Marlins Game Thread and Fish Picks vs. Astros—March 23, 2019

Through the years, Fish Stripes has hosted a “game within the game” during the Marlins regular season. Gives us a distraction from low-quality baseball, presenting an opportunity to win even when the team gets blown out.

The concept will survive into 2019, but under a new name and format. Icthyomancy is out, “Fish Picks” is in.

I posted the full introduction in Friday’s game thread.

These spring game prop bets are just for fun. That changes next week—monthly points leaders for March/April, May, June, etc. win Fish Stripes merchandise prizes.

The Fish Picks leaderboard will update daily to let you know where you stand.

Astros Lineup

1. RF George Springer
2. 2B José Altuve
3. LF Michael Brantley
4. 1B Yuli Gurriel
5. DH Josh Reddick
6. C Robinson Chirinos
7. 3B Abraham Toro
8. SS Jack Mayfield
9. CF Tony Kemp

P Justin Verlander

Notes: According to multiple reports, Verlander has agreed to a two-year, $66 million extension with Houston. That continues the extension craze around MLB over the past few weeks and keeps the future Hall of Famer off the free agent market.

Marlins Lineup

1. C Jorge Alfaro
2. LF Curtis Granderson
3. 3B Brian Anderson
4. 1B Neil Walker
5. 2B Starlin Castro
6. RF Garrett Cooper
7. CF Lewis Brinson
8. SS Miguel Rojas

P José Ureña

Notes: The Marlins have optioned slugger Peter O’Brien to Triple-A New Orleans. He began the Grapefruit League ice cold, but finished at a respectable .220/.353/.390 slash line...Trevor Richards faced the Cardinals Triple-A squad for his final spring tune-up. More encouraging results: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K (48 pitches)...In relief of Straily, Caleb Smith, Austin Brice and Sergio Romo are available to pitch.

Fish Picks

Please comment or tweet to @fishstripes with your picks for the following props. The contest locks at first pitch (7:05 p.m. ET). No television feed, but you can listen to the radio broadcast on 940 WINZ.

1. Which team scores first? (Astros/Marlins)
2. Will Garrett Cooper get at least one hit? (Yes/No)
3. Over/Under 1.5 stolen bases in the game? (Over/Under)
4. Over/Under 2:50 time of game? (Over/Under)