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

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.