Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez, from Puerto Rico, got a chance to meet with veteran pitcher and fellow countrymen Javier Vazquez. Vazquez has said to be interested in playing with the Fish in 2011. If the Marlins do indeed sign the Puerto Rican native pitcher, the team would be adding an experienced pitcher to their young yet talented rotation.
Vazquez seems to have more success pitching in the National League as opposed to the American League. While pitching for the Expos, Diamondbacks, and Braves, Vazquez went 90-93 with an ERA of 4.02. In the American League, however, Vazquez has posted a record of 62-56 with an ERA of 4.65 while pitching for both the White Sox and the Yankees. This past season for the Yankees, Vazquez did not have a great year going 10-10 with an ERA of 5.32. Unfortunately for Vazquez, he was not added to the Yankees playoff roster this past postseason.
Aside from Vazquez, the Marlins have also been reported to have interest in former Marlin Carl Pavano. Pavano, a type A free agent however, is looking for Cliff Lee type money this offseason. If the Marlins are not able to sign either of these veteran starters, it is still important that the Marlins go after a veteran starting pitcher to help out their young rotation. If anything, the addition of a veteran starting pitcher can serve as competition for the fifth spot in the Marlins rotation.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
One Step Back... Two Steps Forward
Just when Marlins fans thought that the Fish were heading in the right direction, they pull off the biggest slap in the face since the organization traded Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers in 2007. The Marlins sent fan favorite Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves (that's right, that was not a typo) for infielder Omar Infante and left-handed reliever Mike Dunn.
Before you think that I'm going to bash the organization just like all the other Marlins fans, I'm not. The trade actually seems reasonable. The Marlins upgraded on the defensive side of the ball in Omar Infante and acquired that left-handed power arm out of the bullpen that they had been looking for in Mike Dunn.
It seems like the Marlins are going back to what helped them go all the way in 2003. If you remember, the Marlins went ahead and dealt two fan favorites in Preston Wilson and Charles Johnson to the Rockies for Mike Hampton and... oh, this guy named Juan Pierre... The Fish then spun Hampton to the Braves for Tim Spooneybarger. Although the latter did not pan out, the former, Juan Pierre definitely paid dividends in 2003. In addition the Marlins signed Pudge Rodriguez to help a young pitching staff.
No, the Marlins did not acquire Pudge this season, but they did sign veteran catcher John Buck to a three-year deal for $18 Million. Buck had a career year with the Blue Jays in 2010 hitting .281, 20HR, and 66RBI. The only issue I have with the signing is the number of years. I realize that John Baker is injured, but I feel that by signing Buck to a three-year deal, you are sending a message that he will be the Marlins primary catcher for the next three seasons, barring a trade, of course. Perhaps the thought process behind the signing was that we needed more offensive production out of the catcher's spot.
Although I am not in complete agreement with the moves the Marlins made today, as a fan, I am not about to turn my back on this team. Whether you like it or not, the Marlins seem to be in almost every game, year in and year out, and have a knack for finding young talent. The problem with that gift however is that sooner or later, these diamonds in the rough will play their way out of South Florida.
Before you think that I'm going to bash the organization just like all the other Marlins fans, I'm not. The trade actually seems reasonable. The Marlins upgraded on the defensive side of the ball in Omar Infante and acquired that left-handed power arm out of the bullpen that they had been looking for in Mike Dunn.
It seems like the Marlins are going back to what helped them go all the way in 2003. If you remember, the Marlins went ahead and dealt two fan favorites in Preston Wilson and Charles Johnson to the Rockies for Mike Hampton and... oh, this guy named Juan Pierre... The Fish then spun Hampton to the Braves for Tim Spooneybarger. Although the latter did not pan out, the former, Juan Pierre definitely paid dividends in 2003. In addition the Marlins signed Pudge Rodriguez to help a young pitching staff.
No, the Marlins did not acquire Pudge this season, but they did sign veteran catcher John Buck to a three-year deal for $18 Million. Buck had a career year with the Blue Jays in 2010 hitting .281, 20HR, and 66RBI. The only issue I have with the signing is the number of years. I realize that John Baker is injured, but I feel that by signing Buck to a three-year deal, you are sending a message that he will be the Marlins primary catcher for the next three seasons, barring a trade, of course. Perhaps the thought process behind the signing was that we needed more offensive production out of the catcher's spot.
