Fish Stripes: All Posts by Brian Matijevic

Fish Bites: Miami Marlins Roster Taking Shape

2013-03-13T11:00:09Z

- Kevin Kouzmanoff and Donovan Solano continue to hit the ball real well in Spring Training. In fact, Kouz hit his third home run, while Solano raised his average to .500. How can you vote against both of these players not being named starters at their positions?

- Slowly, the Marlins roster is taking shape. A few more players were sent down on Monday. And with all the injuries, the Marlins will certainly have to place quite a few on the disabled list as they recover (Placido Polanco, Logan Morrison, Greg Dobbs, Justin Ruggiano, among others). This will make the roster decisions not as tough to start the season.

- Now that Alex Sanabia and Brad Hand have been sent down, the competition for the Marlins' fifth starter is really down to Kevin Slowey and Wade LeBlanc. Guess who caught Slowey's major league debut in 2007? It was his current manager, Mike Redmond. Read more on Slowey here.

- Marlin Maniac interviews Jason Collette of Baseball Prospectus. Check out what Jason had to say about how many home runs Giancarlo Stanton might his this season. Great interview.

- Read a great piece on Jake Marisnick from Bullpen Banter. He is only 22 and is still learning. However, he has bust potential because his long swing was exposed last season.

Around The League

- Guess who is going to start at third base for the Houston Astros this season? Former Marlin Matt Dominguez is having a great Spring Training. The Marlins traded him to the Astros last season for Carlos Lee. Matt is batting .380 with two home runs thus far in Grapefruit League play. Good for him.

- Matt Harrison will probably be named the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers soon. Even though there has not been an official announcement, the Rangers have put him on track to start the season opener on March 31 in Houston.

- Even though there are troubling signs (for example, his velocity is dropping), Roy Halladay insists he is pain free after his latest start. For the former Cy Young winner, there are three weeks left to figure it all out before the start of the season. My guess is he will do just that.

At Fish Stripes

- At the site we continue to preview the Marlins in 2013. Next up is shortstop. Obviously Adeiny Hechavarria will take over here full time. I think he will surprise a lot of us with his play. Read more here.

- Just in case you missed it, Christian Yelich walked off against the Red Sox on Monday. Yelich is an amazing hitter. I expect him to be up with the big league club sooner than expected.

- Regardless if Juan Pierre is only keeping left field warm until Christian Yelich is called up, I am excited to see the fan favorite play everyday. See a preview of left field for the upcoming season here.

- Want to know more about the Miami Marlins number eight prospect, Rob Brantly? Just click here.

- If you are like me, you would like to see super prospect Christian Yelich up with the Marlins as soon as possible. However, a lot of things have to happen for him to come up this season. Read about this here.

Fish Bites: A Marlins Opening Day Lineup Possibility

2013-03-06T12:00:09Z

As expected, the Miami Marlins will open up the season on the road against Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals on April 1. Here is my proposed line up for Opening Day:

1. LF Juan Pierre
2. 2B Chone Figgins
3. RF Giancarlo Stanton
4. 1B Joe Mahoney
5. CF Justin Ruggiano
6. C Rob Brantly
7. 3B Placido Polanco
8. SS Adeiny Hechavarria

You get a favorable lefty, switch, righty, lefty, righty, lefty, two righties line up to hopefully that will throw off Strasburg. Plus, you get speed in front of Stanton in the form of Pierre and Figgins. Catcher Brantly and infielder Polanco will do their thing at the bottom of the line up making the opposing pitcher work for everything with their patience. Lastly, I am hopeful Mahoney and Ruggiano can protect Stanton in this order since they can both hit for power. I understand two players are missing here (I am thinking LoMo will not be ready for Opening Day, and Donovan Solano will come off the bench). Either way, please give me your thoughts on my prediction for the April 1 initial batting order. And as always, go Fish!

