Fish Bites: Miami Marlins Young Pitchers Could Surprise

Remember the three young pitchers the Marlins were sending out to pitch every five days in 2006? In case you don't, they were Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, and Ricky Nolasco. They worked out just fine when you consider two of them will be Opening Day starters this year, and a third (Sanchez) was just awarded a huge new contract this offseason by the Tigers.

- Now in 2013, we have a similar situation with Nathan Eovaldi, Henderson Alvarez, and Jacob Turner. Three young pitchers that are looking to make strides. Hopefully this season is a successful one for all three. How nice would it be if they feed off of each other and push each other to be better? We'll see.

- Non-roster invitee catcher Craig Tatum has informed the Marlins he is retiring. The spring training roster now stands at 73. Rob Brantly and Jeff Mathis are still scheduled to be the catchers on Opening Day. Read more here.

- Ricky Nolasco will not dwell on the past as spring training begins. He will only focus on going out and pitching his best. I fully expect the Marlins to trade Nolasco by the trade deadline. There is a remote chance he gets dealt before the regular season starts.

- Nice scene at spring training camp on Tuesday when Jose Fernandez threw a bullpen session to Rob Brantly. A certain buzz is created when the pitcher of the future throws to the catcher of the future. Either way, Fernandez is expected to be called up to the big leagues by the end of the season. Read more here.

- The following four names are players that are out of options heading into spring training: Mike Dunn, Justin Ruggiano, Gorkys Hernandez, and Wade LeBlanc. They either need to make the 25-man roster or the Marlins could lose them to another team before they send them down to the Minors. Hopefully all four play important roles in 2013.

- Tino Martinez is bringing his hitting philosophy to the Marlins this Spring. He understands the importance of situational hitting. And he has been watching video of Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Pierre, and Logan Morrison in recent months. Obviously Tino knows hitting.

Around The League

- Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers is confident Heath Bell will turn it around this season. He held the same position in San Diego when Bell pitched there. Read more here.

- Even at 42 years old, Miguel Batista hopes to be a workhorse out of the 'pen for the Colorado Rockies in 2013. Can you believe Batista has been in the majors every year since 1996? Read more here.

- Left-handed starter Joe Saunders has signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. He owns a 6-0 record in nine career starts at Safeco Field. Read more here.

At Fish Stripes

- Mr. Jong headlines the importance of catcher Rob Brantly this week. Brantly is the starter going into camp. Now he just has to go out and continue to improve.

- Mr. Jong also continues his optimistic / pessimist view of the upcoming season for the Miami Marlins this week. This time, the focus is on catcher of the future, Rob Brantly. Here is the pessimist view of how his season might pan out. And you can also read the optimistic view.

- The next player on the list of 2013 keys to success is Nathan Eovaldi.

- Miami Marlins full squad reports to spring training this Friday. Pitchers and catchers have already reported. See more important upcoming dates here.

- The Marlins' spring training schedule has been out for a while. Which games should you check out? Read more here.