The Great:

We avoided a sweep at the hands of the Diamondbacks by winning this game 2-1. The inning that that gave us the win was the bottom of the 6^th where the Marlins bats finally came alive— but not at first. We started the inning with Ricky popping out to the seconded baseman; then it was followed by an Adeiny Hechavarria single. Unfortunately, he was not moved up by Placido Polanco who flied out to left field the next at bat. Then came Derek Dietrich who singled to left field moving Adeiny to 3^rd. Up came Marcell Ozuna, who with a 2-1 count and 2 out double off the left field wall scored Hech and Dietrich and the Marlins took a 2-0 lead.  Justin Ruggiano walked and then Chris Coghlan ground out to end the inning… but not without the damaged already done.

The Bad:

Our 9^th inning was not the prettiest inning of the game. We started with Ricky giving up a double to Didi Gregorius ending his day. In came Steve Cishek who started out well by having Paul Goldschmidt ground out to second, but that ground out moved Didi moved to 3^rd. Next came Jason Kubel who sac flied to left field, scoring Didi. Eric Chavez then singled and Martin Prado walked ending Steve’s day. Mike Dunn, who has been on point this season, came in and walked Miguel Montero loading the bases. A. J. Pollock then came up and with a full count and grounded out to the shortstop ending the game and giving The Fish the win. This inning could have been a lot Uglier, but nevertheless it was Bad.

The Ricky:

May 14, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

This is the Ricky Nolasco that all the Marlins fans wanted to see all season! Ricky went 8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, and a whopping 11 K! He struck out the side in the 5^th and the 8^th. Also having a 1-2-3 inning in the 2^nd (with a double play), the 6^th, and the 7^th. This was his best performance of the season and hopefully he can keep it up for the rest of the season.

In the end, it was a fun game to be at live. The crowd was so alive, the players were playing their hardest, and Ricky was amazing. If we can keep this up all season I can see the fans coming back. Until next time, enjoy your week and Let’s Go Marlins!

May 14, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Source: FanGraphs

Ricky Nolasco did not have his best stuff on Tuesday night and that was apparent from the onset. Zack Cozart lined a double to left field with one out and score on a Brandon Phillips single. All together, Nolasco allowed one run on three hits in the first inning, but it would only get worse for Nolasco in the second.

In the bottom of the first, the Marlins tied the game after a Juan Pierre single and a Derek Dietrich single that drove in Pierre. Homer Bailey was than able to settle in and shut the Marlins lineup down.

Nolasco’s second inning was an epic disaster. After allowing a Ryan Hanigan single in between two outs, Nolasco unraveled and lost his usual strong control. Ricky hit Shin-Soo Choo and allowed a single to Cozart to load the bases. Nolasco then walked Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips back-to-back with the bases loaded to build the Reds lead to 3-1.

After a visit to the mound by the pitching coach, Nolasco allowed Xavier Paul to unload the bases on a double to left field, scoring Cozart, Votto, and Phillips to grow the Reds lead to 6-2. Nolasco was finally able to get out of the fifth inning when Todd Fraizer flew out to right field.

Nolasco was able to retire eight of the next nine hitters he faced, with the lone base runner being Phillips, who was promptly caught stealing by Rob Brantly. Even though Nolasco looked solid outside of the second inning, the Reds were able to run away with the game due to a phenomenal plate approach in the second.

Nolasco’s line for the night was 5.0 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO.

The good news, it looks like Nolasco is striking out hitters at a decent rate again, as he has struck out 14 in 12 innings in his previous two starts.

The only other real action came in the seventh inning when Adeiny Hechavarria tripled to center field and scored on a Rob Brantly sacrifice fly to right to cut the Reds lead to 6-2.

The Marlins would never threaten again in the game, as their last six hitters went down in order.

The Good:

May 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Tim Federowicz (18) looks on as Miami Marlins center fielder Justin Ruggiano (20) heads to the dugout after a solo home run in thesixth inning of the game at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

With hitting being one of our biggest problems this season it is nice seeing some of our young batters come alive. Let’s start with Mr. “I got this” Justin Ruggiano. Going 2 for 4 with a single in the first, his 7^th HR in the 6th, a run and an RBI, even with 2 strike outs he is proving he is going to be one of our power hitters. Next let’s look at Mr. Stanton’s stand in, Marcell Ozuna, who also went 2 for 4, with singles in the 1^st and 4^th inning. It is going to be interesting to see what the Marlins are going to do with him once Giancarlo comes back. Next, in only his 3^rd game as a Marlin, Derek Dietrich went 2 for 4 with a double in the 7^th and a single in the 9^th while also scoring a run in the same inning. He is trying to prove that it’s not too early for him to be called up. Finally, Adeiny Hechavarria went 1 for 4, but that one hit was his 9^th inning double scoring in two of his fellow Marlins. This one hit was also the only real clutch hit in the game (but we will get to that.)

