Anything Happen While I Was Gone?

I was on the road returning from a family event. When I got back I see that the Marlins lost on Monday (boo) but won on Tuesday (yay). By the way, here's Tuesday's scoreboards....

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And then I say, "What's all this stuff about Hanley?" Seems Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Gonzalez differed over how much energy Hanley should have expended while fielding a ball during Monday's second inning. The differences apparently continue, and everyone and his mother is commenting on the situation, with opinions that scour the spectrum. Here's links to some of the more interesting ones...

Craig...Michael Jong....Janie Campbell...City of Champs...First Place Fish...bk1015...Dave Hyde...Mark Teixeira...'Duk...Joe Posnanski...Jesse...Tom D'Angelo ...

LATEST-NEWS: ESPNdesportes reportes that Hanley's apologizing.

Snakes Will Play

Time for the spurt of two-game serii that happens every May. First it’s the Diamondbacks, who, with tonight’s game and tomorrow’s afternoon start, are scheduled be doing this whole series within a 24-hour span. Edwin Jackson and Chris Volstad mount the mound tonight.

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Afternoon Cleaning

The Marlins, in their longest winning streak of the year, will attempt today to complete a four-game sweep of the Mets. Jonathon Niese and Ricky Nolasco start.

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Return Move

Good thing I didn't mention that Bryan Peterson was sent down the other day, because he's already back with the major-league club, as John Baker is now on the DL.

Michael Jackson Revived

Well, maybe his spirit will be revived during the Super Saturday laser show after the game. And the 'Long Haul Bombers' will be playing softball before the game. So go to the game and grab your maracas. John Maine and Nate Robertson are the pitchers.

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Friday With the Mets

Ollie against Anibal tonight.

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Stuff Etc.

The Phillies get caught stealing signs with binoculars - Marlins are not surprised. (MiamiHerald)

Ballpark ia one-third finished, Marlins set up sales office. (MLB)

Brett Hayes has been called up, and Dougie Eye Chart was released. (PBPost)

Back Home...Eww, It's the Mets!

Josh and Johan are scheduled to start.

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WIN!!!: Johan gave up only 6 hits, but Josh gave up half that. Cody, who stole home a couple of days ago, grabs it again on a wild pitch to win the game 2-1.

Finally, A Day Game at Wrigley

Volstad against Silva today, I think. (I posted this last night).

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Fun Again?

The Marlins hope to follow up on last night's inspiring win. It's Nolasco and Wells on the mound.

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Struggle-Mania

The struggling Marlins are in Chicago to face the struggling Cubs. Struggling Nate Robinson and struggling Ted Lilly will start.

NOTE: Dan Meyer returns, replacing the struggling Hunter Jones. Let's wait and see if Dan struggles.

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Mother's Day Baseball

Another afternoon affair, this time starring Anibal and Livan.

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Early Saturday Game

Wake up - it's Josh Johnson vs. Matt Chico right now.

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(edited) WHEN YOU'RE HOT, YOU'RE HOT...RENYEL-HOP, YOU'RE NOT: Pinto may get to see more of his mother if he plunks in more winning runs for opposing teams - Fish lose 5-4.

D.C. For Three

You used to rely on the Nationals to give your team a break when your team has been thrashed by a bunch of other teams. But now the Nats have a better record than the Fish, so it could be that the pushovers of the past may be past.

The Lamb has been replaced by the Condor - immediate effect uncertain. Volstad and Stammen are on the mound tonight.

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Don't Fear The Sweeper

Fredi, probably feeling Jeffrey's hot breath down his neck, is sitting Maybin tonight and leading off with Coghlan, or switching one slumping player for another. Frisaro suggests bringing Boni back, if only to put more speed on the basepaths during the few times he's on the basepaths.

Meanwhile the Marlins sign the man who has been known at least since 2005 as 'Dougie Eye Chart' to a minor league deal, and Andrew still flailing away.

Matt Cain and Ricky Nolasco start tonight. Rain storms have been floating around the stadium this afternoon.

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SWEPT: Cain pitched a no-hitter until the sixth, but the Fish got 3 runs, which was 3 too short.

Cinco de Sorry

Another late post, and the Fish lose again 3-2. Here's the boards...

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Heat, Humidity, Giants Return

NOTES: Hensley's off the berevement list and Wood's off to AAA, John Raynor's a Marlin again, and Hanley's cars get trashed in Weston.

