THOMAS JOSEPH

Enjoyed the "draft."

My reverse psychology; Twins win 2 of 3. "Knickers" Santana as MVP.

Less than 1000 fans a game different coming off a playoff season? I don't see why the Marlins would worry about the record then.

Thank you. I will keep an eye out.

Are you planning a more detailed look at David Hernandez-Beayne? It's a key position for the Marlins revamp. I saw Peter Pratt's "X" comment about the Jumbo Shrimp's lineup now, and I agree that it was quite interesting. Lots of names I recognized over on the Gwinnett side, too, including your recent Flipped Fish designee, Sandy Leon, and Luke Williams. You mentioned the Tigers - an interesting team for a change, although they will likely fall short of a WC berth. Baez is a stone waste, but the team offers a few bright spots in that bleak city. Lastly, Marlins fans may appreciate the ChiSox's futility (worse than ours). They have made serious miscalculations. Even if Benintendi has rebounded, his contract is atrocious for a team in their situation. They missed the opportunity to move Robert before his production collapsed. Moncada has been hurt and his contract is a serious overreach - the option isn't happening under any circumstances. Still, unlike the Marlins. Reinsdorf has plenty of income to do as he likes but has already announced there won't be help coming this offseason. Fans are howling with the obligatory, yet utterly impotent, demand that he sell the team. He is likely considering the almost certain CBA chaos after next season before deciding on his next moves - smart.

I am perfectly fine if the Marlins are defeated by the likes of Kike Hernandez and Tommy Edman. So be it. This won't happen often in the playoffs. Of course, the Dodgers will fail again this year if teams follow this strategy. Nothing to Ohtani, mitigate Betts. That's it. Their pitching is adequate, but not enough. It's another season for Dodger fans to console themselves with regular season wins, I suspect (hope)! There is nothing sweeter than watching the big timber fall (again and again). They do look good, though. LOL.

I'll be the jerk that says don't give Ohtani anything to hit - don't give a rip about the optics. Let Muncy or one of the other Hollywood dancers beat us. No way, if I am the pitcher, that I want to be a trivia question answer. Let some Rockies guy give up number 50. Don't care about Ohtani, the records, the Dodgers, or what the league wants. This is our house and there needs to be a modicum of respect from somewhere. PS: I like Muncy and Betts with their little dances. Sore ribs for them both. Grow some cajónes, Marlins pitchers. Of course, they, too, are so enthralled with Ohtani. Cowboy the "f" up and ambush these teams as the season closes. Respect. It's something taken on the baseball field. Then you can go into the post-game press conference and gush about Ohtani, Mr. Regular Season Roberts, and the Dodgers.

I watched Garrett and the Jumbo Shrimp last night. I know it is a long shot to expect the Marlins to keep Alcantara, but the potential starting pitching staff reunion for the Marlins is quite exciting. I loved Sielaff's pronouncement on Peter Pratt's Locked on Marlins show regarding the time frame for Marlins' competitiveness (or even playoff contention). The combination of fluid rosters, injuries, and the three WC spots make it reasonable. We don't need to worry about a division title. Give me the rotation-in-waiting and let's see if the doomsayers have to eat their words.

Gotta go with a counterintuitive prediction here because I despise the Dodgers! Miami wins the series, 2 games to 1. Jonah Bride is the MVP. PS - Nothing to hit for Ohtani upon penalty of demotion to the minors! Let someone else beat us. No celebrating and records against us in our own house. Grow some cajónes and don't roll over. To hell with the compliant attitude and willingly placing our collective heads on the chopping block. Of course, Schumaker is much too "honorable" for such shenanigans. That should make us feel great, right?

I saw his three innings or so for Jax a few days ago. I'm glad he will be back in Miami, but since it's LA, he may not be so enthused! Lol.

Kudos to Cronin for that remarkable streak. I switched over to the Blue Wahoos and was able to see the walk-off. Their crowds in Pensacola appear to be healthy for AA, and why not? Looks like a beautiful venue and views. The sky, clouds, and colors last night were particularly captivating. I've made up my mind to catch a few games over there next season.

For those few of us who don't watch the postseason if our teams are not participating, these winter leagues are like a glowing ember until we're close enough to discuss Spring Training!

The saddest month in Montreal Expos history - September 2004. I attended the last series against the Marlins in Montreal that month. For a lifelong Expos fan, depressing doesn't describe it. My wife and I visited Quebec twice a year for Expos games and the city's many charms. She didn't go that time, so being there alone made it twice as difficult. My underlying point for Marlins fans is not to take things for granted. As rough and frustrating as things can be, every new Spring Training is rejuvenating. I feel for Oakland fans now. Expos fans understand.

