Fan confidence in Marlins rebuild stabilizes after early-season skid

Welcome to SB Nation FanPulse, a survey of fans across MLB. Each week, we send 30 polls to plugged in fans from each team. Marlins fans, sign up HERE to join FanPulse.

Do you need a distraction from the fact that the Marlins own the worst record and run differential in the National League?

You’re welcome:

Seriously, the biggest takeaway about the Marlins organization from the first month of the 2019 season has been that they’ve amassed a surplus of legitimate arms. That group includes a few early-round draft picks, though the vast majority are recent trade acquisitions who have improved their stock. Whether you want to credit the players for refining their craft, the front office for identifying undervalued assets or the player development staff for making the right suggestions, it’s encouraging.

For the first time since launching our regular FanPulse survey, confidence in the direction of the Fish franchise went up this week, from 73% to 77%:

Meanwhile, Don Mattingly specifically isn’t getting any credit for that. After support for him eroded the previous week, he has since held steady at 43% among Marlins fans. His staff’s heavy defensive shifting continues to seemingly hurt run prevention more than it helps, to cite just one frequently complaint.

The national question posed to survey-takers concerned intentional HBPs. Marlins pitchers lead the NL in total hit by pitches (15), which makes them a little extra vulnerable to retaliation from opposing hotheads.

Most of you would rather get that old-school “eye for an eye” mentality out of the game:

Thanks to everybody who has been participating in Fish Stripes FanPulse. Of course, we’re still glad to accept more sign-ups (remember to check your email, including the spam folder).