The Giants are in town -Lincecum's pitching in his 2nd start against the Fish, Anibal's starting for the first time against San Fran, and Hanley's ready.

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Calm Before the Deluge

The Marlins have today off before they go twenty games straight without a break, their longest scheduled uninterrupted stretch of this season. They start a three-gamer against the Giants tomorrow and, no matter how much the Herald's Clark Spencer tried to make them admit fear in facing Lincecum, Zito and Cain, Wes and Jorge would have none of it.

Four NL games on tap tonight - here's the scoreboards...

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Daytime Rubber Game

Josh Johnson vs. John Lannan today.

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Super Saturday Sadness

Our condolenses to Clay Helmsley on the death of his father, to Leo Nunez on the loss of his grandmother, and to Mike Kozak on the passing of his mother. (PBPost)

Hope we don't need Willy Chirino to perk our spirits up after the game, which is another way of saying I hope the Marlins win and beat off this 3-game losing funk that they're in.

It's Volstad against Stammen tonight.

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SMILIN': Fish win 7-1.

Pesky Nats Fly to Miami

The Marlins face another surging team this weekend in the over-.500 Nationals. Ryan Zimmerman returns to Washington's lineup tonight, so hopefully the rest of the team will feel they can take a breather.

Meanwhile, Danny's had a happy April.

Both of tonight's starters, Ricky Nolasco and Fo-Fish Scott Olsen, have pitched great lately.

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BLECH: Zimmerman could've won the game on his own with his 2 homers, but he had some help - Fish lose 7-1

Oops - Even Later With This One

The Marlins didn't play yesterday, but here's yesterday's scoreboards if you want a look...

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Ooops - Too Late With This One

The Marlins already lost 6-4. Oh, well, here’s the scores anyway...

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Game Two with No Home View

Again, FSFlorida or SunSports won’t be doing tonight’s game...so here’s this link again.

Anibal makes his 1st start of his career against SanDiego tonight, while Jon Garland tries to stop the Fish as a Padre the same way he did as a Diamondback last year.

Some trends...
---”SD are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.”
---”SD are 8-2 in their last 10 Tue. games.”
---”FLA are 15-6 in Sanchezs last 21 home starts.”
---”SD are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings (with Florida).”

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It’s Only April

Joe Frisaro discusses how Hanley’s upset at his start and how Stanton won’t be brought up too soon. Coghlan, however, will be platooning with Carroll for a while.

Fish Back For Nine

The Marlins and Padres meet tonight for the first of two series between them here at Miami Gardens this year. 'Cheap' tickets can be had for this and the next couple of series - just click on this link (tomorrow's game is not on local TV, anyway).

It's Josh Johnson and Mat Latos on the mound tonight.

Some News: Meyer goes on the DL as Sanches goes off. And Mike Stanton has hit 5 home runs in the last two days.

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WIN: Josh and the Marlins abuse the Padres 10-1.

Rockies Series Ends Today

Chris Volstad and Jorge De La Rosa start this evening's rubber game.

In other news, Jorge's streak ends and Cameron hopes to play today.

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EWWWW: The Rocks even up the lifetime series between the two clubs, beating the Fish 8-4.

Rockies Series Starts Today

Last night's game will start at 5:05 ET today - and tonight's game, featuring Nate Robertson and Aaron Cook will start afterwards.

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Rockies Series Starts To(EDIT)morrow

The Marlins have Nolsaco, who hasn't lost against the Rockies yet; and Colorado presents Greg Smith, who hasn't faced the Marlins yet.

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Speaking Streaks - NL West

I'm stopping looking for these 'predictive' streaks after today - the American League will just have to live without knowing the future, I guess.

Let's see if I can explain this again - I'm looking at each team for certain dates within the first two months of the season, dates on which games played through the years have shown historical streaks of 'predictiveness', in that wins on those dates corresponded to winning seasons, and, conversely, losses to losing seasons. I'm also checking game position (from game number one to game number fifty) to see if seeing the seasons that way may also reveal a lengthy 'predictive' streak or two.

Now for the NL West...

---The Diamondbacks have the distinction of having a 'predictive' streak that's lasted for their entire history. Game No. 33 on their schedule has pointed in the direction that their season will end up since 1998 (this year that game's scheduled to be May 10 against the Dodgers). May 8 (which on 2001 WAS Game No. 33) has acted as a 'predictive streak' since 2000, although Arizona didn't play on that date in 2003 or 2006.

