THOMAS JOSEPH

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.