

UPDATE: Frisaro finally finds the fourth Fish as he reports on Arthur's free-agency filing.

OH-BOY: Tracy Ringolsby says the Marlins have 15 free agents. (RockyMountainNews)

And He's Off and Running!

Lo Duca files for free agency. (MLB)

Deal Done: Marlins Get Nunez

'The 25-year-old Nunez, not yet in his arbitration years, finished with a 4-1 record and a 2.98 ERA in 45 games for the Royals this past season. He threw 48 1/3 innings, striking out 26 while walking 15.

'Beinfest said the Marlins have had interest in Nunez for a couple of seasons.

'"We weren't able to get our hands on him," Beinfest said of previous attempts to acquire the right-hander. "We think he can pitch later in the game for us. The seventh inning or later."

'Nunez broke in with the Royals in 2005, and he has appeared in 106 games. His career record is 9-7 with a 4.92 ERA. A native of the Dominican Republic, he adds big league experience to the bullpen. Some feel he could eventually get a chance to close.' (MLB)

'Nuñez, 25, is expected to be a key member of the Marlins bullpen. The native of the Dominican Republic...began the year as the Royals' set-up man but then missed 46 games with a strained muscle near his rib cage and struggled initially after returning in July.

'He is slight of build but throws a mid-90s fastball in addition to a hard slider.

'"We've liked him, actually, for a couple of years and weren't able to get our hands on him,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. ``He's not really an imposing guy, but we think he can pitch later in the game, the seventh inning or later."

'Trading Jacobs allows the Marlins to lower payroll and create an opening for prospect Gaby Sanchez, who was the Double A Southern League's Most Valuable Player. Sanchez, who will be given a chance to win the first base job, hit .314 with 17 homers, 92 RBI and 17 steals.

'The Marlins also could move third baseman Jorge Cantu to first base if Sanchez doesn't win the job. In that scenario, Dallas McPherson could play third base. The Marlins also have Wes Helms, who can play first or third.' (MiamiHerald)

'Nunez, 25, won't qualify for arbitration until after the 2009 season...and will earn right around the $400,000 league minimum next season. Since making his major league debut in 2005, Nunez has struck out 102 and walked 48 in 159 innings.

'A native of the Dominican Republic, Nunez is a wiry 6 feet 1, 175 pounds, but throws in the mid-90s. He mostly pitched the seventh inning and was especially tough on right-handed hitters, who he held to a .230 average and .574 on-base plus slugging percentage. In addition, Nunez gave up just two homers, both to lefties, in 181 at-bats.

'Nunez spent time on the disabled list with an oblique injury, and he fractured a wrist in 2007 at spring training.' (SunSentinel)

Jacobs Trade Close?

Both the Sun-Sentinel and the Kansas City Star has Mike being shipped to the Royals for a as-yet-undecided reliever, although the Miami Herald and MLB.com both say that reliever is Leo Nunez.

Badenhop Recovery Continues

'"It's a case for me of being patient. Unfortunately for me, that's a test, no matter what it is. Just being patient," Badenhop said. "You don't want to be 25 years old and have neck surgery. Right now, you just rest it and hope to get back to being normal by [Spring Training]."' (MLB)

Mr. Moneybags Decides

Mike Berardino reports "an industry source" saying that Loria's raising next year's payroll to $40 million. It looks as if Jacobs, Gregg and Olsen are being dangled, the team's keeping Uggla, and question marks hover over Hermida and Willingham. (SunSentinel)

New Old Blog

The SporTech Matter blog, formally more of a South Florida sports blog, has now focused strictly on the Marlins.

World Series Game Five

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

World Series Game Four

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

Happy 5th!

5 years ago today, the Marlins beat the Yankees in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series to become Champions Of The World! (Google)

World Series Game Three

The Rays play tonight in what's called the City of Brotherly Love, although it doesn't feel that way according to former Fish Cliff Floyd.

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

Bud Says Ballpark's About to Be Begun

Selig was on the Chris Russo show Thursday night. Here's a selection of the interview from this transcript of the show...

'Russo: "Is Florida going to get a new park? What's up with the Marlins
right now?"