---The Dodgers have the most spectacularly long 'predictive' streak in the NL, made even more spectacular by the fact that the next longest streak that they have, in April 23rd games, has lasted only since 2004. The big streak is on May 25 (with gaps in 2000 and 2006 when the team didn't play on May 25), and that streak has lasted since 1994,... and if you discount 1993, when the Dodgers went 81-81, then the streak has continued all the way back to 1990.

---The Giants' longest streak, conversely, has lasted only since 2005, on April 7 (which they already won this year).

---The Padres' longest 'predictive' streak is Game No. 48 on their schedule, a streak that has lasted since 2001. Their next longest streak is Game No. 24, which has gone on since 2002.

---The Rockies' longest streaks go back to 2003, on May 12 and 24, and Game No. 2 (which they lost this year), and Game No. 47.

Defeating the Sweep

Anibal and Felipe do battle this evening.

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WIN: Fish fry Astros 5-1.

Federal Government Hates South Florida Baseball

Before, it was the FAA making onerous demands on improvements for Ft. Lauderdale Stadium that drove the Orioles into the arms of Sarasota. Now a SEC investigation may delay the Marlins stadium's parking garages.

UPDATE: Miami defies Washington (that has a familiar sound) and charges forward to complete the parking garages as late as they usually do, and not any later.

Game Two With a View

The roof should be open tonight.

Josh Johnson and Bud Norris are to occupy the mound.

"FLA are 13-3 in their last 16 Wed. games."

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OOF: Lindstrom shuts down his former team for the second straight night - Marlins lose 5-4.

NL Central - More Speaking Streaks

As I presented earlier for the NL East, here are some 'predictive' streaks from the first third of the season for the teams of the NL Central.

These are streaks starting sometimes a decade or more ago up to last year, of games occuring on certain dates or certain game numbers when teams consistently have won during winning seasons and lost during losing seasons, thus casting a 'predictive' glow on them. The streaks may or may not continue through this year, and they're probably just results of randomness, but it's interesting anyway.

---The Cubs have one of these streaks going for tonight (April 21), a streak that has lasted since 1998, although they didn't play for two of those years (2003 and 2000). Their next best streaks have lasted since 2004, and are on Game Number 35, May 3 and 6, and on April 6 (which they skipped this year).

---The Reds also have a streak going since 1998, on Game No. 47. And also like the Cubs, their next longest streak is also since 2004, on Game No. 38.

---The Astros' longest early 'predictive' streak has continued since 2004, on the third game of the year (which they've already lost in 2010). Their next longest streaks would be since 2006, on Game No. 43, April 23 and 25, and May 4 and 21.

---The Brewers went 81-81 on 2005. If you choose to ignore that as a push, then they have a streak going since 2003 on April 18 (which they won this year), and since 2004 on April 12 (which they lost). After 2005, they have streaks since 2006 on Game No. 6 (which they won), April 14 (which they lost), and May 20.

---The Pirates' have a streak since 2000 on May 23, since 2003 on April 19 (which they didn't play this year), and since 2004 on Game No. 47 and April 7 (which they already won?!?!).

---The Cardinals' oldest of these streaks is on April 29, which has gone on since 1998 (with gaps in the schedule on 2002 and 2007). Next longest is on May 21 and Game No. 15, which have continued since 2000.

Time For Texas

The Astros have a gift tonight for the Fish - Lance Berkman (with some possible Matt Lindstrom on the side).

Chris Volstad is scheduled to start for the Marlins and Brett Myers for the 'Stros.

Some quick supposed facts from USAtoday...
---"FLA are 7-3 in their last 10 Tue. games."
---"HOU are 6-21 in their last 27 Tue. games."
---"FLA are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings (with Houston)"

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UGH!:Fredi made at least one bettor unhappy last night as the Fish do the flop on another series opener, losing 7-5.

"travzoo"

That's the code that may still work at Astros.com to buy tickets at 40% off for the Marlins series at Minute Maid Park.

No Marlins game tonight - here's today's games anyway...

