May 24, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (51) is greeted by third baseman Placido Polanco (30) after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins will look to bounce back and even their three game interleague series with the Chicago White Sox tonight. The Marlins dropped the first game of the series in extra innings, despite Derek Dietrich giving them an early 2-0 lead with his second major league home run.

The team hopes that Dietrich’s home run is a sign of things to come for the Marlins offense, as they will take any power they can at this point.

Tonight features an interesting pitching matchup with Ricky Nolasco squaring off against Jake Peavy. If Nolasco pitches like he did his last time out, the Marlins will be given a great chance of winning. However, it won’t be as easy as said, as Jake Peavy is enjoying another great season and has pitched well in his career against the Fish.

Probable Starters
Apr 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) throws the ball in the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports	2013 stats 10 Games Started 8 61.1 Innings Pitched 52.2 3.96 Earned Run Averages (ERA) 3.31 3.52 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) 3.32 50 Strikeouts 58 14 Walks 13 Career vs. opponent 5.1 Innings Pitched 51.1 0-1 Wins-Losses 4-4 13.50 Earned Run Average 3.16	May 19, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy (44, right) reacts after walking Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta (not pictured) allowing a score by Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mark Trumbo (back) during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins Lineup

Bold Prediction: Nolasco continues to strike hitters out, racking up 10 strikeouts in seven innings of work. He also allows just two runs on five hits. The Marlins are able to go ahead of the Sox in the fourth inning when Marcell Ozuna hits a three run home run. Marlins win 4-2.

May 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Alejandro De Aza (30 is forced out by Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) during the third inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins will hope an interleague series with the Chicago White Sox can change their fortune as they look to end the month of June on a positive note. Both the Marlins and White Sox have had disapponting 2013 seasons to this point, but the Sox have a much better chance to turn things around.

To preview the series between the White Sox and the Marlins, I had an email chat with James Fegan, editor of South Side Showdown, the Fansided White Sox site. Justin and his staff do a wonderful job also of covering everything Sox-related, from the latest news to full-analysis on just about everything.

James and I chatted about everything from former Marlins and White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen to the almost as embarrassing offense as the Marlins.

Without any further ado, here is my chat with Justin:

Oct. 3, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen (13) heads back to the dugout after a pitching change during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. The Mets won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ehsan Kassim: How is Robin Ventura doing in his second year on the job? Do you guys ever miss Ozzie?

James Fegan: The big thing for Robin with all the players, and even some people in Baseball Operations who felt their information was dismissed by Ozzie, is that he’s very even-keeled and subdued. People know what to expect from him, everything he says is very measured. His outrage tends to build over time and is vented in predictable ways. This, and him not being in a simmering feud with the GM, earned him a lot of the credit when the team played a lot sharper–less errors, less botched outfield relays, that type of stuff–in 2012.

Nowadays, the team leads the league in errors despite Ventura’s rigorous practices still being in place (maybe it was luck all along) and they also can’t hit so any game they’re in is a nail-biter. This places added scrutiny on him being fairly archaic tactic-wise, prone to over-tinkering with his relievers, and overly trusting of poor-hitting veteran reserves…you know, like every single manager in the world.

I’d say he’s average, but was definitely the right change of pace at the time he was hired.

Ehsan: The White Sox have the worst offense in the majors currently (I count the Marlins as a AAAA team), what has been the problem for them so far?

James: Yeah, it’s a lot more embarrassing when this what you come up with when you’re “trying” to win a division. The whole team has really unified behind a hacktastic, impatient approach and the home run power they tout–or at least the power necessary to hit it out of U.S. Cellular–isn’t making up for it. Across the board, nearly everyone’s strikeout rate is a stretch beyond career norms and their walk rate is a bit below.