Although I am not in complete agreement with the moves the Marlins made today, as a fan, I am not about to turn my back on this team. Whether you like it or not, the Marlins seem to be in almost every game, year in and year out, and have a knack for finding young talent. The problem with that gift however is that sooner or later, these diamonds in the rough will play their way out of South Florida.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Marlins Moving in the Right Direction After Trading Maybin and Miller Away
Now it's official: The Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis trade to the Tigers for Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, Burke Badenhop, and Mike Rabello was a complete flop! The only positive that came out of that trade was getting rid of Dontrelle Willis before he imploded in Detroit.
In the last 48 hours, the Marlins have dealt Andrew Miller to the Red Sox and Cameron Maybin to the Padres. In return, the Marlins received three pitchers in total: Dustin Richardson from Boston, and Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica from San Diego. The Maybin deal speaks volumes as the Marlins desperately need relievers. The Marlins bullpen paced the National League in blown saves with 25 of them in 2010.
In addition to adding relief, the trade might mean that the Marlins do intend on signing Dan Uggla to a long-term deal despite rumors indicating that the Marlins are listening to offers for the 2010 Silver Slugger Award recipient at second base.
In the last 48 hours, the Marlins have dealt Andrew Miller to the Red Sox and Cameron Maybin to the Padres. In return, the Marlins received three pitchers in total: Dustin Richardson from Boston, and Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica from San Diego. The Maybin deal speaks volumes as the Marlins desperately need relievers. The Marlins bullpen paced the National League in blown saves with 25 of them in 2010.
In addition to adding relief, the trade might mean that the Marlins do intend on signing Dan Uggla to a long-term deal despite rumors indicating that the Marlins are listening to offers for the 2010 Silver Slugger Award recipient at second base.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Return of Rodriguez and Hill Bodes Well for the Fish
The Marlins announced the resigning of manager Edwin Rodriguez to a one-year contract yesterday. Despite the fact that there were other choices available, bringing Rodriguez back was probably the smartest move. Rodriguez finished with a record of 46-46 with the Marlins after replacing Fredi Gonzalez in June. The injuries to Chris Coghlan, Josh Johnson, and Ricky Nolasco were huge blows to the organization and perhaps lead to Rodriguez's misleading record of 46-46. Before the injury to Coghlan, Rodriguez and the Marlins posted a 15-13 record. After the Marlins lost Coghlan for the season, the Marlins finished 31-33.
What set Edwin Rodriguez apart from Fredi Gonzalez was the fact that Rodriguez came out of the dugout to argue with the umpires a lot more than Gonzalez ever did during his time with the Marlins. Those actions shown by Rodriguez instantly gained the respect of the players. Just ask those players who have played for Bobby Cox in Atlanta. It is very important as a player to see your manager fight for you and for your team. One of the most important things that Rodriguez said that the team has a lot of individual awards, but that they "have not grown as a team yet." Retaining Rodriguez was probably the best decision the organization could have made for the 2011 season. After going through a managerial change during the season, the last thing the players need is to adjust to another manager with another managerial style.
In addition to the return of Edwin Rodriguez, infield coach guru Perry Hill returns to the organization. Hill previously held the position as infield coach with the Marlins from 2002 to 2006. While with the Marlins, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell and Derrek Lee were all awarded Gold Gloves. The Marlins are in much need of a defensive help as the Marlins committed the fifth most errors in Major League Baseball with 123.
Now that the Marlins have their coaching staff set for the 2011 season, it's time for the Front Office to turn their attention towards locking up Dan Uggla and Ricky Nolasco to long-term deals.
What set Edwin Rodriguez apart from Fredi Gonzalez was the fact that Rodriguez came out of the dugout to argue with the umpires a lot more than Gonzalez ever did during his time with the Marlins. Those actions shown by Rodriguez instantly gained the respect of the players. Just ask those players who have played for Bobby Cox in Atlanta. It is very important as a player to see your manager fight for you and for your team. One of the most important things that Rodriguez said that the team has a lot of individual awards, but that they "have not grown as a team yet." Retaining Rodriguez was probably the best decision the organization could have made for the 2011 season. After going through a managerial change during the season, the last thing the players need is to adjust to another manager with another managerial style.
