Miami Marlins morning news: Franchise Four announced

Marlins News

After millions of votes, Marlins supporters have decided their franchise four: Giancarlo Stanton, Jeff Conine, Mike Lowell and Gary Sheffield. This was announced before last night's 86th All-Star Game.

Despite having two players voted into the starting lineup, last night marked the second time in history that the Marlins didn't have a player take the field in the All-Star Game. But after a recent run of poor performances at the midsummer classic, were the Fish even missed?

Even though Dee Gordon missed playing in the All-Star Game through injury, he still attended the festivities and actually savored his experience more.

The Miami Marlins are enduring a tough season, and so is the farm system. After trading away prospects to try and win this season, the Fish are lacking minor league depth and it is becoming very apparent. Only one Marlin - Tyler Kolek - made Minor League Ball's midseason Top Prospects list.

Andrew Heaney looked like he still had a lot of work to do in the minor leagues in his stint with the Marlins last summer. Now, that does not appear to be the case. With a 3-0 record and an ERA under 1.50 with the Angels, did the Marlins give up on him too soon?

Around the League

Mike Trout hit a homer and scored twice to lead the AL to a 6-3 victory on the way to his second straight All-Star Game MVP award.

Aroldis Chapman hit 100 mph or more on the radar gun twelve, yes twelve, times when he struck out the side in the ninth last night to wow his home crowd.

Commissioner Rob Manfred possibly sees expansion on baseball's cards in the near future.

Was Alex Rodriguez an All-Star snub? This is what his All-Star Yankee teammates, and a rival from Boston, had to say on the matter.

At Fish Stripes

Miami Marlins pushing for every team to be represented by active player at All-Star Game - Fish Stripes

Miami didn't have a single player on the active All-Star roster, and they don't want a team to have to go through this ever again.

Miami Marlins Midseason Review: Offense - Fish Stripes

The offense has failed to produce so far in 2015, and the bats need to come alive in the second half if the team wants to finish at or above .500.

Miami Marlins' Steve Cishek, Dan Haren drawing interest - MLB Daily Dish

The pitchers could bring in some much needed minor league depth if they are shipped out of Miami.

Yes, Jose Fernandez is back - Fish Stripes

After a fantastic second outing, things are looking up for Fernandez in the second half of the season.
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