- Former Marlins pitcher Carlos Zambrano took to the hill Tuesday night against his former team. He is pitching for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Zambrano is still a free agent. His teammates say he will get signed by a major league team after the tournament. We'll see.

- So Mark Teixeira witnessed what so many of us have witnessed here locally: a Giancarlo Stanton live batting practice. Here is what Mark said following the display: 'I've never seen anything like it." Read more here.

- Kolby Copeland, a Minor League outfield prospect for the Marlins, received a 50-game suspension on Tuesday for refusing to take an offseason drug test. He is currently in Low-A.

- Marlins manager Mike Redmond remembers the impact a young Miguel Cabrera had on the team when he was first called up. "Obviously he and Dontrelle energized our team. We don't go to the playoffs without those two guys. I know Miggy, coming up, he got a lot of big hits for us." Redmond was his teammate in 2003. And you remember how that season ended up for the Fish.

- Read a little more about super prospect Jake Marisnick this week. He was shocked when he received the call that he was traded to the Marlins. Nevertheless, he has played very well in Spring Training. Including a making a super defensive play in center field.

- Jacob Turner looked a lot better the second time around against the New York Mets on Tuesday. Pitching coach Chuck Hernandez was pleased. Remember that Turner did not make it out of the first inning in his first start.

Around The League - Mark Teixeira is out of the World Baseball Classic with a right wrist strain. Teixeira was supposed to be the starting first baseman for team USA. Ben Zobrist replaced him in the lineup.

- Aramis Ramirez was happy with the result of a recent MRI on his knee. There is no structural damage. However, he will be out some time recovering while his knee gets stronger.

- Mariano Rivera could pitch on Wednesday for the New York Yankees for the first time since May when he got injured. The 43-year-old closer is taking it easy this spring. Read more here.

At Fish Stripes

- The Fish Stripes Miami Marlins Season Preview is here for 2013. Read up on all the good things happening at our loyal site.

- Here are some important numbers entering the 2013 season for the Miami Marlins. This specific version only relates to the team's starting players. Either way, where else could you get good information about your favorite team?

- Likewise, here are some important 2013 numbers for Miami Marlins pitchers. Included is Ricky Nolasco and Steve Cishek.

- Mr. Jong previews the catcher position for the 2013 Miami Marlins. There is a clear cut starter (Rob Brantly). There is even a backup (Jeff Mathis). What there is not much of is in the minor leagues is depth (unless Kyle Skipworth is ready to prove his worth).

Poll

How many Marlins games do you plan on attending in 2013?

1-3

4 votes

4-8

7 votes

9-20

0 votes

21 or more

1 votes

None, I am disgusted with the Miami Marlins organization.

11 votes

23 votes | Poll has closed

Fish Bites: Miami Marlins Should Sign Grady Sizemore

2013-02-28T14:00:17Z

There is a lot of good competition happening this spring at multiple positions for the Miami Marlins. In fact, it is this type of competition that is making it exciting right now. Who will play first base until Logan Morrison comes back? Who will be the fifth starter in the rotation? Is Donovan Solano capable of being the full time answer at second base? Another competitive battle is in center field. Earlier this year, Bobby Abreu said he would consider playing for the Marlins. Regardless, he is more of a first baseman. Juan Pierre doesn't play center anymore. However, there is a free agent out there the Marlins might want to consider as a low risk, high reward option. How about Grady Sizemore?

- Before last year, Sizemore re-signed with the Cleveland Indians. It was only a one year deal. Because of back surgery during Spring Training, he started the year on the 60-day disabled list. And then there were further complications in his recovery that never allowed him to get on the field. However, Sizemore is an unrestricted free agent. And at age 30, he might still have a lot of baseball ahead of him if he ever does get healthy. Surely he is as good as or better than Gorkys Hernandez, Justin Ruggiano, and Chris Coghlan. What do you think?

- I feel like I have read this the last few years, but Chris Coghlan is once again battling this spring for an outfield role. The former Rookie of the Year is feeling better these days. Maybe he is finally 100% healthy.