In addition to the return of Edwin Rodriguez, infield coach guru Perry Hill returns to the organization. Hill previously held the position as infield coach with the Marlins from 2002 to 2006. While with the Marlins, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell and Derrek Lee were all awarded Gold Gloves. The Marlins are in much need of a defensive help as the Marlins committed the fifth most errors in Major League Baseball with 123.
Now that the Marlins have their coaching staff set for the 2011 season, it's time for the Front Office to turn their attention towards locking up Dan Uggla and Ricky Nolasco to long-term deals.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants
Who would have thought that a group which consisted of castoffs and misfits would be crowned as the
2010 World Champions? My guess is that not a lot of people predicted that!
Since the departure of Giants great Barry Bonds, the Giants organization had been working towards rebuilding an aging ball club. In 2009, the Giants' "rebuilding effort" consisted of having players such as Bengie Molina, Randy Winn, Rich Aurillia, and Randy Johnson on their roster. As a result, the hitting had been the Giants' Achillies' heal that prevented them from reaching the postseason.
So in 2010 the Giants began their quest for a championship by signing Aubrey Huff? No one would have seen this one coming! Huff had never been on a postseason team and had a sub-par season with the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers in 2009. Mark DeRosa also signed with the Giants which gave them a formidable everyday lineup. Unfortunately for the Giants, DeRosa went down with season-ending injury, and the Giants' third baseman, Pablo Sandoval was not able to duplicate his success at the plate from 2009. Not to mention on and off injuries or ineffectiveness by Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria, and Barry Zito to name a few.
The Giants had rookie sensation Buster Posey taking care of business in the minor leagues and so the organization felt that it was time to call him to the show. About a week and half or so later, the Giants sent aging catcher Bengie Molina to the Rangers for reliever Chris Ray. Soon after that, the Giants signed Pat Burrell, who had been released by the Rays, to a minor league contract. In a season with such high hopes, the Giants were in fourth place in the NL West and just three games over the .500 mark on June 30th. This minor setback was just that, minor. The Giants turned things around in July as they finished with a record of 20-8 and vaulted themselves into the first place in the Wild Card. After a 13-15 August, the Giants felt that is was necessary to keep adding offensive help to the organization. They proceeded to add Mike Fontenot from the Cubs, Jose Guillen from the Royals, and Cody Ross from the Marlins. This figured to be the final piece of the puzzle as the Giants leap frogged the San Diego Padres in the NL West and made their first postseason appearance since 2003.
Even after making it to the postseason, the Giants offense still figured to be the issue as they faced the Atlanta Braves. NLDS hero, Cody Ross silenced many critics by hitting .286 with one home run and three runs batted in. Defeating the Atlanta Braves was somewhat of an upset but not shocking. Their next opponent, the Phillies, would definitely eliminate them with their superior pitching rotation. Well, Cody Ross once again stunned, silenced, and baffled not only the Phillies pitching but sports world. He not only carried the Giants to the World Series, but was awarded the NLCS MVP. Ross hit an impressive .350 with three home runs and knocked in five runs. Two of Ross' home runs came off of Roy Halladay, who not only threw a no-hitter in the division series against the Reds, but also threw a perfect game against the Marlins while Ross was still with the club.
On to the World Series where yet again, the Giants were looked down upon. Cliff Lee and the Rangers had just finished defeating the "Evil Empire" (the New York Yankees). The Giants responded in Game One of the Series by beating down the Rangers 11-7 in what figured to be a pitchers duel between Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum. Game Two started off as a pitchers duel between C.J. Wilson of the Rangers and Matt Cain of the Giants. Unfortunately for Wilson, Edgar Renteria drew first blood with a solo home run. The Giants went on the win 9-0. Game 3 went to the Rangers in Texas 4-2 behind stellar pitching from Colby Lewis. The Giants however, homered twice off Lewis, one by Ross and the other by outfielder Andres Torres. Game Four was decided by another rookie sensation, starter Madison Bumgarner. Bumgarner pitched eight shutout innings against the Rangers in a winning effort. Finally, in Game Five, a re-match from the first game actually lived up to its expectations as the Rangers and Giants exchanged scoreless innings until the seventh inning where eventual World Series MVP, Edgar Renteria connected off of Cliff Lee with a three-run home run which figured to be all the scoring the Giants needed as they went on to defeat the Rangers 3-1.
