Miami Marlins Morning News: Francisco Rodriguez expected to sign soon

Miami Marlins News

The Marlins have been aggressively pursuing relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez. "K-Rod" is close to signing with either the Miami Marlins or the Milwaukee Brewers. If the Marlins end up landing Rodriguez he would be used mainly as a Setup Man to Marlins closer Steve Cishek. Rodriguez would be a great addition to an already formidable Marlins bullpen. At last report, Rodriguez was seeking a $10 million one-year deal,  but the Marlins were only willing to give Rodriguez $10 million over two years. Hopefully the two sides can find a meeting point.

Miami Marlins' slugger Giancarlo Stanton landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. Stanton's muscles are painted over in body paint with the caption "model slugger." Stanton is the first male athlete to be on the cover of SI in body paint.

On his recent trip to Miami, Governor Rick Scott presented a Miami Marlins cap to President Obama. The trip was regarding Obama's immigration laws and the cap was presented as a symbol of Miami.

Around the League:

Legendary New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera returns to Tampa, Florida just one season after retiring. Rivera was at the Yankees complex as a guest instructor for the New York Yankees Spring Training. Rivera, one season removed from retirement, is staying busy. With his vast experience, he could one day become a full-time Major League Pitching Coach.

Angels slugger Josh Hamilton met with MLB officials regarding a disciplinary issue. Hamilton has had issues in the past with drug and alcohol abuse and has been very public about his addiction issues. When an MLB executive was asked if the meeting was about Performance Enhancing Drugs the executive responded "worse" but declined to elaborate.

The head of the MLB Players association, Tony Clark, said the players are against the radical pace of play changes.  According to Clark, many players have expressed displeasure with the new pace of play rules including Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, who says will not change his style of play based off of the changes.

Atlanta Braves outfielder B.J. Upton will not be going by B.J. this season. Instead Upton is opting to go by his birthname Melvin Upton Jr. The initials B.J. stood for "Bossman Junior"

Nineteen year veteran Adrian Beltre will consider moving positions if Joey Gallo or another top prospect emerges. The 35 year old third basemen made it clear that if he needs to move positions for the team to improve that he was completely open to it. Prospect Third Baseman Joey Gallo has drawn rave reviews from coaches and scouts alike and is likely to hit the big leagues soon. It is a real possibility Beltre will be playing another position within the next few seasons.

At Fish Stripes

Miami Marlins Have Plenty of Young Pitching Prospects

Jarrett Cowgill examines the Pitching Prospects within the Miami Marlins system.

Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton 'hasn't changed at all

Even after signing a 13 year deal, Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton says the money hasn't changed him. Stanton is working just as hard this offseason then he has in any other offseason and is committed to improving his game. Scott Gelmen discusses the sluggers' work ethic for this season.

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki adds depth to successful outfield

At 41 years old Ichiro is still looking to contribute to the Marlins. Daniel Smith writes about how Ichiro can add much needed depth to the young Marlins outfield.

Miami Marlins morning news: "305 club" practices together for first time

Daniel Smith discusees the mornings' Miami Marlins news. One piece notes the Marlins wore matching warm-up gear.

ESPN ranks Miami Marlins' approach to analytics as one of lowest in all of sports

ESPN ranks the Miami Marlins among the lowest teams in their approach and use of analytics.