Ely Sussman

I found some parts of his column to be lazy and inaccurate, but yes, teams that spend in the bottom 25% on payroll simply do not win championships. At least under previous owners, the Marlins would occasionally exceed that. If Sherman is under the delusion that his front office can outsmart all the others, it will be a frustrating ride.

Offishial News for 7/30/24 On Monday down on the farm, C Ryan Ignoffo was named Florida State League Player of the Week. Ignoffo slashed .381/.417/.619 in six games for the Jupiter Hammerheads, continuing an excellent offensive campaign for the newly converted catcher. FCL Miami defeated FCL Marlins, 3-0. Only one extra-base hit by both teams combined, but seven stolen bases. OF Luis Cova went 2-for-3 and extended his on-base streak to nine games. The top signing of the Marlins' 2024 international class, Cova has quietly played well in his MiLB debut season. The majority of the game was livestreamed here. With the influx of a new draft class, the Marlins have begun cutting some struggling minor leaguers. OF Chase Luttrell, OF Oscar Colina and INF Gregory Mota are the first official releases. Luttrell is part of a 2022 Marlins draft class that seems doubtful to produce any viable MLB position players. Here's more Marlins news and content: 🔷 The MLB trade deadline arrives today at 6:00 p.m. ET. Quick refresher on what the Marlins have done in recent days: they sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees for prospects Agustín Ramírez, Jared Serna and Abrahan Ramírez, and A.J. Puk to the Diamondbacks for prospects Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar. 🔷 Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic identifies six Marlins players who could potentially be on the move prior to the deadline. Listed by descending surplus value—in the estimation of Baseball Trade Values—they are Trevor Rogers, Huascar Brazoban, Anthony Bender, Tanner Scott, Bryan De La Cruz and Declan Cronin. No mention of Josh Bell, who aside from Scott is Miami's lone pending free agent (and therefore the player they're most motivated to move). 🔷 Non-Marlins-related trades that were made on Monday included: a three-team deal sending Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham (White Sox) to the Cardinals and Michael Kopech (White Sox) to the Dodgers; Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson (Giants) to the Braves for Tyler Matzek and prospect Sabin Ceballos; Lane Thomas (Nationals) to the Guardians for prospects Alex Clemmey, José Tena and Rafael Ramírez; Yusei Kikuchi (Blue Jays) to the Astros for prospects Jake Bloss, Joey Loperfido and Will Wagner; Michael Lorenzen (Rangers) to the Royals for prospect Walter Pennington; Frankie Montas (Reds) to the Brewers for Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis; Ty France (Mariners) and cash considerations to the Reds for prospect Andruw Salcedo; Justin Turner (Blue Jays) to the Mariners for prospect RJ Schreck. 🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, playing his second game as a Yankee, Chisholm hit two home runs and made his professional debut at third base in a blowout win over the Phillies. New teammate Aaron Judge hit his 38th and 39th homers of the season. The Diamondbacks rallied from a six-run deficit to stun the Nationals. The White Sox lost their 15th consecutive game, setting an all-time franchise record. 🔷 On this day in 1999, Preston Wilson's pinch-hit two-run home run in the eighth inning put the Marlins ahead to stay as they erased a five-run deficit to down the Pirates. 🔷 A FOCO bobblehead honoring Xavier Edwards' cycle is in the works. Pre-order yours here. 🔷 Join us for a special episode of Fish On First LIVE tonight from 5:00-6:30 p.m. ET on YouTube/Twitter/Facebook. We'll lead you to and through the deadline. 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. 🔷 Today's MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Edward Cabrera) visit the Rays (LHP Jeffrey Springs) for the Citrus Series opener. These teams' rosters have changed dramatically since they previously faced two months ago. The Marlins have a 40.0% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 6:50 p.m. ET. 🔷 Today's MiLB schedule: Triple-A Jacksonville vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m. ET Double-A Pensacola at Chattanooga, 7:15 p.m. ET High-A Beloit at Lake County, 7:00 p.m. ET Low-A Jupiter at Clearwater, 6:30 p.m. ET DSL Marlins at DSL Mets Blue, 11:00 a.m. ET DSL Miami vs. DSL Twins, 11:00 a.m. ET View full article

