Marlins News
The Marlins(77-85) lost their final game of 2017, 8-5 to the Braves. The Fish finished in 2nd place in the NL East, 20 games back of the Washington Nationals and 10 games behind the Colorado Rockies for the 2nd wild card spot.
While Giancarlo Stanton fell just short of 60 HR’s this year, he truly had a remarkable season and should get strong consideration for the NL MVP. His 132 RBIs and 59 HRs lead Major League Baseball. Stanton’s numbers speak for themselves including an OPS+ of 166, 2nd behind only Joey Votto.
Other individual Marlin accolades include Dee Gordon’s 201 hits and 60 stolen bases along with Marcell Ozuna’s, 37 bombs, 124 RBI’s and eye popping OPS of .924.
Don’t ever tell Marcell Ozuna or Giancarlo Stanton that RBI stats are meaningless.
J.T. Realmuto was named the winner of the Jeff Conine Award for the player who exemplifies the spirit and determination of the former Marlin. No word yet if this award will have the same fate as Mr. Marlin himself.
New owner, Derek Jeter, was spotted at Marlins Park on Sunday as was outgoing owner Jeffrey Loria..........although not together.
Around the League
The Colorado Rockies cemented the last MLB post-season spot on Saturday by virtue of a Brewers loss that afternoon. The team celebrated in style after losing to the Dodgers that evening.
The playoff brackets are set and here are the odds for the remaining teams to win the World Series. The Dodgers are still the favorite at 3-1 and the team with the best value, I believe, are the Cubs at 8-1.
Alex Speier breaks down the chances of the Houston Astros in the post-season and why they are as dangerous as the Indians.
Finally, and you thought the Marlins were the only team with ownership “drama” over the years. Check out this piece by Marc Craig on the Mets and Terry Collins.