Our Noticias, 7/3/20: Summer Camp; “Why not us?” merch; Old Friend updates

Marlins set to host first Summer Camp workouts

Hopefully, 60 Marlins players will take the field Friday morning for organized baseball activities, a critical step in ramping up for the 2020 MLB season with Opening Day only three weeks ago. That total may be overly optimistic—it assumes nobody has tested positive for COVID-19 or shown possible symptoms despite there being a recent spike in new cases across the state of Florida.

As a pandemic-related precaution, a portion of the player pool is training in Jupiter while the rest report to Marlins Park. Even then, masks will be worn entering the facilities, individuals will practice social distancing, etc.

Local media members—including Fish Stripes—are invited to attend the Marlins Park workout on Friday and every day for the foreseeable future. Check back on the website and our Twitter account for updates.

Why Not Us?

These three words from Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill have resonated with fans and players alike. In a season of so much volatility where organizational depth could be more important than ever, “Why not us?”

Fish Stripes has new t-shirts and posters on sale! Half of the proceeds from Fourth of July weekend will go to the Miami Marlins Foundation Home Plate Relief Fund. Ordering now guarantees your merch will arrive in time for Opening Day.

Why Not Us? t-shirt

• $20

Thank you, Michael Hill, for unintentionally coming up with the motto for the 2020 Marlins season.

• $20 at Fish Stripes Store

Old Friend updates

More than two years removed from his last MLB appearance, AJ Ramos has a new opportunity, inking a minor league deal with the Dodgers and joining their player pool, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Ramos ranks third in Marlins history with 325 games pitched and served as the team’s closer for most of the 2015-2017 seasons. But his performance slipped after joining the Mets and he underwent shoulder surgery in June 2018.

After extensive rehab, there’s been a tangible uptick in the quality of his stuff.

Tom Koehler’s comeback attempt ended earlier this year, but he had a career update of his own on Thursday. The 34-year-old is transitioning into an advisory role with Pro Agents Inc.

Walk-off links

• Jazz Chisholm is clearly ready for camp.

• Beyond the Scoreboard: Miami suggests that the Marlins approach this season with the goal of contending—they can change course and prioritize player development if the club struggles early.
• Our own Ian Smith drops by the Exit Velocity baseball podcast to analyze Max Meyer and some of the other most intriguing 2020 MLB Draft picks.
• Did you know Meyer got the largest draft signing bonus in Marlins history? It’s true.

• The Fish Across the Pond crew chats about a variety of Marlins topics.
• FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen analyzes the Marlins player pool, which he considers “the most interesting in all of baseball.” Even ginormous right-hander Johan Quezada gets some love.
• We are still accepting your 2020 predictions, including Marlins breakout player, most valuable player and biggest disappointment.