At a less broad level, the power core of this lineup–Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn–have both been miserable. Besides for the first half of last season, this is who Dunn is now. He strikes out well over 30% of the time, has lost most of his ability to hit doubles (look it up, it’s weird. Even when the HR total returned last year) and is brutalized by the shift to where even a .200 batting average is a dream. Obviously batting average is not the end all, be all, but it’s hard to get on base at a decent rate hitting under .200. He’s recovering a bit from a disastrous attempt to get more aggressive early in the year, but still hitting .163/.256/.405.

Konerko is 37 and is finally starting to look it. His power, patience and contact rate are all down and while he’s slumped before and looked like he found his ability to turn on pitches again Wednesday night, I’m not optimistic he can execute his role anymore.

Ehsan: On the other hand, the Sox rotation has been amazing. What has been the key to their success?

James: Anyone and everyone who looked like they have had a passing chance at developing into a starter the past year, has done so. Call it the Cooper influence, but…

–Chris Sale has gone from an exciting prospect to the without-a-doubt ace of the staff.

–Jose Quintana was a minor league free agent with little more than a 90 mph fastball that he could spot, and he just took a no-hitter into the 7th against the Red Sox and owns a 3.69 ERA (in a severe hitter’s park) over 188 career MLB innings–and is still just 24.

–Hector Santiago was stuck in A-ball for three seasons, was a failed closer and garbage-time reliever last year and is now striking out over a batter per inning.

—Dylan Axelrod was pitching in independent league ball not too long ago, has about the least impressive complement of stuff you’ll ever see from a major leaguer and is only in the rotation because of Danks’ injury, yet has only had two bad outings all year.

Ehsan: How are our old friends Alejandro De Aza and DeWyane Wise doing for the Sox?

James: Alejandro is a source of frustration. Everyone was delighted that he managed to stick as a highly-serviceable leadoff man last season, but this year his strikeout rate has ballooned, as the book on his vulnerability to low-and-in breaking balls is out. An odd spike in power is the only thing keeping him playable, but a .295 OBP is no good at the top of the order. His odd discomfort with center field also gives Ventura more reason to play Dewayne Wise.

Wise got a guaranteed contract this season based on a flukey hot streak–which still wasn’t very good at all–and some key hits in the stretch run of 2012 and now provides something the White Sox could get at least two younger guys in AAA to do for less money: good outfield defense, pinch running and a pretty worthless left-handed bat.

Ehsan: With the Sox sitting at 21-24 and in fourth place in the Central, are they looking to become sellers at the deadline? If so, who could be available?

James: The White Sox have resisted rebuilding as much as possible since Kenny Williams took the GM seat in 2001, and since Rick Hahn took over this winter, there’s been nothing to suggest that the approach of piecemeal rebuilding (not actively tearing down but slowly adding prospects through the draft and international free agency) has fallen out of favor.

In a sick way, I would like them to fall behind enough that their hands are forced into fire sale. But even with their poor start, this team probably pitches too well to not finish within spitting distance of .500.

It hurts to say it because he’s the only consistently enjoyable offensive player, but I can’t imagine a more attractive trade chip than Alex Rios. He’s a big bat a team could convince themselves is capable of moonlighting in center field, and he’s got just the right amount of contract left to neither feel like a burden nor a potential albatross. Jake Peavy is an easy choice too and has stated a willingness to be move. Like Rios, he is signed through 2014 with an option for another year.

Jesse Crain is a bullpen rental, but having a career year thus far.

A big thank you to James for taking his timeout to talk to us. We at Marlin Maniac wish all White Sox fans the best of luck in the upcoming series. If you get a chance, please check out South Side Showdown for the questions I answered for James.

September 25, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Gorkys Hernandez (2) allows a Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (not pictured) triple by missing a leaping catch in the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Down on the Farm Report for the Miami Marlins: May 19th:

The Suns had the day off and the Hammerheads were blown out by a talented Cubs team, but the Zephyrs and Grasshoppers were able to pick up huge wins.