'Selig: "They're moving ahead. They had some legal issues. Somebody
was trying to stop it, a taxpayer, but all that has been resolved and
they're moving ahead. There'll be a groundbreaking very shortly and
that will be a big, big thing for us because they, too, are in a
football stadium as you know that was just brutal.'

Baseball Tonight

Not in MLB but in the AFL...

'Marlins prospects, left-hander Sean West, first baseman Logan Morrison and outfielder John Raynor, will represent the American Division in the Arizona Fall League's third annual Rising Stars game tonight in Surprise, Ariz.' (SunSentinel)

Fredi's the Man

'The Sporting News honored Fredi Gonzalez with its National League Manager of the Year award...based on the recommendations of 18 major league managers.

'"That's what makes it special, your peers noticing you," Gonzalez said. "You have to give a lot of credit to the players and the coaching staff."' (SunSentinel)

MORE: Mr. Pinto questions Fredi's selection. (BaseballMusings)

World Series Game Two

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

Stadium Waiting

Final documents needed to start building the ballpark may be completed by November. (MLB)

But the county may not begin to get the financing to start building until next spring. (MiamiToday)

DuPuy says constuction must start "early next spring" to have the ballpark open by the middle of the 2011 season. (SunSentinel)

World Series Game One

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

Marlins' Perspectives on World Series Matchup

They're a valid source, because "(n)o team faced the Rays and Philadelphia Phillies -- the two World Series participants -- as often as the Marlins did during the regular season." Clark Spencer gets Joe Nelson's and Fredi Gonzalez's views on how the Series will go. (MiamiHerald)

Who Will Stay, According to Joe

Mr. Frisaro's current "guess would be Cantu, Amezaga, Willingham and Ross are back. Indications I received lately say that perhaps Uggla and Hermida also will return." (MLB)

Fish Sightings

Former Marlin Bill Hurst (if you're wondering, he pitched in 2 games for the Marlins in 1996) won the Celebrity Grand Champ Award at the extensively-named "ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series presents Mercury Redbone Southernmost Light tackle Anglers Masters Celebrity Tournament". (FishingWorld)

And soon-to-be former Marlin Mark Hendrickson gets one of his signed bats auctioned off for charity. (Inyork)

Must-Win Game on Both Sides

Game 7 at the Trop tonight. At lest one Marlins fan was in the nose-bleed seats last night.

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

AL Playoffs At the Trop Tonight

It's Shields vs. Beckett in an another-must-win for the Red Sox

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

The Rays - Marlins Rivalry

Somehow the name Huizenga pops up. (PalmBeachPost)

AL Playoffs Tonight

It may be curtains for Boston.

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

Estimates? What Estimates?

"(T)he city manager low-balled construction of baseball parking by at least $56 million and said it would break even thereafter although he had a study saying it would lose $8.3 million a year.

"And despite two studies, one putting stadium parking construction at $150 million and the other at $156 million, and despite telling consultants June 27 to plan for the $156 million version, City Manager Pete Hernandez says he's sticking to a $94 million estimate." (MiamiToday)

"Sure the economic crisis will affect the price of the proposed $515 million stadium, but it wasn't unexpected the cost would go up, given the ongoing delays. (Some have always believed the price was much higher anyway).

"Sorenson expressed concern about there being enough hotel bed taxes to cover the construction debt, but county officials have repeatedly said those dollars have already been identified and accounted for. And in fact, history shows governments sometimes like to embark on large public projects in difficult economic times because they stimulate the economy and create jobs. (Think the New Deal).

"I'm told county, city of Miami and Marlins officials continue to negotiate definitive documents spelling out the details of construction management, non-relocation and other agreements. It's always been known receiving the nine county commission votes needed for each of those agreements will be an uphill battle, regardless of the economy." (blogs.trb.com)

The Suns Are Getting Ready

Our new AA team starts up their season-ticket campaign. (OurSportsCentral)

NL Playoffs Tonight

It may be curtains for Los Angeles.