The All-Star break rejuvenated Bell's bat after a disappointing first half of the season. He will fill in for Arizona's injured first baseman. For the third trade deadline in a row, Josh Bell is on the move. The Arizona Diamondbacks are acquiring him from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations or a player to be named later. The D-backs are on the hook for $2.25M of Bell's remaining salary, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, with Miami taking responsibility for the rest (more than $3M). The Marlins acquired Bell from the Cleveland Guardians in a bad contract swap on 2023 deadline day (with Jean Segura and prospect Kahlil Watson going the other way). Down the stretch of that season, he was exactly what Miami's lineup needed, so much so, it was unclear whether he'd still be on the books this season for $16.5M or decline his player option in search of a larger payday. Bell ultimately decided to exercise the option. Unfortunately, Bell's production has fallen off in 2024. By practically any definition, he was a below-average first baseman/designated hitter in 104 pre-deadline games played. The switch-hitter slashed .239/.305/.394 with 14 home runs. He had a 92 wRC+ from the right side and 98 wRC+ from the left side (his career norms are a 108 wRC+ and 114 wRC+, respectively). Bell's best asset continues to be his durability—he ranks tied for ninth in MLB in games played since 2017 with only two very brief injured list stints during that period. Early Sunday afternoon, the Marlins placed Bell on waivers to give other teams a chance to pick up what's left of his salary (approx. $5.5M). Once he cleared waivers, they agreed on this arrangement that calls for Miami to eat the majority of Bell's money. Conveniently, Bell's hottest 10-game stretch of the season happened immediately prior to the deadline, slashing .342/.444/.763 and homering five times. Also conveniently (and unfortunately), Arizona's terrific first baseman, Christian Walker, suffered an oblique injury on Monday night. Shortly after the Bell trade was announced, Walker was placed on the 10-day IL. Bell is being leaned upon to temporarily fill that void. Had the Marlins agreed to pay 100% of Bell's salary, perhaps the D-backs would have parted with a more substantial prospect in return. We might never know for sure. View full article

Xavier Edwards' first month as an everyday major league regular could not possibly be going any better. He has led all qualified National League hitters in on-base percentage during July, and that got another boost on Sunday when he became the second Miami Marlin to ever hit for the cycle. To celebrate this awesome milestone, FOCO is designing a limited-edition bobblehead. Only 72 will be made. Banking on the idea that Marlins fans have immediately fallen in love with X, they've priced these at $90. FOCO is teasing the collectible with the silhouette below. Pre-order here while supplies last.

Winning 20 games through the end of the season would be approximately the same pace that they were already on with Chisholm and Scott. That seems like the right place to set the over/under. Starting pitching health and performance will only get better from here to cancel out the losses in CF and the bullpen.

For any huge X fans...FOCO is working on a bobblehead honoring his cycle. Supply is limited. Available for pre-order here: https://foco.vegb.net/Kjnq7n

We'll update our Top 30 prospects list by the end of the week and are having heated conversations about this 😅...Expecting Deyvison to come out ahead once the dust settles.

A move like this would definitely be perceived differently if he went to the Pirates, Mariners or Royals. But if they're going to make the painful choice to cash in on him, all that matters is getting the best possible return. The Yankees stepped up.

This month could not possibly be going better for Edwards. Extremely impressive and a key development for the franchise. It's been deflating to watch the team get so bad, so quickly, but I agree that Bendix is getting reasonable value for his trades. My main objection remains the timing of the Arraez trade, rushing to get it done even while the health status of the top prospect coming back (Dillon Head) was in question. From afar, seems like he allowed the Padres to pressure him into it.

Unfortunately for the Rays, they were banking on Wander Franco to man shortstop for the rest of the decade. Couldn't foresee what mess he was creating for himself off the field.