- Potentially the Marlins might soften their no-trade policy with players. Speaking this week to the media, both Jeffrey Loria and David Samson said they might have to re-evaluate this going forward. Regardless, good luck trying to get top notch free agents to come here unless you are paying them top dollar.

- Resodding was completed at Marlins Park this week. If you remember from last year, the field conditions were very poor. And even though the club is not certain this will work, at least they are trying something different. Read the specific details here.

- Could Joe Mahoney be on Miami's Opening Day Roster? Might he even be starting first base? At least he is off to a great start this spring. That will help in his quest to win a roster spot or more.

- If Kyle Skipworth can go out and perform the rest of spring training, he might finally make it up to the major leagues. An injury to Jeff Mathis, and the sudden retirement of Craig Tatum, has opened the door for the former number six pick in the 2008 draft.

- Jeffrey Loria says this week that the Marlins are not a Triple A club. Well, aside from having a low payroll, you could make an argument that the rest of the team is so young, it feels like a minor league club is playing here. At least until the young players begin to perform.

Around The League

- Lance Berkman may make his spring training debut this Thursday with the Texas Rangers. He was sidelined with a strained right calf muscle.

- Manny Ramirez is going to play in Taiwan this season unless he gets an MLB offer this week. Ramirez played winter ball in the Dominican Republic this year for the first time in 18 years. But he did not do enough for any team to show interest.

- On the day Justin Morneau was disappointed to hear that Russell Martin was not going to play for Team Canada during the World Baseball Classic, Martin was scratched from his spring training start. Nothing major. But the Pirates are taking it easy with Martin after he signed with them in the offseason.

At Fish Stripes

- For Henderson Alvarez to be a part of the long term plan for the Marlins, he is going to have to do one thing better: strikeouts. Read more about the young pitcher here.

- Read this week an opinion from our fearless leader. He asks do we as Marlins fans have any other option other than to support Jeffrey Loria and to hope he will invest in this franchise going forward?

- In case you read the letter Jeffrey Loria wrote to Marlins fans this week, Mike Bates offers you a revised letter. This is what Loria should have written instead. Read it here.

- Jeffrey Loria finally spoke with the media this week. I don't like much of what he had to say, but at least he did it.

- Under the Miami Marlins News and Rumors section this week, David Samson is discussed. He was also at the media event the Marlins threw on Monday night. He spoke about attendance and other prominent issues. Read more here.

- Mr. Jong breaks down what Jeffrey Loria and David Samson had to say this week. Obviously they touched on quite a few topics. But in the end, here is the summarized version. Unfortunately, we will probably never see a $100 million dollar payroll ever again. Oh well.

Fish Bites: Miami Marlins Begin Spring Training Games Saturday

2013-02-22T16:58:26Z

Best wishes to the Miami Marlins in 2013 and to Marlins fans everywhere, hang in there. Hopefully the team can be a surprise in terms of overall success and not just set historic numbers for games lost as is being predicted.

- The Miami Marlins agreed to 2013 contracts with a ton of pitchers on Wednesday. Among them are Jose Ceda and Brad Hand. Read more here.

- Lefty Braulio Lara has a fastball that has been clocked at 100 mph. Now the Marlins want him to work on his control to become a complete pitcher.

- Advisor Jack McKeon visited the Marlins at their spring training complex on Wednesday. He spent time with old faces Juan Pierre and Mike Redmond.

- Juan Pierre and Chone Figgins have been reunited on this Marlins team as close friends that they are. They have been friends since high school. But this is only their first spring training together.

- Click here to see a video of Giancarlo Stanton getting hit by a baseball on the head at spring training on Wednesday. The pitch was thrown by top pick Jose Fernandez.

- John Maine is happy to get the start on Saturday against the Saint Louis Cardinals. Expect him to throw two innings in the spring training opener.

