Danny Wins Arbitration

Uggla will get almost a million more than the Marlins wanted, and over 12 times more than last year. (SunSentinel)

Ballpark Day in South Florida

Not only is today the day for the two votes for or against the Marlins stadium, but it's also the day that the University of Miami dedicates their new baseball complex to Miamian and newly-crowned 'Mr. Steroid for 2009', Alex Rodriguez.

Thots For Today

The Herald tries to compare MLB baseball stadium deals since 2000, and rates the Marlins deal somewhere in the middle.

Shockingly, given its downbeat stories this past week, the Herald's editorial board urges approving the Marlins stadium.

Danny makes his case, while Fredi decides on his lineup.

Financing Follies

County Mayor Carlos Alverez humbly asks the commissioners on the stage of the Jackie Gleason Theater to vote for the stadium that could possibly cost the county around a billion dollars.

Alverez touts the economic impact of the Marlins, something the town they currently play in hasn't seen much of.

H. Wayne saw a negative impact on his balance sheet when he dismantled the '97 championship team, a decision he now regrets doing (join the club Mr. Moneybags).

More FanFest Stuff

It was "the largest single-day (of) ticket sales in Marlins history". (MLB)

Check LadyFish's FanShots of the FanFest. (FishStripes)

The Infamous Tatiana wielded an impressive bat. (InfamousTatiana)

No Mas!

First supporters of the old convention center, and now builders of the new symphony hall, think the stadium will suck up all the remaining tourist tax dollars. (MiamiHerald)

FanFest - More Shots

Time to feed the fish.

This is just one of the memorabilia tables.

These commemorative colas from 12-or-more years ago sold for less than the ones over at the refreshment stand.

Jai-alai, anyone?

Along with the '97 and '03 trophies, they presented the WBC championship trophy.

FanFest - Celebrities

Dallas McPherson signs things for the fans. (Glenn Geffner's on the left with the headset.)

The Jiffy Lube mascot prepares for a slippery swing.

Billy performs some phrenology on an innocent Royals fan.

Tony Perez at the tables with Logan and Ricky.

Dave Van Horne seems to believe our intrepid photographer needs deodorant.

FanFest - Town Hall Meeting

The crowd formed in the club section for the 2 o'clock meeting.


Left to right: Dan Uggla, Iron Mite, Fredi, Larry, Carlos Tosca, John Baker, Trader Jack and Josh Johnson. That's Dave Van Horne in blue in front of the table.

FanFest - On the Field

Here's what the field looked like, from the home plate side. No Monster Truck Rally could stop this.


The major feature of the day was the line, something anyone had to get into to do anything on the field.


There were of course batting cages (that's Zach Kroenke pitching)...


and pitching cages...


...and more frightening inflatables.

Fanfest Photos - Outside the Stadium

It was a cool, cloudy breezy Saturday. This is overlooking the VIP parking lot, and it's about 1 pm.

The ticket-buying crowd thinned out by that time.

This threatening presence faced fans as they entered the field.

FanFest Photos Coming...

...when I figure out how to do it.

Its FanFest Time

Go there today. Craig leads you to all the info. (FishStripes)

Beach Ballpark Bingo

The Miami Beach Mayor wants the Marlins stadium money to refurbish the Convention Center so that more tourist tax money will come in to fund the stadium. (MiamiHerald)

Catching Catchers

The Marlins nudge towards Pudge, but if he's at too high a cost, then Coste (if the Phils cast him off). Meanwhile Dan flies high to Phoenix to arbitrate his cost. (SunSentinel)

Good News, Bad News

Possible good news?: Dan Uggla is happy with the Marlins, no matter what his agent says.

Possible bad news?: the Miami Times continues its war against the stadium, with opinion writer Michael Lewis pointing out nasty consequences for the city and county embedded in the agreements, and a notice promoting a protest of the stadium next week.

Not-Better Living Through Chemistry

Another Marlins minor-leaguer is suspended because of steroids, even as new Marlin Jay Gibbons continues to try to put the steroid issue behind him.

