Marlins links, 5/22/18: Jason Vargas bests Marlins, Justin Bour is untouchable, Marlins en route to record-low attendance

Marlins held to zero runs by Mets

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The Marlins were only able to muster up five hits against the Mets. Jason Vargas had his best outing of the season last night only allowing two hits, while striking out seven hitters in only five innings of work. Elieser Hernández was consistent in his second outing pitching five innings and only allowing one run. He’s looked well so far and if the Marlins hope to keep him, he’ll have to remain on the Marlins roster throughout the season as he was a Rule 5 draft pick from the Atros organization.

The Marlins best opportunity of the night came in the sixth inning when they had the bases loaded with two outs, Derek Dietrich was pinch hitting for Cameron Maybin and struck out swinging. The Marlins inability to push runs across with RISP has plagued them all season, currently they rank 24th with a .229 batting average.

The Justin Bour show

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Justin Bour’s been the Marlins most dangerous hitter capable of hitting a home run in any at bat. He leads the team in HRI (9), RBI (23), and OBP (.398), but his presence is more important than just statistics and numbers. Bour’s magnanimous attitude has been accepted by all especially by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball and softball team who he spent some time with during spring training.

The Great Bourbino is on pace to hit 30-plus home runs, which would set a career high. Although that may make him a trade candidate for a rebuilding Marlins franchise, Bour has grown fond of the spotlight and the city has embraced their donut-loving slugger.

Fish Stripes exclusive: Marlins prospects deserve better

Ely went in depth on the struggling Batavia Muckdogs, the franchise’s Short Season A affiliate. According to one former player, “baseball should not be in a town like that.”

Last in attendance

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As would be expected when a team trades away the best outfield in baseball and the league’s stolen base leader, the Marlins are in last place in attendance this season. After the previous regime under Jeffrey Loria would report every ticket sold as those in attendance it lead to inaccurate information and piled on to the number of lies he and his regime told the fans. Now under new management Derek Jeter and company have decided to report the accurate number of fans in seats as the attendance and the reports are in and Jeter’s prediction that fans will come to support the Marlins is wrong.

The Marlins average a league-low 10,603, 4,000 less than the Tampa Bay Rays who are in 29th place.

Miguel Rojas: power hitter?

Miguel Rojas has made the most of his regular playing time as he's one of the Marlins best defensive players but he’s also one of the teams best home run hitters. Before this season Rojas had four home runs in 757-at-bats for his career, however, this season Rojas has nearly doubled his career total with seven home runs. He’s currently second on the team with home runs and his on pace to hit 20-plus home runs which would be five times his career amount.

KKKKKaleb Smith on the mound tonight

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Caleb Smith returns to New York tonight to even the series with the Mets. Smith wasn't effective in his last outing but he’s been the Marlins best strikeout artist with a team leading 57 strikeouts. Zack Wheeler will be on the mound for the Marlins he's 2-3, with 5.92 ERA. The Marlins need to get the offense together and string together a couple of runs to secure a win.