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Marlins News
Fighting for a bullpen position as the second left-handed reliever, Andrew McKirahan caught the attention of manager Mike Redmond in yesterday's game against the University of Miami by striking out the side in the 8th inning. Although it was against college hitters, he looked sharp, throwing 10 out of 12 pitches for strikes.
Giancarlo Stanton was held out of the UM game and participated in simulated games on the backfields instead. This was so he could have more at-bats instead of just one against the Hurricanes. Hopefully, this will better prepare Stanton for the first spring training game against the Cardinals tomorrow.
Having Dee Gordon lead off for the Marlins is a no-brainer this year right? Maybe not. Although he has the element of speed, his low OBP could be an indicator that he should bat further down the lineup. Alternatively, Christian Yelich could reprise his lead off role from a year ago.
The Marlins' farm system is fairly depleted after the winter deals. With this in mind, Miami is looking forward to seeing Jose Urena gain experience this spring training. One of the Marlins' top pitching prospects, Urena made great strides last year. Will this trend continue after facing major league hitters?
Baseball returned as the Marlins faced FIU on Monday. The team set off on the right foot by winning the game, and we saw some promising performances by non-roster invitees.
Around the League
Rick Porcello threw two perfect innings in his Red Sox debut yesterday which, unsurprisingly, pleased Boston manager John Farrell.
Yoenis Cespedes again showed his power by hitting a grand slam in his first game as a Tiger. Detroit pummeled Baltimore 15-2.
36 year-old Jimmy Rollins may well lead off for the Dodgers on opening day. This is despite his .245 batting average last year, when he primarily batted second.
It appears that not only basketball is popular in Cleveland. The Indians home opener sold-out in 11 minutes, making this the 22nd straight year that Progressive Field has been at maximum capacity for the first home game of the season.
At Fish Stripes
Marlins' Juan Pierre calls it a career, but is not ready to walk away from baseball - Fish Stripes
The former Marlins' speedster has retired, but may end up in an organizational position with Miami in the not-too-distant future as the club has reached out to him.
The Miami Marlins' youth movement is on the rise - Fish Stripes
Money is not always necessary to field a talented young team. The Marlins have shown this by drafting and developing players like Marcell Ozuna, and all this hard work may just have the team in the playoffs in 2015.
2015 Miami Marlins Camp Prospect Profile: Justin Nicolino - Fish Stripes
With Andrew Heaney gone, Justin Nicolino is Miami's top pitching prospect. Will he be able to improve enough to contribute to the big league rotation in the near future?
Miami Marlins 'overlooked'? Mike Dunn says YES. - Fish Stripes
Mike Dunn endured the 100-loss season. The team has vastly improved since then and yet, the team is still being counted as an "underdog" and the lefty disagrees.