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.

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edgar Olmos (67) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

What’s up, Maniac Fans? Today, Marlin Maniac got a chance to speak with Marlins prospect Edgar Olmos. Olmos, 23, is a tall lefty who was selected in the third round by the Marlins in the 2008 draft. He has been featured in the Marlins top prospects list two different times as scouts rave about his make up and potential. Through 8 seasons, Olmos owns an 8-32 record with a 4.83 ERA. While those numbers do not sound pretty, we talked to him to find out why he struggled early, and what he is doing now to return to the form that had scouts pounce on him five years ago.

Marlin Maniac: You were drafted in the third round out of high school. What was the feeling when the Marlins drafted you?

Edgar Olmos: Well, it was an awesome feeling when I saw my name pop up on the computer monitor. My family jumped with joy, and was more excited than I was at the time. I was just sitting there, shocked.

MM: If you hadn’t been drafted, what schools were you leaning toward with the college route?

EO: I had a full scholarship to the University of Arizona.

MM: Did the Marlins have any contact with you prior to the draft?

EO: Yes. I talked to my scout, Tim McDonnell, before the draft, and still talk to him today.

MM: You have played everywhere from Rookie Ball to AA. What has been your favorite part so far in pro ball? Least?

EO: I love pro ball because of the cities you see, the people you meet, and the friendships you make. Traveling always sucks, especially those 13-hour bus rides, but you have to pay your dues.  For me, the down side came early on. I pitched my first pro game in 2008 and came off the mound hurt. I spent the rest of that year in rehab, followed by surgery in 2009. In 2011 and half of the 2012 season I was playing in Jupiter when they moved me to the bullpen. I performed really well out of the pen… way better than as a starter. I started throwing a lot harder; harder than I’ve ever thrown before. Now I’m in AA, enjoying every moment of it.

MM: You have been a whole lot more effective out of the pen, rather than as a starter. What do you think has made the difference? Scouts say you are a tall lefty with great stuff; that you just need to put it all together to be a major league piece. What do you think you need to improve on the most?

EO: It’s just a different attitude out of the pen. Mostly, I just need to stay consistent and limit my walks, and just keep going out there and pitching the way I know I can.

MM: Last few questions: I’m sure you have heard a lot about the big fire sale last season. However, trading the big names got the farm system a number of great prospects, including Christian Yelich, Jose Fernandez, Marcell Ozuna, and Andrew Heaney. Which of the prospects have you played with, and who impressed you the most?

EO: Well, the trade just brought opportunity to all us younger guys in the system.  I have played with all those guys. They are all great, and should be in the show…they’re great guys to be teammates with.

MM: What are your personal goals for the next 3 years?

EO: I just need to continue working hard, doing what I need to do, controlling what I can control, and let the rest play itself out.

Sep 9, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) is congratulated by catcher Rob Brantly (19) after recording a shutout against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

How many of you remember the days when news of knee problems for an athlete meant the end of a sometimes promising career and brought on shaking heads and tongue-clucking at the barber shop? I find it miraculous that a player like Giancarlo Stanton can have his knee surgically repaired during the all-star break and go on to knock 14 balls out of the park before mid-September.

My last article drew comparisons between Jeffrey Loria and Dan Snyder.  My fond wish is that Mr. Loria uses Ted Lerner as a role model instead of Snyder.  There has been zero executive interference with Mike Rizzo’s decision to rest Strasburg. The ability to select the right GM and subsequently avoid overriding his decisions is one Mr. Loria and Mr. Samson could cultivate.

Where to play Emilio Bonifacio? He’s got the speed to cover the acreage in center field, but maybe not the arm. His supremacy on the bases makes the Marlins a serious threat when combined with a classic small-ball manager like Ozzie Guillen. One of the few and largely ignored bright spots this year is that the Marlins lead all of baseball in stolen bases, at 137. He’s done well at second base, and arguments have been made to keep him there, but I think the better course of action is to send the cutoff men out a little further and take advantage of his wheels. Leave him in center.

