Fresh Fish News, 7/14/19: Sandy pitches in All-Star Game, top draft picks signed, Marlins begin 2nd half

Rejoice baseball fans! The All-Star Break is over and the Miami Marlins are looking to turn the page on what was an up and down first half but we here at Fish Stripes are looking to bring you the best news, highlights and analysis regarding your Miami Marlins.

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Marlins Game Recaps

The Marlins lost a close game to the Atlanta Braves to close out the first half and then had a couple of days off before starting the second half by splitting the first two games against the New York Mets. For the week, they went 1-2 and they’re now 34-56 overall for the season.

July 7—Braves 4, Marlins 3; Trevor Richards got the start in the series finale against Atlanta and went five innings allowing four runs on six hits and five walks with five strikeouts. The Marlins threatened to come back, but fell short with Garrett Cooper providing the runs with a three-run HR in the eighth.

July 12—Marlins 8, Mets 4; Caleb Smith started the second half going six innings allowing two runs on three hits and five walks with six strikeouts. The offense showed up with Curtis Granderson, Garrett Cooper and Brian Anderson hitting a HR each.

July 13—Mets 4, Marlins 2; Zac Gallen got the ball against the Mets going five innings allowing two runs on four hits and five walks with five strikeouts. The Marlins scored their two runs in the fourth inning on a Harold Ramirez RBI double and a Jorge Alfaro RBI triple.

Bleday and others officially sign with Marlins

Vanderbilt star outfielder JJ Bleday officially signed a contract with the Miami Marlins and was introduced at Marlins Park where he took batting practice with the club. Bleday will report to the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter and will start off with the Gulf Coast League Marlins. He eventually could be placed as high as Class-A Advanced Jupiter.

Outfielder Kameron Misner and right-hander Chris Mokma were also signed before the deadline in a draft class that has been considered one of the best of the Marlins by analysts.

Pitching Has Become its Strength

The Marlins used to have one of the worst starting rotations in the league and it is crazy to think that they have been able to turn their pitching around in just two years. Fish Stripes’ own Aram Leighton takes a look at how Miami’s biggest weakness in the past has become the foundation for a potential championship contender moving forward. The full article can be read here.

Marlins Open to Trading Pitching for Hitters

With that surplus of quality arms, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com has the scoop on how the Marlins are open to using it to deal for younger, controllable hitters who could boost the offense for the long haul. In 2019, this offense ranks dead last in the majors in runs per game, home runs, slugging percentage and OPS.

Sandy Alcantara Pitches in All-Star Game

Sandy Alcantara did not know when—or even if—he would have a chance to pitch for the National League in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic. But Alcantara looked impressive in an unfamiliar reliever role, working a scoreless eighth inning in the 4-3 loss.

Many who know the rookie right-hander believe this could be the first of many All-Star selections, and say this experience could help take his game to the next level. More on that from Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald.

Podcast Episodes

The Fish Stripes podcast is home to Miami Marlins shows Fish Bites, Earning Their Stripes and A-Ball with Erik Oas. All new episodes are posted to FishStripes.com/podcasts. You can also find them on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods.

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The second half is underway and the Marlins are looking to make this an interesting rest of the season. Stick with us here at Fish Stripes for all your Marlins news, analysis and highlights!