I enjoyed the podcast. I am sorry to see Peter leave the Locked on Marlins podcast. He has a unique style and positivity. I wonder if he is the only European-based Locked On host? Gotta be.

I suppose more moves are coming - Garrett, Weathers, and perhaps, Simpson?

I am getting close to my melancholy time, which usually runs through the end of the year. So, even with the terrible record, I enjoy these last few regular season games. I don't watch the MLB playoffs, although I usually try to watch MiLB league title games, and whatever I can find of the Arizona Fall League. For me, the season ends on September 29th. Games like last night's become one of those mid-winter replays for me.

Switched over after the loss in Pittsburgh to see Garrett in Charlotte. See him against LA, surely? Also, I can't believe Wilmer Difo is still playing. Wow. Charlotte unis are Marlin-esque. Tuning in to the Nationals series show tonight. Cheers.

OK, here are my useless observations from yesterday. 1. I remain obviously and completely clueless about Schumaker's pitching strategy. In a bullpen game with a team 40 games under .500, he pulls Bermudez. Let him pitch another inning or two. What the hell difference could it make? Another five-pitcher game (although the McMillon injury must be factored in there). 2. Curry - well done in the Hoeing replacement role. 3. I saw the roller to Lopez that was scored a base hit. Are you s***ing me? Is this the Major Leagues? 4. Is there any better microcosm of the effed-up world of MLB salaries when Kiner-Falefa gets a $7.5m salary? Another to go. I don't give a rip about the ridiculous WAR - he's thoroughly a replacement guy. 5. Marlins pitchers thoroughly lack cajónes. Stottlemyre deserves a lot of the blame. Take back the inside part of the plate, at least, for crying out loud. Nobody has any fear, and everyone swings out of their shoes on our guys. I suppose it's too late for any of them this season but grow some pairs. 6. BAbip. The last time I checked, with help from the ridiculous official scorers around the league, the NL had a .295 BAbip. Walks are 1.000. I realize balls in play may be extra-base hits. Nevertheless, even with all the offensive-minded rule changes, pitching injuries, and the savior of all saviors (the DH), it's better to pitch to contact over walks if you are the Miami Marlins this season. Is there a statistic for the team that leads the league in 3-2 counts, and the number of those that end up as BBs? Of course, there is. Geez. If Bermudez and all the rest of the makeshift group we're stumbling over the season's final month with aren't capable of actually throwing strikes, so be it. Even if the BAbip is .300, so what? Since I am already overtly an *******, I will throw in here that I would like to abstain from a 9/11 regurgitation every year. Perhaps, the usual anniversaries - 30, 40, 50 years, etc. The annual lamentation serves to dilute it, in my opinion. Fly the flags at half-mast, the New York teams can wear the hats. Everyone remembers. But otherwise, the same, tired platitudes at baseball games every year add nothing. Sorry, most sincerely, and no offense to those who feel otherwise. I feel better now. Out.

Marlins win the series 3-1. MVP Eddy Cabrera

Soriano's performance, length and quality, is the silver-linjng takeaway. Regarding the season series, I suspect stats like that are of little consolation. The Pirates and their fans are totally disappointed by the season. In truth, all the NL Central teams looking up at the Brewers are disappointments. St. Louis fans, loyal and knowledgeable, are showing it by staying home.

Perhaps a precursor to resurrecting "Florida?" It's certainly at least a behind-closed-doors topic relating to drawing in-state fans. Especially as the team improves, the WS legacies are, at least theoretically, potential draws.

I don't care when and I don't care how - beating the Dodgers makes a great day. I know LA will be a big favorite in the upcoming series. Let's bring out the pride displayed in the last two games with the Phillies. Beat LA, and establish some more bona fides for the new, young Marlins going into the offseason.

You know the new Nike commercial ("Am I a bad person?"). I may not be maniacal, but does it make me a bad person to thoroughly enjoy sending all those LDO-attending Phillies fans home very sad. "OMG! We lost two games to the freaking Marlins!" WAAAAA. LOL. What a nice little pick-me-up of a game! We all know it means very little on any level, but it was so much fun to watch. Cabrera - like we all know he can be and against a tough-ass lineup. Norby - unstoppable! And, he is working hard at third base - love the grit he brings to the team in this last month of a totally lost season. Conine and Sanoja - refreshing! Fortes, Bride, and Lopez - solid contributions continue. Our only missed opportunity? We didn't plunk Marsh before his RBI single. LOL.

Marlins sweep the three games. Jesus Sanchez is the MVP.

Another young guy hitting the ground running in Miami. 👍