Fish Bites: Wednesday

Check out one fan's reaction to the Marlins disappointing season and overall 2012 struggles. I think this person feels just as bad as the majority of us. What's interesting is that he manages to even blame Bud Selig for buying into what Jeffrey Loria and David Samson were selling a few years ago.

I think we all have the right to be sad and even frustrated with this season's outcome. But where it can get silly as a fan is when we start to pinpoint where it went wrong. The reality is this season did not work out. If the team goes out and plays exactly the same way next season, and to the same result, then all of us have the right to point fingers. But like so many changes in life that take time getting used to, I have a hard time pinpointing what went wrong, when in reality, going to the playoffs in baseball is so hard to do anyway. I just feel as if its not surprising the Fish did this poorly due to so many changes both on and off the field.

- Ozzie Guillen had very nice praise this week for Donovan Solano. He says the infielder is the most consistent player forthe Marlins this year. This goes from the beginning of Spring Training all the way to now. He even thinks Solano has earned himself a spot on the team for next year. Way to go Solano!

- Ricky Nolasco and Jay Bruce of the Reds are National League Co-Players of the Week. Ricky was fantastic in his last two starts (including a nine inning shut out of the Nationals this past Sunday). Nolasco is 3-0 with a 0.36 ERA in his last three starts. And with this recent pitching improvement, he has now evened his record for the season (12-12).

- Marlins Nation takes a look at what could be the Marlins 2013 everyday line up. It isn't about adding players, just configuring it based on the players we have now. And even though the writer of the article seems to think the team can be a winner with this line up, I say it is still missing left handed power. In fact, the Fish have been missing this for years. Read more here.

- Will Ozzie be one and done in Miami? I say is no way. However, check out a different perspective from Rant Sports. You never really know with the Marlins and their current management.

- Where would you play Emilio Bonifacio in 2013? Would you play him at second base or center field? Marlin Maniac seems to think keeping him at center field next season is the better option. I agree.

Around the League

- The general manager for the Houston Astros has confirmed no Roger Clemens in 2012. In fact, the Astros are going with a six man rotation the rest of the way in case anyone thought this might actually happen. Read more here.

- It is confirmed that Lance Berkman is done playing baseball this season. The Cardinals slugger needs more surgery. Read more here.

- The Reds are worried about Aroldis Chapman. Not only because he has not pitched well recently. But because he is also not throwing as hard as he usually throws. Hopefully this is a just a bad few games. If the Reds are to go far in the playoffs, it is imperative Chapman is there closing games for them.

At Fish Stripes

- Jeff Loria is confident about the team returning to success in 2013. He even thinks it will not take long to fix what is broken with his team. "During the course of the year we've identified some of these holes and we have to fill them," says Loria. I understand he has to say this. But unlike in the past, all he has to do is go out and spend money. As he does this, the fan base will feel better quick. Staying put or trying to do it on the cheap will backfire even quicker.

- Is Giancarlo Stanton striking out too much recently? Hopefully he makes the proper adjustments. Because even though the home runs are up, he could do so much more by keeping the ball in play.