I always feel impotent when writing articles that are address how Mike Redmond should use his players. I feel that both lineup optimization and proper "bullpenning" to borrow a term for Brian Kenny are fields where the less analytically inclined managers and front offices seem reluctant to change their ways. Mike Redmond might be young, a recently retired catcher, but he seems to be another baseball "lifer" who seems unwilling to question the status quo.
That Balls Outta Here is one of the great Fansided sites, and they specialize in covering the Phillies. Mike was kind enough to answer some questions that we had about the Phillies.
-Redmond's dirt-kicking ejection impressed soft-spoken Dawson; plus other Marlins notes | Fish Bytes
Mike Redmond rarely gets visits from Andre Dawson. Sometimes he won't even get a word out of him. So when the Hall of Fame outfielder and Marlins special assistant walked into the manager's office Wednesday afternoon Redmond said he knew it was for a special reason.
-DeSclafani optioned to Triple A, Wolf to start Sunday; Salty says ankle is fine | Fish Bytes
The Marlins announced after Wednesday's 14-5 win over the Phillies they are optioning right-hander Anthony DeSclafani back to Triple A New Orleans and starting 37-year old veteran left-hander Randy Wolf on Sunday against the Brewers. DeSclafani lost his last start Tuesday against the Phillies after winning his opener at Los Angeles.
-Marlins, veteran IF Miguel Tejada agree to deal | Fish Tank - Miami Marlins
The Marlins and veteran infielder Miguel Tejada have agreed to a minor league deal. The deal will become official once Tejada passes a physical. Tejada, who turns 40 Sunday, is in the midst of serving a 105-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s drug program. He will report to Class A Jupiter.
One month ago, right-hander Chris Hatcher was suspended after brawling with one of his New Orleans teammates in a bar in Nashville. Today, Hatcher was promoted to Miami from the Class AAA Zephyrs. Hatcher was suspended for five games after Sam Dyson sustained a broken jaw and had to undergo surgery. Dyson is expected to miss about another three weeks. Hatcher, 29, was surprised to get the call, but would not acknowledge it’s because of the fight, although he said he learned a lesson.
-Marlins: Fernandez injury hurts at gate as well as on field - Sun Sentinel
The loss to the Marlins on the field when Jose Fernandez's season ended with elbow surgery is obvious and profound. His absence could soon be felt at the turnstiles as well. The charismatic Cuban refugee has been the starting pitcher for the Marlins' three largest crowds so far this season in Little Havana. Granted, the Opening Night sellout (37,116 in 2014 vs. 34,438 in 2013) can't necessarily be attributed to Fernandez per se, but crowds at Marlins Park are notably better when the 21-year-old right-hander is on the mound.
-Dawson, Perez to represent Marlins at Draft | marlins.com: News
Possessing the second overall pick, the Marlins are hopeful of securing the services of a future big league star in the upcoming First-Year Player Draft, starting June 5. When it's Miami's turn to make its selection, the organization will be well represented at Draft Central at MLB Network's Studio 42 in Secaucus, N.J. Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Tony Perez will be on hand at the Marlins' table.
-Healthy Wolf ready to embrace starting opportunity | marlins.com: News
After Jose Fernandez went down with his season-ending elbow injury, the Marlins acted quickly by bringing in a veteran presence to help stabilize the rotation. On May 14, two days after Fernandez was placed on the disabled list, Randy Wolf was signed.
-Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins - May 23, 2014 | MLB.com Preview
The results were not pretty the last time the Marlins faced the Brewers. Coming out of last year's All-Star break, Miami played Milwaukee three times at Miller Park. Not only were the Marlins swept, but they also failed to score a run in the entire series.
-MLB RBI leader Stanton closing in on Marlins records | marlins.com: News
Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton is becoming more than just a power hitter. His fast start has also placed him in the category of run producer. Stanton paced the Majors with 44 RBIs entering Thursday. He added his 45th RBI with a single in the sixth inning of Miami's 4-3 walk-off win.
Around The League
-Manny Machado is thrilled to be playing once again. | SportsonEarth.com : John Perrotto Article
After a serious knee injury ended his 2013 early, Manny Machado had hoped to make it back in time for the start of 2014. That didn't quite happen, but after missing all of April, Machado is back at third base for the Orioles, excited to be playing, even if he's off to a slow start.
-Abreu on the mend, wearing boot on left ankle | whitesox.com: News
White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was at U.S. Cellular Field on Thursday receiving treatment on his left ankle, which placed him on the disabled list Sunday with posterior tibia tendinitis.
-Texas Rangers lose Prince Fielder for season, Jurickson Profar likely done | MLB.com: News
GM Jon Daniels announced that Prince Fielder is scheduled for season-ending surgery next Tuesday. They will seek one final opinion before proceeding with the procedure, but surgery appears to be a near certainty.
-Braun exits finale with tightness in right side | MLB.com: News
Ryan Braun left after the fourth inning of Thursday night's game with tightness in his right side. Elian Herrera pinch-hit for Braun in the top of the fifth and played right field.
At Fish Stripes
-Miami Marlins' prospect Andrew Heaney could be in line for promotion - Fish Stripes
Miami Marlins prospect Andrew Heaney could be headed for Triple-A after posting solid numbers in Jacksonville. Heaney may make his major league debut at some point this season.
-Miami Marlins 2013 Draft Review: Colin Moran coming along - Fish Stripes
The final draft review of this draft season comes today, as the Miami Marlins' 2013 draft had a number of promising players and one hopeful anchor of the future in third baseman Colin Moran.
-Miami Marlins' Garrett Jones thriving at the plate - Fish Stripes
After a slow start, Miami Marlins first baseman has been solid at the plate, protecting both Giancarlo Stanton and Casey McGehee. Jones recorded his first four hit game since 2012 on Tuesday.
-Giancarlo Stanton's quietly monstrous May hot streak - Fish Stripes
Don't look now, but Giancarlo Stanton is in the hunt for serious MVP consideration if he continues his quietly fantastic play from the month of May. Just what has he been doing to destroy pitching this past month?
-Miami Marlins Anthony DeSclafani optioned to Triple-A after loss - Fish Stripes
Former Florida Gator Anthony DeSclafani produced one quality start and one clunker. In a move that many expected, the Miami Marlins sent the 24-year-old right-handed to Triple-A.