:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63315242/cfeB3dsH.0.jpg)
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 toward the end of Spring Training.
The Grapefruit League prop bets were just for fun (congrats to Twitter user @dee_marlins). That changes now—the monthly points leader for March/April, May, June, etc. wins Fish Stripes merchandise prizes.
The Fish Picks leaderboard will update daily to let you know where you stand.
Rockies Lineup
- RF Charlie Blackmon
- 1B Daniel Murphy
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- SS Trevor Story
- LF David Dahl
- CF Ian Desmond
- 2B Ryan McMahon
- C Chris Iannetta
- P Kyle Freeland
Notes: Freeland is perhaps MLB’s most underrated pitcher. A tick below Jacob deGrom or Max Scherzer, but (once adjusted for ballpark factors) as effective as any starter that the Fish will face this season.
Marlins Lineup
- CF Lewis Brinson
- 3B Brian Anderson
- 2B Starlin Castro
- RF Garrett Cooper
- 1B Martín Prado
- C Jorge Alfaro
- SS Miguel Rojas
- LF Rosell Herrera
- P José Ureña
Notes: Remember, Brinson led off for the first several weeks of the 2018 season, too...meet the full 25-man active roster.
How to watch/listen/follow
The new Marlins season begins at 4:10 p.m. ET. Watch on FOX Sports Florida and via MLB.TV or listen on 940 WINZ.
Thursday’s credentialed Fish Stripes writer is Alex Contreras (@TheRealACoN).
Fish Picks
Please comment below or tweet to @fishstripes with your picks for the following props. The contest locks at first pitch.
- Which team scores first? (Rockies/Marlins)
- Will the Marlins turn at least one double play? (Yes/No)
- Will Jorge Alfaro strike out? (Yes/No)
- Over/Under 3.5 Marlins relievers used (Over/Under)
- Who wins? (Rockies/Marlins)