THOMAS JOSEPH

I appreciate the Small Pod daily. I recently decided to see and participate in the Marlins "X" community that I hear much about, for example, on Peter Pratt's "Locked on Marlins" podcast. Perhaps the Marlins' history provided the impetus for the undertones of sarcasm and skepticism. The poor start has added a real vitriolic streak, which contains a weird desire for a doomed season. As a relative newcomer to the Marlins (2021), is this "normal" for Twitter/X? Following the Expos for most of my life, I saw many fans go to the dark side and stay there, no matter what, everything was framed as useless or even karmic. I truly think Bendix will make a significant difference over a reasonable amount of time (even with ownership constraints).

Oh, no argument with your points at all. Just stating the obvious the Marlins must have completely lost confidence in Amaya to move him out as quickly as possible. It does seem premature and weird timing, but it's done.

Rivera is a "why not" guy. Amaya was no longer in the team's plan, so let's see what Rivera can do. Moving on from trades sometimes is a pride thing for fans and teams alike. Like most things, though, once the decision is made, putting it behind you quickly makes sense. We should not act as if every team has poor or regrettable trades to varying degrees. The Amaya-Rojas trade doesn't rise to the Realmuto deal, and I won't dwell on it.

The baseball gods are often counterintuitive, so I am extending my greetings to them in the hope lightning strikes twice in Miami. Without Alcantara and Soler, how could it be that the team has a better record? Pitching, I think pitching will truly improve. When Cabrera, Garrett, and Perez return, the Marlin pitching staff looks deep and talented. Since we cannot discuss 2023 without including the ubiquitous unicorn-esque one-run game record, I will grant a repeat would be an even greater unicorn event, but a scrappy team (including more steals) and better situational hitting might get the Marlins surprisingly close to it again. Obtaining more offensive juice from the shortstop and catching positions is absolutely necessary, as well as a little help from Garcia. If Garcia is jettisoned, there are silver linings in Myers, Edwards, and perhaps Johnston. These players bring in vibrancy and extra-base hits. Still, it's the pitching that stands out and will be top three in the league. Accordingly, acknowledging the challenges, I predict a two-game increase over last year, playoffs undetermined, but possible, and a nice start to the Bendix era. Go Fish (genuflect)!

Let's surprise the league this year and shame the pundits!

Informative - thank you. The Brazoban visa issues, seemingly an annual thing, are puzzling. Does he wait too long to get the process started or is there a specific hang-up from the past, such as a questionable birth date, etc.? It costs Brazoban money, too. I also wonder how the Marlins are involved. One would think that the team would go all out, including assigning someone to help, if necessary. Regarding J.D. Martinez: the reason we don't have him is simple and his name is Avi Garcia. Ugh.

Informative. We'd certainly prefer not to be discussing these things now, but the article does show that there are decent internal options. And, if we're looking for an optimistic take, it provides an opportunity for the players to step up and for the coaching staff to use them in evaluative situations. I think Hoeing is at the top of the "opener" class. If circumstances warrant, give him the nod for a three- or four-start expectation (the usual three innings per start) so that he may mentally prepare. The blowup with the Braves last season notwithstanding, he filled in and churned up innings pretty well last year. Putting confidence in him and some of the other guys, like Sanchez, Soriano, and even Monteverde, will be valuable - production, evaluation, trade representation, and innings absorption.

As I commented to Peter Pratt from "Locked on Marlins," my spidey sense is that Perez is not destined for TJ. As another obligatory fan commentator sans medical background, my first thought was that he compensated for the nail issue somehow and the elbow is truly only "strained." If the real diagnosis is the worst scenario possible, perhaps the Trevor Bauer door is cracked open. I've changed my mind about crucifying Bauer and taking away his profession, especially after the latest lawsuit material was released. I mentioned in another FOF comment this morning that such a signing would propel the Marlins into the baseball spotlight. Why not? Will the rest of the league think any less poorly of the Marlins? Bad boy Marlins - I like the moniker.

