Marlins links, 5/7/18: Another series win, Marlins staying consistent, national media takes notice

Marlins beat the Reds in a long Sunday affair

The Marlins were finally able come away with a win yesterday after a 73-minute rain delay. With the win, the Marlins have won their fourth series in a row.

Dan Straily’s start was cut short by the delay. He hasn't been sharp since returning from the disabled list. Straily only allowed two runs on three hits, but did walk four batters the second straight start to begin his 2018 season. Nick Wittgren replaced him and earned his first win of the season. He has quietly been one of the Marlins’ best bullpen arms, owning a 1.00 ERA through nine innings.

Half of the Marlins offense came in the first inning thanks to singles by Starlin Castro and Cameron Maybin, while Lewis Brinson pushed a run across on a groundout back to the pitcher. Maybin and Castro provided most of the run production with 5 RBI between them. Hampered by some poor defense, Junichi Tazawa got the Marlins in trouble in the ninth inning as the Reds were able to trim to lead to 8-5. Thankfully, Brad Ziegler came in to record the last two outs, earning his career 99th save in the process.

The Fish are on fire

The Marlins improved to 8-3 over their last 11 games. Most of those wins have come against quality teams with the exception of the Reds, who own the worst record in the National League. During the hot streak, the Marlins have also beaten the Phillies and the Rockies, both teams that are above .500 and top two in their respective divisions.

This team is not as talented as last year’s, but they are certainly exceeding expectations. Maybe we should’ve put some trust in Derek Jeter after all! With timely hitting, quality starting pitching and good defense (like Brian Anderson’s diving catch), the Fish can continue to surprise.

National Media takes notice

Jon Heyman of FRS Baseball is the first high-profile MLB insider to retract his incorrect assumption about the Marlins tanking. More should do the same if they keep winning at this rate. This team isn’t constructed to win a World Series, but it’s far more than Triple-A quality. The process toward building a consistent contender is #JustGettinStarted.

Monte Harrison finds his groove

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Marlins No. 1 prospect is tearing it up in Double-A Jacksonville after starting off the season slowly. He's 15-for-41 (.366 BA) with two home runs over his last seven games. Although he’s striking out a lot, still it’s a good sign to see Monte make hard contact in his first stint at this level. The Marlins acquired him from the Brewers in the Christian Yelich trade. His development could have a huge impact future of the franchise.

But let’s be honest...

For the time being, postseason baseball is still a pipe dream. Meg Rowley of FanGraphs suspects that fans willing to attend Marlins games at premium prices must be delusional.

Updating Starlin Castro’s milestone chase

Ely observes that Miami’s second baseman could wind up in the prestigious 3,000-hit club...if everything goes his way for the next dozen years.

The Fish take on the Cubs

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

The Marlins travel to Chicago today to wrap up their season series with the Cubs. The Marlins are facing Kyle Hendricks for the second time this year. The first time around, he pitched six innings of one-run ball, but that Marlins team hadn't been playing as well as they are now.

Jarlin García will be on the mound for the Marlins as he looks to lower his league-leading 1.09 ERA.