BMK3

I am also in on Jakob. The first 2/3 of the season was very surprising and concerning. He was constantly hitting weak ground balls and particularly hitting weak pop-ups, often to left, all indicative of being a bit late and somewhat tentative. The walks, the defense and the base running were still fine along with the attitude. I believe he is only 25 and experienced a big wake-up call that things are not easy. I expect really good things going forward. BTW he can also bunt which I wish all my guys could do!!

I'm a Casey Schmitt guy. The fact that he got a whole lot of key hits against he Marlins may be coloring my thoughts. I need someone to free up Sanoja to give Lopez and Edwards multiple days off. Could be an interesting infield. Don't sleep on Graham Pauley. He made good strides last year. If he ever figures out that you are allowed to hit the ball to left field he could be a nice piece of third base.

I feel McCullough made far too many moves based on metrics and not on what he was seeing. Pulling pitchers who are pitching well because they are seeing hitters for the third time, playing a weak hitting righty line-up because a lefty was pitching are metrically driven. What is Jack McKeon doing these days. I also feel he overplayed Lopez and Edwards leading to severe dropoffs in end-of-year production. Hopefully he can rethink some of these. I do like the innovations he is willing to try. I think organizationally we are ahead of the curve. Perhaps we can keep the good and get rid of the bad. Go Fish!!

As regards Alcantara, Bendix's history says no long term contracts, especially to pitchers (he may be right). However in Alcantara's case he clearly is the rock on which this team is built. I think he needs to be the exception. A new CBA may expedite an extension. A new spending requirement aside, our problem remains Bruce Sherman.

He gets another shot against BOTH righties and lefties. Sometimes it takes a while to make that final jump from AAA to the majors. His AAA numbers says it is very possible.

where is Gage Miller

I have been waiting to see him since his great spring training. I don't get the delay. I also think Garrett is ready for another shot while moving Phillips back to the back end of the bullpen where he is very effective. We NEED another lefty in the pen. Where is Randy Choate these days?

You can't steal first. Getting on base is his issue.

You can't steal first base.

I am forced to agree that there is something wrong with the training regimen for this organization. Why are so many "kids" having so many issues with their muscles. You can overtrain and lose the way muscles are supposed to work while looking for power. Baseball is NOT football.

If I had to have one Marlin up with a guy on third and one out, it might be Liam Hicks.

Five things: 1. I'd like to see this team off to a decent start. This organization often does not do that. A record of .500 on May 31 would do it. 2. Joe Mack catching with Gus 2 days a week. 3. Health for the back end of the bullpen. Include Nardi and Josh White in this. 4. Stowers and Marsee doing what I hope they can do. 5. Clayton McCullough winning manager-of=the-year.

The article presented the idea that the Marlins "competitive window" may be opening. I actually think that is true and am looking forward to how this year proceeds. I also think Paddock can give McCullaugh a "window" to sort out his pitching options.

The guy is only 23 I think. Lots of improvement last year. Love his defense, very accurate arm (sort of an anti- Jorge Cantu). If his offense keeps improving, I can live with him. As an organization, it does seem to me that their coaches work well with bat-to-ball improvement. Go Fish!

His surgery was so long ago that he was able to not push or be under pressure to return. That should allow for very well controlled rehab that is now done.