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Former Fish Follow-Up

Catching up with Jim Eisenreich... (mcall.com)

Kurt Abbott is catching criminals these days... (tcpalm)

And Miguel Olivo caught another no-hitter... (mlb)

OH,...: And Mike Jacobs has been DFA'ed by the Mets. (USAtoday)

Nate-Cole Today

Supposed facts possibly concerning today's game from Miami Herald...
---Nate "will make his first career start against Philadelphia, and is 0-0 with an 18.00 ERA in two relief stints against" Philadelphia... (He is) 1-0 with a 3.60 earned run average in two starts with the Marlins."
---Cole "in his career against the Marlins...is...2-6 with a 4.48 ERA in 12 career starts."
---"Florida and Philadelphia split 18 meetings a year ago, but the Marlins went 7-2 in the City of Brotherly Love."

Supposed facts possibly concerning today's game from Sporting News...
---Robertson "in Tuesday's 10-8, 11-inning loss to Cincinnati...gave up six runs - three earned - and five hits before exiting after the fifth inning...
---(F)ive days earlier...he yielded one run and six hits in five innings of a 3-1 road win over the New York Mets."
---Hamels' last win over the Fish was on "Sept. 22, 2006...(He) is 0-5 with a 4.97 ERA in nine starts against them since, including a 7.08 ERA during a four-game losing streak at Citizens Bank Park."

Supposed fact possibly concerning today's game from SBRforum.com
---"Cole Hamels may have a high ERA, but opposing batter are batting just .156 off of him in his first two starts..."

Supposed facts possibly concerning today's game from USAtoday
---"PHI are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a loss."
---"PHI are 1-8 in Hamels' last 9 starts vs. FLA."
---"FLA are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings."

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YAY-AGAIN: Marlins win 2-0.

Nolasco Vs. Moyer Tonight

Supposed facts possibly concerning tonight's game, from Sporting News....
---"The Philadelphia Phillies are off to their best start in 17 years...spurred by a .315 batting average, 15 homers and a major league-leading 7.8 runs per game."
---"Utley has been...hitting .368 with six homers and 12 RBIs...has homered in four consecutive games,...(and) has feasted on Florida's pitching, batting .354 with 13 homers and 45 RBIs in 50 home meetings. He's also 7 for 23 with a homer against Ricky Nolasco..."
---"Moyer is 13-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 17 starts against the Marlins. However, he's lost his last three home starts against them..."
---Nolasco "is 6-1 with a 4.49 ERA in nine road games,...(and) has thrived at Citizens Bank Park, going 4-1 with a 3.06 ERA in five games, winning the last three."

Supposed fact possibly concerning tonight's game, from Philly.com...
---"Leo Nunez vs. Phillies: The Marlins' closer allowed just six hits in 37 at-bats against the Phillies' regulars."

Supposed fact possibly concerning tonight's game, from USAtoday...
---"PHI are 1-7 in their last 8 Sat. games."

Coghlan's still not in the lineup (oops, sorry, I guess he is). Accuscore's computer flips a coin.

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YAY: Ricky dominates through nine innings - Fish win 5-1.

Back in Town

But still out of the loop. Here's Friday's scores...

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Out Of Town - Day 3

I’m still on the run. But I have time enough to announce that I also approve of the recent moves. Here’s tax day’s games...

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Still Out Of Town

So here's today's scores...

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Finally, Tonight's Games

I had to go out of town today. But here's the scores anyway.

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Reds Arrive

So the saga of the missing scoreboard has been somewhat resolved. And the Marlins have obtained international coverage, not for how they've played so far but for a Saturday brawl in the stands posted on YouTube (hey, we're 2-0 in games where fights good enough to post on YouTube occur).

Now it's time to welcome Cincinatti for a four-bagger. Both Marc Lawrence and the AccuScore Simulation Supercomputer think the Fish will win tonight (we'll just ignore BetUs.com).

Nolasco vs. Cueto is the plan.

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West Coast Knuckleballs Today

Again it's 'Knuckleball vs. Anibal' as No. 49 Charlie Haeger starts for the Dodgers. He did well in spring training and his AAA catcher from last year will be catching today. Marc Lawrence has already called this game a Dodgers win because of Anibal's troubles and Haeger's spring, even though Manny and Russell won't be starting. One could have hope in the fact that the Marlins have had more recent knuckleball experience than most teams, having faced Tim Wakefield twice this spring. But as A.J. Ellis, who'll be catching for Charlie today, says, "I don't think you ever get used to [the knuckleball]."

