Apr 26, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Juan Pierre (9) tosses a baseball to fans in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park. The Cubs won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins Park has been for the most part empty for a majority of their games in 2013. The lack of interest for the Miami Marlins and their gorgeous ballpark stems from the off-season firesale that owner Jeffery Loria decided to hold. Loria dismantled the Marlins roster one off-season after lavishly spending on the free agent market.

The Marlins saw this act as a betrayal to the public, as Loria had promised to their fans they would remain competitive once their brand new ballpark opened up. When the Marlins sold off their roster, fans were extremely upset and wanted Loria out as owner of the team.

The backlash towards Jeffery Loria and company has resulted in the lack of attendance, although the Marlins do not have the worst attendance in baseball. The lack of attendance has resulted in the Marlins deciding to close off upper deck seats for weeknight games.

The upper bowl will be closed for six dates during the team’s nine-game homestand that begins next Tuesday. Fans can sit only in the lower bowl for games May 14-16 against Cincinnati and May 20-22 against Philadelphia. The upper bowl will remain open for May 17-19 games against Arizona.

Closing the upper bowl for some games “will give an overall better fan experience,” [Marlins representative P.J. Loyello] said, adding from a standpoint of concessions, restrooms and other services, “it will be better for fans” than if they were scattered in a larger area.

THE MARLINS LOST A BUNCH OF GAMES BUT YOU WERE SLEEPING WHEN IT HAPPENED SO IT DOESN’T COUNT | Strip Club with Stanton

The last time we spoke, on May 5th, the Marlins were ending Roy Halladay‘s career, which was nice. You probably wanna hold onto that memory, because Loria’s band of merry misfits has played 6 games since, recorded more than 1 run just twice, and won just once. Luckily it all happened on the West Coast, so you probably slept through it. Can I get a “Yay, Marlins!”

May 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Impact of Jose Fernandez | Fishstripes

Jose Fernandez has been an invaluable member of the Marlins’ rotation in 2013 and could be on his way to one of the best seasons by a rookie pitcher in recent memory.

Returning to Marlins Park post-fire sale | Fishstripes

I had vowed to boycott the Miami Marlins in 2013, but thanks to needing an activity with a friend, I am returning to Marlins Park for a game tonight. How did I do it to still avoid helping Jeffrey Loria?

College position player is likely first option in draft for Miami Marlins | Miami Herald

There is strong sentiment within the Marlins organization to take a college position player with their first pick — the sixth overall — in next month’s amateur draft.

With five of the first 80 picks in the draft, the Marlins have a chance to continue adding to their stockpile of young talent in the wake of the team’s roster selloff from last year.

May 14, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (51) connects for a base hit during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins’ rookie Dietrich a living tribute to grandfather | Sun-Sentinel

Derek Dietrich, who the Marlins selected from Double-A Jacksonville last week, had a special relationship with his grandfather, former major leager and baseball lifer Steve Demeter.

Marcell Ozuna is Miami Marlins Future Now | Rant Sports

It is no secret that the Miami Marlins are struggling overall this season. That generally happens when a team is in a rebuilding phase so it becomes somewhat acceptable with a few requirements. The main things fans need to see to put up with a rebuilding phase are the signs of actual rebuilding. They need to see signs that there is a future for their team that is promising and that they can believe in. Marlins fans do not have to look very hard to see proof that their team has a future.

With Marlins by chance, Ozuna aims to stay | Marlins.com

An injury to All-Star Giancarlo Stanton landed Marcell Ozuna in the big leagues. All-out hustle will go a long way in keeping the 22-year-old outfielder around for a long time.

Stock Up, Stock Down for Miami Marlins’ Top 10 Prospects for Week of May 6 | Bleacher Report

Another week, another promotion.

The Miami Marlins called up another prospect to the big leagues after they placed two middle infielders on the disabled list less than 48 hours apart. Donovan Solano was placed on the 15-day DL with a left intercoastal strain while Chris Valaika joined him with a fractured left wrist. In their place is Derek Dietrich, the fifth Marlins top-10 prospect to make his debut in the majors this year.

