Mar 17, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Logan Morrison (far right) talks with teammates during a spring training game against St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Some fantastic news from manager Mike Redmond on injured first baseman Logan Morrison just now, this according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post on Twitter:

#Marlins mgr Mike Redmond said Logan Morrison is expected to start rehab assignment Monday with Jupiter

— Joe Capozzi (@joecapMARLINS) May 17, 2013

Morrison landed on the disabled list July with right knee inflammation. Morrison at the time hoped to return in two weeks, but admitted that he would likely be done for the season. During the 2011 season, LoMo battled knee tendinitis in the same knee and hurt it again crashing into a wall in Pittsburgh.

Ozzie Guillen, the Marlins manager in 2012, criticized the Miami Marlins and Morrison himself for not handling the situation with Logan properly.

 

“In the past, they do stupid [expletive] here,” Guillen told The Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post on Sunday. “They let him go to Asia and play and have his surgery knowing spring training is coming up. It isn’t going to happen again. I think it’s more important, the Miami Marlins, than the USA team, or whatever he was doing. I think they knew he had this problem during [last season]. I’m not going to blame anyone, but think about it. There’s a lot of [expletive] we’ve got to clean up, and that’s my job.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/30/2920208/miami-marlins-logan-morrison-placed.html#storylink=cpy

The team allowed Morrison to play in an exhibition series overseas with a team of U.S. All-Stars, but Morrison had to have surgery in December after feeling pain in his knee.

LoMo missed part of spring training and was never able to really find his groove in 2012. He finished the season hitting just .230/.308/.399 with 11 home runs, 36 RBI and a .707 OPS in just 93 games played.

Morrison was expected to be ready for spring training this season, but the team decided to take a cautious approach with him. LoMo has been playing first base in extended spring training. He is expected to rehab with the Marlins High-A team, the Jupiter Hammerheads.

After a stint in Jupiter, LoMo could see some action with the Jacksonville Suns, the Marlins Double-A affiliate. The Suns will be in Birmingham to take on the Barons from June 7-11, so if LoMo is with the Suns then, fully expect me to be at one of those games.

Morrison is projected to hit a .259/.344/.446 slash line with a .342 wOBA and 15 homers. That is a huge improvement from the .211/.269/.273 slash line with a major league worst .240 woBA and just two home runs.

Dec 5, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Marlins president of baseball operstions Larry Beinfest (left) announces the signing of closer Heath Bell (not pictured) during the MLB winter meetings at Hilton Anatole. Bell was signed for 3 years and $27 million. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins 2013 season has been an epic disaster. Due to the struggles the team has gone through, fans are growing frustrated and don’t want to wait for the big prospects in the minor leagues to get ready so they can start winning. We want to win now!

With the frustration growing, we are going to try a fun new game on Marlin Maniac that puts you in the Marlins General Manager’s chair.

There are some interesting decisions that need to be made about the Miami Marlins in the next month or so.  With so many players coming back from injury, there is going to be a roster crunch and some big personal decisions will be needed to be made.

Hitters like Logan Morrison and Giancarlo Stanton are on their way back from injury. Where do they fit into the Marlins lineup upon return? With the emergence of the Marlins top infield prospect, Derek Dietrich, what happens to incumbent second baseman Donovan Solano returns from the DL. When do you promote top hitting prospect Christian Yelich?

On the pitching side, Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez will return to the Marlins soon, how will they be slotted into the rotation?

Do the Marlins consider trading Stanton at the trade deadline for a huge prospect haul? Will closer Steve Cishek hit the trade market?

Email us at marlinmaniacFS@gmail.com what you would do in the scenario if you were the Miami Marlins GM. Our staff will pick the top 3 GM moves and post them sometime in the next two weeks. We will then put the top 3 to a vote for you guys to decide who did the best job as the mock Marlins GM.

The winner with the readers will collect a prize that we have not determined yet.

There is one catch though, to be eligible for the prize, you have to “like” our Facebook Page as well as follow us on Twitter @MarlinManiac.

Get your General Manager cap on and see if you can do a better job than the Marlins front office has done in 2013.

May 3, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano (17) celebrates hitting a home run with third base coach Joe Espada during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Utility infielder Nick Green had his contract selected from Triple-A New Orleans, and he will join the team on Tuesday.  Nick was just designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A New Orleans to make room for the return of Adeiny Hechavarria from the disabled list. Henderson Alvarez could be moved to the 60-day DL to accommodate Green.

Neither Valaika (.280 wOBA) or Solano (.287 wOBA) have been playing well offensively this season. The Marlins hope that Green can continue to build on his early success (354 wOBA). Green’s numbers came in limited action, so it is doubtful he can keep those numbers up. A small improvement would still be huge for the Marlins lineup.