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KNYUCK-KNYUCK-KNYUCK: Fish win!

'Pivotal' Game Tonight?

The official organs haven't owned up to it yet, but some of us out there know how important tonight's game is. The Marlins apparently do too, as Fredi decided to go with No. 1 Josh Johnson on the mound instead of Anibal. Padilla starts for LA.

The Dodgers have won 11 of their last 14 in Miami Gardens, no matter what they have called the stadium. But the AccuScore Simulation Supercomputer played this game 10,000 times already, and gives the Fish a better-than-55% chance of winning tonight (unless Matt Kemp has a big game of course).

And it's Super Saturday. So go support the highest profit MLB team by buying the sixth cheapest seat, the second most expensive beer, and the most expensive hot dog in the majors.

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SEASON-SALVAGED: Cantu hits the walk-off sac fly that caps off a 3-run rally in the 9th, beating the Dodgers 7-6.

Opening Night in Miami Gardens

A plane is dragging a Geico sign around and around over the area where the stadium is. Soon Scott will sing, fighter jets will fly over, Andre will toss one of the first pitches, and a ball game will commence at Sun Life Stadium, as the Marlins host the Dodgers for their first home game this year.

It's Volstad and Kuroda tonight.

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DRAT: The jets didn't show up, Chris Volstad did pretty good, but Kuroda had the thoughts of a fallen collegue behind him and did a bit better, and then the new usual hijinks ensued - Fish lose 7-3.

Another New Marlins Blog

Try out the stories on Ninety Feet Away.

Game 3 in the Citi

Tonight it's our first real look at Nate Robinson as he starts for the Fish. Wish him a nice long outing - don't want the bullpen to get too stressed.

Jonathon Niese will start for New York.

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TWO-FER: Marlins win 3-1.

Game 2 Tonight

First some good news: Brian Sanches' hammy only has a mild sprain.

Nolasco hopes to continue his spring-training success tonight, while John Maine starts for the Mets.

Both Anibal and Oliver will be available to pitch out of the pen tonight.

Tonight is also the Braves' second game of the year, the results of which, for the past six years, have pointed in the direction of where each of their seasons have ended up.

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AGGH-YAYYY!: Fish win, barely. Braves win, too.

No NL East Games Today

But there's other NL, and AL games tonight - here's the scoreboards...

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Super Sabado

The Super Saturday shows for the first half of the season (except for this weekend's show with Nelly, Kevin Rudolf and New Boyz, and the one with the Michael Jackson impersonator on May 15) will have a distinct Latin-American flavor, beginning with insurance salesman Willy Chirino on May 1. (MLB)

It's Starting Again

The Fish get the show going against the Mets in what's reported to be a glorious day in Flushing.

Clark Spencer asked some pertinent questions about today's game.

It's Josh vs. Johan in the Clash at the Citi.

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CAN-WE-START-OVER?: Santana and 3 errors equals a loss to the Mets.

Spring Cleaning

Before the first game I tidied things up a bit around my line o' links. I've had a Tweets section for a while now, but today I moved a few sleepy blogs to the renamed Hibernating slot, shuffled the remaining ones a bit, and added some new links, including John Baker's blog, Miami Sports Generation, and a new "The Marlins Blog". Earlier I put in First Place Fish.

Baseball Begins

Tonight the RedSox and Yankees slap spheroids around in Fenway on its 99th Opening Day. As i've done the past couple of years to keep track of the games, here are today's scoreboards from six different sports news services. Pick the one you like, or the one that works.

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NL East Future Preview - Let the Streaks Speak

The predictions for the season are being made, some by computer simulation, some through experience and instinct.

My purpose today is to lay out the historical streaks in the early part of past baseball seasons that may give an indication of success or non-success for a team's entire season, and flag those early games for the NL East.

Example: One of the more interesting of these streaks involves the Marlins, and it happens early. Since way back in the post-strike year of 1996, Marlins games played on April 10 have reflected the direction in which each season has finished.

In other words, seasons from '96 on in which the Marlins have won on April 10 have ended up as Marlins' winning years, while those years with losses on April 10 have resulted in under-.500 seasons for the Fish.

