Marlins' longest game of the year brings Twins fans to tears

[Ely Sussman]

Offishial News for 9/27/24

On Thursday, we were treated to a sloppy, but nonetheless extremely compelling contest. In terms of both time of game (4:16) and innings (13), it was the longest game that the Marlins have played in the pitch-clock era. Valente Bellozo (5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 74 pitches/48 strikes) wrapped up his rookie season on a high note, but Miami's bullpen and defense let the Twins rally back to force extras. After both teams failed to drive in their "zombie runner" in the 11th and 12th innings, the Marlins pulled away for good in the 13th courtesy of Otto Lopez and Griffin Conine hits. Anthony Maldonado earned his first career win and Darren McCaughan earned his first career save. The Marlins won, 8-6. The Twins are on the verge of being eliminated. They must now sweep their season-ending series against the Orioles and hope that either the Tigers or Royals get swept in their series.

Here's more Marlins news and content:

🔷 Big addition to Miami's farm system: Cuban INF Luis Manuel León. Francys Romero reports that he'll be signing in the coming weeks for $1.5M. Expect him to crack the Fish On First Top 30 list once the acquisition becomes official.

🔷 In what figures to be the final Marlins roster move of the 2024 regular season, Mike Baumann is due back from the paternity list. Maldonado filled in for Baumann during the Twins series and seems like a prime candidate to get optioned back to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move.

🔷 Entering the final Marlins series, here's an updated look at the Prediction Time leaderboard. Reigning champ @Daniel Rodriguezis clinging to a one-point lead. Make series predictions with us all season long when you become a Fish On First SuperSub.

🔷 Jesús Luzardo is the Marlins nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award. Vote for Luzardo here through Sunday.

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the Dodgers clinched the NL West and the Yankees clinched the AL East. Freddie Freeman hurt his right ankle, but is hopeful about being ready to play in the NLDS. Aaron Judge homered for the 58th time. The White Sox swept the Angels.

🔷 Today's MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Adam Oller) begin their final regular season series against the Blue Jays (RHP José Berríos). First pitch at 7:07 p.m. ET.

🔷 Join us for a new episode of Fish On First LIVE today from 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET on YouTube/Twitter/Facebook. Special guest: @Gabriel Revilla. FOF LIVE is presented by Berger & Hicks. If you’ve been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence, give them a call at (305) 670-7050.

 

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[Hans Herrera]

Fun fact:

If the Marlins field this team:

Edwards SS
Norby 2B
Sánchez RF
Burger 3B
Bride 1B
Myers DH
Conine LF
Hill CF
Fortes C

7 out of 9 starters currently have an OPS at or above the MLB average YTD (.722 min 200 PA)... Hill is sitting at .691, which is somehow close to the average. Fortes is far behind, obviously.

For a team that ranks at the bottom of almost every offensive category, this fun fact can be misleading.

Having full seasons from Norby and Edwards (with their corresponding projected outcomes) should really boost this team. Maybe a .500 team is not that far from the horizon... What if this team - and I insist - just gives a chance to Ramírez and De Los Santos? C, 1B, DH, corner OF, are all areas of improvement.

Again, don't expect any money spending. It simply won't happen coz Uncle Bruce cannot be any cheaper. Then, why not try the youngsters?

[Ely Sussman]

On 9/27/2024 at 8:51 AM, Hans Herrera said:

7 out of 9 starters currently have an OPS at or above the MLB average YTD (.722 min 200 PA)... Hill is sitting at .691, which is somehow close to the average. Fortes is far behind, obviously.

There is pressure on those infielders to sustain what they did this season offensively because defensively, they are a terrible combination. That will negate some of the value they provide at the plate.

I will have an article on Bride next week because he is especially fascinating. He could be a major asset for this team if he had a real position. He's among the worst defensive 1B I've ever seen in the majors.

[Hans Herrera]

35 minutes ago, Ely Sussman said:

There is pressure on those infielders to sustain what they did this season offensively because defensively, they are a terrible combination. That will negate some of the value they provide at the plate.

I will have an article on Bride next week because he is especially fascinating. He could be a major asset for this team if he had a real position. He's among the worst defensive 1B I've ever seen in the majors.

Is Norby that bad at 2B? The handful of games I’ve seen him playing, he looks far better (and more comfortable) at 2B than at 3rd.

A Burger-X-Norby-Bride infield still looks subpar. From what I’ve hear, DLS is very capable at 1B, not sure if Ramírez have ever played there, but maybe has more future there than behind the plate.

The coming FA class for 1B has Alonso, Goldsmith, and Walker out of financial reach, but options like Santana and Canha can be reasonable. Maybe lure O’Hearn if the Orioles don’t take their option? How about old friend Cooper? - At least we know he’s an OK glove at the position…

[THOMAS JOSEPH]

Wagering Oller and Bellozo are on the 2025 Opening Day roster.