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

Report on the Ross Family

Cody's wife seems to be expecting, plus rumors. (CodyRoss.org)

Champagne and Chicken Wings

A charitable chance to mingle with some "former and current" Marlins, Heat and Dolphin players, along with a few other famous so-and-sos, and to hear SmashMouth play, will be "Footy's 8th Annual Bubbles & Bones Gala" this Friday evening at the Westin Diplomat. (HeresHelp)

AL Action Tonight

Tim Wakefield will attempt to even the series with his flutter pitch, while the Rays start Andy Sonnanstine.

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

Opponents and Supporters Say Stadium May be Delayed

'Some stadiums themselves are in jeopardy, opposed by taxpayers and
public officials who don't think investments in sports facilities are
justified in the current climate. In Florida, construction of a new
ballpark for Major League Baseball's Marlins that was supposed to start
this fall probably will have to wait for better economic times.

'Katy Sorensen, one of the commissioners of Florida's Miami-Dade County,
said she expects support for the $515 million Marlins ballpark to
dissipate. Florida's real-estate market is one of the hotspots in a
foreclosure crisis that helped to bring down several major banks and
spark a selling frenzy in global markets.

'Financing for the proposed stadium relies partly on bonds financed with
hotel and tourism taxes. Ms. Sorensen said in the current economy it
isn't clear whether the county would have enough money to cover the
debt.

'"Everybody is a little skittish right now," added Ms. Sorensen, who has
always opposed the project. "It's going to be a tough sell to the
public to approve something like this."

'The Marlins declined to comment. Bruno Barreiro, the county
commission's chairman and a supporter of the project, said he hopes to
submit a final deal for a vote in coming months, but he acknowledged
that securing financing for the project might take a while.

'"We have to wait until the market stabilizes," he said.' (wsj.com)

Both Leagues Battle

The Rays play at Boston this evening, and the Phillies perform in LA tonight.

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

If They Build It, CAN They Come?

Here's an overview of how our transportation system will remain incapable of supporting the new Marlins stadium.

NL Playoff Tonight

Philly plays in LA.

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

He Did It!

He didn't finish in first place, but Jeff Conine finished the 2.4-mile swim and 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in a time of 14:43:45. (RunnersWeb)

DID-YOU-KNOW?: Jeff is the first-ever MLB player to become an IRONMAN. (MLB)

AL Tonight

Josh Beckett vs. Scott Kazmir tonight.

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

Marlins Prospects Making Their Mark in the AFL

John Raynor hit for the cycle yesterday in the Solor Sox's win. (MLB)

And Todd Doolittle is blogging about his and other Marlins prospects' experiences out in Arizona. (AFLMarlins)

MORE: Mike Berardino talked with "Marlins scouting and development czar Jim Fleming" who says Raynor and Scott Cousins will be trying for the big leagues in the spring (and also that Matt Dominguez had some bone chips removed). (SunSentinel)

Conine Attempts to Become Ironman Today

(MiamiHerald)

Both Leagues Battle Tonight

It's the Dodgers at Philly today, and the Red Sox at Tampa tonight.

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

Back to the Playoffs

The Dodgers meet the Phillies in Philly.

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

Lotsa Parking

Siock prices, home prices, gas prices are falling. What's not falling? Anything to do with the new Marlins stadium. Latest news - a consultant reports the new stadium parking garage could cost 60 million dollars more than projected.

This probably goaded a City Commissioner to make sure the locals can still be allowed to park fans' cars on their lawns.

A Couple More Season Recaps

(MarlinsNation)

(LetsGoMarlins)

(FoxSports)

Conine To Hawaii To Be An Ironman

(SunSentinel)

The Future (Continued)

MLB's Marlins beat writer Joe Frisaro answers questions about the club's possible offseason moves. His sure bets are Nolsaco and Johnson returning, and Hendrickson not. (MLB)

More Scars

All the wishes in the world for a complete recovery for Misty May, who ruptured her Achilles tendon practicing for 'Dancing With The Stars', and who goes under the knife tomorrow. (seacoastonline.com)

AL Makes More Money For MLB

At least one more game for each series, as the Rays play this evening in Chicago, and the Angels play in Boston tonight.

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

RESULTS: LAnaheim and Chicago eliminated. NLCS starts Thursday, ALCS on Friday.

