Marlins News
Stanton crushed his longest homer of the year last night to add to his major league home run and RBI leads, but he was not in the mood to celebrate after another loss which dropped Miami to 30-42 on the season.
After a 90-pitch outing which included nine strikeouts and only one walk, Jose Fernandez is showing more and more signs that he is ready to finally pitch in the majors again. The date of his return - July 2nd against the Giants - is set in stone, though, and will not be brought forward even though the ace continues to impress.
Being 12 games under .500 is never a good thing, but the Marlins are only eight and a half games back in the NL East. The Nationals are bound to heat up sooner or later, so what sort of moves will the Marlins make at the trade deadline to try and keep up?
Dan Szymborski of ESPN recently shared his opinions on the Marlins' injury woes and performances in a video interview with Marlin Maniac. You can watch this podcast here.
Giancarlo Stanton leads major league baseball with 26 home runs, but Bryce Harper, Todd Frazier and Albert Pujols are hot on his heels. All four players are on pace to hit more than 50 homers, which would mark the first time that three or more players had hit 50 or more homers since 2001. The NL chase for the home run crown draws comparisons to the 1998 season.
Around the League
A 2-1 series win in Miami at the start of the season was obviously not a fluke as the Rays have continued their winning ways as the season has progressed. They are riding the wave of starting pitcher Chris Archer, who is a candidate for both the Cy Young and MVP awards so far in 2015.
Adrian Gonzalez was left feeling a little juvenile at Wrigley Field last night after a man carrying a baby robbed the first baseman of catch in the stands. Fan interference was eventually called after a challenge, unlike in the 2003 NLCS (something to pick everyone's spirits up this morning).
It is looking more likely that Phillies lefty Cole Hamels may waive his no-trade clause as interest from teams such as the Astros and Red Sox grows as we move closer to the deadline.
Miami hasn't recently signed a $1.5 billion TV deal. The Diamondbacks have, and yet they still proceeded to trade Bronson Arroyo and last year's 16th overall pick, Touki Toussaint, to the Braves for Phil Gosselin. However, the argument can be made that one shouldn't rush to conclusions.
At Fish Stripes
MLB Scores: Cardinals 4, Marlins 3 - Fish Stripes
The Cards took the lead in the seventh and took the victory as the Marlins failed to plate any runs after the second inning.
Game 72: Cardinals vs. Marlins Thread and Ichty - Fish Stripes
Relive last night's game with the game thread.
Miami Marlins could deal some of their starting pitching depth - Fish Stripes
When Jose Fernandez, Jarred Cosart and Henderson Alvarez return from the DL, the Marlins will have a surplus of starting pitching which they may decide to move when the trade deadline arrives.
Miami Marlins' Martin Prado, Mike Dunn expected to draw interest - Fish Stripes
Established veterans Mike Dunn and Martin Prado could improve a contending team, so they could draw interest from around the league. Whether the Marlins would complete a trade for either of these two players remains to be seen.