The Bad:

We lost to the Dodgers 5-3. As if that wasn’t bad enough, this was our chance to win our first series on the road; but we continue to look for that first on the road series win.

The Ugly:

Today the Marlins went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 6 people on base. This means that not only are we getting on base, but we are getting runners to second and third, however that’s where they are stranded. It seems to be the story of our season- we are getting on base in scoring position but cannot bring them home. Also Ugly was the bullpen. This season up to this series the Marlin’s bullpen has been on point, with the exception of a few players; and today’s game was no exception for those few players. Jon Rauch came into the 7^th giving up 2 hits, 2 runs, and 2 earned runs. This brings his season’s ERA to 7.36; might be time for the Marlins to make a move on him. Mike Dunn wasn’t terrible today, but he didn’t play today how he has played in the past. This game he went 1 inning and gave up 2 hits, 1 run and 1 earned run in the 7^th. Yes, the 7^th inning was ugly. Whoa, déjà vu.

While they might not have been able to see the Marlins win today, I wish all mothers out there a wonderful Mother’s Day. See you all in Miami this Tuesday when the Marlins open up the series against the Reds. As always, go Marlins!

May 6, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of the scoreboard after the San Diego Padres shut out the Miami Marlins 5-0 at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

One of the few strengths for the Miami Marlins coming into this season was supposed to be their defense. That has not however played out like manager Mike Redmond envisioned so far.

“I’m not happy about it,” Redmond said. “We talked all spring about how it would be one of our strengths — our defense. We’re giving the other team way too many extra opportunities. You can’t do that and win ballgames. Even when we had a couple plays we probably should have made that didn’t go for errors we didn’t make plays on them either. We’ll improve. When we do that we’ll start winning more ballgames.”

No play better describes the Marlins defensive woes than when catcher Rob Brantly dropped an easy popup that would have been the third out of the first inning in Monday nights game. The botched play led the Padres to score their first run of the game, which turned out to be the game winning run for the Padres.

The Marlins have made 27 errors so far this season, tied for the most in the majors with the Chicago Cubs. Fangraphs has the Marlins ranked as the fourth worst defense according to UZR. Fangraphs also rates the Marlins as the fifth worst in terms of range.

PHOTOSHOP MAKES THE MARLINS LESS SUCKY, PART I | Strip Club with Stanton

This season stinks. I’m not even gonna try and fight it. The Marlins lost again yesterday. They’re dead last in like everything. Might as well use Photoshop for the greater good and try to have some fun while we’re all stuck here watching this mess.

May 6, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins first short stop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) fields ground balls prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins’ Adeiny Hechavarria and the encouraging tale of Emilio Bonifacio | Fishstripes

Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria has some questionable skills at the plate, but the history of Emilio Bonifacio‘s development can be a positive comparison for the young shortstop.

Miami Marlins offense improving, still terrible | Fishstripes

In the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, the Miami Marlins’ offense has improved, showing that they are regressing to the mean. But no one is mistaking them for a good offense yet.

No Major League Soccer in Orlando? Blame the Miami Marlins | Orlando Sentinel

In many ways, sports teams and leagues are like children.

You have the spoiled brats who are used to getting everything they want when they want it. And when they don’t, they hold their breath, stomp their feet and threaten to take their ball and go home.

Miami Marlins to close upper bowl for some games | Miami Herald 

The Marlins, whose attendance ranks last in the National League five weeks into the season, have decided to close the upper bowl at Marlins Park for at least some weeknight games — an approach the team used at times at Sun Life Stadium.

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna (68) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Marcell Ozuna, Miami Marlins Prospect, Has ‘Light-Tower Power’ | Yahoo! Sports

The Dominican-born outfielder cuts an imposing figure as he sets into the right side of the plate. During his short stint with the Miami Marlins, No. 48 has laced pitches into white streaks that bounce off walls before they are finished rising. Ozuna, 22, has made a strong case as a name to track throughout the summer as he acts as a right-field replacement for the injured Giancarlo Stanton.

Stock Up, Stock Down for Miami Marlins’ Top 10 Prospects for Week of April 29 | Bleacher Report

With each passing day, the Miami Marlins look more like a minor league team.

Earlier this week, the Marlins promoted another promising prospect to the majors, which means four of their top prospects have already started their big league service time. On the bright side, some of those prospects have contributed to the Marlins winning five of their last eight after a dreadful 5-19 start.