Financial Crisis Explained

As suspected, it involves the Yankees, Marlins, Mets, Rays, and of course Fidel. (DailyPress)

Marlins Stadium Talk

If you want to pay $22 to hear "a representative from the team" talk about "the cost, the funds and the legal challenges facing the facility they want to build" then the Ponce Development Association of Coral Gables is the scene you should inhabit. The Herald story announcing this meeting doesn't mention the day of the meeting but the association's website suggests it's today.

Marlins Speedily Re-Sign Helms

Wes joins Hanley in the multi-year contract club. (SunSentinel)

Bye Bye Cubbies

The Cubs went down with a whimper last night. Teams that could possibly suffer the same fate today are the Brewers this afternoon, the White Sox this evening, and the Angels tonight.

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

BYE-BYE-BREWERS: Phillies and Dodgers advance to NL Championship, AL still duking it out.

Indecision Update - The Sequel

Judge Cohen once again decides to wait until Los Supremos decide before she decides. (blogs.trb.com)

NL Playoffs Today

It could be curtains for the Brewers this evening and the Cubs later tonight.

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

AL Playoffs Today

White Sox and Rays this evening, Red Sox and Angels tonight.

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

Surprise! Stadium Construction Costs Going Up

Steel and concrete price have risen, the sale of bonds to help fund the parking garages is not assured, roads need improvements, and there's no funding for the toilets. (SoFlaBizJournal)

Arbitration Situation

This article lays out who's arbitration-eligible and who's a free agent and the Marlins' ideas to improve for next year. It also says that Justin Miller has been released. (MLB)

Dancing With the Scars

Matt Treanor goes under the knife "to repair three muscle tears in his left hip area". He should be healed by Spring Training, if the front office wants him back. (MLB)

More Playoffs

It's the White Sox at St. Petersburg this afternoon, the Brewers at Philly this evening, and the Dodgers playing in the last night-game holdout Wrigley Field with an 8:37 PM local starting time.

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

F-F-R: Counsell went 0-for-4 but knocked in a run. Juan Pierre went 0-for-1 but made it to first on an error and scored. D. Lee went 2-for-4 and scored a run, striking out once. Cliff Floyd struck out 3 times, going 0-3.

Unlucky 13?

(Edited) FROM THE CRACKED STAT DEPT: From 2003 to 2006 the Marlins had a win/loss record of 16-6 on games played on the 13th day of the month. Since the Fredi Gonzalez era started in 2007, though, the Fish have gone 2-8 in games played on the 13th.

More Roster Shrinkage

De Aza, Owens, Gardner, and Waechter are outrighted to AAA, and Nestor is picked up by the Phillies. (TealAndBlack)

POSSIBLY-MORE: JonnyLons reports that Gregg's contract has not been renewed. (MarlinsNation)

Video Of The Parade

(SunSentinel)

Your Vote Doesn't Count!

No, I'm not talking about the Presidential Election - after 2000 and 2004 the fact of that being a sham has been well established. I'm talking about an election with even greater potential to sour a young impressionable fan's first taste of participatory democracy - the Mascot Hall of Fame election. Sarah Talalay gives the sordid details. (blogs.trb.com)

Playoff Time

It's Milwaukee at Philadelphia this afternoon, Dodgers at Cubs this evening, and the Red Sox at LAnaheim tonight.

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

FORMER-FISH-REPORT: Craig Counsell went 1-for-2. D. Lee went 1-for-3 and walked once. Ryan Dempster pitched 4.2 innings, gave up 7 walks and 4 hits, one of those the grand slam which accounted for his 4 earned runs - he also struck out 2 and went 1-for-2 at the plate. Mike Lowell went 0-for-4 and struckout once.

Toronto Availability

Marlins senior vice-president of stadium development Claude Delorme's name is one of many being speculated upon as being in the running for the Blue Jays CEO job. (GlobeAndMail)

Definitely The Reg. Season's Last Game

The White Sox play Minnesota tonight for the AL Central Wild Card spot.

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

CORRECTION: This was not for the Wild Card but for the AL Central Championship. And the White Sox won!

Season Recaps!

(SunSentinel)

(PalmBeachPost)

(MiamiHerald)

(MLB)

(WaxHeaven)

(SeasonTicket)

(Fish@Bat)

(TheInfamousTatiana)

Off-Season Casualty No. 1

The Marlins release Sergio Mitre. (MLB)(SunSentinel)

Another Game

The White Sox play Detroit this afternoon to try and force a playoff tomorrow with the Twins.

