Thursday, April 30, 2009

To the North Side

The Marlins go to rainy Chicago for a 4-gamer. Volstad and Sean Marshall are the starters.

The Cubs won last year after losing 7 straight April 30 games. The Marlins are 2-2 in their last 4 April 30th games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

OKAY!: Alfredo saves the game and starts the rally that wins the game, 8-2.

Some News

Adios Logan! Kensing goes to the Nats for prospect Kyle Gunderson. (MLB)

Volstad's a fan of Wrigley Field, but not Hanley.

Jeff Allison's got his edge back. (MLB)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Pitcher's Duel Redux

It's a 1:10 PM start for today's rubber game. Johan and Josh do the rematch thing. Josh wants a good first inning.

In games played on April 29 the Marlins are on a three-game losing streak and the Mets are on a three-game winning streak.

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TWO-FOR-TWO: Cody and Jorge do the damage as the Marlins win 4-3.

More Wants

Hanley and Andrew want the pain to go away, and Jorge and Alfredo want their families to be safe. (MiamiHerald)

Club MLB wants kids to e-mail questions to Cameron. (MLB)

John Baker wants today's crossword puzzle. (MLB)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday in Flushing

After winning 7 in a row the Fish have now lost 7 in a row. Tonight it's Ricky vs. Livan again.

The Marlins have won 2-of-their-last-3 April 28th games (after losing 6 April 28's in a row). The Mets have won their last 2, and 4-of-their-last-5, April 28 games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

GREAT: Time for the next 7 wins as Cantu defeats the Mets 7-4.

Observations

Hanley's not broke, but he's swollen. (FishBytes)

While entirely blaming himself, Nolasco's believes poor pitch selection to be the cause of his troubles, which is sounding consistent with Alex Carver's rant over John Baker's pitch calling.

Soon you can see the stadium live before it even exists. (MLB)

Monday, April 27, 2009

On The Road Again

The Fish play their first-ever series in Citi Field this week. Anibal and John Maine are the starters tonight.

The Mets and Marlins both won on April 27, 2008. The Mets and Marlins both lost on April 27, 2007. The Mets and Marlins both had the day off on April 27, 2006.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

A Few Notes

Here's some up-close-and-personal with Burke. (ToledoBlade)

Matt Treanor is on the DL and may have surgery. (freep.com)

The Herald and Marlins "are co-sponsoring the Team Player spotlight". (MiamiHerald)

Meanwhile one of the Herald's Marlins writers, Mike Phillips, was one of many laid off from the Herald last week. (BrowardNewTimes)

Oh yeah, and this guy discovers Jeffrey "is the very definition of scum". (opensports.com)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sweep??????????????

Logan gets DFA, and Graham Taylor comes in to start today's game.

The Phillies will transport to the mound Old Man Moyer.

The Marlins lost last year after winning 4 April 26th games in a row. The Phillies have gone L-W-L-W-L-W in their last 6 April 26th games, winning last year.

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SWEPT-AGAIN: It's tough when the highlight of the game is Cody pitching the ninth - Marlins lose 6th-in-a-row, by the score of 13-2.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

On With The Show

The Fish and Phils are the opening act for the Albita concert tonight. Chris Volstad and Chan Ho Park start.

The Marlins' and Phillies records in past April 25th games are similar; after losing 4 out of 5, both teams are now on 2-game winning streaks.

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LOUSY: This time Leo and Logan let the lead lanquish - Marlins lose 6-4.

Lines on Last Night's 9th

Most of the finger-pointing is aimed at Fredi. "boteman" in FishStripes, though, sees it as a (edit) move of Fredi's to make plain what he's stuck with.

"As I watched the Marlins' lead fizzle before my eyes, it became clear to me that Fredi was watching Lindstrom intently to see how he would react under this pressure...

"Mitch Williams on MLBN stated flat out last night: 'Lindstrom has no movement on his pitches. It's one thing to throw a fastball in the high 90s, but if it's flat, its hittable.'

"How true. Oh how painfully true.