Around The League

- Roger Clemens threw live batting practice to Houston Astros hitters on Wednesday.

- Phil Hughes has been shut down for two weeks with a bulging disk.

- Stephen Strasburg threw his first batting practice of the spring on Wednesday and was in top form.

At Fish Stripes

- 2013 Miami Marlins Prospects and Draft Coverage continues this week with Jake Marisnick.

- 2013 Miami Marlins Analysis gives you a pessimistic view of Nathan Eovaldi.

- 2013 Miami Marlins News and Rumors gives us Jose Reyes. He is not happy with Jeffrey Loria.

- 2013 Miami Marlins Prospects and Draft Coverage writes about Christian Yelich.

- Click here to read a 2013 optimistic view on Nathan Eovaldi.

Fish Bites: Miami Marlins Young Pitchers Could Surprise

2013-02-14T14:00:21Z

Remember the three young pitchers the Marlins were sending out to pitch every five days in 2006? In case you don't, they were Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, and Ricky Nolasco. They worked out just fine when you consider two of them will be Opening Day starters this year, and a third (Sanchez) was just awarded a huge new contract this offseason by the Tigers.

- Now in 2013, we have a similar situation with Nathan Eovaldi, Henderson Alvarez, and Jacob Turner. Three young pitchers that are looking to make strides. Hopefully this season is a successful one for all three. How nice would it be if they feed off of each other and push each other to be better? We'll see.

- Non-roster invitee catcher Craig Tatum has informed the Marlins he is retiring. The spring training roster now stands at 73. Rob Brantly and Jeff Mathis are still scheduled to be the catchers on Opening Day. Read more here.

- Ricky Nolasco will not dwell on the past as spring training begins. He will only focus on going out and pitching his best. I fully expect the Marlins to trade Nolasco by the trade deadline. There is a remote chance he gets dealt before the regular season starts.

- Nice scene at spring training camp on Tuesday when Jose Fernandez threw a bullpen session to Rob Brantly. A certain buzz is created when the pitcher of the future throws to the catcher of the future. Either way, Fernandez is expected to be called up to the big leagues by the end of the season. Read more here.

- The following four names are players that are out of options heading into spring training: Mike Dunn, Justin Ruggiano, Gorkys Hernandez, and Wade LeBlanc. They either need to make the 25-man roster or the Marlins could lose them to another team before they send them down to the Minors. Hopefully all four play important roles in 2013.

- Tino Martinez is bringing his hitting philosophy to the Marlins this Spring. He understands the importance of situational hitting. And he has been watching video of Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Pierre, and Logan Morrison in recent months. Obviously Tino knows hitting.

Around The League

- Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers is confident Heath Bell will turn it around this season. He held the same position in San Diego when Bell pitched there. Read more here.

- Even at 42 years old, Miguel Batista hopes to be a workhorse out of the 'pen for the Colorado Rockies in 2013. Can you believe Batista has been in the majors every year since 1996? Read more here.

- Left-handed starter Joe Saunders has signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. He owns a 6-0 record in nine career starts at Safeco Field. Read more here.

At Fish Stripes

- Mr. Jong headlines the importance of catcher Rob Brantly this week. Brantly is the starter going into camp. Now he just has to go out and continue to improve.

- Mr. Jong also continues his optimistic / pessimist view of the upcoming season for the Miami Marlins this week. This time, the focus is on catcher of the future, Rob Brantly. Here is the pessimist view of how his season might pan out. And you can also read the optimistic view.

- The next player on the list of 2013 keys to success is Nathan Eovaldi.

- Miami Marlins full squad reports to spring training this Friday. Pitchers and catchers have already reported. See more important upcoming dates here.

- The Marlins' spring training schedule has been out for a while. Which games should you check out? Read more here.

Fish Bites: A Plea to Miami Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria

2013-02-06T12:00:14Z

I recently read where former Miami Marlins manager Jeff Torborg gave his full endorsement of new Marlins manager Mike Redmond. In fact, Torborg said "Redmond is special." This got me thinking about the task at hand for Redmond in his first season as manager in the Major Leagues. Does he truly know what he is getting himself into?