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

The Future (Again)

'The Marlins have made it no secret that they intend to retool the roster, shedding power for improved defense, mobility and contact hitting.

'"I'd like to see the defense keep improving, maybe trade some of that power for some guys that get on base and create havoc," manager Fredi Gonzalez said before Sunday's game. "And more pitching. You can never have enough pitching. We've been talking about this since Day One."'(MiamiHerald)

Marlins Booed While Grabbing Dirt; Paul May Get Some Sleep; Wes May Get Cheese

Clubhouse comments and reactions after yesterday's victory. (SunSentinel)

Pictures From The Parade

(PalmBeachPost)(FishBytes)

The Fat Lady's Warming Up

If the rain goes away, the season ends today for the Fish and, they hope, for the Mets. The Marlins will strive to shut the old stadium down - no sense extending the agony.

A shout-out to Baseball-Reference.com for providing the info for these stats that I've been following since July.

The Fish since their beginning in 1993 are 6-6 in games on September 28, and the Mets in the same period are 6-7. The Marlins on Sept. 28 have won 3 of their last 5, the Mets 2 of their last 5. They faced each other twice before on Sept. 28; a Marlins win in 2003, and another Marlins win in 2007 against today's Mets pitcher, Oliver Perez.

In 2008 the Marlins are 6-6 in Sunday away games (losing 3 of their last 5), and the Mets are 8-6 in Sunday home games (losing 4 of their last 5). They met once already on Sunday at Shea this year, which was a Marlins win on August 10.

Oliver "3-0 with a 2.03 ERA in five starts versus the Marlins this season" Perez and Scott "0-3 with a 6.95 ERA in four starts versus the Mets this season" Olsen are today's starters. (Yahoo)

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

UPDATE: Hanley's out of the lineup. (PBPBlog)

LAAAAAAAAAA!!!!: Fish beat the Mets 4-2 and ends their season and shuts down their stadium.

The Season Climax

This is it for the Mets - losing this game would be tantamount to kissing the playoffs good-bye, which is something the Marlins would love to have happen.

The Powers That Be at FOX TV decided that Yankees-Red Sox would be a better draw than this game, so Mets-Marlins will be regional at 1:10 PM instead of national at 4 PM.

But then again, the nor'easter in New York and Tropical Storm Kyle heading towards Boston may make any scheduled start time more a possibility than a certainty. Check the radar here.

In games on September 27th the Marlins have won their last two and six of their last eight, while the Mets have won four of their last eight and have lost their last two. They played each other only once before on September 27, which was a Mets win in 2003.

Florida this year is 5-7 in Saturday road games and have lost their last three, including a game at Shea on August 8. The Mets this year are 6-6 in Saturday home games and have lost two of their last three.

The Marlins' best pitcher in his normal spot in the rotation starts against the Mets' best pitcher working on short rest. (BaseballMusings)

And if you're in New York, be sure to catch the Marlins rookies' hazing parade starting after the game on the subway from Shea to Manhattan and ending at the team's hotel 10 long blocks from Times Square. DVDs should be made available.

EDIT: Fixed Marlins' Sat. road record.

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

DAMN: Ricky only gave up 2 runs and struck out 10, but Santana did the the complete-game-shutout thing. The Mets are now tied with the losing Brewers for the Wild Card with one more game in the regular season left.

Flushing Water Woes

The weather in New York looks very iffy for the next 2 days. But unlike last night, these games against the Wild Card co-leader will be played, somehow, someday.

Both Florida and New York have won just 2 of their last 5 games played on September 26. Since 1993 on September 26, the Marlins are 6-9 and the Mets are 4-8. They played each other once on September 26, which was a Fish victory in 2003.

The Marlins are 7-5 in Friday road games, but one of those losses was against the Mets on August 8. The Mets are 6-4 in Friday home games, but they haven't played one since a loss on September 5.

Chris Volstad and Mike Pelfrey may take the mound tonight. (yahoo)

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

MARLINS-WIN: The Mets teeter on the edge of elimination and will start Johan tomorrow instead of Sunday.