Here at Marlin Maniac:

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!

Apr 15, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins players take a moment of silence before their game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park on the day of the bombings at the Boston Marathon. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins Park: Upper bowl to close for select midweek games | Sun-Sentinel

When the team returns to Miami for their next home stand, fans at Marlins Park will be treated to a “better fan experience” during the weekdays. Meaning: The upper deck will be closed. Miami has had trouble filling the stadium with fans since the season began, and going 5-25 hasn’t helped. A more cozy setting during the week should improve customer service for the fans at the game.Dietrich becomes latest Marlins prospect to get call-up after injury | Miami Herald

Manny Navarro has the story on Derek Dietrich’s promotion Wednesday. Navarro has everything from Dietrich’s expected chemistry with fellow middle infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, to his whirlwind journey to the Majors.

Dietrich just ‘Letting it fly’ | Fish Pond

Joe Frisaro at the Fish Pond also talked with Dietrich on his MLB debut. Frisaro writes about Dietrich’s utility asset, his first game, and what the tattoo on his wrist means. Also Derek can juggle! Fancy that!THE MARLINS’ MESS | The New Yorker

Ben McGrath for the New Yorker reviews the Marlin’s knack for cutting costs, digging up quotes from President David Samson and the underwhelming outcome from fans’ patience and tax dollars.

Miami Marlins run ‘ultimate fan’ contest — and it goes exactly as you’d expect | Yahoo! Sports

I really can’t get enough of these, “fans-are-upset” articles. One reason is because they usually offer some bitter laughs at your favorite baseball team’s expense. The next reason is that when people stop talking about this, the problem won’t go away. The more articles like Mike Oz’s at Yahoo! Sports compiling rightfully frustrated fans, the better.

Here at Marlin Maniac:

Is The Future Now? The 2013 Miami Marlins Offense, Prospects And Run Creation

Staff writer Daniel reviews recent promotions and discusses if this is close to the roster of the future. Daniel also proposes the lineup be shuffled to perhaps remedy a stinky offense.

May 5, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Juan Pierre (9) in the dugout prior to playing the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 14-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Prospect Profile: Who Is Derek Dietrich?

If you aren’t glued to the prospect rankings and minor league affairs for Miami, don’t fret. Staff writer David has the answer to a question many Marlin faithful had asked: Who is Derek Dietrich? There’s a kickin’ rad video of Derek juggling in there, too.

Miami Marlins: Is Juan Pierre A Platoon Player Now?

Say it ain’t so! Everyone’s favorite Marlin is hitting .239/.294/.274 from the leadoff spot! Marlin Maniac editor Ehsan addresses that maybe after 1900 games and counting for Juan Pierre, the best way to utilize the veteran outfielder would be to platoon him against righties. Click here for your in-depth analysis.

Miami Marlins @ Los Angeles Dodgers Series Preview: The Hanley Ramirez Is Missing Series

Ehsan and Lasordas Lair editor, Scott Andes discuss the state of the Los Angeles Dodgers just in time to kick off a series against Kershaw and company. The two discuss why the Dodgers are off to a disappointing start, the pitchers Miami will face, and whether Clayton Kershaw is worth his future extension (he is.)

Congress To Address Blackout Policies And Bundling

Staff writer Geoff shared some news that should brighten any sports fan’s day: congress might just ban television blackouts. This isn’t even an April Fools gag! Want to know how? Want to know who proposed the bill? Click the link.

Series Preview: Miami Marlins @ Los Angeles Dodgers May 10-12, Games 36-38 

Before tonight’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, you should check out Ehsan’s preview of the matchups. This is essential reading for every series, plus there’s a bold prediction at the bottom of the page. Might as well click this link too, pal.

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins player Derek Dietrich (72) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Dietrich is the Miami Marlins’ second baseman of the future. Or their third baseman of the future. Or a utility player. Or a juggler. Or just another rookie playing for the Marlins entirely too soon in this disaster of a season. It all depends on who you ask. Marlin Maniac ranked him as the Marlins 13th best prospect prior to the season.

