Fish Bites: Wednesday

May brings a new month, and hopefully a new attitude for the Miami Marlins. A trip across the country could not happen at a better time. The ball club has looked disinterested the last week. A sweep at the hands of the Mets, and then losses at home to the Diamondbacks have sent this team searching for answers. However, it could get worse before it gets better. By the time the team returns home after stops in San Francisco, San Diego, and Houston, the Marlins would have played the most road games in baseball (20). So if the Marlins do not find their mojo soon and improve on their 2-9 record away from Marlins Park, we may see many new faces when the team returns home against the Mets on May 11.

- Mike Dunn pitched for the Zephyrs on Tuesday. Not a great first impression. He gave up two hits, and allowed two inherited runs to score. I feel like Dunn could not be any farther than when he pitched for the Atlanta Braves two years ago. When he came to the Marlins in the Dan Uggla trade, he had great numbers. Now, he is struggling to get outs. Hopefully it works out in New Orleans. Read more here.

- Before the game Tuesday night, the Sun Sentinel wrote that the closer's job is still Heath Bell's, for now. The writing is on the wall though. A few more rough outings, and the manager will make a change. Remember that Bell started off poorly last year as well with the Padres. And then he finished the year strong. If I remember it correctly, his velocity early on was down before he lifted the mph's up after the all-star break. With the expectations surrounding the team to win now, Bell does not have time. Or he gets it now, or he loses the job to an interim replacement effective immediately, and then eventually loses it to Juan Carlos Oviedo later.

- If the Marlins are looking for reasons as to why this is not working, they should start by looking at the offense. Baseball Nation takes an in-depth look as to the weak link of this team. Specifically the top of the order. Brought together to be the strong point of the team, the trio of Hanley, Reyes, and Bonifacio have performed badly. Read more here.

- Do you know who Landon Camp is? I had no clue. But then I read this story from Marlins Daily. A sort of inspirational story about a guy who was invited to camp with the Marlins. Things did not work out, but considering where he's coming from, I would not be surprised to see him return one day. Read more here.

- Greg Dobbs is confident the Marlins can turn this thing around. He says baseball is a funny sport. I agree with him. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind the Marlins can right the ship. Starting 8-14, in a division as tough as the NL East is not the end of the world. If you want apocalypse, please see the Kansas City Royals and how they are playing right now.

Around the League

- Even though it did not take long, the Cardinals will retire Tony LaRussa's number ten jersey in a few weeks. He deserves it. He went out with a bang in the fall. Read more here.

- Brad Lidge had successful hernia surgery this week. Its always something with this guy. Read more here.

- Big blow to the Rays offense. Third basemen Evan Longoria will miss the next six to eight weeks with a hamstring problem. I guess better it happens now than later. Read more here.

At Fish Stripes

- Do the Marlins suck? I think its way too early for that type of talk. However read more from Mr. Jong this week. He will bring some light to what is going on with the Fish.

- SB Nation introduces Pick Six. Did you play the first night? I didn't do so bad actually. I finished in second place! See more here about how you can get involved.