To quote Vin Scully: "In a year that has been so improbable...the impossible has happened!" This postseason has probably been one of the most memorable in baseball history. No one outside of San Francisco would have thought that the Giants would be the ones hosting the parade when it is all set and done. This season truly defines baseball as sports' masterpiece. Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants.
2010 World Champions? My guess is that not a lot of people predicted that!
Since the departure of Giants great Barry Bonds, the Giants organization had been working towards rebuilding an aging ball club. In 2009, the Giants' "rebuilding effort" consisted of having players such as Bengie Molina, Randy Winn, Rich Aurillia, and Randy Johnson on their roster. As a result, the hitting had been the Giants' Achillies' heal that prevented them from reaching the postseason.
So in 2010 the Giants began their quest for a championship by signing Aubrey Huff? No one would have seen this one coming! Huff had never been on a postseason team and had a sub-par season with the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers in 2009. Mark DeRosa also signed with the Giants which gave them a formidable everyday lineup. Unfortunately for the Giants, DeRosa went down with season-ending injury, and the Giants' third baseman, Pablo Sandoval was not able to duplicate his success at the plate from 2009. Not to mention on and off injuries or ineffectiveness by Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria, and Barry Zito to name a few.
The Giants had rookie sensation Buster Posey taking care of business in the minor leagues and so the organization felt that it was time to call him to the show. About a week and half or so later, the Giants sent aging catcher Bengie Molina to the Rangers for reliever Chris Ray. Soon after that, the Giants signed Pat Burrell, who had been released by the Rays, to a minor league contract. In a season with such high hopes, the Giants were in fourth place in the NL West and just three games over the .500 mark on June 30th. This minor setback was just that, minor. The Giants turned things around in July as they finished with a record of 20-8 and vaulted themselves into the first place in the Wild Card. After a 13-15 August, the Giants felt that is was necessary to keep adding offensive help to the organization. They proceeded to add Mike Fontenot from the Cubs, Jose Guillen from the Royals, and Cody Ross from the Marlins. This figured to be the final piece of the puzzle as the Giants leap frogged the San Diego Padres in the NL West and made their first postseason appearance since 2003.
Even after making it to the postseason, the Giants offense still figured to be the issue as they faced the Atlanta Braves. NLDS hero, Cody Ross silenced many critics by hitting .286 with one home run and three runs batted in. Defeating the Atlanta Braves was somewhat of an upset but not shocking. Their next opponent, the Phillies, would definitely eliminate them with their superior pitching rotation. Well, Cody Ross once again stunned, silenced, and baffled not only the Phillies pitching but sports world. He not only carried the Giants to the World Series, but was awarded the NLCS MVP. Ross hit an impressive .350 with three home runs and knocked in five runs. Two of Ross' home runs came off of Roy Halladay, who not only threw a no-hitter in the division series against the Reds, but also threw a perfect game against the Marlins while Ross was still with the club.
On to the World Series where yet again, the Giants were looked down upon. Cliff Lee and the Rangers had just finished defeating the "Evil Empire" (the New York Yankees). The Giants responded in Game One of the Series by beating down the Rangers 11-7 in what figured to be a pitchers duel between Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum. Game Two started off as a pitchers duel between C.J. Wilson of the Rangers and Matt Cain of the Giants. Unfortunately for Wilson, Edgar Renteria drew first blood with a solo home run. The Giants went on the win 9-0. Game 3 went to the Rangers in Texas 4-2 behind stellar pitching from Colby Lewis. The Giants however, homered twice off Lewis, one by Ross and the other by outfielder Andres Torres. Game Four was decided by another rookie sensation, starter Madison Bumgarner. Bumgarner pitched eight shutout innings against the Rangers in a winning effort. Finally, in Game Five, a re-match from the first game actually lived up to its expectations as the Rangers and Giants exchanged scoreless innings until the seventh inning where eventual World Series MVP, Edgar Renteria connected off of Cliff Lee with a three-run home run which figured to be all the scoring the Giants needed as they went on to defeat the Rangers 3-1.
To quote Vin Scully: "In a year that has been so improbable...the impossible has happened!" This postseason has probably been one of the most memorable in baseball history. No one outside of San Francisco would have thought that the Giants would be the ones hosting the parade when it is all set and done. This season truly defines baseball as sports' masterpiece. Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants.
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