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THOMAS JOSEPH

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Everything posted by THOMAS JOSEPH

  1. THOMAS JOSEPH
    This is a fair and balanced article. I agree that the "so far" qualifier remains in effect. As we see often in sports, and as you noted, linear progression is not always the case, although the baseball system is forged that way. I liked Bleday's eye at the plate and worried about the puzzling holes in his swing. Still, I understood (but commented against moving so quickly) the trade, especially given Puk's problematic injury proclivities and the Marlins' centerfield hole at the time. There is always the nearly unquantifiable change of venue factors. Some factors, such as home ballparks, are better suited for some players. Of course, there are a variety of human intangibles, coaching efficacies, and just being given playing time to mature. Again, I will fall back on my simplistic baseball tagline - it's all a crapshoot. I think it keeps me even keeled (most of the time)!
  2. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Solid analysis - all are eminently reasonable destinations. Pairing Luzardo with Arraez in San Diego, watching the Padres beat the Dodgers, and ultimately resulting in the Friars' first World Series title, would be baseball serendipity. What a wonderful two-fer that would be for baseball. But before I get so crazily ahead of myself, as long as there is a solid return, I have no issue with any of these teams. No Astros hatred here at all - solid admiration. Is this the year when the stars could align for the proverbial "trade deadline blockbuster" consisting of some combination of Luzardo, Scott, and Chisholm? Talk about restocking the farm system - boom!
  3. THOMAS JOSEPH
    With the prominent exception of concern for Weathers, last night's game was encouraging and fun. Credit is given where due for those two excellent throws, the back-to-backs, the bullpen, Scott's typical firefighting, and Chisholm's game-winner. That had the 2023 magic feel to it - the lurking confidence. Edwards and Myers really do add sparks to the team. Very pleased that Myers was retained, the tough Garcia decision was made, and Edwards is seemingly getting a real oppo.
  4. THOMAS JOSEPH
    For sure. That move produced a favorable outcome for Rivera, yet the overall thought process was misguided. I think that decision-making regarding Sanchez is incongruent with both the stated team assessment of the player coming into his own and matching player skills to the situation. Generally, forego the platoon - especially amidst the backdrop of this season. Now that Garcia is gone, a regular DLC-Chisholm-Sanchez outfield makes sense until the trade decision for Chisholm is determined. Myers is an adequate outfielder to replace him, for off days/minor injuries, along with Gordon.
  5. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I am pleased that Edwards and Myers are in the mix. The top photo of the Edwards' tag and the fantastic Myers' peg to the plate last night highlight the benefits to the big-league team. Edwards should play shortstop for the foreseeable future and plenty of playing time for Myers, Anderson has no future with the Marlins - finish out the season or let him go. Frankly, there's no reason for him to tie up an active roster spot, unless there are intertwined trade plans. Next up - another round of pitching moves, perhaps including an IL stint for Weathers, taking us to the All-Star break. All around baseball, thoughts are that the NL's overall mediocrity changing what appeared to be firm playoff expectations and, thus, strategy going forward. Even if Miami is not in that category, the relative parity outside the top group of teams leaves plenty of playoff aspirations intact. It opens up additional trading possibilities/partners for the Marlins.
  6. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Let's go with a Marlins series win over the Guardians, 2 games to 1. Josh Bell is the MVP, haunting the Guardians for the last time as a Marlin!
  7. THOMAS JOSEPH
    As we fans are wont to do (and as a segue to Ely's "decisions made with everyone watching" question to Skip), I must question hitting Rivera for Sanchez. The bloop single notwithstanding, aren't we removing the tying home run possibility almost entirely without Sanchez, even with the conventional wisdom? I know there is the dichotomy of trying to win every game versus individual player growth/maturity. Still, if the Marlins believe Sanchez is developing (and plan to keep him for that deep potential), when are the in-game situational decisions going to reflect that mindset? If Skip and the team strategy for Sanchez aren't going to be manifested in a season like this one, when then?
  8. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Of all the fine information here, glad to hear Dillon Head is playing and playing well. Regarding Garcia, I think someone will make him an offer and he will make a go of it. Even with plenty of money in the bank, retiring from one's life-long pursuit before 35 is uncomfortable. If Garcia believes in himself, the change of venue is a fine motivation. The flip side is that he hardly seems hungry or even concerned. I contrast his apparent attitude with Giancarlo Stanton, who has acknowledged his struggles over the past few years in New York, Fans appreciate that, even if it makes little difference in the all-important results. Moreover, one would think that an athlete at the MLB level has greater drive than most people. Lastly, I agree with you that Bell is by far not a sure trade deadline piece. I'm no expert and lots of things can happen in the next six weeks, but perusing the teams out there tells me there are not a lot of openings for $8+ million. Of course, the Marlins could kick in some money, etc. Regarding a starter and Scott - yes, it is not difficult to see those moves.
  9. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I have no problem with your "walk the fine line" thinking. It's reasonable to posit and that's all I usually look for. Still, Bendix had to make a call...and, importantly, we don't know what ownership instructions were passed to him. Balancing fan expectations and finances becomes harder to justify if he advised Sherman that the Marlins would be drawing to an inside straight. I think the Marlins outlined their season with rebounds from the Mets and Cardinals this season, making a playoff slot harder, even with Alcantara. Without him? Frankly, if the 2023 unicorn season is deemed repeatable in 2024, there's a different offseason. So, just as your line of thinking is reasonable, I also see the current path as defensible, if not as palatable.
