Fish Stripes Off-Topic Thread, Week of 12/31/11

perhaps the Fish could be better off trying for Wandy Rodriguez if the Garza push fails? As per this SB Nation Houston piece: http://houston.sbnation.com/houston-astros/2011/12/31/2673130/miami-marlins-a-good-fit-for-wandy-rodriguez

Matt Garza is a good pitcher, but I would rather see the Marlins pursue other avenues. Garza will quickly become expensive in arbitration and it will take good prospects to acquire him.

It’s been said before, but Roy Oswalt makes a lot of sense (for the Marlins and a lot of other teams).

Original Link

Google Translation:

After undergoing surgery to repair his left shoulder, Hanley Ramirez says he’s almost fully recovered from their problems.

“The shoulder responds and we are at 95 percent and recovery. I’m happy and better than ever,” Ramirez told The Associated Press on Friday during a break from their workouts batting Quisqueya Stadium.

Ramirez, 28, comes from the worst season of his career, batting .243 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 92 games before shoulder problems take him out of action.

But now that he’s recovered from his injuries, Ramirez will face an imminent transition to the Miami Marlins, who hired his compatriot, shortstop Jose Reyes to play in the position that Ramirez has held throughout his career.

Despite rumors that Ramirez was upset and refused to change position, the batting champion of the National League in 2009, says that all these comments are false.

“I’ve talked to (manager Ozzie) Guillen and we want to win with the Marlins. When January comes, we’ll see what happens with the change of position and others. If it is in third, well, where I put to win I’ll do, "he said.

He also highlighted the good relationship between him and his new teammate Reyes.

“Between Kings and I no problem. I respect him a lot, he is a great person,” he said.

He also spoke of the new environment that exists in the Marlins, who have changed their name (from Florida to Miami), stadium and have acquired several players for 2012.

“We’re a new Marlins, also a new Hanley. Good things to come next season,” he said.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its equipos. MLB

But in some truely off-topic stuff: Anyone catch the Heat’s first 5 games? I haven’t been able to catch any of the games, but would love to hear some fellow FL sports fans take on the 2012 Heat. Great start so far, at least from reading the box score and highlights.