Offishial News for 7/29/24 On Sunday, Xavier Edwards became the second player in Marlins history to hit for the cycle, dramatically completing it with an infield single in the top of the ninth inning. He also drew a walk for good measure, raising his on-base percentage to .462 through 25 MLB games this season. However, Miami's No. 4 through No. 9 hitters were lifeless and Kyle Tyler worked four mediocre innings. The Marlins lost, 6-2. Down on the farm, Triple-A Jacksonville lost, 5-4. Deyvison De Los Santos went 2-for-5 with an RBI single and played third base (he played 1B in his organizational debut on Saturday). Double-A Pensacola lost, 6-1. OF Andrew Pintar went 1-for-5 in his Blue Wahoos debut. OF Jakob Marsee reached base safely four times. RHP Woo-Suk Go didn't record an out. His ERA with the Marlins org rose to 7.01. High-A Beloit lost, 5-3. Low-A Jupiter won, 7-6. OF Kemp Alderman stayed hot by going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI. RHP Jesse Bergin (2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K) raised his season strikeout rate over 40%. He ought to go up to Beloit in the very near future. Here's more Marlins news and content: 🔷 Tanner Scott is the one Marlin who is certain to be dealt over the next two days. One executive tells The Athletic that Peter Bendix's asking price is two of an organization's top 15 prospects. Makes sense considering fellow quality rental closer Carlos Estévez went to the Phillies for that kind of package. 🔷 The Marlins placed Josh Bell on waivers, just in case a deep-pocketed team is comfortable paying what's left of his $16.5M salary (approx. $5.5M). Despite his post-All-Star break surge, that is a pipe dream. Unless Miami is willing to cover most or all of that amount in a trade, he's staying put. 🔷 Kevin Barral and Nate Karzmer came up with a proposal to package Scott and Bell to the Mariners for three prospects. 🔷 The Marlins signed their eight-round draft pick, OF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart, for his full slot value of $211.6k. It is unclear why his deal took longer to be completed than the other draftees, but still got done comfortably in advance of Thursday's signing deadline. As detailed in the Fish On First bonus pool tracker, the Marlins spent 99.9% of their draft bonus pool. That still leaves up to $535,425 left to offer 15th-round pick C Coen Niclai without forfeiting future picks, but Niclai is honoring his college commitment instead. 🔷 For the first time all season, Series MVP honors were shared by multiple players (Bell and Edwards). That means @Chad Turner made perfect picks for the second straight series. Here's an updated look at the Prediction Time leaderboard. Make series predictions with us all season long when you become a Fish On First SuperSub. 🔷 Happy 26th birthday to Sixto Sánchez. The former top prospect has a 4.70 ERA, 4.08 FIP and 1.39 WHIP in 21 games (14 starts) during his Marlins career. He's been out for the last two months with right shoulder inflammation. 🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, Jazz Chisholm Jr. played center field in his Yankees debut while going 1-for-5 at the plate with a stolen base. The following non-Marlins-related trades were made on Saturday and Sunday: Isaac Paredes (Rays) to the Rays for Christopher Morel and prospects Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson; Carlos Estévez (Angels) to the Phillies for prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri; Jesse Winker (Nationals) to the Mets for prospect Tyler Stuart; Jason Adam (Rays) to the Padres for prospects Dylan Lesko, Homer Bush Jr. and J.D. González; Danny Jansen (Blue Jays) to the Red Sox for prospects Gilberto Batista, Cutter Coffey and Eddinson Paulino; Nate Pearson to the Cubs for prospects Yohendrick Pinango; and Carson Kelly (Tigers) to the Rangers for prospects Liam Hicks and Tyler Owen. 9c61b69b-d0e4a75e-647e8f44-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4 🔷 Today's MiLB schedule: DSL Marlins vs. DSL Miami, 11:00 a.m. ET Marlins podcast episodes View full article

Xavier Edwards became the second player in Miami Marlins history to hit for the cycle, homering in the first inning, doubling in the fifth, tripling in the seventh and singling in the ninth against the Brewers on Sunday. View full video

Josh Bell may have saved the best week of his Miami Marlins career for last. The veteran switch-hitter was placed on waivers Sunday afternoon, according to FanSided's Robert Murray (and confirmed by the New York Post's Jon Heyman). Bell has been one of MLB's hottest hitters since returning from the All-Star break. Entering Sunday, he had mashed home runs in each of the last four games, raising his overall numbers within spitting distance of league average despite an awful first half of 2024. The Marlins' highest-paid player this season, Bell is earning $16.5M. Approximately one-third of that ($5.5M) is still owed to him before he re-enters free agency in the winter. Being placed on waivers allows other teams the opportunity to pick up the tab and add him to their roster. That is doubtful to happen, though. Bell's .309 xwOBA is on pace to be the worst of his career over a full-length season, and he is a liability defensively and on the bases. Contending teams who need reinforcements at first base/DH would rather roll the dice on less expensive alternatives than claim him. The timing of this decision is not coincidental. The waiver process lasts 48 hours, meaning Bell will pass through it with a few hours to spare prior to Tuesday's 6:00 p.m. ET trade deadline. In the meantime, the Marlins front office should consider trade scenarios that involve eating most or all of Bell's money in order to turn him into a positive asset. If no trade comes to fruition, he can remain on the Marlins roster. Even then, I find it hard to believe that Bell finishes the 2024 season in Miami. Newly acquired prospect Agustín Ramírez, who plays both catcher and first base, could be major league ready by September. He's already on the 40-man roster. Reigning Marlins Minor League Player of the Year Troy Johnston is also with Triple-A Jacksonville. Call-up candidates at other positions are in play if the Marlins simply make Jake Burger their primary first baseman down the stretch. View full rumor

Player status updates, insightful stats and more information to fully equip you for today's Marlins game. Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal SuperSubs. These notes apply to the third and final game of Miami's road series against the Milwaukee Brewers. View full article

It looks unlikely. Then again, there was that same perception about Austin Wells when he was Ramirez's age and he has become a legitimate asset behind the plate. This is a bet on Ramirez's deficiencies being fixable with sufficient instruction and reps.