  10. THOMAS JOSEPH
    No problem with anything you stated. Perhaps we will get lucky and pawn him off before he's hurt again. I suggest doing so at the deadline if he's healthy. As a tangent, though, I believe the Marlins will be "competitive" quicker than most anticipate - pitching is the key. Also, they are positioned nicely to clear the roster of deadwood anytime. Lots of one-year deals that are easy to clear early if needed. Garcia is the exception, of course, and there is the $10m each of three consecutive years starting in 2026 for the Stanton deal - after Garcia's liability is cleared. The team can pick up cheap fillers while the Bendix plan fully develops. He's playing chess and I wager that he is good at it.
  11. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I am confused and conflicted by the apparent incongruence of a Marlins remake and trading a controllable guy until 2030. Of course, individual trade deals require tough decisions. Still, if Scott will be traded for salary and competitive reasons, Cronin appears to be his prototypical replacement in the bullpen. Then, we have Mish and a not-unreasonable argument that playing terrible veterans such as Anderson defines teams "like this" (amid an abysmal season), rather than an evaluative year. I dig the salary for Anderson and the service time clock start issues. Mish points to the Astros and Orioles remakes that resulted in multiple 100-loss seasons. Fine. But do not the anti-tanking rules he mentions immediately after that mitigate against playing Anderson-type washed-up, lame-duck veterans over the evaluation of the next round of young players? If the tanking rules eliminate the draft benefits, what's the Anderson/Garcia strategy again?
  12. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Ok, another probably unpopular opinion re-ignited from the Marlins podcast discussion. I, for one, will be happy to move on from Chisholm. I hope he has a great season, so the haul is enhanced. I'd like to see him leading the league in bling and on-field dancing elsewhere. Now, I feel better!
  13. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Yes, I am a flawed individual - perhaps I need more self-examination. I detest these "theme" days. Of course, fighting to cure diseases and advocating for causes are admirable. But I simply want to watch a baseball game - an entertainment diversion without distraction or wagging of fingers in my face. Sorry.
  14. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Dare we hope for the end of the Garcia chapter? This is one Mish "insider" insight we all hope is accurate.
  15. THOMAS JOSEPH
    It's a thoroughly forgettable game, unfortunately. But, right back at it. No rest for the weary, as they say. I'm focused on the necessary roster moves this week so Mish's comments on the show last night were eyebrow-raising.
  16. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Although it seems incongruent, the analytics age provides us with quantitative data concerning which players are "lucky" and "unlucky." In the past, it was anecdotal. Those who watched every game for our team had a litany of hard-hit balls, quirky bounces, or the like in our heads that formed our opinions about player "luck." I watch the Marlins and, without appealing to available stats, have that gut feeling that our two Sanchezes are lucky (Sixto) and unlucky (Jesus). Both will probably have that luck run out in keeping with baseball lore. Schumaker's comments regarding Sixto show he thinks that time is rapidly approaching. Jesus' night keeps the ember of hope burning that he can proverbially "put it all together." I hate to give up on his lefty power, however, this seems like a crucial season for his career.
  17. THOMAS JOSEPH
    We are almost sure to see Anderson sometime this season, but there are the imminent returns of Chargois and (distressingly) Garcia. I figure there will be a corresponding injury-light IL move or two, but who?
  18. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Reluctantly, I will predict a Rangers 2 games to 1 series win, with Marcus Semien as the series MVP. Thanks.
  19. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I like the contributions from up and down the lineup, aggressiveness on the bases, and improving start lengths by the Marlins starting pitchers.
  20. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Checking the podcast out right now.
  21. THOMAS JOSEPH
    What else is there to say about the Anderson situation? Contributing nothing on either side of the ball. Period. As a fan without any real idea what the front office thinks, it seems like a Garcia situation - paid him so we play him, period. I'd much rather see Edwards or any number of other young players on the active roster. As Ely mentioned on last night's show, Garcia is returning soon, as well. I will not harp on this again, because it does no good and everyone already knows these two players are taking up valuable space. Maybe, just maybe, Bendix can convince Sherman to make the proper moves. I do not doubt that Sherman is calling the shots on Garcia, because the baseball guy Bendix would have punted him already.
  22. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Hope to catch him in his first Jupiter start - great having MiLB access with MLB.tv. subscription.
  23. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Thanks for the information and insights.
  24. THOMAS JOSEPH
    If we complete the old sales chart called the "Ben Franklin Close," the Weathers deal is a solid Kim Ng win as measured right now. How much credit to Stottlemyre?
  25. THOMAS JOSEPH
    As fun as these obligatory predictions are, they are also precarious. I appreciate the work that goes into the prognostications, and the occasional gut call. Sticking one neck out isn't easy, since everyone loves to ridicule misses by experts. Reading futurists' failed predictions is everyone's favorite dose of smugness. I think the Marlins pushed Sixto Sanchez for the express purpose of messing with Mish! Seriously, though, lots of fun.
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