With the exception of the 2006 Joe Girardi season, in which the Marlins didn't play on April 10, that makes (so far) thirteen years in a row in which this congruence has occurred.

year    April 10 results   season w/l
1996    FLA @ SDP L 0 3      80-82
1997    FLA @ CHC W 1 0      92-70
1998    FLA @ PIT L 1 4      54-108
1999     FLA PHI L 2 5       64-98
2000    FLA @ MIL L 3 4      79-82
2001    FLA @ PHI L 6 7      76-86
2002     FLA MON L 7 9       79-83
2003     FLA NYM W 4 3       91-71
2004     FLA PHI W 5 3       83-79
2005     FLA WSN W 8 0       83-79
2006        no game          78-84
2007     FLA MIL L 2 3       71-91
2008    FLA @ WSN W 4 3      84-77
2009     FLA NYM W 5 4       87-75

Another (less-spectacular) date is April 19, where this same pattern has occurred for the Fish since 2002. For those who would rather check game numbers instead of dates, Game Number 37 has shown the same pattern since 2003 (Game 37 this year is scheduled to be the May 15th game here against the Mets).

Here now are the dates and/or game numbers for some of the longer streaks of early predictive games for the rest of the NL East:

---THE NATS/EXPOS have a longer one of these predictive streaks than the Marlins, IF you discount the 2005 season where they inconveniently went 81-81, AND the two years (2004 and 2007) when they didn't play on this date - with that in mind, the team now known as the Nationals have been playing predictive games on May 10th since 1995. Their next best streak is the 18th game of the season, where (again discounting 2005) the pattern has continued since 2001.

---THE METS have had a predictive streak going on May 19 since 2002, but within that are three years when they didn't play ('03, '05 and '08). Better is Game No. 33, which has no gaps in the streak (unless they stop playing at Game No. 32), and has also lasted since 2002.

---THE BRAVES' longest early predictive streak is on May 10, which has been going on since 2002 (with a break in 2004). They have a much earlier one of these streaks, though - the second game of the season has been foreshadowing their season's results since 2004.

---THE PHILLIES' longer streaks of the early part of the season happen later - they have one since 2002 (with a gap in '06) on May 15, and since 2005 on the 49th game of the year.

Former Fish News

Wichita Wingnuts' co-owner Nate Robertson returns to the Marlins, who sent Jay Voss to the Tigers.

Dave Dombrowski made the deal when Dontrelle reclaimed a spot in the Tigers' rotation.

Also, Lindstrom wins the Astros' closer job and Kevin Millar was cut by the Cubs.

MEANWHILE: Wood and the Hurk are sent to Nawlins. And McClung's gone.

Quickie Update

This one article pretty much covers this weekend and the week ahead.

Andrew's Out

The Marlins' players' rep is sent down to the Minors to continue his career-long search for consistency. Clay Hensley looks to be Mr. No. 5.

Knuckleball, Gyroball News

Wakefield starts against the Fish again, this time today in Ft. Myers, and now he has Dice-K following him up for a couple of innings.

Meanwhile, the threat of NL knucklers is lessened as the Mets sent R.A. Dickey to Minor League camp.

RECAP: The Fish got to Wakefield in his last inning but it wasn't enough.

Win, Win, Win, Win

To entice the 600 or so Marlins fans out there, here's a chance to win Opening Night tickets.

Wednesday's Wonders

The Marlins sent Cameron's roommate Mike Stanton down for 'seasoning', meaning he'll be back up sometime this season.

Strickland still has a shot. Nunez gave up a homer in today's Twins loss but he is still the closer.

Carroll strained his left oblique today, which could give an opening for Barden or Lamb to do some last-minute impressing.

It seems, though, to really be a part of this team, you'll either need a toy car or take up golf.

To finish up, time to participate in a moment of silent cantankerousness, to remember FishChunks fan and Samson skewer John Brattain, who passed a year ago today.

MacDougal's Gone, And Lots of Catchup

Yes, Mike was released, as was Turnbow, and Hunter was sent to AAA. (palmbeachpost)

Hunter joins Taylor, Cristhian, Scott, Jai and Scott, while Ceda went to AA and Jimenez gets tossed back to the Red Sox (which is good for Gaby). Kasey, Vinny and Danny are in Minor League camp.

Bryan is the Condor and Mike is the Worm. And Baker's running out of training time.

Samson is shocked, Shocked to discover someone may be hiring outsiders to build the stadium.

FORMER-FISH-NEWS: Wish a speedy recovery to Lenny. Matt has ended up in Texas. And Hermida's stunned by the sight of actual fans.