Anybody would jump at the chance to become a big league manager. More so when its a team you played for. But the Marlins have an unusual situation at ownership. Jeffrey Loria has got to be the worst owner not only in baseball, but maybe in all of pro sports. He interferes too many times with the day to day operations. He even sits right next to the dug out during games. I even see him many times on Marlins broadcasts. A suggestion to Mr. Loria: please go sit upstairs in the owners box. I can't imagine Redmond getting too comfortable at any point, especially if Loria does not agree with something that happens on the field. We'll see if Loria changes some and leaves Redmond alone this season. It would be the right thing to do.

- The Miami Marlins held open tryouts this week to give players another shot at their dream. The team has been doing this for years now. They usually look for players 25 years old and younger. You would be surprised from how far away a few players traveled to participate in this tryout. Read more here.

- The Marlins will not rush promising prospect Justin Nicolino to the Major Leagues. In fact, they like him staying in the Minors for now. The team has a bright future and has no reason to bring Nicolino even if he pitches well down on the farm. Read more here.

- Agent Scott Boras called Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald today and told him he was not happy with what Clark wrote the day before. Spencer wrote that Boras might be using the Marlins to raise interest in reliever Jose Valverde who is still a free agent. Either way, I never though that Valverde was coming to the Fish anyway, so what does it matter?

- The Miami Marlins have signed Jon Rauch to a one-year contract. He is the tallest player in Major League history. The Marlins also designated Bryan Petersen for assignment.

Around The League

- Jurickson Profar, the Texas Rangers' top prospect, has informed the team he will not play in the World Baseball Classic. Instead, he will be in spring training camp with Texas full time. Profar was to play for the Netherlands in the upcoming competition. Read more here.

- Northwestern University has come to an agreement with the Chicago Cubs and famous Wrigley Field to play five college football games there in the coming years. Northwestern played Illinois there in 2010.

- Chris Carpenter is unlikely to pitch in 2013. He has had yet more discomfort in his arm and shoulder. In fact, the right hander might be done career-wise. Carpenter also missed last season with the same ailments. Hopefully he moves on to avoid living with pain.

At Fish Stripes

- In case your wondering if Jose Valverde would be good for the Marlins, read the latest post from Mr. Jong. He looks at it from multiple angles. It is easy to see this as a pairing that makes no sense. But in a way, maybe Valverde wants to be in Miami.

- ZiPS projections were released this week for the Miami Marlins. Click here if you believe in that stuff. Personally, I think the team might not be good enough regardless of what a certain individual does on the field.

- Mr. Jong writes this week about Jacob Turner. Here is a guy who can find success this season. The team will not be in any kind of race for the division or the wild card, so Turner can go out and pitch every five days and of course get better all the time.

Fish Bites: Why Even Try To Defend Miami Marlins' Offseason Moves?

2013-01-31T12:00:09Z

Over the weekend I was listening to the radio home of the Miami Marlins. One of their radio broadcasters was leading a Miami Marlins radio show. More than anything, it tries to build excitement or interest in the team leading up to the 2013 season. Guests come on the show and talk about the Fish. Other times there might be thought provoking predictions of what might happen in the future. But by far, the most interesting part is when fans are allowed to call in and voice their opinion. And as you can imagine, fans are not too happy right now. Some fans will remain positive. But after the latest fire sale, its hard to 'get up' for baseball.

