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THOMAS JOSEPH

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Everything posted by THOMAS JOSEPH

  1. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Efficient, indeed! Garrett had the right mindset - get ahead of hitters, move the ball around the zone, pitch to contact - all leading to the efficient pitch count. The whiffs and Ks were excellent complements but not the main component to the strategy. Burger looked and performed like he was/is getting comfortable. Lopex continues to be a pleasant surprise. I know that the performances of the last ten days are also bound to inject confidence into Fortes. Even Anderson had some solid contact. Sanchez also looks like he's barreling up, portending one of his super streaks. Lastly, I like the aggressiveness on the basepaths, even with unsuccessful outcomes. We need that pressure on the defense and that additional run-producing mechanism. That truly was an enjoyable two hours of baseball.
  2. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Masterful - pitching to contact, which means a manageable pitch count. I truly hope Rogers, Cabrera, and Sanchez are watching and taking notes. I know Bendix sees pitching as the cornerstone of the new strategy. It's already largely in place and quite a bit of it is controllable (inexpensive). While most of us expect Alcantara and Luzardo to be traded since their contracts don't align with the next likely window for winning, I think the Marlins will compete for the playoffs sooner than the gloomy consensus out in social media. Lots of factors in baseball. in the meantime, I am enjoying Marlins May baseball.
  3. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Thanks for the information and for providing the LMBP link. It's a dual opportunity to watch baseball on demand and work on my rusty Spanish. I watched the Dominican Series and really enjoyed it, especially Brujan's performance there, which led me to believe a rebound year was possible due to the change of venue and a reality kick in the pants.
  4. THOMAS JOSEPH
    With the travel day, I was able to watch the Shrimp's offensive explosion in Gwinnett. Figure we will be seeing some of those guys in a few weeks. Good show last night, touching on the upcoming decisions Bendix must make. Of course, upcoming trades may clear the way for some guys and there are always injuries. I agree with Addio-Weiss regarding Anderson, but there are the prominent off-field issues - same for Garcia. Perhaps Anderson will parallel the upcoming summer temps and ramp it up. Such a pick-up eliminates the decision to eat the rest of his salary. I didn't care for the TA signing from the get-go, even scoffing that $5m was "a bargain." I do understand it, even though it was never going to be enough for fans expecting numerous FA signings, even if Anderson reverted to his better days. Garcia is a much bigger problem, especially since he is entirely baseball-superfluous compared to Myers and Edwards, not to mention several others that I and many Marlins fans would like to see given opportunities in the second half. Why not?
  5. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Yes, there will be individual incremental progression from current MLB players and those acquired in trades. Of course, there will be more new guys after the deadline and, one would assume, during the next offseason. I think the coming offseason won't resemble the quiet 2023-2024 offseason, in which Bendix was settling in.
  6. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Luzardo spun a masterful performance- thoroughly enjoyed watching. I'm a pitching guy, so the last few weeks have been especially fun. This is especially so juxtaposed with the horrible April. Keep winning those series and quietly dig out of the hole. Luzardo, and some of the hitters coming out of the April funk, might be showcasing for other teams. Still, improving a trade return seems secondary right now to becoming a respectable team. Out of our hands. I like that Zeus improved his control with the small velocity reduction. That's pitching maturity. After winning the series against the NL Central leaders, another big test on the road with the hot Arizona D-backs can solidify the turnaround month. I know the FOF podcast tonight will devote time to the upcoming roster decisions. Looking forward to it.
  7. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Prediction that I hate to make, but Arizona is playing well: D-backs take the series 2 games to 1. Corbin Carroll as the MVP.
  8. THOMAS JOSEPH
    The Marlins are on the cusp of some important decisions. Obviously, Anderson will have more leeway, but there are quite a few other decisions likely to be the proverbial cans kicked down the road (until the trade deadline moves occur). I figure there will be no moves in the catching department, either. Barring additional injuries or preemptive trades a la Arraez, aren't at least five player decisions imminent (Hoeing, Garrett, Cabrera, Edwards, and Garcia)?
  9. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Even playing .500 baseball is great. Imagine if the team can maintain the .500 pace for the season (a tall order, I know). After the trading flurry that is likely to come, I think the final months of the season will be quite interesting and eye-opening. The new path is clearer and we're going to see true evaluations. Those ABs (and innings, to a lesser degree) can really push Bendix's agenda along. Let's see the young players have genuine opportunities and forego journeymen replacements that have no real part in the team's plans. I realize every situation is nuanced, but the current play of the Royals, Reds, and even Orioles shows that taking the harsh (rebuilding) medicine can work.
  10. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Appreciate the comprehensive rundown.
  11. THOMAS JOSEPH
    It looked as if there was another nice comeback win in the making. Rivera had several very nice defensive plays. Chisholm's scoring play is impressive, for sure, but he was lollygagging a misplayed grounder to second earlier in the game that could have easily been turned into an out. The team seems to have retained confidence game-to-game. There's no pressure now that the insurmountable hole is dug. Some players thrive in that atmosphere, which is a valuable evaluative part of a losing season. I favor playing the young talent, although I understand most of the current mechanism is showcasing for other teams and determining the trade playbook. Lastly, regarding Rogers, it is difficult to see where he fits in long-term. Once the other starters return, he's made himself entirely replaceable.
  12. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Worthwhile show - pertinent information and insights. I watch quite a bit of baseball media and the FOF podcasts are well-produced. The preparation is evident. Regarding the website and related presentation material - also standouts. Professional and lots of value for us.