Puerto Rico Pussy-Footing

Maybe today, the inevitable announcement will be made, as all parties involved have a conference call to iron out whatever problems are left

RESOLUTION!!: As you probably know by now the San Juan Marlins officially debut June 28, and fittingly the game is not scheduled for live broadcast in Florida.

Another Update

The Fish give the Nats their first win this year. And Josh gave the game to the Braves. The Marlins also give Mike Lowell a look-see. On Monday the Fish beat the Twins. Hanley's back but Stanton's sore.

Stadium Shots

I was down by the stadium construction site yesterday, and we took a few shots...







MORE: The team took the press for a tour on Tuesday. (miamiherald)

Arizona Gazes Eastward, Laughs

Most Grapefruit League games, including the Marlins in Sarasota, are rained out today. (palmbeachpost)

More Stuff

The Marlins are featured on MLB Network Friday at 5pm ET. (mlb)

Ross, Baker and Turnbow may see action this weekend. (mlb)

But Tucker and Voss have been sent away. (fishbytes)

Hanley remembers his Red Sox years. (bostonherald)

Wed. April 14 at Cincinatti; Tues. April 20 at Houston; Fri. April 23 at Colorado; Tues. April 27 vs. San Diego; Sat. June 5 at Mets; Sat. June 12 at Tampa Bay; Sat June 26 vs. San Diego; Mon. June 28 vs Mets in Puerto Rico; Sat July 3 at Atlanta; Sat Aug. 28 at Atlanta; Sat. Sept. 11 at Washington; Sat. Oct. 2 vs Pittsburgh. Those are the games not being televised by (FIX) Fox Sports Florida or SunSports this year. (What does it mean when 66.6% of the blacked-out games played at home are against the Padres?) (FishStripes)

ADDENDUM: The June 5th, July 3rd, and August 28th games are scheduled as FOX network Saturday games. (awfulannouncing)

NEW-ADDENDUM: The June 12th game at Tampa will be on SunSports, but as a Rays broadcast. (RaysTVSchedule)

More Catch-Up

The Marlins got knuncked around by the Red Sox Tuesday,, whupped some Astros on Wednesday, and allowed Leo to lose today.

Knuckleball Vs. Anibal

It's Wakefield and the Red Sox against the Marlins at Jupiter today.

Three-Day Catch-Up

The Marlins beat St. Louis 6-5 on Saturday, but the Cardinals beat the Fish 7-4 on Sunday. In Sunday's game West, Miller, and MacDougal 'failed to impress', to put it nicely, and Maybin strained his groin.

The Fish split the squads today. The Nats lose to one squad by the score of 11-2, and oddly the Mets beat the other squad 11-2.

IN-OTHER-'NEWS": Hanley's growing up, Valentine says he wasn't offered Fredi's job, and Parcells checks out Stanton, who hit his first GL homer Friday.

Today's Spring Stories

Bryan Petersen made an impression. The Mets signed Kiko. Jai Miller has improved. Jorge Jimenez may surprise. Tankersley returns. Larry and/or Michael is/are good. Tourists in Miami give more money for the stadium. And the Miami Marlins curling team are in the championships.

The Fish face the Mets in PSL at 1:10 ET.

OUCH: Baker's right arm is sore.

The Real Start

The Fish start off Grapefruit League play today with a home game against a split squad of Nationals. (mlb)

WIN: Marlins beat Nats 10-4. (cnn)

Knuckleball Knews

Eri Yoshida gets to meet her inspiration - Tim Wakefield. (ESPN)

Meanwhile, the National League will have an outside chance of facing a knuckleballer this year, if R.A. Dickey somehow gets on the Mets' roster. (mlb)

In fact, Dickey's starting Thursday against the Cardinals in Port St. Lucie. (mlb)

Crack vs. Ping

Wednesday it starts all over again, as the Marlins with their wooden bats gets it going against the aluminum Hurricanes.

In other news; Turnbow's toe exploded, Luis Castillo has been teaching Bonifacio, Coghlan is always saying yes, and The Mets are thinking Kiko.