In other new-Marlin news, Scott Proctor refuses to talk about Torre's book.

Marlins Musings

David Samson says he will "spend the better part of the next two weeks meeting with City of Miami and Miami-Dade County commissioners promoting the ballpark plan." (Let's hope he shows the commissioners the understanding, conciliatory Samson and not the crass, emotionally-stunted, evil Samson.) (SunSentinel)

Samson says season-ticket renewal rates are up, but new season-ticket sales are down. And he's hoping WBC ticket sales will pick up. (blogs.trb.com)

Samson says no long-term deals for players even if the team gets their long-term deal for a stadium. (SunSentinel)

Larry Beinfest wonders if the defense will improve this year. And he's hoping for a healthy Rabelo. And Anibal definitely will not pitch in the WBC. (MiamiHerald)

15 Marlins spring games will be on the radio, and 2 spring games will be televised. (MLB)

"Marlins Chatter"

Barry Jackson reports, among other things, that the Marlins feel good about their pitching and outfield, that Andrew's delivery is being changed "quite a bit", and that Anibal's arm strength shows "a big difference". No talk about their catching, though. (MiamiHerald)

Where's the Money?

The Herald expectedly figures that, even though the county now has a surplus of hotel-tax revenues, the stadium financing plan will be depending on hotel-taxes that may not be there in the future because of the collapsing economy. Commissiners Sorenson and Gimenez continue to be against the plan. (MiamiHerald)

A Few Sunday Notices

Randy Messenger was re-signed by the Mariners after being waived by them earlier in the week. (SeattlePI)

Alex Carver makes the case for the Marlins getting Griffey. (MarlinsToday)

Gamefish takes on the people dissing the stadium design, and sees the bigger picture. (HookLineDrive&Sinker)

The Marlins are one of 8 teams that are not scheduled to appear on national TV broadcasts this year. (BaseballMusings)

Quantity Over Quality

This is the three-thousandth post of this blog. (I spelled it out instead of typing '3000' because it looks more impressive.)

I know, I know...the way I blog I could've had 30,000, as my posts are usually just a headline, a blurb, and a link.

I tip my hat to those bloggers who can day in and out can write long and thoughtful and witty posts on the happenings of the Marlins. It takes me sometimes hours to come up with the two or three scraggly lines I do, with my wife in back of me insisting all the while that I'm still spending too much time on this thing.

Oh, well; time for No. 3001.

Let's Get This Party Started

The Oil-Change Caravan gets on the road this coming week. The Marlins will be visiting Jiffy Lubes and radio stations, the Seaquarium and Habitat for Humanity, a Heat and a Panthers game, a Cuban joint in Little Havana and a sports bar in Jupiter. They'll play wiffle ball at the Orange Bowl site, and golf at their Celebrity Classic. They'll be public and private events leading up to the stadium on Saturday. (PalmBeachPost)

Fans will be waiting at the stadium in the brutal Miami sun two hours longer this year to buy tickets, as ticket sales and the FanFest starts at the are-they-trying-to-give-us-skin-cancer time of 12 noon. It may be interesting to see how the field will look after this weekend's Monster Truck Rally. (MLB)

One thing these notices told me that I didn't know before is that it seems the Marlins have a new Spanish-language radio home, WAQI instead of WQBA. Felo is still here, though.

Today's Compendium

The Marlins sign Kiko Calero. (SunSentinel)

The final Mermaid auditions for this year are tonight at Seminole Paradise. (MiamiHerald)

From The South Florida Daily Blog: Both the Transit Miami and Blind Mind blogs express negative feelings about what the traffic situation around the proposed stadium will turn into.