Adios to D.C.

As The Government and the Candidates converge to solve our finances, the Marlins play one more game in our nation's capital and then skeedaddles out of town for the year.

The Marlins in their history are 6-5 on September 25 - the Nats in their history are 2-1. The Marlins played them as the Expos 3 times on this date, winning in 2002 and losing on 1997 and 1995.

This year the Fish are 3-6 in Thursday road games and the Nationals are 4-6 in Thursday home contests.

Anibal Sanchez and Collin Balester start tonight. (yahoo)

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

RAINOUT: And the game won't be made up, either.

More Fans in Stands = Less Wins

Last year the number of people attending games seemed to not affect whether the Marlins won or lost at home.

This year Sarah Talalay did the math...

I checked the team's home record for games before crowds of at least
25,000. Of the dozen games that met that mark, seven were losses,
including Opening Day and the final two home games of the season,
compared with five wins.

If you lower the measure to the 18 with crowds of at least 20,000, the
team's at .500 (9-9). So maybe the big crowds aren't the problem, since
the team's home record is 45-36 (or nine more wins than losses).

The games with crowds under 20000 had nine more wins than losses, while the ones with 20000 and above were at .500. Those are tough stats to build a marketing campaign around.

The Future

I know, we're all thinking ahead to the next fire sale, but we still have 5 games of this season left. So let's get to it, shall we?

Both the Marlins and Nats have won 3 of their last 6 September 24th games, although the Marlins are on a 3-game losing streak and the Nats have won their last 2. The Fish have beaten them (as the Expos) twice on Sept. 24th, in 1997 and 2002. In 2008 Florida is 7-4 in Wednesday road games, and Washington is 5-6 in Wednesday home games.

Josh Johnson vs. Tim Redding tonight. (MLB)

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

A-LITTLE-TOO-LATE: Cameron and Gaby stand out as the Fish win 9-4. Marlins now guaranteed an over-.500 season. (yahoo)

The Nashville Reds

As Craig reveals, only 2000 fans showed up for Cincinatti's final home game of the year.

Using Russ Smith's logic, then it's time now for MLB to end this failed 126-year experiment and ship the Reds out of Cincy.

Back to the Capital

The Marlins are 13-2 over the Nationals, and have not lost yet in Nationals Park, so far this year. But the two goofy stats I keep following suggest a even contest today. Both Florida and Washington/Montreal have lost 5 of their last 6 September 23rd games. Both Florida in Tuesday away games and Washington in Tuesday home games are 3-7 this year and have won 2 of their last 3.

Scott Olsen starts today against rookie Shairon Martis. (Yahoo)

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

NOT-EVEN-EVEN: The Dolphins and Hurricanes won't have no dirt infield to kick around anymore this year, as the Marlins lose 9-4 and the Mets beat the Cubs, cruising Florida right out of the playoffs.

Secret of Success? Keep 'Em Poor

This year's estimated payroll shows the Marlins paid almost 5 times the amount of money to injured players and players who don't play for the Marlins than they paid for "the first all 25-homer infield in history". (SunSentinel)

Indecision Update: The Continuing Saga

Judge Cohen, in the midst of actually making a final decision on Braman's case, decided to stop and wait before she officially announces her decision. (Blogs.trb.com)

From the Frying Pan Into the Cuisinart

The Marlins have signed a 2-year deal with the New Orleans Zephyrs to be their AAA team, thus allowing an improved flow of players, and hurricane survival stories, between the two leagues. (MLB)

Cincinatti Shuffle

Magic Number 1 for elimination in the NL East race, Magic Number 3 for elimination in the Wild card race, and if that ain't enough, now the Marlins have to play a make-up game in Great American Ballpark, where they haven't won a game since April of 2006.

On September 22nd, the Marlins are 5-5 and the Reds are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Fish are 5-3 in Monday road games but one of those losses is at Cincinatti. The Reds are 4-6 in Monday home games this year.

Ricky Nolasco verses Aaron Harang this afternoon. (MLB)

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

SHUFFLE-OFF: Fish lose 7-5, have no possibility of winning the division, and are just hanging by their two pinky-nails onto the Wild card race. (FOX!)