"I must, therefore, conclude that Fredi saw this and decided to give Lindstrom enough rope to hang himself, which he did brilliantly.

"Now the question is what to do with the hanging corpse."

---------------------------------

Non-Marlins fan Luke Kohler gives out the traditional dissonant wisdom..

"You get what you deserve and the Marlins deserved to lose this game with their ninth inning management. Simple as this: When a guy has walked three people, given up a double and allowed two runs to score YOU TAKE HIM OUT OF THE GAME! There is no discussion here. He clearly was not going to get Victorino out, so why leave him in. They had a lefty warmed up in the bullpen, but apparently, until the save is officially blown, it is illegal to remove a closer.

"I am not a Marlins fan, but it pisses me off to no end to see some of the ridiculous 'managing' that gets pulled in Major League Baseball games."

---------------------------------

Alex Carver, after dissing John Baker for his pitch calling, brings it back to the man again...

"I'm all for a manager having confidence in a guy and for a catcher having enough confidence in a guy's fastball to call it 19 straight times but when it's not working, something needs to change. Right now, I'm only holding Lindstrom 33% accountable for his struggles. In his next outing, I want to see a lot more offspeed stuff. If he still can't get three outs then, that's when the Leo Nunez era needs to begin."

---------------------------------

Fredi, like the way he stuck with Matt last night, is sticking with Matt as closer for the forseeable future...

-- "We've got to give Matty an opportunity to close out ballgames. It's a young season and it's a good learning experience for him."

-- "We need him to get right and run him back out there."

-- "I'm not worried about him. I think this is one of those situations where you got to keep giving him the ball."

Sunday's Mystery Starter Will Be...

...Graham Taylor. (FishBytes)

Friday, April 24, 2009

The Phillies Arrive

The Marlins play a 3-game homestand with Philadelphia this weekend. It's Brett Myers against Josh Johnson tonight.

In April 24th games the Marlins are in a 4-game losing streak, and the Phillies are in a 3-game winning streak.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

MORE-LOSING: Lindstrom does his late 2008 Kevin Gregg impression and spectacularly gives up a 3-run lead in the 9th inning. Marlins lose 7-3.

Some Stories

More procedural: The Miami commission approves the site plans for the stadium, and finds a way to slip the parking garage's architect some money without dipping into the General Fund. (MiamiHerald)

Samson tells Jayson Stark that there will be no more fire sales. (ESPN)

With Alfredo's words of wisdom, Cameron tries to deal with batting eighth in the lineup. (SunSentinel)

EDIT: RotoTimes (not Rotoworld) does an in-depth analysis of Jeremy's record and projects his future. (RotoTimes)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Travel Day

No Marlins game today, but Philly plays Milwaukee and the Mets are in St. Louis.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Information-oids

Badenhop stays in the pen, mystery pitcher will start on Sunday. (PBPost)

Cantu's hand just bruised, will probably play Saturday. (PBPost)

Wes Helms has a black belt in kickboxing, and wishes he were a Navy Seal. (SunSentinel)

Uggla's in an ugly 0-for-21 slump. (MLB)

Forbes magazine officially determines that Jeffrey got the Marlins for free. (Forbes)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Sweep??????

The Fish try to extract a win from PNC Park on what looks like a chilly afternoon. Paul Maholm and Ricky Nolasco are the starters.

Pittsburgh beat the Marlins last year, breaking the Marlins' 5-game win streak on April 22nds. The Pirates now have a 2-game April 22 win streak running.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

SWEPT: Fish get beat by Bucs 7-4.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Game 2 With the Bucs

Anibal and Jeff Karstens do battle.

The Marlins beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh last year on April 21. In April 21 games the Marlins are on a 3-game win streak and the Bucs are on a 3-game losing streak.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

MORE-DESTREAKING: Fish lose 3-2.

Wow, That Was Quick

I thought at least they would have broke ground first....

"Miami's contribution to the $634 million overall ballpark plan - including $94 million for parking facilities - was to be bankrolled through the issuance of bonds, with the debt to be paid off with hotel bed taxes, commissioners were promised.