There is no early indication on how long Solano will be out, or the severity of his injury.

LoMo Returning to Game Action:

Still recovering from off-season knee surgery, Logan Morrison is expected back in game action later today. The Marlins will have Morrison playing in extended spring training games.

Morrison is eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day DL on May 30th, but the team and Morrison feel mid-June is a better target date to expect to see LoMo back in action with the Fish.

Morrison has not played in a major league game since last July and did not have a spring training this season, so the team does not feel the need to rush him along.

Other Injury Updates:

Giancarlo Stanton is still resting his hamstring and has not resumed any baseball activities. The Marlins are not expected to make much noise this season, so there is no real need to rush Stanton. He is still on track for a mid to late June return. Like I mentioned yesterday, Stanton should expect to return to a much improved lineup when he is healthy.

Henderson Alvarez played catch on Monday and did not feel any discomfort. Alvarez has been on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation since the eve of the season. Alvarez recently felt discomfort and was setback from an impending return. A realistic target date for Alvarez would be mid-June as well.

Nathan Eovaldi out with shoulder inflammation as well is throwing off of the mound. He is eligible to return at the end of May and is closer than Alvarez. He would likely take Alex Sanabia‘s spot in the rotation upon return.

Lastly, Jeff Mathis is close to making his debut with the Marlins Mathis broke right collarbone in the first game of Spring Training for the Marlins will play one more rehab game in Single-A before being moved up to Double-A. Mathis is elgible to come off of the 60-day DL on May 31st as well.

Mar 23, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Kyle Skipworth (53) in the first inning during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Kearns had to suddenly leave the Miami Marlins yesterday to attend to a personal matter. As was expected, the Marlins placed Kearns on the bereavement list today and recalled catcher Kyle Skipworth.

#Marlins call up c Kyle skipworth to replace Austin Kearns

— Joe Capozzi (@joecapMARLINS) May 5, 2013

Kearns can be away from the team no less than three games, but no more than seven. The Marlins don’t expect him to join the team in San Diego, as they take on the Padres from Monday to Wednesday. Hopefully everything is alright for Kearns and his family. Austin has not had the easiest 2013, as he has already dealt with an irregular heartbeat and has not fared well at the plate. He owns a .185/.290/.185 slash line early on.

With Kearns hitting the bereavement list, the Marlins had to select someone from their 40-man roster to take his spot. The only options for the Marlins on their 40-man roster were Skipworth and outfielder Kyle Jensen. The team felt Skip was the better option to callup.

Skipworth had just three plate appearance in his earlier stint with the Marlins. He drew a walk, but went hit less. The former first round pick did not receive much playing time and will likely not get much this go-around either. Skipworth posted a .143/.250/.143 slash line in 16 plate appearances in Triple-A.

Injury Updates:

Donovan Solano was a late scratch last night due to soreness on his left-side. Solano was out of the lineup again today and hopes to return sometime next week against the San Diego Padres. A stint on the disabled list has not been yet ruled out for Solano.

Miguel Olivo will be catching for the second straight game as Rob Brantly is still bothered by his cut finger. The injury does not seem to concern the Marlins, but the move to callup Skipworth seems to be a precautionary move.

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Logan Morrison (5) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Morrison is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on June 1st, but the Marlins will hold him out till mid-June. LoMo did not participate in spring training at all, so the Marlins figure to give him an extended rehab stint to work his way back.

Jeff Mathis has gone 4-f0r-13 with two doubles in his rehab stint with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Mathis is still working his way back from his broken collarbone and could return to the Marlins very soon.

Pitcher Henderson Alvarez has been shutdown by the Marlins after suffering a setback in his recovery from shoulder inflammation. Alvarez felt soreness after throwing to hitters a few days ago and the Marlins decide to shut him down. The Marlins plan to give Alvarez a couple of days of rest and see how he feels.

We will now continue with the burning questions we started looking at earlier today:

Mar 12, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) rubs the baseball during a spring training game against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Will Ricky Nolasco be on the Marlins all season long or will he be traded at some point? Who else can you see being dealt?

Ehsan: If Ricky can provide the Marlins with a strong first half, the team will be able to trade Nolasco away to a contending team searching for starting pitching. The team can maximize it’s return by eating a portion of the money owed to Nolasco. Juan Pierre, Placido Polanco, and Steve Cishek could be hot commodities at the deadline as well.

Andy: He will stay. The only players I can see being traded are Chris Coghlan which is sad cause I really like him, he has just had a few bad breaks, and maybe some good farm players.

