Archive for May, 2010

This afternoon on the Miami Herald’s website, I read this story, featuring an interesting note at the bottom. Catcher John Baker said Nuñez has been more effective this season because he has added a third pitch to his arsenal, a slider that has kept opponents “off balance.” “I think last year, guys could just wait on one kind of speed,” Baker said. “Now he has three speeds going.” Now, when I read this, I have to admit I could not all season remember Leo Nuñez throwing a slider (upon further review, I actually did recall one, and not in a [...]

Last night’s game between the Marlins and the New York Mets had all the makings of a classic pitcher’s duel, and indeed the duel between Josh Johnson and Johan Santana was just as we expected. The two pitchers went toe to toe, equaling each others’ performances, and both left with the game still in the balance in the late innings. Thankfully, the Marlins don’t have Jerry Manuel managing the team. Manuel made a series of odd moves that may have cost the Mets the opportunity to win the game. I figured we should talk about a few of the managerial [...]

The Marlins come home after finishing off the road trip in an acceptable fashion by beating the Chicago Cubs in two of three games. Unfortunately, they’ll be greeted at home by what is typically the worst of the home series of the season, a set against the New York Mets. We get the Mets and their annoying (and overpowering in Sun Life Stadium) fanbase for four important games this weekend. New York Mets (18-16) @ Florida Marlins, May 13-16, Games 35-38 NL East Standings Tm W L Win% GB PHI 20 13 .606 – WSN 19 14 .559 1.5 NYM [...]

I’ll apologize in advance to Maniac reader camdoug1 (on Twitter) for singling your example out, even though this idea had been brewing in my head for a while. This is not an indictment on you so much as it is a thought I’ve had for a while that I think all fans should be aware of. Call it a rule, if you will. You’ve all by now seen Cody Ross’ steal of home off a double steal with Cameron Maybin. Great play, fun to watch, I wasn’t sure when I saw it that it was a good move. Before we [...]

After two disappointing performances versus the San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals, the Marlins were able to eke past the Chicago Cubs in two games out of three, even though all three games were close calls. The wins brought the Marlins back up a game closer to .500, but it certainly left a good feeling for everyone, myself included. Series Hero: Ronny Paulino (0.388 WPA) Series Goat: Jorge Cantu (-0.240 WPA) Impressed By: Ricky Nolasco (7 IP, 1 R, 3 K, 1 BB, 0 HR) Depressed By: Chris Volstad (6 IP, 4 R, 5 K, 4 BB, 0 HR)

Amidst growing concerns over a terribly slumping outfield trio, Marlins fans everywhere are getting antsy to see one Mike Stanton come up to the majors. As I discussed with Steve Keane last night on BBA Baseball Talk, fans are anxious to see the mammoth home runs and perhaps are not paying attention to a critical problem in Stanton’s game that may translate poorly to the big league level. It’s been mentioned before, but Stanton strikes out a lot. In fact, for his minor league career, he has struck out 27.4% of the time. This is isn’t extravagantly high, but we [...]

Quick late morning Fish Bites for your consumption. I apologize for the lack of them recently, though I blame the Marlins for keeping all of the news on the field for my Fish-Caps. – First, personal notes. To preview the upcoming series with the New York Mets, I did two radio show discussions. One was with Matthew over at Stache Today, and the other was with Steve Keane of The Eddie Kranepool Society for BBA Baseball Talk, the BTR podcast for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance. I’d like to thank both Matt and Steve for talking to me, I had a [...]

One of the most interesting things that have come up as a part of the early Marlins season is the changes in the profile of Clay Hensley. When he first broke into the league with San Diego, he was a soft-tossing right-hander with a mediocre control but ability to get ground balls. At some point between 2006 and 2008, he went from mediocre to awful control and lost any semblance of effectiveness, even out of the bullpen. After spending some time in the minors and pitching decently (and in the same fashion as before, might I add), he finally got [...]

MJ: Fellow Maniacs, please welcome Dave McGrath to the Marlin Maniac team. He’s a long-time Marlins fan originally from Miami and relocated to Wisconsin, where he’s been doing work in sports journalism. He’ll be freelancing here, putting up articles of interest and doing the occasional Fish-Cap. Here’s his first cap on MM, focusing on last night’s wild game against the Cubs. Do make yourselves known in the comments section! Hello loyal (and new) readers of Marlin Maniac, my name is Dave McGrath and I’m here to do my part to help add whatever I can to the premier Florida Marlins’ [...]

Update: Here’s the game thread for tonight’s game. The Marlins will start a three-game set tonight versus the Chicago Cubs to finish off a six-game road swing. After losing two tough games versus the Washington Nationals, hopefully the Marlins can actually win a series. They haven’t won a three-game set since the previous series with Washington. Hopefully the Cubbies, over at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, will be nice hosts and roll over. I doubt it though. Florida Marlins @ Chicago Cubs (14-18), May 10-12, Games 32-34 NL East Standings Tm W L Win% GB PHI 19 12 .613 [...]