"City officials now say they need $9 million from reserves in the general fund to jump-start the design and construction of the garages and parking lots in Little Havana, where the Marlins plan to open the ballpark in 2012." (MiamiHerald)

UPDATE: Maima Commissioner Joe Sanchez squelches the move. (MiamiHerald)

Andrew on DL

He supposedly strained his oblique pitching in relief April 11; Burke Badenhop has been recalled. (seattlepi)

Monday, April 20, 2009

Steel City Showdown

The Marlins take their 11-1 record and 7-game win streak to PNC Park to face the Pirates.

Pittsburgh has a pretty good pitching staff too (at least until yesterday). Andrew Miller and Ross Ohlendorf are the starters.

The Marlins have won 3 of their last 4 April 20th games, while the Pirates are on an April 20 4-game losing streak.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

STREAK-TO-A-HALT: That Pittsburgh pitching staff allowed the Marlins only two hits, as the Pirates cream the Fish 8-0 in front of a "Marlins should move out of Florida"-sized crowd.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday Sweep??

The "unstoppable" Marlins go for the sweep in D.C., starting at 1:35 PM ET

Chris Volstad and Daniel Cabrera are the starters.

The Marlins in their last eight April 19th games have a 4-4 record, but three of those four wins have been against the Nationals/Expos - in 2001, 2005 and 2008. The Nats in their last eight games on April 19 have a 3-5 record, and are on a 5-game losing streak.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

WOWER! Cody does the heroics today as the Fish sweep. (Yahoo)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Afternoon Delight

Looks like it'll be a beautiful spring day in D.C. today for the second game in the Nats/Marlins series there.

As related before, it will be Scott and Josh pitching today, and not these guys.

The Marlins are on a 2-game losing streak in April 18 games, the last loss being against the Nats last year. The Nats, including last year, are on a 3-game win streak on April 18's (after losing to the Fish in 2005).

BREAKING-NEWS: Cody gives back the powerful Skoal can to the slumping Hanley. Let's see if it works.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

WOW!: Just when it seemed lost Jeremy homers to tie in the 9th, and homers again in the 11th. Marlins win 9-6.

Friday, April 17, 2009

D.C. Series

The Fish play the first of three games tonight in Washington. Nolasco and Lannan are the starters.

Florida is on a 3-game losing streak, and Washington is on a 2-game losing streak, on April 17.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BEST-START-EVER!: Cody ties it up, and Jeremy put them ahead as the Marlins win 3-2.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

News Bits

(New Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium owner) Stephen Ross and the Marlins haven't yet discussed a 2011 lease, but Ross seems agreeable - "They're a utility like we are. You have to respect that. We're not going to squeeze them or anything." (blogs.trb.com)

Joe Nelson likes the feel of the Trop, and Rays fans like the fact that he hasn't given up any runs yet. (MLB)

Tobacco-free Skoal can saves Cody's can. (FishBytes)

Sweep?

Baseball's best 7-1 Marlins go for their first-ever 3-game sweep of the Braves in Atlanta, according to this article.

Anibal Sanchez and Kenshin Kawakami are the starters.

The Marlins and Braves have both lost 4 of their last 5 April 16th games, but they did it differently. The Marlins beat the Braves last year after losing 4 April 16 games in a row. The Braves are on a 4-game losing streak on April 16 since beating the Marlins in 2004.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

DRINK-IT-IN: Marlins win 6-2, matching their best start ever, sweeping the Braves in Atlanta for 3-games for the first time, still not allowing a steal, and Cody finally hits a homer, (Yahoo)

The Stuff Rolls In...

Those wondering if Emilio is for real may be intereested to hear that Bonifacio has won "Sports Weekly's annual Tuffy Award, which is named for former Chicago Cubs outfielder Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes, who caused quite a stir when he hit three home runs off Dwight Gooden on opening day in 1994... then managed but five more the rest of the season." (USAToday)

The pitching's been good for Jacksonville too - "For the fourth consecutive game, a Suns starter threw six scoreless innings" (Jacksonville.com)

The Fish do not scout the Pacific Rim. (SunSentinel)

Jayson Stark discovers that the Marlins did something earlier this week that has never been done by any other MLB team at least since 1954. (ESPN)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tax Day Game

The Marlins are back all alone on the top of the NL East standings.