Justen: He’ll be dealt in my opinion. When the deadline comes, he’ll be long gone. Morrison is someone I can see being traded as well if he struggles.

Geoff: Gone at the trade deadline, as long as Fernandez doesn’t completely tank when he comes up.

Will: Nolasco will be dealt unless something bizarre happens and were firmly in contention. Can also see Juan Pierre, Steve Cishek, Placido Polanco, Greg Dobbs, and potentially Kotchman if he shows he can play average ball.

David: Ricky will be with the team until deadline day, when he will be traded for a relief prospect. Placido Polanco and Kevin Slowey will both be traded.

Alex: Barring any sort of injury, Nolasco will probably be moved by the deadline. Teams looking to put themselves over for a playoff run can pick up the righty for a reasonable price to a team in the middle of rebuilding.

Placido: Nolasco will be traded by June. Juan Pierre and Casey Kotchman will also be dealt away by the trading deadline.

James: I imagine that if some team makes the right offer for Nolasco he will be gone by the trade deadline. Steve Cishek is someone who, if the Marlins are playing dismally come the trading deadline, I could see him being shipped elsewhere.

5. Which Marlins pitcher will have a breakout season? How about Marlins hitter?

Ehsan: I have been enamored with Nathan Eovladi since the Miami Marlins acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Hanley Ramirez trade. I think he will become the Marlins best pitcher by seasons end, before being overtaken by Jose Fernandezin 2014. I have faith that Chris Coghlan will resurface as a capable major league hitter this season.

Mar 23, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Nate Eovaldi (24) throws in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Andy: Wade LeBlanc and Cishek will be the surprise pitchers for the Marlins this year. We all know what Cishek can do in a shorten season, just wait and see what he is goign to do when he has the closing job. Leblanc has the stuff to be a great pitcher but no one has any faith in him out side the Marlins he will shock them. I like Hech’s bat he’s not a power hitter but he will get on base and that is what the Marlins need for Giancarlo.

Justen: Nathan Evoaldi will be the breakout pitcher this season, hopefully making the Hanley trade look a little better.

Geoff: Eovaldi. Brantly.

Will: Nathan E for the breakout pitcher. High ceiling, love his stuff. Break out hitter, hopefully Logan Morrison.

David: Slowey will have a solid start of the season and be traded in July. Cishek will look other-worldly in the bullpen. Logan Morrison will finally do what everyone knows he’s capable of.

Alex: Despite his rocky spring, I have a lot of faith in Jacob Turner. After the Tigers rushed him through their system, a quick minor league stint to refine his pitching approach, control, and perhaps his changeup will pay dividends. As for hitters, I don’t think Donovan Solano will put up All-Star numbers, but his aggressive play style will quickly make him a fan favorite. Whether he’s playing well or not, his high-energy attitude will at least make fans happy.

Placido: Henderson Alvarez will finally learn to control an offspeed pitch and have a breakout season. Rob Brantly will take advantage of hitting in the middle of the order and produce an 80 RBI season.

James: I hope to see Nate Eovaldi have a great season, I know he’s still relatively green, but I like his stuff.  As for Marlins hitter, I would really like to see Logan Morrison break out and be the star that we all know he can be.

6. Make a bold prediction (or two) for the season.

Ehsan: The Miami Marlins will not be in last place in the NL East and Logan Morrison will return to form for the Marlins, solidifying his role as the first baseman of the future for the Fish.

Andy: Marlins will win more games then last year! They will win the World Series. (What I’m a fan, I always believe my team is going to win the Series every year)

Justen: Bold prediction… Hm… The Marlins will win 70 games this season. As bad as the season might look right now, there are always other factors that take place during the season. Look at us last season, it didn’t work out. Who’s to say the Braves are going to be good or the Nats can repeat their success.

Geoff: Loria finds a way to pay Stanton. (Editors note: This would be every Marlins fans dream come true).

Will: The Marlins will win more games than they did last season. Rob Brantly will exceed expectations and remain stable at the C position for a long time.

David: Chris Coghlan will log 125 starts and put up an OPS over .750. The Marlins are over .500 for the month of August.

Alex: The Marlins play spoiler for the Nationals at the end of the season, helping the Braves clinch first in the NL East.

Placido: After Nolasco, Pierre, Polanco and Kotchman are traded Bud Selig decides he has had enough and makes it his primary goal to get the Marlins a new owner by the time he retires in 2014. Kevin Slowey capatilizes on his opportunity and the dimensions of Marlins Park to post a sub 4.00 ERA and 12 Wins which leads to an $10 million+ contract as a free agent in the offseason with another team obviously.

James: My BOLD prediction is that the Marlins will finish the season with a better record than the New York Yankees (GASP!)