WIN-DY: The Fish blew the Hurricanes out of the building with a 19-3 win. (sun-sentinel)(mlb)(palmbeachpost)(miamiherald)


UPDATE: All Marlins are now signed. (MLB)

Question Time

Manny Navarro asks and answers five questions about this spring's crop of Marlins. (miamiherald)

Not to be outdone, Juan C. Rodriguez answers ten questions about the Marlins. (sun-sentinel)

There are no questions, though, about who Fredi wants starting for the first week of exhibition play. (palmbeachpost.)

Joe Capozzi did ask Jeff Conine some questions. (palmbeachpost)

No-Pressure-Jeffrey Talks to Press

"I expect us to make the playoffs." "We should have been one of eight (playoff teams) last year and I was disappointed at the end of the season" "If we would have won one more game each month, we would have won 93 games and we would have been in the playoffs." "Fredi is here to bring the team to the next level, and that's what we're hoping happens this year -- that little extra push that needs to happen." "I think you know my history long enough to know that I'm in this game because I want to win, and we'll do whatever it takes." (PBPost)(mlb)(sun-sentinel)(miamiherald)

Visions of White Castle

Both Pinto and Volstad are working on sliders.

Play Has Begun

Pitchers and catchers reported last week, and the media is providing coverage. There's posts on new Marlins coaches Dave Collins and Randy St. Claire. Anibal lost weight through either hiring a nutritionist or working out with John Salley. MacDougal's feeling good. Uggla and Turnbow are reliving old high-school days. ESPN came by today and chatted with John Baker. We have double the Dan Jennings. Chris Leroux's team is getting frosted.

Friday's Findings

Marlins sign Nationals closer Mike MacDougal. (mlb)

It seems official - the Mets got confirmation that they'll be playing the Fish in Puerto Rico at the end of June. (nydailynews)

Pinto Problems

Barry Jackson reports Renyel irritates the front office. (miamiherald)

Co-Dee! Co-Dee!

Mr. Ross squeezes a few more dollars out of Jeffrey. (mlb)

More FanFest Pics

As promised here are some Marlins. First Wes Helms with Glenn Geffner.



Then Rick VandenHurk.



And Dan Meyer.



Josh Johnson sits with a kid.



The Billys give some fish affection.



And now here's the Mermaids!

FanFest Pics

Well, I did end up at FanFest. Got there about a quarter to four. Here are some shots...



The last leavings of last week's Super Bowl...



...outside the stadium...



...and on the field.



Here's the scene of the field from the pressbox.



And here's what that view would look like in the new purple-seated stadium.



Mr. Organ Man was there.

Pictures of Actual Marlins in the next post.

FanFest!

I don't think I'll be making it out there today, but you get out there and enjoy going to a place for free where people just a week ago paid $3000 a ticket to get in. (Sun-sentinel)

Friday Features

The Jammers will be playing in Fenway this July - get your tickets soon. (post-journal)

Craig covers this year's promotions. (FishStripes)

The Marlins sign Mike Lamb. (sun-sentinel)(miamiherald)(palmbeachpost)

Chris Coghlan gets the Sports Club of Tampa Bay's Outstanding Professional Athlete Award tonight. (tbo)

Things Talked About

FishStripes discusses the non-roster invitees and the caravan.

Josh Johnson has lost a little weight.

The Maniac's Michael Jong wonders why Joe Frisaro dismissed a fan's suggestion about Uggla playing third.

Juan C. says Beinfest's sure that Uggla can play third, but it "isn't likely".

And 'Right Field Bleachers' gets a long interview with Seth McClung. (Short version: he's glad he's a Marlin, but he Loved being a Brewer.)

Weekend Writings

June 5, July 3, and August 28 - the dates Fox has the Marlins scheduled for Saturday TV games. (sportsjabber)

A former Marlins scout will be managing a pro baseball team on the island of Maui. (mauinews)

Who knows where Fredi would be if he could've hit the breaking ball? (americanchronicle)

Samson will bring his new rock star buddy to the Super Bowl. (palmbeachpost)

Headline: 'Super Bowl XLIV: The Least Baseballiest Championship Ever' (blogcritics)

But the Marlins honchos will be schmoozing with corporate mucky-mucks tomorrow. (mlb)

Groundhog Day Moves

The Marlins sign Seth McClung, make an offer to Russell Branyan, have lost Alfredo to the Dodgers, and avoided a return of Kevin Gregg.

Meet New Bullpen, Same as Old Bullpen

The Fish are trying to bring back Clark Kent and Kiko. (palmbeachpost)