Informative article, Ely. Although it's not in the cards, I figure, perhaps the stars are aligning to at least consider Bauer. Sherman and Bendix may not want the heat. Still, many people have changed their minds (or at least moderated their views) about Bauer as additional information, including the last lawsuit settlement, has emerged. Such a signing would put the spotlight on the Marlins - something that rarely happens - as well as adding a darn fine pitcher who is ready to pitch immediately (apparently). It would be the proverbial middle finger to the almighty Dodgers and to MLB, which is fantastic. Perhaps Bauer may be so appreciative of the opportunity that he would sign on to a team option year, adding more value for the Marlins as the injury situation smoke clears. I was against Bauer myself, however, I am convinced that his values, such as we know them, do not automatically deserve disqualification from his profession.

We all know Myers is "the first person up" because of Garcia's Opening Day roster guarantee, albeit on a "short leash," as Berger noted. I figure that the first month or five weeks of the season is that leash, however, the off-field considerations are (more) impactful for the Marlins than for many other teams. Perhaps there is the proverbial silver lining in a Garcia rebound, in that some team might trade for him at the deadline or to plug injuries. Dare we hope! Players such as Myers and Johnston find themselves on the outside looking in despite strong performances. "Earning a job" is not so straightforward. It's not only payroll issues. Minor league option availability, along with the conventional perception that having a player like Mancini (or Gurriel, in 2023), checks the obligatory "veteran presence" box. Of course, now we have Tim Anderson to augment Josh Bell's clubhouse status, so all is well. This brings me to my change of heart regarding Bauer joining the Marlins. Signing him to join Chisholm and Anderson moves the Marlins squarely into "attitude" territory. Maybe we need a little of the bad-boy mentality to take on the Braves and Phillies. At least Bauer is not afraid to own a part of the plate. Oh, well. Dane and Troy - back to the minors but don't be discouraged. Or, then again, perhaps you should be.

Well done, Kevin - a lot of work on this article! Appreciate the information. I will be watching this afternoon on MLB.

The FOF makeover is first-rate - attractive, clean, informative, enthusiastic, and professional. The amount, variety, and quality of the work are quite valuable. I hope more fans take advantage of SuperSub status. As the team develops under Bendix, I'd love to see the fan base coalesce around the FOF platform and talent group. Success is attractive.

It does appear (barring a trade or injury) that Garcia will get an Opening Day roster spot. How long does he have in the regular season? One can see the month of April, perhaps six weeks, but it depends on the team's performance, injuries, and how Garcia contributes under Skip's plan. I understand absorbing Garcia's contract is difficult for the Marlins, already saddled with Alcantara's salary and the two buyouts. The unproductive category hamstrings this team more than we fans acknowledge, Fans often treat these matters like a fantasy league move, understandably. We have the luxury of simply critiquing and spending money that is not ours, all without a true picture of the organization's finances. Of course, outside of the cost issue, Garcia also takes a roster spot, depriving the Marlins of the services of Edwards, Myers, Johnston, or perhaps another ST standout. (Mancini has not impressed so far.) I would love to see Garcia rebound, even a modest one, with a little power the team could truly use. Otherwise, Bendix should act, absorbing the money over the next few years, keeping in mind Stanton's three $10 million installments starting in 2026. This old obligation is essentially equal to a good MLB player's salary each year for three years and will fall into the unproductive category. Burn up the chaff. 2024 is then a "bite the bullet," year, setting up a 2025 team with a potential league-envious starting staff. I, for one, see plenty of short-term upside in Bendix's arsenal with that pitching foundation. I am also content to give him plenty of room to effectuate the long-term strategy we need to be competitive. It's a beautiful souffle in the making, with a delicious aroma we can enjoy now if we're patient. And, perhaps, it is closer to being served than we hungry fans think.