The Naturist Association guy is still announcing to our legislators that our nude beach "outdraws the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins combined -- a comment that drew titters from the crowd" (Yeah, we call 'em "titters" down here.) (SunSentinel)

Tonight's Things

Randy Messenger has been released by the Mariners. (He was with the Mariners?) (KNDO)

The goofing has begun: Rob Neyer calls the stadium a "big white spaceship", while Eric Barton of New Times calls it "Dark Helmet Stadium". (First Prize goes to the commenter that called it "scrubbing-bubble-helmet of a stadium")

The game with Danny's first career grand slam in it will be on MLB.com Thursday starting at 2 PM Eastern time. (MLB)

John Raynor aims to be the first Seahawk in 40 years to reach the majors. (No, not those Seahawks.) (StarNewsOnline)

Concessions

The agreements have been released to the public and commissioners. Here are the concessions the Marlins have made as listed by the Herald.

"o If Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria sells the team in the seven years
after the agreement has been reached, the county would almost double
its share of any profits."

Since Jeffrey is pushing 70 this may be a wise move.

"o The ball club's $2.3 million a year in rent will go up by 2 percent
each year."

If a deflationary cycle hits the economy this could be a money-maker. But if we collapse into hyper-inflation this won't seem like much.

"o Extra costs due to scheduling or problems between the contractor and
subcontractors will now be paid by the Marlins."

Conversely, extra costs Not due to scheduling or problems between the contractor and subcontractors will, I guess, be in the government's hands.

The government will pay for infrastructure and groundskeeping. And any of the parties can pull out of the agreement up until the middle of 2009.

The Sun-Sentinel gets more specific on the county's profit share:

"If the team is sold within seven years, the county and city will
benefit, receiving in the first year 18 percent of the profit, up from
10 percent in an earlier agreement.
The team, which has the lowest payroll in Major League Baseball, has
also doubled to 10,000 the number of tickets available each season free
to youth and community groups."

MORE: Craig tells us the dimensions and some of the planned features of the stadium. (FishStripes)

STILL-MORE: Risa Polansky of Miami Today spells out more of the fine print of the agreements. (MiamiToday)

EVEN-MORE: Fish@Bat give some Features and Dimensions and More Details of the ballpark.

Drawings of the New Stadium!

Finally the renderings are released. Check them out in this MLB slideshow.

Standridge Signed

Along with a note that another knuckleballer is now in a NL organization, the bottom of this blog post says that the Marlins signed "former elite prospect Jason Standridge" to a minor-league deal. Standridge has been with 4 MLB teams and the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. (BaseballReference)

Fish in the News

Cody's getting ready to move to right field (currentargus.com)

Emilio Bonifacio helps the Tigres win the Dominican crown. (MLB)

"Astros outfielder Reggie Abercrombie slugged a two-run homer and Marlins farmhand Andy Gonzalez contributed three hits, including a solo shot" to help Ponce win the Puerto Rican title. (MLB)

Scott Proctor gets major-league help for his second annual charity event. (TCpalm)

On TV This Morning

Michael Putney on his Sunday morning chat show on Channel 10 interviewed Miami Mayor Carlos Alverez, who said among other things that the stadium agreements will be given to the commissioners to start reviewing either today or tomorrow for a still-possible Friday the 13th voting date, that language in the documents makes it clear that any construction overruns not caused by government will be the responsibility of the Marlins, and that giving the infrastructure work out without bids is a legitimate method to expedite an already-delayed process.

Quicker!

You have a hour from this post to get to Ft. Lauderdale Stadium for the Joe DiMaggio Legends Game! Orestes will be there along with a pile of great players of the past. (MiamiHerald)

DARN-I-DIDNT-GO: And so I missed Orestes Destrada, Andre Dawson, Alex Arias, Chris Hammond, Cookie Rojas, Jeff Torborg, Jeff Conine, Orlando Cepeda, Brooks Robinson, and "Dick Allen, Paul Blair, Ron Blomberg, Dennis ''Oil Can'' Boyd, Bert Campaneris, Rico Carty, Mike Cuellar, Alvin Dark, Tommy Davis, Al Downing, George Foster, Willie Horton, Al Hrabosky, Ed Kranepool, Bill Lee, Phil Linz, Dennis Martinez, Gene Michael, Minnie Minoso, John ''Blue Moon'' Odom, Amos Otis, Jimmy Piersall, Art Shamsky and Ron Swoboda." (MiamiHerald)