Some Catchup

Here's some news from the past week...

The Florida Supreme Court says public referendums are not needed for communities to issue bonds for big projects, scuttling Braman's last outstanding argument against the MegaPlan. (FishStripes)

The team is looking for a new AAA home. (FishStripes)

And they're getting a new Double-A affiliate too. (FishStripes)

And the Fish keep setting new records. (FishStripes)

Come Back, Mojo!

Okay, I'm writing this last night and having it post this morning - hopefully that will make the mojo happy and return to the team.

September 21st isn't a banner day in Marlins history (so far). Since 1993 they have a win-loss record of 5-9 on that day, losing 4 of the last 5 games. The Phillies on 9/21 enjoy a 10-4 record since '93 and have won the last 3 games. The Fish and Phillies have faced each other 4 times on September 21st, and Philadelphia has won all 4 games.

On the other hand the Marlins are 8-5 in Sunday home games this year, while the Phils are 6-7 in Sunday road games - although Philly has won of 4 their last 5 (just after the Marlins beat them on July 20).

<-----Click the links harder this time.

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

NO-JO: Fish lose 5-2. Back to normal bloging tomorrow.

A Plea

(Oh Great Mojo God, please forgive me and the team for not writing this last night to be posted today. Please understand that we were at the game last night and the great win and great weather had us celebrating far past midnight. We beseech you, thank you, amen.)

Both teams have won their last two September 20th games. Since 1993 the Marlins are 7-6 and the Phils are 5-6 on September 20 (the amount discrepancy comes from a Marlins double-header and an extra Phillies day off). The Fish and Phillies played each other twice on this date, in 1993 and 1995, and are 1-1.

The Phillies this year are also 5-6 in Saturday road games (including a loss to the Marlins on July 19), while the Fish have been 9-2 in Super Saturday home games.

Lou Gramm, Foreigner lead singer and one-time back-up vocalist to Tina Arena, is the Super Saturday show tonight.

Look to the links for news.

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

The Voice From Yesterday

Again I post this from last night - who knows, it hopefully may be keeping the mojo gods happy.

Philly comes to town for three games. Don't be surprised at the incongruous sight of Mets fans piling into the stadium to cheer for the Marlins.

As for the teams' histories on September 19th, the Marlins have lost in 5 of the last 6 years while the Phillies have won 4 of their last 6. They have only met once before on September 19th, which was a Marlins win in 1995.

In 2008 Florida has a 4-8 record in Friday home games, while the Phillies have a 7-5 record in Friday road games.

Check those links, I'm telling you.

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

Keep It Going

The Fish have won 2 of their last 7 September 18th games, while the Astros have won 6 of their last 7 (that one loss was last year).

Florida has the same win/loss record for Thursday home games this year as Houston has for Thursday road games - 3-5.

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

Disconnected

I've been back, but something positive's going on here, so I pre-sent this post last night to be posted today, with the usual stuff that I've been doing and not been doing, in the hope to try and keep the pattern going.

Since their first year in 1993 the Marlins are 7-7 in September 17th games, although they have lost the last four. Houston in that same time are 6-6, but have lost their last two 9/17 games.

The Marlins in Wednesday home games this year have a record of 7-5, but the last seven of them have gone like this...W-L-W-L-W-L-W. Houston again are 6-6 in Wednesday away games.

<-----And those links still need checking.

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I Should Be Back, But...

...I posting this as of last week anyway. I have no idea what happened to Houston during Huricane Ike. I know that at least 2 games of the Cubs series was cancelled, but that's the extent of my archaic knowledge. The Astros were supposed to begin a series in Miami tonight, so I'll act as if they are still going to do so. The Marlins have lost 4 of their last 6 September 16th games, while the Astros on that date have won 5 of their last six. In 2008 the Fish have a 7-5 Tuesday home record while Houston has a 5-6 tuesday road record.

Keep checking the links.

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Monday From the Past

This is scheduled to be the last day off for the Marlins this season. I'm still writing this post from last Thursday, so maybe they're playing a game today for some reason or another, I don't know. Just for the heck of it, the Fish have a 4-9 record in their history on September 15th. Keep checking the links for more news and scores.

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