Friday, October 31, 2008

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)

Thursday, October 30, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

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)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

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.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

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)

Friday, October 24, 2008

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)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

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)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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)

Monday, October 20, 2008

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)

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Thursday, October 16, 2008

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)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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)

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

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)

Monday, October 13, 2008

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.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

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)

Saturday, October 11, 2008

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)

Friday, October 10, 2008

Thursday, October 09, 2008

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.

Monday, October 06, 2008

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)

Sunday, October 05, 2008

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.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

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)

Friday, October 03, 2008

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)

Thursday, October 02, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

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)