In the season opener, Nick Sundberg, the long-snapper for the Redskins, broke his arm in the first half when he was nailed by a helmet.  The halftime X-ray confirmed the break. He had the arm taped up and snapped the ball for six punts in the second half. That is the kind of commitment the Redskins are showing this year, and I think that if the Marlins do the same, next year could be exciting indeed.  The term “all in” has been heavily diluted since the appearance of poker on ESPN, but not for Sundberg. The biggest impediment to the Marlins coming together and deciding to commit to winning got traded to Los Angeles. The ignominy of this season could well be the catalyst that lights the fuse in Miami.

The 2012 season is winding down for the Marlins, but they still have a spoiler role to play, and since they seem to be surging (despite the two-for-one sale on strikeouts in Philly last night), it is still possible for them to affect the wild card race. The tail end of a losing season is always tough for stubborn fans, and there are still 20 games to go.  The pennant is out of reach, but the Mets aren’t. Let’s claw our way out of the cellar.

Showing signs of an offense with a pulse, the hot-hitting Miami Marlins face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second game of a four-game series.

Ricky Nolasco is slated to face Trevor Cahill in tonight’s game.  Nolasco has done well against the D-Backs. In seven starts, he has a 5-2 record with a 4.14 ERA. Cahill has only faced the Marlins once, a no-decision game when he was with the A’s.

The excitement for this game will be the Marlins offense.  Giancarlo Stanton has now registered home runs in the last 5 consecutive games, including a line drive shot in Colorado that measured 494 official feet, and a tall shot that wound up in the Colorado parking lot.  Broken scoreboards, car windshields….Stanton has a promising career ahead of him as a vandal.  What’s next?

Carlos Lee has been an RBI machine, and Emilio Bonifacio, with his 30 stolen bases, is also looking for a headline appearance at the Post Office.

Catch the game on Fox Sports Florida tonight at 9:40 PM, or on the radio at 790 WAXY. It’s Twitter Tuesday on FS Florida, so look for a Tweet from yours truly, @MarlinManiac.

Based off of his success in the minors it appears that Coghlan has regained his Rookie of the Year form. Yet, he was kept in New Orleans in favor of Bryan Peterson, Gorkys Hernandez and Austin Kearns. While these three outfielders have potential to have a role as the 4^th outfielder on a major league roster, neither of them have shown any indication of being a long-term solution. In the past Coghlan has served as the Marlin’s primary offensive catalyst and leadoff hitter. He has experienced a high level of success, as a former rookie of the year, unmatched by these other players at the respective stages of their careers. Being that Coghlan has been limited by injuries over the course of multiple seasons and seems healthy, it would appear appropriate that he be given priority at bats at the Major League Level over Peterson, Hernandez and Kearns. Being under control for multiple years into the future, it would make sense to give Coghlan every opportunity to earn a starting job for next season. Outfielders such as Kearns have no service to the team for the long term .With the team going nowhere this season, it would benefit the Marlins the most to provide Chris Coghlan a starting job for the remainder of the season to determine his future role in the Marlins organization.

While this merely speculation oddly enough Chris Coghlan, now earning the Major League minimum salary, is arbitration eligible for the first time next season. This means that if he would accrue enough Major League service time, he would be due for a significant raise. While it remains to seen whether Coghlan has enough service time to actually qualify it is no secret that he has spent a critical amount of time in the Minors over the past two seasons. As such by not being called up, it is possible that he would not be eligible for arbitration. There is a chance Miami is not giving him a legitimate opportunity to pay him the minimum for next season, as well as to keep him under control for an additional year.  It is also possible that the Marlins, having dealt a significant amount of salary, are planning to reinvest it in the free agent market this winter to address the outfield. Melky Cabrera, Shane Victorino, Michael Bourn and the inconsistent BJ Upton are potential targets. Yet this should not be a threat to Coghlan playing for the remainder of this season. Chris Coghlan, who is cheap and controllable for several more seasons, has demonstrated his talent as Rookie of the Year and has reemerged in New Orleans. While this may be a moot point with the return of Stanton and Ruggiano, Coghlan has the potential to be a long term answer in the outfield. Yet it appears that he is not on the Major League roster for financial reasons. If this truly is the case I, among many other fans will be most disappointed that the team is truly shooting itself in the foot by refusing to give Coghlan a chance.