Triple-A:New Orleans Zephyrs (20-24) @ Sacramento River Cats  (25-21)

Win 2-0

Gorkys Hernandez, RF: 2-for-3, 2B (6), 2 R

Kevin Mattison, CF: 2-for-3, 2B (5), SO

A.J. Battisto, SP: 5.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 SO

Chris Hatcher, RP: 1.0 IP, H, BB, SV (13)

The Zephyrs collected three doubles in this game and were able to muster enough offense to get Battisto the win. 2-0. Battisto pitched five solid shutout innings before New Orleans’ bullpen came in and tossed another four shutout innings. Combined, the team allowed just six hits in the game. Chris Hatcher collected his 13th save of the season and lowered his season ERA to 3.70. Look for him to have a shot to make an impact on the Marlins later in the season.

Double-A:

Jacksonville Suns (25-17) 

No Scheduled Game

High Class A:

Jupiter Hammerheads (24-21) vs. Daytona Cubs (23-21)

Loss 8-4

Logan Morrison, 1B: 1-for-5, RBI

Austin Nola, SS: 2-for-3, 2B ( 6), 3B (2), RBI, R

Ryan Rieger, RF: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 2 SO

Jake Esch, SP: 2.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

Josh Hodges, RP: 1.0 IP, H, BB

Logan Morrison continues his rehab in Jupiter, he is hitting just 3-for-14 (.231) in his first three games. Expect LoMo to take a couple of more games to find his groove against pitchers not in extended spring training and that have been pitching all season. Austin Nola had a huge game for the Hammerheads, picking up a double and triple, as well as scoring a run.

Jake Esch had a rough start against a talented lineup, but expect him to have a few opportunities to bounce back. With the return of Andrew Heaney, it seems like the Hammerheads have moved Josh Hodges to the bullpen. Hodges pitched well in the rotation for the most part, but the organization sees him as a reliever longterm.

Low Class A:

Greensboro Grasshoppers (18-26) vs. Hagerstown Suns (26-16)

Win 6-2

Jesus Solorzano, RF: 2-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, BB, SO

Viosergy Rosa, DH: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB, SO

Michel Main, CF: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI

Ramon Del Orbe, SP: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, SO

Jheyson Manzueta, RP: 3.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 SO

Big days for Soloranzo and Rosa, as they collect an RBI and double each in the Grasshoppers 18th win of the season. The Grasshoppers offense was able to score 6 runs on 7 hits. Main hit his first home run of the season and drove in two runs. He raised his batting average all the way up to 0.77 with his one hit.

May 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) throws during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Manager Mike Redmond has decided he has seen enough of the early struggles of Steve Cishek in the closer role and has decided to oust Cishek as the primary closer, for now. The team will turn to a closer-by-committee for the time being.\n
In 18 2/3 innings in 2013, Cishek owns a 4.91 ERA and 4.29 FIP. He has struggled immensely against lefties, as they own a. 325/.438/.564 (.410 wOBA) line against him in 48 at bats. Right handed side-armed pitchers generally struggle against lefties, as the ball does not have quite the movement they need. The equalizer for Cishek would be a changeup, which he could work on improving in lower leverage situations.

Mike Dunn and Chad Qualls will join Cishek in a three man committee in the closer role. Dunn has been impressive in 2013, as he has lowered his walk rates substantially. Dunn has a 1.74 ERA and a 3.03 FIP. Dunn, a left handed pitcher, gets lefties and righties out at a decent clip and is a good closer candidate if he can keep his walks down.

Qualls has quietly been throwing well in 2013, as he owns a 3.63 ERA and 3.61 FIP. Last season, between three teams, Qualls pitched to a 5.30 ERA and 4.60 FIP. His career numbers sit closer to his numbers from last season than this, so regression could be on the way for Qualls going forward.

Logan Morrison could be back with Miami Marlins by June 1 | Palm Beach Post

Logan Morrison’s minor-league rehab assignment will move to Double-A Jacksonville on Monday and he could rejoin the Marlins as early as the end of next week.

