Marlins Morning News: Team Previews Galore

Marlins News

In this week’s small-sample size update, the Marlins are 0-3 on days I write this column. Yesterday, they lost 7-1 to the Tigers. Starter Adam Conley gave up just one run in three innings of work, struck out four, and walked no one. José Ureña gave up the other six, in just 2.2 IP. Junichi Tazawa, Brad Ziegler and Kelvin Marte each threw scoreless innings. More game coverage here.

Alas, it’s team preview season: The Sporting News thinks that although the Marlins are a long-shot to make the playoffs, it should still be a fun team to watch. Marlin Maniac concurs that the Marlins have a promising offense, but lack pitching. The San Diego Union Tribune has more storylines to watch. Fox Sports has your deepest look.

Adeiny Hechavarria may have suffered from a lot of bad luck in 2016, but manager Don Mattingly thinks a change in approach will also do him some good.

The Marlins bullpen ought to be a strength this season, and we even have minor league reinforcements, if needed. Sports Illustrated says Braxton Garrett is our top prospect.

If you want the Marlins’ advice on filling out your March Madness brackets, try here.

The Marlins have Justin Nicolino on the hill today versus the Mets and Matt Harvey, trying to make his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome. I’ll be the guy in the Noah Syndergaard jersey and a Marlins cap.

The boys are back in games that count in just 19 days!

Around the League

The WBC on the second round of pool play, and here are your power rankings for the remaining teams. Having seen the Dominican Republic vs. the United States in 2013 and 2017 in person, I can say I fully agree with Pedro Gomez.

Good news for Team USA (in 2021 anyways): Mike Trout would like to play. And there will definitely be a tournament, says commissioner Rob Manfred.

ESPN also asks why the other side of Hispaniola is so underrepresented in MLB.

Andrew McCutchen says he will bounce back this year after a disappointing 2016.

If the Braves want to contend, Dave Schoenfield thinks they might want to trade for Evan Longoria.

Angels hurler Matt Shoemaker is back in action and looking good after taking a line drive off his head last season.

David Price will probably miss the Red Sox opener, making Rick Porcello their Opening Day starter.

The Rockies are already snakebit by injuries. Perhaps a tribute to Pi day yesterday will be the cure to what ails them.