Offishial News: The Marlins' Gold Glove drought continues

[Ely Sussman]

Today's news roundup also includes a pair of Marlins earning spots on the 2024 MLB All-Rookie Team.

On Tuesday, Rawlings announced the 2024 Gold Glove Award finalists. The Marlins' best defensive player, Otto Lopez, was not included among the three NL second base finalists—he was edged out by Ketel Marte, Brice Turang and Bryson Stott via a combination of manager/coach balloting and the SABR Defensive Index. Lopez was not an everyday player throughout the season, but based on my understanding of the criteria, he was eligible for the award . Every major league coaching staff got to see Lopez play second base in person at various points and he graded out extremely well statistically, so this is a bummer. 

The last full-season Marlins player to win a Gold Glove was Marcell Ozuna in 2017. Using that as an endpoint, this is the longest drought the franchise has ever had between Gold Glovers. However, Adam Duvall won the 2021 NL Gold Glove as a right fielder, a season he began in Miami and finished with the Braves. He played 96.6% of his RF innings as a Marlin (primarily being deployed in LF/CF with Atlanta). Should that count? 

Anyway, in the desert, LHP Patrick Monteverde (3.0 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 61 pitches/42 strikes) allowed three home runs. In relief, LHP Justin Storm (0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 32 pitches/18 strikes) did not fare any better. On the brighter side, CF Andrew Pintar went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases. The Peoria Javelinas lost, 19-9. You can watch the full game broadcast here.

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🔷 At least Otto Lopez got some recognition from MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo, who picked Lopez as the first-team second baseman on his MLB All-Rookie Team. Double play partner Xavier Edwards was also included as the second-team designated hitter (amusing considering he did not start a single Marlins game at DH).

🔷 Happy 23rd birthday to LHP Dax Fulton. Fulton looked to be a vital piece of the Marlins' pitching future two years ago after leading the entire farm system in strikeouts. Alas, he's been sidelined by elbow issues since early 2023. In his minor league career, Fulton has posted a 4.27 ERA and 3.72 FIP in 229 ⅔ innings pitched (51 G/48 GS).

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the Rays have determined that Tropicana Field—its roof torn apart last week by Hurricane Milton—will not be ready to host Opening Day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Numerous options could be in consideration to serve as the team's temporary home. Aside from Tropicana, loanDepot park is the MLB ballpark next closest to Tampa, though most of the originally scheduled Marlins and Rays home games for the 2025 season fall on the same dates. The Yankees defeated the Guardians again, building a 2-0 lead in the ALCS. The Phillies extended manager Rob Thomson through the 2026 season and announced that his entire major league coaching staff is set to return in 2025.

🔷 Today's MLB postseason schedule:

• Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets, 8:08 p.m. ET (NLCS Game 3)

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[THOMAS JOSEPH]

Lopez' snub is unfortunate.

I saw Monteverde's rough outing yesterday. I had barely sat down when the first bomb went out of the park. 

The Trop situation most likely means two MLB teams playing in minor league parks, at least for a while.  I've heard all sorts of options bandied about, just as you have. Brodie Brazil had a podcast up quickly, included LDP in the discussion, and rounded out by Oakland and Montréal. All three are untenable. As you noted, scheduling for LDP, Oakland just because, and Olympic Stadium is undergoing renovation itself. Locked on Rays said Steinbrenner field wasn't likely as the Yankees wouldn't accommodate the Rays. Port Charlotte, I guess. but only for a few months before the ubiquitous Florida afternoon rains kick in. 

I saw a game at the Disney complex in Kissimmee twenty-something years ago. It's generic but probably suitable for a limited time. Of course, it comes with the same weather issues as any other open-air stadium in Florida. Interesting.

[One Regend]

Otto Lopez's snub is unfortunate, but understandable.

Francisco Lindor's snub, on the other hand, was a crime on humanity.