rurrusuno

This is a huge Marlins win. Sielaff is definitely the right hire. I've tuned in on Marlins radio over the years and have loved hearing him call games. He kind of reminds me of Rich Waltz in a way. Minervini is a great studio host and reporter, but he doesn't have the voice for the play-by-play gig. 

5 hours ago, Slacker Mills said:

Not sure how you can not discuss the movement toward automated balls and strikes, arguably the biggest change the game will have ever seen.

If that ever gets implemented, then 2026 would be the start year at earliest. It would deftinitely change the game. I'm really not against it considering how technology has rapidly evolved and umpires are human, but do make some really bad calls at times. 

Everyone has to start somewhere, but the Marlins sure do love to sign inexperienced coaches

Is it just me or are we starting to see different sports offering more money to players that aren't even 18 yet?

It's been a thing for a while now with soccer clubs and of course in the rapid expansion of the MLS. There have been numerous 14 year olds that have already signed contracts before!

NIL is now a dominant factor in collegiate sports, primarily in college football. Players have way more leverage nowadays with their decisions and the best ones are able to earn millions of dollars before even wearing their team's jersey for the first time.

The youngest player to sign an international contract in the MLB was a 13-year-old back in the 80's! That pretty much set the landscape for other minors to sign contracts with major league teams and as time has moved on, the bonuses have increased big time. 

It's probably even happening in other leagues that I'm not even aware of. The potential is obviously there for any kid that's decent in a particular sport. 

There's nothing wrong with having a smaller international signing class this year. As long as they focus on scouting talent for the future of the club and aren't just filling up roster spots, then that's something to keep looking forward to. 

There's nothing wrong with having a smaller international signing class this year. As long as they focus on scouting talent for the future of the club and aren't just filling up roster spots, then that's something to keep looking forward to. 

55 minutes ago, Ely Sussman said:

That's because Puerto Rican players are eligible for the draft! They used to be treated as international players, but that changed a few decades ago.

Makes sense since it's part of U.S. territory. I just thought it was American and Canadian players that were prevented from participating in these signings. 

I'm surprised we didn't get anyone from Puerto Rico

Even if the Marlins were aggressive in pursuing Roki Sasaki, I’m sure he wouldn’t have wanted to come here.

Could you imagine a trio of starting pitching in LA of Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki? That would be one heck of a scary series having to face those guys over a 3-game stretch. 
 

However, I don’t think he’ll end up going there since they don’t need him the most. Instead, I think he’ll land in SD and join another friend/mentor in Yu Darvish. 

I definitely would love to see Xavier Edwards improve his defensive to prove he’s capable of starting

None of these guys really scream to me as a long-term fit. Corbin and Flexen lose way more games than they win. Quintay would be the ideal fit from those pitchers on this list, but he carries a heavy price tag. However, Gibson would probably be someone the Marlins take a look at. His veteran presence would indeed help mentor the clubhouse and has a track record of reaching the postseason. 

Just looked at Troy Johnston's numbers in the minors and it makes me wonder if he'll eventually get a call up to the big leagues. His stats aren't bad.

He hit .307, smashed 26 homers, and drove in 116 runs in between his time at AA and promotion to AAA in 2023. A .948 OPS is amazing, and he slugged .549.

His numbers in 2024 across a full season at the AAA level showed promise. In particular, his 203 total bases, .276 average, and .424 SLG %. If he can increase those numbers, then perhaps he could be name you'll find on the Marlins roster in September.  

Plus, he's 27 which is pretty "old" to still be hanging out in the minor leagues. 

No surprise here. We didn’t have any stars that were arbitration eligible so the club had the upper hand with those players that didn’t get traded.

Interesting 🤔 

I feel like I’d be great at these

1 hour ago, Slacker Mills said:

And with all the trades for prospects, we can't point to a single sure-fire major leaguer in the bunch.

This is what frustrates me too whenever we trade for prospects. We hardly have one that suddenly breaks out unlike for other teams.

10 hours ago, Russell said:

Where's Tyler Kolek when you need him?  I hear Mike Hill is as high on him as he's ever been.

If it weren’t for Josh Booty, he’d easily be the biggest draft bust in Fish history.

Wow, this isn't good for his rehab progress. Another setback for Braxton Garrett. It's probably safe that Max Meyer will get that 4th spot based on seniority. Now the question is, who will get that 5th spot?

