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With the lack of movement on the Miami Marlins part early on in the off-season, fans on Social Media are starting to get antsy about when the team will make a move. Fans are ready to see anything, even if the move may not be the best for the team in the long term. Sure we want to see improvement in 2014, but the bigger picture has to be kept in mind as well. Signing first baseman Mike Napoli might make the team slightly better in 2014, but do we really trust Napoli to be a better player than Logan Morrison in 2015 or 2016? I am not sure about that.
From a Marlins perspective just about anyone that can be described as a power hitter and third baseman should be of extreme interest. MIddlebrooks is both of those and also checks off the "low salary" box in his list of qualifications as a second year player. This is definitely a Marlins type player. The Red Sox find themselves with a bunch of key players from their championship team of last season becoming free agents. They likely will not be able to sign all of them, so if they decide first baseman Mike Napoli will be the one to get away then Morrison could slide right in at first.
Be thankful for Jose Fernandez. The energetic, fun-loving Marlins pitcher was one of the few bright lights in an otherwise dismal season. He went through a lot to get this country from Cuba, being sent back three times and having to rescue his drowning mother in the Florida Straits, so it was especially sweet to see him win National League Rookie of the Year. Want to get really sentimental? Check out the video of his recent tearful reunion with his grandmother, Olga. Surely, Fernandez will treasure this Thanksgiving.
-Mike Redmond talks Marlins, does weather on Spokane TV station | Fish Bytes
Marlins manager, Spokane native and Gonzaga graduate Mike Redmond discussed the Marlins before delivering the local weather report on one of his hometown television stations Tuesday. Here are the clips from Redmond's TV appearance:
-Marlins pitchers and catchers begin spring workouts Feb. 16 - Sun Sentinel
The Miami Marlins on Monday announced their spring training schedule. Pitchers and catchers report for physicals on Feb. 16 and have their first workout that afternoon at the club's spring headquarters in Jupiter. The first full squad workout is Feb. 20.
-Marlins pitchers and catchers begin spring workouts Feb. 16 - Sun Sentinel
The Miami Marlins on Monday announced their spring training schedule. Pitchers and catchers report for physicals on Feb. 16 and have their first workout that afternoon at the club's spring headquarters in Jupiter. The first full squad workout is Feb. 20.
-Marlins reveal 31-game Grapefruit League slate | marlins.com: News
The holiday season may be quickly approaching, but it's never too early to remind all that Spring Training is only a few months away. The Marlins on Monday officially announced pitchers and catchers will report Feb. 16, position players arrive Feb. 20, and game action gets underway Feb. 26. All told, the Marlins have slated 31 Grapefruit League games plus two exhibitions. Spring Training concludes against the Yankees at Tampa on March 29, and Opening Night is two days later.
-Inbox: Would Marlins bring back Dan Uggla? | marlins.com: News
Before the General Managers Meetings in Orlando a couple of weeks ago, the Marlins made it public that Stanton wasn't available. Skeptics doubted. They said to wait and see what the Meetings had to offer. Again, the Marlins informed teams that Stanton is not available. So barring a change of heart, which is highly unlikely, this is a completely moot topic. Indeed, the Marlins have outfield depth. They have a promising left fielder in Christian Yelich. Marcell Ozuna has terrific upside and projects to start in center. Jake Marisnick is athletic, fast and above average defensively. But he may need more Minor League seasoning to get his bat going.
-Homecoming could help lure free agent Mike Napoli to Miami Marlins | marlins.com: News
All indications are the Marlins will seek either trades or modestly priced free agents to upgrade their sluggish offense. But could they be preparing to make a bigger splash? According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Miami officials are having internal discussions about Mike Napoli. Obviously, it doesn't cost a dime to window-shop the free-agent market. Still, it wouldn't be surprising if the team explored the possibility. After all, new president of baseball operations Michael Hill has repeatedly said, "All options are on the table."
-Marlins' Jose Fernandez thankful for reunion with his grandmother | marlins.com: News
Sharing the crowning moment of his remarkable rookie year with loved ones reminds Jose Fernandez that he has so much to be thankful for this holiday season. For all Fernandez accomplished on the field, nothing moved the Marlins' 21-year-old sensation more than reuniting with the woman who was such a big part of his upbringing. Raised in Cuba, Thanksgiving is not a holiday that Fernandez celebrates in the traditional sense. But the 21-year-old rookie recognizes the importance of the day, and he is certainly counting his blessings.
Around The League
-Will the Dodgers get more pitching? Do they need it? | SportsonEarth.com : Marc Normandin Article
The top of the Dodgers rotation is top tier, but with just one year of MLB experience, No. 3 Hyun-Jin Ryu is less predictable -- and new addition Dan Haren is much less. Will the Dodgers make another move, and if so, what are their options?
-Jim Thome donates $100,000 to help with tornado relief | MLB.com: News
When Washington, Ill., mayor Gary Manier was reached by phone Wednesday night, he had no idea of the $100,000 personal commitment made by Jim and Andrea Thome and the Thome family to help rebuild a city devastated by tornadoes on Nov. 17.
-Yankees manager Joe Girardi gives thanks for family, food, football | MLB.com: News
For Yankees manager Joe Girardi, the Thanksgiving holiday represents a time for his family to enjoy food and football, and it is not necessarily in that order. Girardi and his family have taken part in a new Turkey Bowl tradition that involves about 200 local schoolchildren in the Chicago suburbs.
-Giants, Ryan Vogelsong nearing one-year agreement | MLB.com: News
Veteran starter Ryan Vogelsong appears to be close to getting his wish to remain with the Giants. According to sources, Vogelsong and the club are close to coming together on a one-year deal for 2014.
At Fish Stripes
-Marlins' top five prospect tools: Fastball Velocity - Fish Stripes
The top five fastball's, in terms of pure velocity, amongst Marlins' minor league pitchers.
-Marlins news: Marlins hire scouts Jeff McAvoy, Mike Berger to front office - Fish Stripes
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Miami Marlins have made a few strong offseason moves in adding scouts Jeff McAvoy and Mike Berger, all aimed at bolstering their front office department.
-Happy Thanksgiving from Fish Stripes! - Fish Stripes
Fish Stripes would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving holiday. In celebration of the holiday, here are all the things we here at Fish Stripes are thankful for with regards to the Miami Marlins.
-Fish Stripes Inbox: Uggla, Stanton trade, Brantly, and more - Fish Stripes
The latest inbox by Marlins MLB.com beat writer Joe Frisaro includes a discussion on Dan Uggla, the odds of a Giancarlo Stanton trade, and the status of Rob Brantly among other things. Fish Stripes will tackle these questions!
-The Marlins, Mike Napoli, and the value of 2014 wins - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins have internally discussed Mike Napoli for a possible contract offer, but how valuable would the pickup really be for Miami given their competitive status?