Today Andrew Miller makes his first start of the year against Derek Lowe.

The Braves and Marlins played each other the last two April 15ths, and split the pair 1-1. Last year's Marlins win broke a 3-game April 15 losing streak, and conversely last year's Atlanta loss broke their 3-game win streak on 4/15's.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

MORE!: Danny and the bullpen combine to shine as the Fish win 10-4. (Yahoo)

Some News-oids

Fidrych’s main catcher was the Marlins' 1997 bullpen coach. (telegram.com)

Last night was the first time Chipper's been kept off the bases against the Marlins since Aug. 20, 2006. (SunSentinel)

Tankersley's finally getting that broken arm fixed. (SunSentinel)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Schedule Adjustment

Now that the Dolphins have released their 2009 schedule, the Marlins have to make changes to accomodate them, as the Fish are the second-class tenants at what was once known as P.P. Park. The Dolphins' Monday night national cablecast on Sept. 21 will force that date's scheduled Marlins game with the Phillies to July 16, reducing their All-Star break to 3 days.

Historically July 16 doesn't look so great. The Marlins have lost 4 of their last 5 July 16th games, while the Phillies have won 4 of their last 5 on that date (one of those games was against each other, won by the Phils in 2005). They both lost their most-recent July 16th game. if that's any consolation.

But that's okay, since September 21 may actually be worse for the Fish. In their last 9 Sept. 21st games, the Marlins' record is 2-7 and the Phillies' record is 8-1. They played each other 3 times in that span - in 2001, 2004, and 2008 - and those were all Fish losses.

So maybe the Dolphins have changed something terrible for the Marlins into something merely bad. That's what good neighbors are for.

First, Longest Road Trip Starts Today

The Marlins slide into Turner Field, where they haven't done too well of late. Chris Volstad starts against the Braves' Javier Vazquez.

The Marlins and Braves have the exact same record for the past 5 April 14ths - each had 2 wins and 3 days off.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

ALRIGHT: Volstad and the Marlins beat the Braves 5-1.

Updates

Josh Johnson is the NL Player of the Week. (MLB)

Brad Penny sells his South Florida house. (BlockShopper)

Logan gets injured. (FishStripes)

Now that the Marlins are on the road for 9 games, the deficiencies of the relief staff may become more evident. (MiamiHerald)

Monday, April 13, 2009

Breather

The Marlins have the day off, but tonight the Mets open Citi Field against the Padres and the Phillies play in Washington.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Another New Blog

Try out the Marlins Die-Hards.

First Rubber Game of 2009

Pitching-wise you can't ask for a better matchup - Johan Santana vs. Josh Johnson.

The Fish are on a two-game losing streak in April 12 games after winning two-in-a-row, while the Mets lost last April 12th after winning three April 12 games in a row.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

AS-ADVERTISED: Great pitching duel hinged on a Mets error - Marlins win 2-1.

Much News

Amezaga returns today, Andy sent down to AAA. (MLB)

The Marlins are taking it easy with Lindstrom, and Proctor may not be back until June. (PBPost)

Cantu's hand stiffens, Helms starts today. (PBPost)

McPherson signs a minors deal with the Giants. (mlb)

The "Marlins are among the teams pursuing Rockies right-hander Juan Morillo". (SunSentinel)

The Fish have a new bullpen catcher. (PBPost)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

TOP OF THE WORLD

Not only have the Fish gone 4-0 for the first time in their history, they are now the only unbeaten team in the majors.

At least one person out there loves the Marlins. Of course there's also someone who has a problem with the Marlins.

Livan 'I love you Miami' Hernandez and Ricky Nolasco are the starters some time after 6 tonight, although a shower has aleady hit the area and some others are headed in the stadium's direction.

