-Greg Stoda: Giancarlo Stanton’s importance to Marlins... | www.palmbeachpost.com
Giancarlo Stanton is either the 23-year-old centerpiece around whom the Marlins will build their foreseeable future, or he’s their most valuable potential commodity on the trade market. The team says it has no plans to deal the slugging outfielder, and mlb.com has reported that Miami is preparing to offer Stanton — arbitration eligible after this season — a large contract extension and would trade him only if he were to turn it down. Stanton is playing on the $537,000 cheap now, but won’t be for long despite his current struggles that dissipated a little Wednesday afternoon in Marlins Park when he drove in two runs with a first-inning double in a 6-2 win against Atlanta.
-Miami Marlins’ young rotation shows growth - Miami Marlins - MiamiHerald.com
Though the Marlins traded off Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez and Mark Buehrle from last season’s staff, they’re receiving slightly better results from this year’s less-heralded — and substantially younger — rotation. "We all know we’re very talented, this group of guys here," said Chuck Hernandez, the Marlins’ new pitching coach. "But I think, more than anything, I am starting to enjoy the consistency, which is the difference in this business." Marlins starters rank ninth in the National League with a 3.92 ERA. That compares with last season’s 4.12 ERA, which ranked 10th.
-Colin Moran signs (w/video), plus Coghlan, Qualls, Kearns tidbits | Fish Bytes
The Marlins made it official earlier today by signing their top draft pick, Colin Moran. First stop for Moran: Single A Greensboro, where he'll begin his pro career Monday. Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said Moran would be invited to major league spring training camp next year but gave no indication when he expected the third baseman to make his debut in a Marlins uniform. "We haven't had a long-term third baseman since Mike Lowell left us (following the 2005 season), and we've been searching for that person," Beinfest said at Moran's introductory press conference. "Hopefully, it ends right here with you, Colin. We can't wait for you to assume that role and become our everyday third baseman, and that journey starts today."
-Jose Fernandez goes bonkers on Giancarlo Stanton HR | Fish Bytes
If you were trying to watch Saturday's game, you might have missed Giancarlo Stanton's game-tying home run -- and Jose Fernandez's accompanying celebration. That's because Fox switched away from the game in the ninth to show the trial verdict in the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case. Just how excited was Fernandez? "Big time," he said. "I was pretty excited. It was fun to watch. That's why I love this game so much. I love this team, and I'm going to give everything to it, and whoever doesn't like it, I don't mind."
-Hechavarria making strides at the plate | marlins.com: News
Hechavarria may have had his career-high 11-game hitting streak come to an end on Saturday night, but he has made tremendous strides at the plate. During his streak, which ran from July 1-12, the 24-year-old batted .442 (19-for-43). His batting average, which floundered around or just under .200 for so long, is now at .237 heading into play on Sunday. "He's hitting not just fastballs," manager Mike Redmond said. "He's hitting breaking balls, and you can just see when a guy steps to the plate with some confidence, what a difference it makes."
-Marlins looking forward to All-Star break | marlins.com: News
The Marlins certainly have heated up in the six weeks leading into the All-Star break, but the youthful club clearly could use a breather. For many players, the first half has been a mental and physical grind. The season started off miserably, with the club going 14-41 in April and May. Since then, it is 21-16 heading into Sunday's series finale against the Nationals at Marlins Park. Injuries and inexperience tested the resolve of the squad during the first two months. But since Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison returned from the disabled list in June, the offense has dramatically improved. The pitching staff also got a boost when Jacob Turner was promoted from Triple-A New Orleans, and Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez came off the disabled list. "The All-Star break is always good for guys," manager Mike Redmond said. "We've been grinding out there pretty well. I think it's always a time to reflect, regroup, take a deep breath and figure out what we all have to do to make this team successful."
-Ozuna continues to make an impact for Marlins | marlins.com: News
Marcell Ozuna's three-run triple against the Nationals on Friday night was just the latest big hit for the rookie outfielder. As the first half winds down, Ozuna continues to produce in the heart of the Marlins' order. Brought in to soften the blow of losing Giancarlo Stanton to injury in late April, Ozuna did more than simply hold down the fort during the slugger's absence. He is tied with Justin Ruggiano for the team lead with 32 RBIs, despite logging fewer plate appearances. Ozuna has also delivered in the clutch on numerous occasions, hitting .352 (25-for-71) with runners in scoring position.