Quickies

Ricky and Scott may face each other in the season opener. (PalmBeachPost)

Marlins games are making UM readjust next year's football schedule. (MiamiHerald)

February 13 is the latest date that the parties involved will be trying to get the city and county commissions to vote on the still-unfinished stadium agreements. (blogs.trb.com)

The non-local constuction company pegged to do the stadium project (without competitive bidding) may also do the infrastruture work (without competitive bidding). (MiamiToday)

Luis will be getting the Bart Giamatti Award, but is not yet getting any interest as a player for next season, especially from the Marlins. (MLB)

Samson say there's 'zero' chance of Pudge coming to the Fish, and seemingly also any other free agent. (RotoWorld)

Reversals

As of now, it seems not only that Uggla may not get traded, but that Anibal may be WBC-bound after all.

Uggla's Agent Sees Marlins "Going in a Different Direction"

(SunSentinelBlog)

Crappy Recap

What happend over the weekend?

The Marlins (says Samson) are excited about Obama even as his inauguration had a hand in stalling the stadium vote until February.

They sign all their arbitration guys except Danny Boy, but they still need a catcher.

And the group going to the WBC may shrink by at least one.

Time On

My trip is over. A group of us went to Vegas. Hung out on the Strip and went to Fremont Street for a day. I didn't get drunk, didn't gamble my money away and didn't seem to catch any STD's. So I guess I had a lousy trip. Seemed like fun anyway. The wife had fun too, even though we didn't eat at any buffets out there. Miles of walking between hotels, miles of walking inside hotels, miles of walking to get to the trams to try to avoid miles of walking. Had a nice room, saw some expensive shows, saw some free shows, and had some good food. One thing I did learn: Mexican guys in orange shirts flicking cards at me do not make me horny.

Time Off

I'm on vacation this weekend, and as usual with my trips I won't have a predictable way to access the Internets, so I may still post or I may not. I posted this last night, as I have to take some connecting flights early this morning. I hope the geese stay away.

I should be back on Tuesday. Check the links that I have over here on the side or the bottom or wherever your browser puts them for the latest Marlins news and rumors.

One more thing: The Marlins' color scheme seems headed towards the orange. Something told me not to change the color on this site. (That something was laziness.)

Dallas Gets Dollars

The L.A. Times sports blog reports that Dallas McPherson avoids arbitration and signs a half-million dollar deal with the Marlins. (LATimes)

Everything (this morning) in One Blurb

Chad Cordero is getting interest from the Marlins, but his recovery time may require some time in the minors, the coaching staffs of which were announced yesterday. The Marlins AA and AAA clubs will be squaring off for an exhibition in April. At least the minor-league clubs will have ballparks to play in, which won't be the case for the big-league club if some commissioners have their way. That means no place for Orlando to play in either.

Points of Interest

Along with Gibbons and Sanches, the Marlins yesterday signed outfielder Michael Ryan, infielders Andy Gonzalez and John Lindsey, and pitchers Michael Wood, Willie Collazo and John Koronka to minor-league contracts. (WVEC.com)

A possible trade of Hermida to the Mariners was scuttled because Seattle wouldn't include Adam Moore in the mix. (ProspectInsider)

The chiropractor for the Marlins performs (excuse me, has a discussion) tonight at the Improv Comedy Club. (SunSentinel)

What Bad Economy?

"(T)he Marlins -- who had the lowest attendance in baseball last season -- held the line on most individual game ticket prices, aside from their most expensive seats. Some premium dates, such as opening day and Saturdays, will continue to be priced higher.

"Of the Marlins' 5,000 or so season-ticket holders, those who renewed before Sept. 15 will pay less than last season, and others will pay the same. New season-ticket holders will pay '08 season-ticket prices, the team said.

"'Our renewal rate is way up from last year,' Marlins President David Samson said.

"The Marlins' cheapest seat is $9 on an individual game basis and $6.75 in a season-ticket package.

"The Marlins have not made layoffs and, in fact, are hiring 40 new employees in sales and other departments, Samson said." (MiamiHerald)

Experienced Veteran?