The Marlins won on April 11 last year after losing three April 11's in a row. The Mets have won 4 of their last 5 April 11th games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

PLOP: Marlins lose 8-4.

Friday, April 10, 2009

From the Heights

The Marlins are on top of the NL East this morning, leading by a half-game over the Braves and Mets.

The Mets come to town - John Maine and Anibal Sanchez are the starters

The Mets have played only 2 games in the last 4 years on April 10, but they won both of them. The Marlins have won 4 of their last 5 April 10 games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

JORGE-CAN-DO!: Cantu brings in Emilio with 2 outs in the 9th to win the game 5-4.

Minor News

The Suns win their first game as an affiliate of the Marlins. (Jacksonville.com)

Amezaga went 1-for-3 but the Hammerheads lose. (MLB)

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Day Off

The Fish wait a day for the Mets to come to town. The Mets play a day game in Cincinatti today. The Mets are on a 3-game win streak in April 9 games, while the Reds have lost 3 of their last 4 April 9 games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

OOPS: Forgot to mention that the one-game-out-of-four the Reds won was last year. Now they are on a 2-game April 9 win streak as they beat the Mets 8-6.

Wrap-Up

Jorge's hand is not broken, says Mr. X-Ray. (SunSentinel)

Kiko's been impressive so far, as has Emilio. (MiamiHerald)

Carroll's catch saves the game - "If you catch it, great. If you don't, you look like the idiot." (PalmBeachPost)

This 'hero seamstress' had stitched a Marlins logo onto her prom dress. (nbcmiami)

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Pre-Passover Party

The Fish finish their series against Washington today with a 12:10 PM start. Daniel Cabrera and Chris Volstad are the starters.

Volstad hopes to improve his home record, now that someone has told him about it.

On April 8 the Marlins are on a 3-game win streak, while the Nats have lost 4 of their last 5 April 8 games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Stand By For News...

County commissioners vote to officialy go into debt to pay for Jeffrey's stadium. (MiamiHerald)

Meanwhile, Jeffrey donates a large blue head to the Smithsonian. (WashingtonTimes)

The Jacksonville Suns start their season tomorrow. (Jacksonville.com)

Jeff Allison stays in Jupiter. (SalemNews)

And Alfredo will play in Jupiter for a few games. (PalmBeachPost)

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Olsen and Johnson

No, not the old comedy team...those are tonight's pitchers.

In April 7 games the Marlins are on a 2-game win streak, and the Nats are on a 3-game losing streak.

Also tonight the Braves play the Phillies. On April 7 the Braves have won 6 of their last 7 games while the Phils have lost 3 of their last 4.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

HA-HA!: Fish win 8-3. Braves beat Phils.

Rare Sight

Fans at yesterday's game saw two events that happen together, on average, about once every half-century or so. (SunSentinelBlog)

Monday, April 06, 2009

Are They Ready?

The Marlins start their 2009 campagn in Miami Gardens this afternoon, playing against the Nationals.

Besides the potential of the young pitchers, the big question seems to be whether Bonifacio should be batting leadoff in place of Maybin. David Pinto projects that the Marlins will give up one win this year with Emilio at leadoff, and the discussion is spirited at FishStripes.

It'll be John Lannan and Ricky Nolasco on the mound starting at 4:10 today. Both the Nats and Fish have lost their last three games played on an April 6.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

YES!: Bonifacio puts on a show as the Marlins win 12-6. (PBPost)

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Baseball's Back

The Phillies and Braves started the season tonight. Just click on one of the links below for the updated score.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

See 'Em While They're Free

The Marlins workout session at the stadium today is free to the public. It starts at 2:30 PM. (FishStripes)

Friday, April 03, 2009

Some Blips

Brett Carroll: "I learned not to think you can control things that you can't control." (KnoxNews)

Willie Glen get his chance to show his stuff. (OurSportsCentral)

Josh Johnson has the changeup working. (MiamiHerald)

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Gload-Penn

The Marlins send Robert Andino to the Orioles for Hayden Penn, and will be sending a player to Kansas City for Ross Gload.