  13. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Games like this exemplify why I watch my team, regardless of the win-loss record or moves initiated in the front office. A three-to-two game focuses on a few plays and pitching. We see how much of a crapshoot baseball is. A few inches, as the article noted, separated the home run from a possible fantastic catch. Yelich's decision to try the steal of home. I am encouraged by the team's grit and the pitching performances in May. We know guys are showcasing for the trade deadline, but others on the roster realize their opportunities are now - Lopez, Brujan, Myers, Edwards. For others, it is still close or at least realistic. A team like Miami offers one of the most direct opportunities in baseball. I plan to enjoy the process and be there when it comes to fruition,
  14. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I ain't giving up! Marlins win the series, 2 games to 1. The MVP will be Jazz Chisholm, Jr. Looking forward to the show this evening.
  15. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Bound to be an excellent confidence-builder for Rogers. Puk's return, DLC's hot streak, Lopez's play, and a few other bright spots hopefully translate into some wins. There's no call to be pollyannish, however, the year can still be and must be productive. With additional trades coming, Bendix could conceivably move the Marlins farm system up from one of the lowest three to mid-league, shed additional payroll to set up the offseason, and, all the while, get in some significant evaluation of in the second half.
  16. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I love a pitcher's duel - tight control, efficient, and a brisk game. Too bad Weathers didn't get the "W" that he earned and tough luck loss for Olson. The baby-faced Tiger pitched magnificently, as well.
  17. THOMAS JOSEPH
    My favorite insight - no walks!
  18. THOMAS JOSEPH
    There are some glimmers of progress in there - Sixto's gutsy performance, Brujan, Lopez, Gordon. We need Bell to continue hitting in preparation for a trade, as well. I have no problem with Maldonado in there, especially if he doesn't walk batters. If they get a hit, so be it. It's the constant nibbling that gets to me. Maldonado brings some aggressiveness and gets important opportunities to pitch in high-leverage situations. As some veterans are jettisoned or move on - which is certain (and soon) - there is no substitute for innings and ABs for the replacements. Let's get on with it.
  19. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Let's keep it going with a Marlins series win against the Tigers, 2 games to 1. My MVP choice is Jesus Sanchez. I think he is lining up one of his hot streaks.
  20. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Oh, yes. That's a shame about Edwards. Imagine what he could have done if healthy. Perhaps, it might have made a difference regarding Rivera or Lopez, although probably not Anderson. I hope eventually gets a full opportunity. Catchers in the Marlins farm system must surely be thinking there is a wide-open path for them to Miami.
  21. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Broadly, I agree Bendix and Sherman have responsibility. Of course. Still, players play and must be responsible for their lack of ability or failure to execute. Mental errors, lack of situational hitting, nibbling/timid pitchers, and strategic in-game decisions cannot be divorced from the manager and coaching staff. Has Skip checked out? No, I figure he has the usual incentive for his next gig. He and his staff are not immune from criticism, though, and cannot hang their collective caps on last season's unicorn results, IMO.
  22. THOMAS JOSEPH
    It's frustrating, but it is important to consider how hot the Phillies are right now. On the other side, that doesn't seem to matter with the Marlins this year. Teams are confident playing the Marlins, and Marlins pitchers are seemingly waiting for their beating, it often seems. I'd like to see the Marlins' pitchers get mean, which is the perfect segue to Rogers' dugout remonstration. I loved it.
  23. THOMAS JOSEPH
    I heard Samson say he would let Skip go now since there is no point in a lame-duck manager. Although wags say that the Marlins don't want to pay another guy for this year, I figure it is mainly buying time and avoiding another PR hit. More of those are coming anyway, though. Schumaker benefits from any silver linings he can create and won't be held to account for the final result as he looks for his next position. Still, the F.O. has been working on a replacement since the obligatory offseason "philosophical" split, and it wouldn't surprise me to see a change late in the year when everyone has no more rage to vent.
  24. THOMAS JOSEPH
    With the season unraveling early, one of the things we can be hyper-focused on is individual player progress. I truly do not understand why the Marlins shouldn't use this obvious no-pressure go-around to get some meaningful ABs in for guys like Edwards, Conine, Johnston, Myers, Mesa, Jr., Banfield, and others. Why not? Anderson is here for a few more months, Garcia is already a sunk cost, Rivera/Lopez/Bethancourt are expendable journeymen. Let's see what happens after the deadline and/or the next round of trades, which will likely open spots at the top club. I watched the first Wahoos game to see the new guys, which didn't disappoint.
  25. THOMAS JOSEPH
    Good read here and we certainly need Balkovec to succeed as an integral part of the new team. I hope she kills it and obtains solid rewards for doing so. I like the "blank slate" and fresh ideas environment she mentions. I'm fine with the "have fun and relax" cultural milieu, but that better be watermarked, not at the forefront. These are professionals with the highest casualty rate, necessitating competency, work ethic, coachability, and, frankly, overachievement if one wants to stay in the mix for long. The "everyone is told" admonition from "Moneyball" is as ruthless as it is ineluctable. So, the unconventional blank slate appeals to me, but it must be juxtaposed with the reality of MLB. Bendix, Balkovec, et al., deserve a fair chance, realizing that they are starting in a hole, but they will own the results, make no mistake about that. So, I am all in with the new regime because that wager has already been placed.
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