Ozuna well short of Pierre’s career-opening hit streak | Sun-Sentinel

Juan Pierre, from Aug. 8-23, 2000, was credited with a 16-game streak to start his major league tenure with the Rockies. The run was somewhat different. Whereas Ozuna has started each of his first seven games, including Monday’s late series opener at Petco Park, Pierre made his major league debut as a pinch-runner and did not hit. The streak began in his second game.

Here at Marlin Maniac:

Miami Marlins @ San Diego Padres Series Preview: Could Jedd Gyorko Win Rookie Of The Year?

The Miami Marlins are winners of five of their previous eight games. The Marlins are aiming for their second three game winning streak of the season, as they roll into San Diego to take on the Padres. The team has started hitting of late and hope to keep their bats hot as they hit the spacious Petco Park.

Series Preview: Miami Marlins @ San Diego Padres May 6-8, Games 33-35

Winners of five of their previous eight games, the suddenly hot Miami Marlins travel to San Diego to take on the Padres. The Marlins won’t have an easy opponent in the Padres, as they come into this series winners of seven of their previous ten games.

Miami Marlins @ San Diego Padres Game Preview: Monday, May 6th 10:10 PM EST (Game 33)

The Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres will kick off the first game of their three game series tonight. Luckily for Miami fans, the game will start after the Miami Heat finish up their second round matchup against the Chicago Bulls.

Miami Marlins’ Jose Fernandez: Pitching Mechanics Analysis

Last Saturday, Jose Fernandez threw seven innings of one-hit baseball. At 20 years old, Fernandez is showing signs of being the Marlins’ rotation ace. It seems like it might be a good time to review his pitching mechanics.

Miami Marlins News: Donovan Solano To DL; More Injury Updates

The injuries are the only thing that is adding up faster than the losses for the Miami Marlins in 2013. The team took another hit yesterday when second baseman Donovan Solano was placed on the disabled list with discomfort in his left side. Solano was a late scratch from the lineup Saturday night against the Philadelphia Phillies and has not played in the Marlins three games since. Solano was replaced Chris Valaika at second base.

Miami Marlins Silenced By San Diego Padres 5-0

In last night’s west coast night cap matchup between the Miami Marlins and the San Deigo Padres, the Marlins ecently surging offense was put to rest by San Diego’s Andrew Cashner. Cashner (2-2) pitched 7.1 scoreless innings, with the Marlins managing just four hits and three walks against him. Wade LeBlanc (0-5) took the hill for the Marlins. LeBlanc allowed four runs on four hits and three walks. He nearly stranded a first-inning runner until an ugly Rob Brantly error allowed a run. LeBlanc allowed runners in each of his innings except the fifth.

Miami Marlins @ San Diego Padres Game Preview: Tuesday, May 7th 10:10 PM EST (Game 34)

After dropping the first game of the series, the Miami Marlins will try to bounce back on Tuesday night and even the series against the San Diego Padres. The Marlins will have to do so behind a pitcher that many Marlins fans are ready to see return to the minors, Alex Sanabia. The Padres will counter with Eric Stults.

The Good:

We beat the Phillies 14-2 giving us our 2nd victory in a row and splitting the series 2-2 with those dread Phillies.

The Great:

The bats finally came alive to help Slowey get his first victory of the season. This is not saying that Slowey’s pitching has been bad this season, but before this game Slowey had the worst run support per inning pitched in the majors. Slowey went 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER, 2 BB and 7 SO. This helped drop his ERA to 1.81 this season. Ozuna has stepped up in Giancarlo Stanton’s absence. Today his bat was very much alive, doubling in the first to score Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco. His bat didn’t die there. In the 6th he singled scoring Chris Valaika. For the day Ozuna went 4-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, and BB with 2 singles and 2 doubles. Finally we come to Justin Ruggiano. He sent 2 balls flying over the fence, a solo shot in the in the 8th and then a 2 run shot in the 9th; but his bat was not his highlight of the game. In the 4th Justin made a diving catch in center field robbing Chase Utley of a base hit. Can you say SportCenter Top 10!

The Hech:

May 5, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (3) celebrates hitting a grand slam home run with left fielder Juan Pierre (9) during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

His name is Adeiny Hechavarria! Today Adeiny had 7 RBI, a 3 run triple in the 1st, and a Grand Slam in the 3rd. Hech made sure that in no way the Phillies were going to coming back this game.

What a way to follow Jose Fernandez first career win! If the bats keep up like this The Ugly Season that everyone is predicting will turn into The Good Season that all Marlins Fans want. Enjoy the rest of the week and as always Go Marlins!