Open Thread and Ichthyomancy: Marlins at Phillies (7/16)

I'm becoming more and more frustrated with the Marlins. They remind me of the White Sox of recent years. Up until this season, the White Sox would seem to score runs like this (game totals): 0, 2, 12, 9, 2, 1, 3, 11, 8. The inconcsistency in scoring added up to a lot of frustrating losses. It didn't matter very much how good the pitching was (or wasn't) because when you score 0 or 1 run, it's tough to win. This year, the Marlins seem to have fallen into that rut. It's odd, because the Marlins don't have an offense like the Sox used to. The Sox were built on power and waiting for the three run homer. This Marlins team has some pop, but they also (at least on paper) have some good onbase guys.

I say this, of course, after the Marlins scored 9 runs last night against a solid starting pitcher (Lidle). Tonight the Fish face a much more suspect starter (Lieber). That will probably translate to the Fish getting shut out. It never makes any sense.

Also, did you see how the Nationals lost last night? If we hadn't just witnessed college baseball's postseason a month or so ago, I'd say that I'd never seen what I saw last night. But I have seen something similar. The Nats lost last night's game on a questionable balk call. It was more of a balk than what cost Arizona State their first Super Regional game, but it was still highly unusual.

Ichthyomancy continues. Even if you haven't played before, start playing today. The 2nd half leaders only have two points, so you can easily get caught up.

Ichthyomancy Pick Table:

Person	Player	Attendance	AAB
Mike	Castillo	34,444
Carolina	Cabrera	31,756	Lowell: HR
Craig	Castillo	31,756
Danielfred1235	Gonzalez	32,400	Olsen: BB
Dex
Double B	Olsen
Fishfan24	Pierre	33,000	Cabrera: RB 2B
Jsprt05	Olsen	37,458	LoDuca: HR
Seamusfurr	Cabrera	37,022	CG from a SP
StrandedX02	Delgado	33,727	Olsen: 8 K
Wiggins	Delgado	35,725	Olsen: 6 K, W

Follow the action virtually here

NOTE: Craig is in charge again tonight. I'll be away most of the day, so the table most likely won't be current, but your pick will be counted.

Make your picks and discuss...