Daniel Rodriguez

Big Fish Small Pod for Wednesday, July 24 Josh Callaway of Sooners Illustrated joins Daniel Rodriguez to introduce us to Miami Marlins 10th-round draft pick 3B Michael Snyder. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. Snyder played college ball at the University of Washington from 2020-2023. His lone season with the Sooners was by far his best, slashing .354/.465/.638 with 11 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 61 games. He signed for $17.5k. Follow Josh (@JoshMCallaway), Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for Tuesday, July 23 Jack Fitzpatrick of JMU Sports News and Catie Harper of the Daily News-Record join Daniel Rodriguez to introduce us to Miami Marlins fourth-round draft pick OF Fenwick Trimble. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. A career .332/.431/.576 hitter at James Madison, Trimble signed for $550k. Follow Jack (@fitzalltheway), Catie (@CatieHarper), Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for Monday, July 22 Ryan Harlan, Oregon State sports reporter for BeaversEdge.com, joins Daniel Rodriguez to introduce us to Miami Marlins draft picks Aiden May and Micah McDowell. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. The first pitcher selected by the Marlins this year, May was the 70th overall pick and signed for $900k. A fifth-year senior who played center field for the Beavers last season, McDowell went in the 17th round and signed for $100,000. Follow Ryan (@Ryan_Harlan7), Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for 7/19/24 Danny Williams, co-host of The Cylinder Rule podcast, joins Daniel Rodriguez to introduce us to Miami Marlins 14th-round draft pick Cam Clayton. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. Clayton was the University of Washington's starting shortstop throughout each of the last three seasons. His bat regressed slightly from 2023 (.938 OPS) to 2024 (.818 OPS), and he didn't do himself any favors during the MLB Draft League, striking out in 51.8% of his plate appearances. However, he is the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. "He's just there to compete and to be the best player he can," Williams says, "and I really think that speaks volumes for a team that I think needed his leadership and presence in the middle of that order and that most premier defensive position on the field." Follow Danny (@danny_w22), Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for 7/18/24 Jackson Caudell, co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast, joins Daniel Rodriguez to introduce us to Miami Marlins sixth-round draft pick Payton Green. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. The 21-year-old Green began his collegiate career at NC State, but transferred to Georgia Tech for the 2024 season. As everyday shortstop for the Yellow Jackets, he slashed .309/.407/.577 wiith 12 home runs and eight stolen bases in 55 games. Green also improved his strikeout rate from 21.7% last season to 15.0% this season. Green's slot value is $331.3k. Follow Jackson (@jacksoncaudell), Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for 7/12/24 With the 2024 MLB Draft beginning this weekend, Daniel Rodriguez brings on Jab to get into the weeds about standout prospects from this draft class and what the Miami Marlins' strategy should be. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. Check out our full Marlins MLB Draft guide. Follow Jab (@jabmia_), Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for 7/7/24 With the 2024 MLB Draft only one week away, Daniel Rodriguez brings on Hector Rodriguez to preview the event from the Miami Marlins' perspective. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. Here is the third edition of Hector's Marlins mock draft, which includes the selection of Florida State 3B Cam Smith with the 16th overall pick. Also check out his 2024 MLB Draft Profile series. Follow Daniel (@Drodyyy), Hector Rodriguez (@Hector_Baseball) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Almost a no-hitter, almost a cycle, almost a Marlins comeback victory. Before getting into the game, I want to wish everyone reading a safe and Happy Fourth of July, whether you were watching the Marlins, grilling hot dogs, or getting a tan poolside, it's always a great day to celebrate our independence. MIAMI, FL—The Miami Marlins were trying to avoid a series sweep on Thursday. For the first time since the June 14-16 series against the Washington Nationals, they were unsuccessful at salvaging a win, but at least there were some fireworks and suspense along the way. Boston Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta brought a no-hitter into the seventh inning. However, as soon as he exited, Miami was able to claw their way back into the game and force extras. Ultimately, Boston outlasted the Fish, winning 6-5 in 12 innings. The 31-year-old Pivetta relied on just three pitches the majority of the time, especially his four-seamer which generated eight whiffs on 26 swings for him. Pivetta matched a season high by recording 10 K's during his seven scoreless innings of work. Ultimately for Pivetta, it was Jesús