Marlins Morning News: Report finds José Fernàndez was driving boat during deadly crash

Marlins News

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission concluded that Jose Fernandez was indeed the driver of the boat that killed him and two others in September. There is a legal battle between the families of Eduardo Rivero and Emilio Macias (the two others who died) and Fernandez’s estate. Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel wrote an article about the uncomfortable truth of Fernandez’s death.

Marlins third baseman Martin Prado strained his hamstring while playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Manager Don Mattingly announced that he will get an MRI on Saturday. More will be known about Prado’s injury in the coming days.

Oddsmakers released their favorites to win MVP and Cy Young this season. Two Marlins made the list for NL MVP, as Giancarlo Stanton has 33/1 odds, while Christian Yelich has 100/1 odds to win NL MVP. Other players in the NL East that made the list include Bryce Harper (3/1), Freddie Freeman (14/1), and Daniel Murphy (22/1).

On Friday, the Marlins cut five more players from their spring training roster. Yefri Perez and J.T. Riddle were optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Catcher Austin Nola and left-hander Dillon Peters were sent to Double-A Jacksonville. Kyle Lobstein, a non-roster invite, was reassigned to minor-league camp.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly had a unique way of motivating his players yesterday.

Around the League

In the World Baseball Classic, the United States has two very difficult matchups on their hands. First, they will take on Puerto Rico tonight. Puerto Rico is loaded with talent, and that game is just an appetizer as the U.S. will have a rematch with the Dominican Republic on Saturday. Last week, the Americans and the D.R. played in a classic that ended with a Dominican victory.

Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera left the WBC because of back tightness. He injured his back with Venezuela in a game against the Dominican Republic. Any injury is a concern for the Tigers, but it seems like they lucked out with this one, as the injury doesn’t seem to be anything more than back tightness.

Bleacher Report did an article ranking the top 30 third baseman in the MLB, and Marlins third baseman Martin Prado makes the list at number 19.

An article written by Danny Knobler of Bleacher Report talks about Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, and how a spring power surge could signal a rebound this season.