Dietrich was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 after tearing up college baseball at Georgia Tech. In his junior year prior to being drafted, Dietrich hit .350/.459/.650 with 17 home runs and was lauded as a potential first round pick. He fell to the second, and the Rays snapped him up as a shortstop. In the minors, Dietrich has been an incredibly consistent hitter. Between 2010 and 2012, he advanced through the minors, making stops at Low A, A, High A, and AA. His slash lines at each stop were .279/.340/.419, .277/.346/.502, .282/.343/.468, and .271/.324/.429. This past offseason, the Marlins acquired Dietrich in a straight up trade for Yunel Escobar, who has been atrocious at the plate for the Blue Jays this year.

It’s not hard to see the kind of hitter Dietrich is based on his slash lines. He won’t walk a ton, but he has above-average pop, enough so that the Marlins have been looking at him as a third baseman instead of playing him in the middle of the infield. In fact, in February, Larry Beinfest was quoted as saying that Dietrich “could be our future third baseman. We love him.”

There’s one catch – he can’t hit lefties. So far in AA this season, Dietrich was hitting .312/.448/.558 against righties, and .207/.281/.345 against lefties. Though this season’s discrepancy is particularly extreme, it’s hardly a new trend. Last season, his OPS against righties (.894) was 240 points higher than it was against lefties (.654).

Perhaps the coolest thing about Dietrich is that he’s a world-class juggler. He’s been juggling since he was 8 years old and has performed his act before over 10,000 fans at the 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game. Here is a cool video of Dietrich demonstrating his juggling skills:

John Sickels at MinorLeagueBall.com noted of Dietrich that “he has enough sock in his bat to be a valuable hitter even if he’s hitting just .250. In the long run, he could end up as something like a left-handed Dan Uggla.” Given how badly the Marlins need offense – and a long-term solution at third base – a left-handed Uggla sounds great.

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins player Derek Dietrich (72) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It looks as if 23-year old infielder Derek Dietrich will be called up from AA-Jacksonville this evening and start at second base for the Marlins. According to the Saint Ignatius High School Sports twitter account (Dietrich’s alma mater) the Marlins made the call and penciled him in tonight’s lineup.

Saint Ignatius alum Derek Dietrich ’07 was called up this morning by the @Marlins and will make his major league debut tonight at 2nd base.

As noted by Joe Frisaro of Fish Pond, Dietrich is not in tonight’s lineup for the Jacksonville Suns.

No Derek Dietrich in #Suns lineup. Could he be on his way to join #Marlins

The Marlins acquired Dietrich from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Yunel Escobar in December. He’s currently hitting .282/.408/.505 in Jacksonville.

The call up comes after Chris Valaika fractured his left radius in last night’s loss to the San Diego Padres and becoming the 11^th player on Miami’s disabled list.

Derek Dietrich follows fellow prospects Marcell Ozuna and Jose Fernandez to be called up from AA-Jacksonville this season. The lefty could split time at second base with Nick Green.  Dietrich isn’t projected to be a regular Major Leaguer, but there is value in a hit-first middle infielder, especially one who punishes righties.

Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel and Marlins.com beat writer Joe Frisaro confirmed the news on his Twitter handle:

Dietrich selected. Starting at second for #Marlins today.

— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) May 8, 2013

Derek Dietrich jersey in #Marlins clubhouse awaiting official announcement

— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) May 8, 2013

Expect a corresponding move to be announced shortly to accommodate Dietrich on the Marlins 40-man roster. Update 2:35 PM: Chris Valaika has been placed on the 15 day DL, team transfers Casey Kotchman to 60-day DL, and select the contract of second baseman Derek Dietrich from the Jacksonville Suns.

#Marlins moves: Valaika to 15 day DL with left wrist fracture, Kotchman transferred to 60 day DL and selected Derek Dietrich (#51).

— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) May 8, 2013