For many, they choose the game based on who the opponent will be. A rival, or a popular opponent can often mean a lively crowd and the potential for a good game. Others attend based on the pitching matchup. After all, who doesn’t want to watch Jose Fernandez befuddle hitters?
One of the big questions that will be answered during spring training revolves around who the Marlins will place as their 5th starter. They have a few options that they can choose from, and today we will outline a few of those options.
-Competition for 5th Starter is Wide Open | Fish Bytes
It's really a "4 and 5 competition," Hill said, with Jacob Turner all but guaranteed the fourth spot. "Turner is a big piece of our rotation when he came back form the minor leagues he pitched very well and that’s the Turner who we would have liked to see from the beginning of the season. He came back from the minor leagues, was focused and did what we expected him to do. If he does that he should be a part of that rotation. "(Brad) Hand had a great (end of season). Sept. He looked comfortable and looked like he belongs in the big leagues.
-Yankees, Marlins to play spring games in Panama - Sun Sentinel
A two-game series between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins will mark the return of Major League Baseball to Panama for the first time since 1947, the league and the players association announced Thursday.
Signing a $6.5 million contract for 2014 gave Giancarlo Stanton some financial and personal security. But before the 24-year-old slugger considers a multiyear deal with the Marlins, he wants to see a more defined organizational continuity. "I want some team security as well," Staton told MLB.com on Monday night. "I'm very pleased with how things panned out for me. But I would like to see it grow. I have my security, somewhat now. I'd like to see a team full of that, which we are going in the right direction."
-Marlins starter Nathan Eovaldi plans to mix it up from the mound | marlins.com: News
Hard-throwing right-hander Nathan Eovaldi is looking to show more than just power and predictability with his pitch selection this season, and he plans on offering hitters a change of pace. Already one of the hardest-throwing starters in the game, Eovaldi has spent the offseason working on his changeup. If effective, it will give left-handed hitters something else to think about.
-Competition wide open for spots in Marlins' rotation | marlins.com: News
Let the competition begin. When the Marlins open Spring Training on Sunday, two rotation spots will be up for grabs. At a team charity golf event on Wednesday, president of baseball operations Michael Hill confirmed the only safe slots belong to Jose Fernandez, Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez. The news isn't surprising. It has been anticipated that Jacob Turner and Tom Koehler, who finished last season in the rotation, would have to pitch their way into the starting five.
-Marlins have veteran flavor entering spring by adding Jeff Baker, Carlos Marmol | marlins.com: News
From the start of the offseason until days before Spring Training, the Marlins aggressively explored the market for potential upgrades. The front office actively sifted through the list of free agents and weighed various trade options. What surprised president of baseball operations Michael Hill was how many quality players still were available in early February.
-Yankees, Marlins to play exhibition games in Panama, with Mariano Rivera on hand | marlins.com: News
The Yankees and Marlins will play two exhibition games in Panama this March to honor recently retired Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and bring Major League Baseball to the country for the first time since 1947. The "Legend Series" will be played March 15-16 at Panama City's Rod Carew Stadium, and the games will "honor the legacy" of Rivera, who retired last season as baseball's all-time saves leader.
Around The League
-Derek Jeter wants to leave the game on his own terms. | SportsonEarth.com : Emma Span Article
After almost two decades, Derek Jeter announced that 2014 would be his last season. This wasn't a shock, yet the prospect of the Yankees and baseball without him is startling. Can the Captain now find a Hollywood ending to his storybook career?
-Sandy Alderson: Mets made a lot of progress this offseason | MLB.com: News
In the wake of an offseason that saw the Mets make their biggest free-agent splashes in years, yet remain far below the payroll norms of big-market teams, general manager Sandy Alderson on Wednesday painted the picture of a financially healthy franchise choosing -- but not confined to -- continued austerity.
-MLB names Justin Klemm director of instant replay | MLB.com: News
Major League Baseball continued to ramp up preparations for expanded instant replay this season by announcing Thursday that Justin Klemm has been appointed as director of instant replay. In addition, seven new full-time umpires have been hired.
-Albert Pujols returns to Angels camp feeling like new man | MLB.com: News
Albert Pujols is ready to go after a season that was cut to 99 games because of a left foot that was hindered by plantar fasciitis and a right knee that was still recovering from offseason surgery.
At Fish Stripes
-The Marlins' plan to retain Giancarlo Stanton - Fish Stripes
How can the Miami Marlins ever hope to retain Giancarlo Stanton for the long haul?
-Fish Stripes 2014 Top Marlins Prospects: #10 Avery Romero - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins would love to have an above-average starting second baseman right about now. If Derek Dietrich fails to secure that role, Avery Romero could take it over in just a few years.
-Fish Bites: Four horsemen and heroes - Fish Stripes
With Spring Training around the corner, this edition of Fish Bites takes a look at some early 2014 predictions.
-When is the right time to trade Giancarlo Stanton? - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins are heading into an inevitable situation: they will have to trade Giancarlo Stanton at some point in the next two years. When is the right time to do this?
-Fish Stripes 2014 Top Marlins Prospects: #9, Brent Keys - Fish Stripes
Brent Keys earns his position as the Marlins ninth-best prospect, mainly because of his hitting ability, which all starts with his outstanding plate discipline.