'Andino and Penn are out of minor league options. All but nine of Penn's 123 professional appearances have been as a starter. The Marlins have three Grapefruit League games left to determine whether they'll carry him in the bullpen or more than likely attempt to slip him through waivers and insert him into the Triple-A New Orleans rotation.

'Penn went from being the Orioles' 2004 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and making his major league debut at age 20 the following season to facing several injuries and missteps that leveled off his ascent.

'The Marlins have liked Penn for several years. In 2005, when former Orioles pitching coach Mark Wiley joined the Marlins in the same capacity, he advised the front office to acquire Penn if the opportunity ever presented itself. Later that season, Penn's name was bandied about when the Marlins and Orioles discussed a possible A.J. Burnett trade.

'"I thought he was the best starting prospect they had in the minor leagues," Wiley said. "He got called up probably before he should have been up. Sometimes that happens and you get on the clock sooner than you should. The other day he threw against us and his stuff looked good and crisp."

'Penn, 24, is 0-3 with a 10.06 ERA in 17 Grapefruit League innings and could not beat out guys like Adam Eaton, Mark Hendrickson and Alfredo Simon for a rotation spot.

'Gload replaces Dallas McPherson, who the Marlins released after Tuesday night's game. President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest said the Marlins and Royals consummated the deal Tuesday but had to await commissioner's office approval because of the money involved in the transaction.

'The Royals are sending $1.5 million, which covers all but $400,000 of Gload's 2009 salary. Gload, who turns 33 on Sunday, is in the second season of a two-year deal. The contract includes a 2010 club option for $2.6 million with no buyout.

'A career .287 hitter in parts of seven seasons, Gload has a lifetime .300 average (27 for 90) as a pinch hitter and .319 mark (91 for 285) with runners in scoring position. Though he has totaled 720 more turns against right-handers, his career on-base plus slugging percentage against them is just three points lower (.737) than off lefties.

'A product of the University of South Florida, Gload was the Marlins' 13th-round draft pick in 1997. He was part of the 2000 trade deadline deal for Henry Rodriguez.' (SunSentinel)

More Approval

Miami's Planning Advisory Board approved the Marlins ballpark. A couple more notes of its design were revealed.

"The park's left center-field area, which faces downtown Miami's skyline, will have a clear surface so fans inside the stadium can see out -- and fans outside can see in."

"The team hopes to have a water taxi transport service on game days, and the parking garages could be lined with windows and overhangs outside retail developments and apartments."

"There will be space for 5,809 cars, and the stadium's retractable roof -- three pieces that roll to one side to cover the Grand Plaza -- will sky to 269 feet." (MiamiHerald)

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Spring Cleaning

"The Marlins infield picture got a lot clearer Tuesday when the team optioned first baseman Gaby Sanchez to Triple A New Orleans and first baseman/third baseman Dallas McPherson was released.

"Florida also sent right-hander Burke Badenhop to New Orleans and reassigned outfielders Alejandro De Aza and Mike Ryan and pitcher John Koronka to minor-league camp.

"With Sanchez's demotion and McPherson's release, Emilio Bonifacio has won the starting third base job and Jorge Cantu, who started most of his games at third last season, will be the starting first baseman." (MiamiHerald)

"Koronka had a 3.38 ERA to Dan Meyer's 5.79 mark, but it's Meyer who is going to make the team. Neither was a very good bet as a second lefty in the pen anyway. With De Aza and Ryan gone, it looks like Brett Carroll will be the Marlins' fourth outfielder." (Rotoworld)

"With McPherson, De Aza and Ryan out of the out of the picture, the Marlins will not have a left-handed bat off the bench until the switch-hitting Alfredo Amezaga is ready to come back from a sprained knee." (SunSentinel)

"The Marlins continue to be in the market for a left-handed bat off the bench. A possible option could be Geoff Jenkins, who was released by the Phillies on Tuesday." (MLB)