Sánchez who spoiled his no-hit bid by getting his first triple of the year with a massive shot to left-center field over the head of Jarren Duran. On the Miami pitching front, righty Kyle Tyler made his third start this season. Considering the quality of the opponent and the length he provided (5.1 IP), it was Tyler's best start as a big leaguer. Tyler used his cutter as his primary pitch, throwing it 49% of the time while seeing six whiffs on it. His ERA remains at 3.38 as he made his case to stick in the Marlins rotation a little longer. Skip Schumaker attributed both of the runs that Tyler allowed to the Red Sox stealing third base (David Hamilton did so successfully in both the first and sixth inning). "We have to clean that up a little bit," Schumaker said postgame. "Other than that, he was outstanding." After Tyler, the next four relievers—A.J. Puk, Anthony Bender, Tanner Scott and Andrew Nardi—did not allow a run and combined for nine strikeouts. That kept the Marlins close enough to rally. They pounced on Justin Slaten and Brennan Bernardino to tie things up in the bottom of the eighth. Two-out singles by both Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Bryan De La Cruz made it a 2-2 ballgame. In the 11th inning, the Red Sox retook a 4-2 lead against Calvin Faucher, but Jesús Sánchez responded by launching his ninth home run of the season to tie things up again. Skip mentioned how Sánchez has been consistently hitting the ball hard for an extended period. He was responsible for the two hardest hits by either team in this game (110 mph HR and 115 mph 2B). dk1BSzNfWGw0TUFRPT1fQVZkV1hWVUFWMU1BQ1FjTFV3QUFWUVlBQUFOWEFWQUFCVkZXQ0ZaUkNBRmNCQVFD (1).mp4 Newly called-up Matt Andriese took over in the 12th, allowing an RBI double to Tyler O'Neill to give Boston some breathing room again. The Marlins only plated one run in the bottom of the frame and fell just short of victory. The 3:36 time of game was the longest for the Marlins this season. My three stars of the game: Jesús Sánchez (3-5, 2B, 3B, HR) Marlins bullpen (4.2 IP, H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K from innings 6-10) Kyle Tyler (5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) The Marlins will start a new series Friday vs. the 25-64 Chicago White Sox in what should be an interesting matchup between teams who already have their eyes on 2025. It will be the young rookie Drew Thorpe (4.43 ERA, 20.1 IP) for the White Sox. Miami will start right-hander Bryan Hoeing, who will make his first MLB appearance since being put on the IL just two months ago. It'll be his first start of 2024 (he'd previously been used as a full-time reliever). View full article

Marlins have a new number two catcher after DFA'ing Christian Bethancourt. For the first time in three years, Ali Sánchez is getting a taste of the major leagues. MIAMI, FL—Despite coming off one of his best games as a Marlin, Christian Bethancourt was designated for assignment prior to Friday's series opener against the Seattle Mariners. The former Tampa Bay Rays catcher played 38 games in Miami, slashing a disappointing .159/.198/.268 over 88 plate appearances this season. The player filling Bethancourt's shoes wasn't even in the Marlins organization when the week began. Ali Sánchez, who last saw major league action three years ago for the St. Louis Cardinals, is the club's number two catcher for the time being. Sánchez had been with the Chicago Cubs Triple-A affiliate in Iowa this season where in 41 games and 129 at-bats, he hit .240/.338/.388. The year before, he hit above .300 with the D-backs AAA affiliate. Like the Marlins, the Cubs have struggled to get offensive production from the catching position, but when Yan Gomes was recently DFA'd, they went outside the organization to acquire Tomás Nido instead of promoting Sánchez. "He's gonna be a lot like we used (Bethancourt)," Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said pregame. "Catch a couple times a week and make his own opportunity”. He’s only totaled 13 at-bats in the majors with the last one coming in the 2021 season. The 27-year-old now has the chance of a lifetime to prove himself with the Marlins. Sánchez's plate discipline numbers in Iowa were encouraging—he was drawing walks in 12.2% of his plate appearances while striking out 18.9% of the time. However, he is out of minor league options. In talking to EL Extrabase earlier, Sánchez said in Spanish, "I want to be healthy, learn, listen, and win. Those are the most important. Come here, do the best and enjoy the moment." Although Bethancourt has been removed from the 40-man roster, his Marlins tenure may not be over yet. He will more than likely be outrighted to AAA-Jacksonville upon clearing waivers. Still owed a little over half of his $2.05M salary and being a player with three to five years of MLB service, he would need to forfeit the remainder of his contract to elect free agency. He could stick around instead, putting pressure on Sánchez to perform. View full article