Manager Mike Redmond said on Wednesday that Morrison will play four more games — three at first base and one as the designated hitter — at Single-A Jupiter before making the trip to northern Florida.

Miami Marlins’ injured Giancarlo Stanton takes live batting practice | Miami Herald

When Marlins manager Mike Redmond finished his injury update before batting practice Tuesday, he smiled.

“We’re starting to move some dirt,” Redmond said. “That feels good.”

Metrics say Ruggiano among top defensive center fielders | Sun-Sentinel

It doesn’t take fancy formulas to determine Justin Ruggiano plays a pretty good center field. The metrics in Ruggiano’s case confirm what the eyes see.

Ruggiano entered Wednesday’s series final against the Phillies leading the Marlins with seven homers and 19 RBI. No less important has been his contribution with the glove. Ruggiano according to several metrics is among the National League’s best.

Marlins or Astros: Who’s worse? | Baseball Nation

Back in the early off-season, when the discerning baseball fan wanted to laugh at a team with dismal prospects, he or she would pick on the Houston Astros. Sure, the organization has hired smart people from all around the baseball universe, and their future seems bright. But in the short term, it looked like the Astros were going to have a tough time. Almost certainly the toughest time in baseball.

2013 MLB Draft: Mock drafts from around the Internet | Fishstripes

Fish Stripes aspires to be a sophisticated baseball blog. You may have noticed that the Game Threads here don’t receive thousands of posts like on other SB Nation sites, and this is by design. The content here is for elite, high-minded folks. But once in a while, I feel like throwing a bone to the common rabble. What better way exists accomplish this than writing about mock drafts?

Here at Marlin Maniac:

Down On The Farm Miami Marlins Daily Report: May 21st

Jordan Smith blew a 3-2 Zephyrs lead in the eight inning and caused the game to go extra innings. Luckily, recent signee Velazquez picked up the game winning single to drive in Gorkys Hernandez to put New Orleans up 4-3 for good. Chris Hatcher got the ball in the ninth and made things interesting by allowing two hits. He was able to bounce back and strike out Andy Parrino to end the game. Parrino struck out four times in this game.

Prospect Profile: Anthony DeSclafani

Having lived in Gainesville, Florida, for the past eight years, I’ve watched a lot of Florida Gators baseball games. I’ve seen a ton of great players, both Gators and opponents, and I’ve been wrong about almost all of them. I marveled every time Georgia came into town and I got to watch Gordon Beckham. I was positive Matt LaPorta would hit 35 home runs a year as a designated hitter, and I was certain Bryan Augenstein had the stuff to stick in the majors as a reliever.

I’m hoping that my streak of being wrong is over, because for three years, I loved the heck out of a righty named Anthony DeSclafani. He was the type of player that I love – a grinder that just gets the job done.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Miami Marlins Game Preview: Wednesday, May 21st 7:10 PM EST (Game 47)

The Miami Marlins will attempt to close their series out against the Philadelphia Phillies with a win. A win would ensure the Marlins just their second series victory of the season.

The Marlins will have a tall order in front of them as they try to win this one, Cliff Lee. Lee will be making his tenth start of the season and he has been dominant thus far. The Marlins will counter with Kevin Slowey, who has struggled in his last two starts.

May 11, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) talks with starting pitcher Cliff Lee (33) during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins will attempt to close their series out against the Philadelphia Phillies with a win. A win would ensure the Marlins just their second series victory of the season.

The Marlins will have a tall order in front of them as they try to win this one, Cliff Lee. Lee will be making his tenth start of the season and he has been dominant thus far. The Marlins will counter with Kevin Slowey, who has struggled in his last two starts.

Slowey will need to pitch much better for the Marlins to have a chance in this one.

STARTING PITCHERS

Cliff Lee	V	Kevin Slowey
9	GS	9
63.2	IP	52.1
2.83	ERA	3.44
3.00	FIP	4.16
50	SO	37
11	BB	12