Admitted hgH user Jay Gibbons signs a minor-league contract with the Marlins and is invited to Spring training. (SunSentinel)

"(H)e hit .285 with eight homers and 30 RBI in 36 games" this winter in Venezuela. (PalmBeachPost)

MORE: Fish@Bat postulates that Mr. Marlin may have had a hand in Gibbons' signing. (Fish@Bat)

Up-To-Datest Latest Rumors

Barry Jackson says that the Marlins are/were interested in Keith Foulke and fo-Fish Gregg Zaun. He also says that Pedro Martinez "would love to pitch for the Marlins, but the interest doesn't appear mutual." However, Joe Frisaro says that the Marlins *are* interested in Pedro - "According to ESPNdeportes.com, the club has had discussions regarding free agent Pedro Martinez. The report states that the Marlins may have begun preliminary contract talks with the 37-year-old right-hander, and the two sides are expected to continue talking next week."

RUMOR-REFUTING: Joe Capozzi, Juan C. Rodriguez, and even Joe Frisaro join Barry in reporting that a 'source' affirms that the Marlins *are not* interested in signing Pedro. No extra word about Foulke and Zaun though.

Couple of Things

Lindstrom is invited to the USA WBC team. (MiamiHerald)

One way attendance-challenged teams like the Marlins can save money during the coming economic uncertainty....more double-headers! (FOXsports)

Blurbs

Hanley's at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas. (Alibaba)

MLB actually puts money into a project - $3.2 million for a youth baseball academy in Hialeah - although with the inevitable string attached, this one being that the Marlins stadium gets built (hear that, commisioners?) (MiamiHerald)

Remember how the Marlins needed a catcher after getting rid of Treanor and Hoover? Well, Treanor's with Detroit and now Hoover signs with the Phillies, and the Marlins still need a catcher. (philly.com)

Logan Signs

(MLB)

January 22

That's when the Marlins hope the City and County commissions both vote on the final agreements for the ballpark. Those agreements are reportedly almost finished, and the Marlins will be schmoozing with the commissioners in the next couple of weeks, going "through the entire set of documents with them so that they can be prepared to vote". But however that goes, the Fish still have no place to play in 2011. (MLB)

Roundup of Stuff

Sergio Mitre gets a 50-game suspension for he-says-unintentional use of a banned substance. (MLB)

CodyRoss.org lays out the arbitration process. (CodyRoss.org)

Proctor verses Nelson = No contest. (BaseballProspectus)

TODAYS-RUMOR: Pavano wants double what the Marlins are offering him. (MiamiHerald)

RUMOR-REMOVAL-UPDATE: Forget Pavano - he done signed with the Indians. (BaseballMusings)

The O's Return

Those Fish fans determined to stay on the south end of the peninsula this coming spring have four chances to see the Marlins play the Orioles in Ft. Lauderdale (and Hanley and countrymen show up as the Dominican national WBC team for another game), though the only weekend Marlins game will be the first on Feb. 28. Tickets for the possibly last spring season for the O's in Broward County go on sale this Saturday. (MLB)

Some News of Note

The Marlins have reportedly signed former Nat and Phil Brian Sanches to a minor-league deal.

The Marlins get number 6, 62, and 91 in the Toronto Sun's list of the "100 Most Influential Canadians in Baseball in 2008" (TorontoSun)

And former Fish-caster Roxy may have the inside edge for the Padres TV job. (GaslampBall)

Peter on the Marlins

Gammons explains the reason why the Marlins are wise to start de-emphasizing homers and pushing for defensive improvement, and promoting youth instead of expensive experienced players. He points out Miami's recession woes as a part of MLB's overall troublesome future. And he tells us exactly how fast the 'Hanley to Boston' trade talks actually lasted. (ESPN)

A Birthday Gift - Being Signed By The Marlins

Pending a physical to prove his arm is still attached, Scott Proctor is now a member of his 'hometown team'. (TCPalm)(MiamiHerald)(BaseballReference)

Turnbow Turns From Marlins

(MLB)

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