It's definitely up for grabs as it could be anybody's. My guess would be Valente Bellozo since we've seen a good look at his starts last season, but it's nearly an entirely new coaching staff so they may have a different viewpoint on who earns that rotation slot. 

The Marlins usually have that dark horse bullpen candidate that ends up making the Opening Day roster. Last year it was definitely Declan Cronin. This year it could be Freddy Tarnok. 

Nice observation about his slight mechanic change. It makes sense how something so minor could have impacted his walk and strikeout rates. When I used to pitch and bat, even the smallest change in motion would end up becoming a habit. Thus, affecting my performance on the field.

I’m optimistic Sandy can at least somewhat return back to his CY Young form as soon as he returns from injury.

Emilio Bonifacio is looking to become the Jaromir Jagr of baseball!

He was a very humble dude in his time with the Marlins. I will never forget his signature "lo viste?" gesture. 

At nearly 40 years old, he's clearly still doing it for the love and passion of the sport. 

Emilio Bonifacio is looking to become the Jaromir Jagr of baseball!

He was a very humble dude in his time with the Marlins. I will never forget his signature "lo viste?" gesture. 

At nearly 40 years old, he's clearly still doing it for the love and passion of the sport. 

These New Year's Resolutions could not have been said better.

The Marlins have to copy what their friends 36 miles up north are doing. Yes, I'm talking about the Panthers. They were once an irrelevant franchise in the NHL and now they have most of their core locked up to long-term contracts. Even though Sandy got extended, we all know well that the front office has their eye on trading him in the not-so-distant future. It's true though, how can fans be committed to their team when they're not committed to their players?

If the Marlins want true long-term success, then they will most likely need new ownership. Sherman is entering his 8th season already and we know he won't sign a big free agent name anytime soon. Some of his "biggest" signings thus far have been Avisail Garcia, Corey Dickerson, Jean Segura, and Johnny Cueto. Sigh. 

I got to say, you guys at Fish on First do a better job at marketing the Marlins than they do themselves at times. We shouldn't be catering to other teams at all or giving away random Barbie jerseys ("fans" buy tickets just to get the jersey and then dip). Instead, let's bring out a player from that 2008 team (what's Jorge Cantu up to nowadays?) to throw out the first pitch or have a bobblehead of theirs released. What ever happened to the Marlins throwing concerts after the game? I remember seeing KC & the Sunshine Band and The Beach Boys after Marlins Also, the racing roosters aren't really a good fit. Besides, they don't even try when they race. Billy should be the only mascot for the Marlins getting all the attention.

Almost everyone can agree that the teal uniforms should make a comeback. Most of our success came in the era of those uniforms. Hey, perhaps bringing them back in 2023 gave us some good luck that propelled us into the playoffs? 🤔 Speaking of jerseys, I would love to see the Marlins introduce a Vice City uniform. At this point, some South Florida teams (FIU Panthers, Miami Heat, Florida Panthers) have already released their on touch of it in some fashion. It'll draw fans. 

Yes, and yes to a ballpark remodeling and jersey number retirement. Serious question, besides Sandy and Eury, who even is our most marketable player? The Marlins bread and butter with memorable names would have to be in the past. There's no problem with that though as they have enough great players from the past to advertise around the ballpark. 

You make some great cases to be made, and I enjoyed reading your article.

My predictions of the players that'll get in this year:

Ichiro Suzuki- he gives off unanimous ballot HOF vibes

C.C. Sabathia - feels like he could be the guy to break the SP void since Mike Mussina in 2019

Billy Wagner - easily a top 10 relief pitcher of all time, how could he not get in?

I believe Carlos Beltran will improve his chances this year but will fall short of the 75% threshold. 2026 should be his year. 

I'd definitely swap Kyle Stowers for Griffin Conine. Stowers could use some time to get some reps in the minors until someone gets hurt or he improves. In the meantime, Conine has shown that he's worthy of an OF spot as well and I believe he can prove his case in Spring Training. Other than that, your projections are on point for the position players. 

Your pitcher's list is on point as well. Max Meyer should be able to get that last rotation spot unless he shows otherwise. It should be his until Eury Perez comes back or maybe he does well enough that things get interesting with the rotation slots. 

I’m certainly excited about the outlook of his future in the big leagues. His offensive potential can certainly sway his defensive limitations. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Fish finished last in home runs this season. However, Ramirez can potentially be our home run leader whenever he gets to play a full season.