Around The League
-Tim Lincecum no-hitter versus Padres creates Giant Freakin' dilemma as trade rumors swirl - MLB News | FOX Sports on MSN
The Freak. The two Cy Young Awards. The 2010 World Series title. The regression. The frustration. The worries about his delivery and durability. The temporary move to the bullpen in last year’s playoffs. The World Series resurgence. Another championship. Then another decline, with a 5.12 ERA at the beginning of this June. 2013 NO-HITTERS Tim Lincecum joins Homer Bailey in this season's no-hitter club. For a while, we’ve wondered where Tim Lincecum goes from here. Saturday, for one night, we could again celebrate the marvel he’s been — and maybe still is. Lincecum threw the first no-hitter of his career — in the Giants' 9-0 win in San Diego — and there will be those who discredit it by saying he needed 148 pitches to do it. I won’t be one of them.
-Arizona Diamondbacks 3B Matt Davidson leads US past World in All-Star Futures Game - MLB News | FOX Sports on MSN
Matt Davidson of the Arizona Diamondbacks hit a two-run homer and the United States beat the World Team 4-2 on Sunday in the All-Star Futures Game, baseball's annual showcase for top minor league prospects. The opening event for three days of All-Star festivities at Citi Field, the Futures Game certainly had a New York Mets flavor in their home ballpark. Two of the team's touted pitching prospects, Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero, started on the mound, and each worked a scoreless inning. CHRIS DAVIS MLB ALL-STAR GAME * Rosters: AL | NL * Video: Morosi on SPs * HR Derby: Squads picked * Galleries: Top moments | MVPs New York outfielder Brandon Nimmo also got in the game, managed by a pair of former Mets favorites. Edgardo Alfonzo guided the World Team, and his counterpart was Mookie Wilson - who certainly took the job seriously. He brought in Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesse Biddle in the middle of an inning to escape a jam.
-Chris Davis hits record-tying 37th homer run as Baltimore Orioles beat Toronto Blue Jays - MLB News | FOX Sports on MSN
With one final power surge before the All-Star break, Chris Davis earned himself a place in baseball's record book and generated momentum for the Home Run Derby. Davis hit his 37th home run to tie the AL mark prior to the break, and the Baltimore Orioles cruised past the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 Sunday. Davis doubled in two runs in the first inning and hit a two-run homer in the third to give him 93 RBIs, second-most in the majors behind Detroit's Miguel Cabrera. He and Cabrera are the only players in major league history to have 30 homers and 90 RBIs before the All-Star game.
-Justin Verlander leads Detroit Tigers to win over Texas Rangers, leaves with tight quad - MLB News | FOX Sports on MSN
Justin Verlander's no-hit bid was finally over in the seventh inning — and before refocusing, the Detroit ace saw his shortstop do something amusing. "When the double was hit, and the ball came back in, everybody started cheering," Verlander said. "(Jhonny) Peralta caught the ball and looked up at the board checking the hits. That's when I knew he didn't know. I was like, `Come on, Jhonny.'" Verlander fell seven outs short of his third career no-hitter, but the Detroit ace looked sharp in his final start before the All-Star break, and the Tigers backed him with three home runs in a 5-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Sunday.
At Fish Stripes
-The "Correct" All-Star Team Rosters - Fish Stripes
Fish Stripes reader Jigokusabre brings you the All-Star rosters, as they would be ordered by WAR.
-Miami Marlins Daily Minor League Report: July 12 - Fish Stripes
Jesus Solorzano homered as part of a three-hit night, providing just enough offense to earn Chad James the win.
Miami Marlins revealing youth at the plate - Fish Stripes
Miami's offense struggled throughout the month's of April and May, and after a recent team offensive slump, Manager Mike Redmond seeks patience from his hitters after a 15 win month of June.
Miami Marlins prospects: Colin Moran's potential path to the majors - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins have finally signed first-round pick Colin Moran to a deal, allowing him to start in the minors soon. What is his potential path to the Major Leagues?
Jose Fernandez's historical Marlins rookie season (so far) - Fish Stripes
Jose Fernandez is already the second Miami Marlins rookie pitcher to make an All-Star team, but will he end the season with the best Marins rookie season of any pitcher?
Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals: Stanton, Marlins walk off, 2-1 - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins were down all game despite a passable start by Jose Fernandez, Giancarlo Stanton came up clutch in the ninth inning with a game-tying solo home run, and the Marlins walked off in the tenth inning.
Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals: Fish fall apart in extras, 5-2 - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins were tied up in a close duel of missed opportunities with the Washington Nationals, but a three-run tenth inning sank the Fish 5-2.