I wonder if the Marlins would even take Jones over Agustin Ramirez if given the chance. Deeply concerning strikeout issues and overall consistency as a hitter this season, facing the same competition that Ramirez thrived against. Would have been a more "popular" headliner, but Bendix genuinely does not care about public perception. He has brought that mindset over from the Rays.

Even without Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Marlins continued their high-scoring ways and secured another surprising series win against a division-leading opponent. In his first major league start since April 13, not only was Max Meyer competing against the Milwaukee Brewers, but also the news that one of his most talented teammates, Jazz Chisholm Jr., had been traded in a four-player deal. The Miami Marlins right-hander lasted just four innings on Saturday night, but his remaining supporting cast did brilliantly in a 7-3 victory to beat the Brewers in their own building for the second consecutive night. Although the Brewers entered Saturday at 15 games over .500, the lineup opposing Meyer was not particularly daunting. Christian Yelich is sidelined by a back injury and hot-hitting rookie Jackson Chourio missed this contest due to an ear infection. Even so, Meyer had a lot of trouble putting batters away. Using his standard four-seam fastball/slider/changeup pitch mix, the 25-year-old couldn't find a weapon to generate swinging strikes. He had only four whiffs, matching the lowest single-game total of his professional career (excluding the abbreviated 2022 outing where he damaged his UCL in the first inning). "I think a lot of it was more location than anything," manager Skip Schumaker said postgame. As you can see below, the Brewers rarely chased Meyer's pitches outside of the strike zone. Many of his in-zone offerings caught the middle of the plate, making them easy to put in play or at least foul off. Meyer would require 85 pitches despite not making it two full trips through the lineup. He averaged 5.31 pitches per plate appearance—for context, no qualified MLB starter is over 4.24 Pit/PA this season. Inefficiency aside, Meyer successfully kept Milwaukee off the scoreboard for a while. He held a 2-0 lead with two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the fourth inning. Willy Adames extended the frame with a well-placed grounder to the left side, reaching safely on an infield single. Meyer then issued a full-count walk to Jake Bauers. Longtime Marlins killer Rhys Hoskins drove them both in with a three-run home run to left field. In 88 career games against Miami, the former Phillie is slashing .267/.395/.577 with 23 homers. The Marlins put runners on base in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings, but couldn't manufacture any additional runs. In the top of the seventh, however, the bottom of their order ignited an improbable five-run rally. Facing Jared Koenig, who had taken over for starter Aaron Civale in the previous inning, Emmanuel Rivera mashed a fly ball to the right-center wall that Blake Perkins couldn't haul in (generously ruled a triple). Vidal Bruján drew a walk and Nick Fortes followed with a bunt single to the right side that tied the score at 3-3. Against righty Elvis Peguero, Bryan De La Cruz singled up the middle to put Miami in front. Josh Bell stayed on his recent power binge and supplied insurance with a three-run homer, going yard for the fourth consecutive game. a0fe28de-b84b27b2-950631ab-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4 Overall, the Marlins went 5-for-8 with runners in scoring position, one of their best performances in that department in 2024. Bryan Hoeing, Huascar Brazoban and Calvin Faucher combined for five scoreless innings in relief of Meyer. Hoeing picked up his first win of the season in the process. He has a 1.50 ERA when working out of the bullpen. Other observations 🔷 This was the fifth game in a row that the Marlins have scored at least six runs. Consider that through their first 100 games of the season, the offense averaged only 3.5 runs. 🔷 Thanks to a ninth-inning walk, Xavier Edwards extended his on-base streak to 14 games. His .434 OBP this season leads the National League among players with at least 100 plate appearances. 🔷 For the first time all year, Nick Fortes' batting average has climbed above .200. Rookie right-handers Kyle Tyler and Tobias Myers are probable starters for Sunday's series finale. It'll also be the final game that the Fish play prior to the trade deadline. First pitch at 2:10 p.m. ET. View full article