THOMAS JOSEPH

Marlins sweep. Turnaround in progress. Since we're talking about him, Caissie to shine this series.

Let Caissie get his sea legs. Like Caissie, Stowers concerned me because he was missing pitches in the zone. Dare we expect such a dramatic turnaround from Caissie? Yes, I think so.

Norbs will shine.

I'm controlling myself vis-à-vis Alcántara's removal. Putting together some thoughts on the ABS system. MLB wants us to collectively gulp and exhale air as the challenge is announced and the result displayed. I assume there are continuously updated statistics on the process - number of challenges, overturned percentage, use by innings, etc.

Robotic.

Let's get into our rant! Stanton is off to a great start! Isn't Stanton one of the premier examples of horrendous long-term mega deals? Two hundred million dollars over the last seven years, with three more to go, and a hunk of the final years will be paid by the Marlins. Even the much-ballyhooed pairing with Judge, which, if successful, arguably could have mitigated the huge sunk costs, has failed (so far) to pan out. If the Yankees don't win a title with these two, isn't New York the true measure of top-heavy payroll failure, replacing the much-disparaged Angels? Perhaps the postseason appearances and lots of regular-season wins are salve on the wound for fans and ownership in Yankee Nation? No, of course not. What I continue to find fascinating is the idea that, somehow, past production has "earned" the horrendous failed contracts. I harken back to someone like Johnny Bench. His final $1 million contract was most certainly a reward and not a production bounty. Of course, Bench did actually win titles during his tenure and was never a roster millstone. I am interested in how someone with hundreds of millions in payments, with seven, and soon to be, eight or nine years (!) of middling production, has redeeming value. Perhaps misplaced nostalgia is worth $200 million. No, of course not. The same mindset applies to another ex-Marlin hero, Miguel Cabrera. Despite the smiles and nice gifts at his return, his atrocious extension handicapped the Tigers for the better part of a decade. The Tigers rue that decision, and you can forget that the Tiger cap in the HOF makes everything ok. They'd trade it for the $200 million in a freaking heartbeat if such a thing were possible. Of course, his retirement "tour" was a nice feel-good event. Even more so for the Tigers organization, which breathed a sigh of relief that the furious cash-flushing was finally, finally over, the roster spot was free, and the team could move on. See how it has recovered as the millstone is removed. As the same relief will be felt in New York after Stanton is gone, along with the many other incredibly foolish deals festering or looming right now. Yes, Rendon and Strasburg are gone. But does anyone want to make a list without even thinking hard? Trout, Bogaerts, Bryant, Baez. How long before the Devers contract in San Francisco implodes? Don't worry that owners will suddenly gain insight. There will be plenty of other disasters unless the CBA is truly transformational and rational. Of course, it will be neither.

I like pitching and defense, with a 3-2 game as the prototype. I envisioned those hard-hit balls falling in as the Marlins pulled off another late-inning comeback. The team will be rejuvenated tonight, mentally and physically, from the cold and soggy weekend in New York. Of course, Alcántara on the mound sure doesn't hurt!

I rely on and appreciate FOF for this type of reporting.

Maybe the Marlins could extend Pérez if he has a horrible season. I'm sure this won't happen because my gut feeling is always correct. I should place large bets on this, but I no longer gamble on human sports. But, for the sake of clarity and discussion, I have a few questions. Would the Marlins still want to commit the obligatory $200 million if this is the case? Would the Marlins want to do so if the 2027 season looks to be lost due to the CBA fight? What players constitute the evidence that long-term mega deals like this for pitchers are historically advantageous? Of course, I humbly ask for forgiveness for daring to question the efficacy of the sacrosanct "extend the young players early" mantra. I also apologize for eschewing the unrelenting national gambling culture.

Who thinks any of the big dogs will beat this in 2026? Not me. To my mind, this is another pretty damn good bet.

I no longer have any interest in gambling, but I should look into the odds for Cabrera and Weathers' next IL stints. I'll wager less than six weeks for both. Anyone think those are poor bets?

It's of no mind, but I'm writing here anyway about how I enjoy these archival stories. After my Expos were moved to the DC cesspool at the close of the 2094 season, I quit baseball com turkey. Sad and truly disgusted, fifteen seasons passed and the sport wasn't a part of my life. I watch Marlins Jeopardy without personal involvement. 2014 might as well be 1914 for me. I didn't watch games. I don't know the stories of these seasons. It's fresh to me, in many cases.

That was an enjoyable article. For me, the legitimacy is enhanced by the company in the neighborhood. People hate the cost per win, nevertheless, one cannot dismiss the long-term stake the team has claimed, especially in the modern baseball ecosystem. Surely, Milwaukee has bragging rights vis-à-vis regular season wings, divisional titles, and most importantly, playoff appearances. But even the Brewers look up to the Marlins Moneyball-esque cost per win numbers. It's remarkable, stuck as it is in the MLBPA's craw. Frankly, I love it. If Bendix wins, perhaps he is truly a modern day alchemist.

One game. Nothing to go nuts over yet.

Anything better than a two-out, walk-off homer? Excellent. Regarding the ABS system: I definitely not a fan. We continue to add decision-making requirements, while all the while watching obviously poor calls stand while the technology sits unused. I realize the ease-in strategy and umpire sensibilities/union issues are the reasons. So, we continue to watch and shake our heads as game outcomes are affected. Frankly, I'd be fine without the ABS, but if it to be used, then freaking use it.

I thought the same thing, but Bendix sees himself as a baseball alchemist. Who knows what he's planning and how many moves ahead of us he is?

Apex of the season right now for my predictions. Lol.

No way that I am breaking the vibe. Marlins sweep. Conine is MVP.

Beef on the hoof.

Prescient.

Enjoyed the article. Don't get the signing. Oh, well. It's going to be utterly forgettable anyway, I bet. What's for lunch?

Unfortunately, 74-88. Big year: Norbs "Mervis 2026": Morel, of course. Skipped games: Dodgers and Yankees (watch MiLB during those series for my mental health). Later, brother, and thanks: Former Expo Tommy Hutton. He played for other teams, but I don't remember or care. Lol. Cheers.

I think this year will be bittersweet. Last season, the stars aligned with lots of mediocre WC contenders and an uncharacteristic Braves swoon. For the Fish this season, 74-88. Hope like hell that they overachieve, of course.

That's a trek, for sure. I'm old, nothing else to do, so I split my year between Louisville and Jax, with a couple of Jax to Miami road trips. Cheers

I'm in total agreement.