At one point, the radio host tried to defend the situation by saying changes were needed after the team lost over 90 games last season. At another point, Larry Beinfest came on the show and said that the Double A Jacksonville team should be a very exciting team to watch this year. I even heard someone else say that the Marlins might surprise people in 2013. Either way, why are team officials or employees of the Marlins trying to spin this? Look, it is fine if you feel like the Marlins are building something towards the future or if you monitor the Marlins prospects' progress. But to sit there and try to justify the moves that were made this offseason is crazy. Think of how excited Marlins fans were this same time last year. It is not by mistake most fans are not interested in baseball now, or at any point this season. -

Joe Capozzi writes this week that the Marlins are hoping that an improved clubhouse culture will lead to more success on the field. Not necessarily more wins, but there could be an opportunity will guys will look out more for each other or encourage each other to be better. This would be a major difference from last year where the culture was one where players had their own agenda. Read more here.

- Larry Beinfest said this week that he is awaiting a competitive Spring Training from the Marlins, especially on the pitching side. Read more here.

- Fish Bytes gives you information on Chad Qualls. The Marlins just signed him to a Minor League deal. Read more here.

- We've heard this before. Nevertheless, Jose Ceda could be a factor in the Miami Marlins 2013 bullpen equation. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery, but is currently throwing without restrictions. And he says he feels good. Hopefully he can get on track.

- Christian Yelich and Jose Fernandez will be among the 31 non-roster invitees invited to Spring Training. A glimpse of the future will be in Jupiter for a few weeks. Read more here.

Around The League

- The New York Mets have signed Steve Atchison to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. He believes he can make the team out of camp. Read more here.

- Francisco Liriano, Brad Hawpe, and Felix Pie are just some of the players on the Pittsburgh Pirates' non-roster invitee list. In fact, the team has 17 players on this list heading into Spring Training. Interesting to see if any of these hopefuls actually make Opening Day.

- Andy Pettitte passed on a chance to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He will instead stay in camp with the New York Yankees preparing for the new season. Read more here.

At Fish Stripes

- Read the Tales of a Fire Sale Survivor. Someone is actually called the Man of Teal. In reality, the story is refreshing. Click here.

- The Miami Marlins have the eighth-best farm system in 2013 according to John Sickels. Obviously this is a farm system that was vastly improved this past offseason. Read more here.

- This week Mr. Jong writes that Marlins players do not trust their owner. Obviously we know why. You cant assure a guy they will be here next year, then turn around and trade them. Read more here.

Fish Bites: For Marlins' Rob Brantly, The Future Is Now

2013-01-23T12:00:05Z

I am expecting big things out of catcher this upcoming season for the Marlins. Not only did Rob Brantly bat .290 in 100 at bats last season. He walked 13 times while only striking out 16 times. This young man has patience at the plate. Now if he could only keep the rest of the line up in check. Here is to a great season for Brantly.

- Prospect Watch finds Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez number three on the list of top 10 right-handed pitchers. Its only a matter of time that we see Fernandez up with the big league squad. Read more here.

- In case you missed it, the Marlins have signed utility player Matt Downs to a minor league deal with invitation to spring training. Read more here.

- Joe Capozzi writes on how the Marlins were snubbed from yet another all-star game. This time Bud Selig awarded the game to the Cincinnati Reds and Great American Ball Park in 2015. Hopefully the Marlins will be awarded the 2017 version. Read more here.

Around The League

- Closer Jason Motte has inked a two-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. He saved 42 games last season. Read more here.

- Mark DeRosa has signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. This completes the Jays 25-man roster heading into the spring. Read more here.

- The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Delmon Young to a one year deal. He's hoping for a fresh start. Read more here.

At Fish Stripes

- Mr. Jong writes this week about another potential Giancarlo Stanton suitor. This time its the Tampa Bay Rays. Read more here.

- Our fearless leader writes that the Marlins are receiving calls from a few older free agents that would like to play with them. This includes Bobby Abreu and Freddy Garcia. I agree the Marlins should take a flyer on Garcia. Read more here.

- Guess what Jose Reyes had to say about a recent conversation he had with Jeffrey Loria? He says Loria told him five days earlier he would not be traded. Doesn't make a lot of sense right? Except then you remember who Loria and Samson are, and it makes a lot of sense. Read more here.