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)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
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.
Friday, November 28, 2008
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)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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."'
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."'
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, November 21, 2008
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)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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)
'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)
"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)
Monday, November 17, 2008
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)
"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)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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)
Friday, November 14, 2008
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)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Bye Bye Kevin
Gregg traded to Cubs for fireballing Minor League pitcher Jose Ceda.
This link has his stats...
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)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
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)
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)
Sunday, November 09, 2008
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)
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)
Saturday, November 08, 2008
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)
Friday, November 07, 2008
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)
And the Cubs have shown some interest in Jeremy Hermida. (ChicagoTribune)
Thursday, November 06, 2008
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.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
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)
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)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
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)
'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)
Monday, November 03, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
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
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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)
"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)
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