Miami gets first series win of June after a second walk-off in as many days. MIAMI, FL—The Marlins pitching staff has been heavily taxed. Wednesday marked their ninth straight day with a game and the previous two against the St. Louis Cardinals had both gone into extra innings. Facing the threat of another extra-inning game and another series loss, Otto Lopez stepped up. Like Vidal Bruján the night before, Lopez collected a walk-off RBI single in Miami's 4-3 victory. The situation arose for Lopez in the bottom of the ninth with Tim Anderson on second and two outs, facing righty Ryan Fernandez. When Fernandez left a fastball down the middle in a 2-0 count, Lopez took full advantage. It was his first RBI since June 5. "It's been magic so far and we feel positive every time we go to the plate," Lopez said postgame. "It's been rough for me this series, but I keep it in my mind to stay positive." Overall, Lopez has been a bright spot shining through an otherwise dark cloud of a Marlins season. Acquired as a waiver claim in April, he's become the team's starting second baseman. Skip Schumaker on Lopez: "He got his shot and I think there's some guys that would try to force it or try to do too much. Shows the maturity that he hit the ball the other way against a really good sinker/slider guy". Miami had four runs on eight hits in the game, doing a lot of that damage in the very first inning. The bats started hot as Bryan De La Cruz and Jesús Sánchez homered in back-to-back at-bats, followed by a Josh Bell double. Bell ended up having a multi-hit game. On the pitching front for the Fish, Yonny Chirinos was given the ball to make his Marlins debut, becoming the 12th different starter they've used this season. Chirinos provided five solid innings of work for the team, which included six strikeouts without walking a batter. Luckily for Chirinos, the Cardinals went 1-for-9 with RISP against him, only scoring in the second inning. He relied mainly on his sinker and slider. Chirinos provided quality innings and did more than enough for Miami to get the win, setting himself up to likely get another start. Although overworked, Marlins relievers were effective. A.J. Puk, Huascar Brazoban and Tanner Scott combined for six strikeouts in their four innings pitched, allowing just one unearned run on a Jake Burger fielding error. Coming into the game, Miami expected to face Kyle Gibson. However, the veteran righty was scratched right before first pitch with back tightness. Instead, lefty and former top prospect Matthew Liberatore got the spot start. "We didn't find out until I got in the dugout and exchanged lineup cards that the change was made," Schumaker said. This was only the fourth time all year that the Marlins have won when facing a lefty starter. Liberatore settled down after the initial struggles and Miami did not record another hit until the fourth inning with a single by Nick Fortes. In true Marlin fashion, they picked it up when it was needed the most, resulting in a second walk-off in as many days. Half of their 14 home wins in 2024 have come on walk-offs. My three stars of the game: Otto Lopez (1-4, walk-off) Bryan De La Cruz & Jesús Sánchez (back-to-back home runs) Yonny Chirinos (5 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO, HR) The Marlins now have an off-day before resuming their homestand with a series against the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners on Friday. Trevor Rogers will take the mound for the Fish as he will match up against righty George Kirby. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for 6/19/24 Daniel Rodriguez summarizes how each of the Miami Marlins full-season affiliates did in the opening game of their new series on Tuesday with detailed box score notes. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. Follow Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article

Big Fish Small Pod for 6/12/24 With the 2024 MLB Draft barely one month away, Daniel Rodriguez explains why Florida State infielder Cam Smith and Wake Forest infielder Seaver King would be great first-round selections for the Marlins if still on the board with the 16th overall pick. Find Big Fish Small Pod on the Fish On First YouTube channel, our new-look Apple Podcasts channel and wherever else you get your pods. FOF's audio programming also includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, Swimming Upstream and more. The Fish On First podcast is now being presented by MPT College Consulting! They pride themselves on helping clients navigate the college application process. This includes preparation for standardized testing, guidance through high school, assistance with essays and applications, and choosing the right college. Visit them today at mptcollegeconsulting.com to learn more about their services and schedule a free consultation. Best-case scenario, one of these players will still be available when the Marlins are on the clock in the first round. Entering Wednesday, King is 12th on our MLB mock draft consensus board and Smith is 14th. Learn more about Smith by reading Hector Rodriguez's prospect profile of him. Follow Daniel (@Drodyyy) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Join the Marlins Discord server! Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. View full article