Fish Stripes: All Posts by David Phillips

Our Noticias 10/8/20: Marlins lose 2-0, and now down 0-2.

2020-10-08T06:30:00-04:00

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Plus, the latest in the feud with Ronald Acuña.

Miami lost 2-0 in Game 2 of the NLDS on Wednesday, thanks to a pair of solo shots by Dansby Swanson and Travis d’Arnaud. The Fish got everything they could have hoped for from Pablo López, but the offense wasn’t up to the task against Braves rookie hurler Ian Anderson.

5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 2 HR (89 pitches) for Pablo López

Not bad for a guy making his postseason debut and working on 13 days' rest pic.twitter.com/wj6q4VWfuT
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) October 7, 2020

The Marlins now find themselves in an 0-2 hole and needing to win three straight against a Braves team that has won eight of the 12 games the two teams have played so far this season. The club will turn to Sixto Sanchez to save their season, while the Braves will send out Kyle Wright, against whom the Fish have put up eight runs in seven innings over two outings in the regular portion of the schedule.

The game lacked the in-game Ronald Acuña drama from a day prior, but plenty was being said off the field, and some important conclusions were made. First, maybe the Braves shouldn’t be complaining.

pic.twitter.com/q5HeYmqSTG
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) October 7, 2020

Second, Acuña certainly shouldn’t be pulling this bush-league nonsense afterward. Don Mattingly did not hesitate to call the play below — which came immediately after Tuesday’s HBP — dirty.

Nobody talks about that who cares about a middle infielder getting spike on the knee
— Miguel Rojas (@MRojasOfficial) October 7, 2020

This is the latest in a number of troubling on-field incidents in the 22-year-old’s career, and perhaps the most troubling. As one the best players in the game, one would hope he’d soon grow out of it.

As for his postgame social-media messages aimed at the Marlins after Game 1, well, this was his line in Game 2:

Golden Sombrero for Acuña
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) October 7, 2020

That’s four strikeouts in four trips to the plate for those who may not know the lingo. The Braves got the win and added momentum, but it seems there’s a little karmic justice for Fish fans in there somewhere.

No matter how the season ends up for Miami, it’s been quite a year, and there’s plenty of reason for optimism heading into 2021. But don’t take it from me, take it from Tim Kurkjian.

ESPN's Tim Kurkjian on the Marlins rebuild: "I think this is going to have a happy ending."

Full interview: https://t.co/yKnD7GMBrN pic.twitter.com/qkC0MM2Z74
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) October 7, 2020

A couple of walk-off links before I sign off:

The Ringer MLB Show also discussed the Marlins-Acuna beef.
Nick Anderson wasn’t a Marlin for very long unfortunately, as he’s morphed into one of the game’s elite relievers since joining the Rays. So maybe you didn’t catch his story before he was shipped out of town, but it’s a worthy read.

Our Noticias, 10/7/20: Marlins bring the drama, but drop Game 1

2020-10-07T06:30:00-04:00

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Aside from the W, it had everything you wanted.

The Marlins lost Game 1 of the NLDS 9-5 to the Braves on Tuesday, primarily due to a six-run seventh inning by the Braves offense. Despite the loss, it was exactly the kind of game any fan should want to see in the playoffs and also provided plenty of optimism for Marlins faithful over the rest of the series.

The Marlins lost for the first time in 10 days. Don’t overreact. https://t.co/WWKZQlUGx1
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) October 6, 2020

Ronald Acuña began the game with a leadoff homerun to the opposite field on a ball on the outer half of the plate from Sandy Alcantara. The young slugger stood, admired it, then punctuated it with a bat flip. Alcantara kept his composure and got out of the inning without more damage.

The Marlins offense got going early off of Braves budding ace, Max Fried. Miguel Rojas answered Acuña’s blast with one of his own to lead off the top of the second. Miami strung several hits together for a 4-1 lead after their half of the third.

And that’s when the drama started. With one out and the bases empty, Alcantara plunked Acuña with a 98 MPH fastball to the hip. Given the history between Acuña and the Marlins, it made sense he’d be upset. He took a few steps towards Alcantara and chirped at the Miami dugout. Warnings were issued to both benches, causing a Brian Snitker conniption fit.

"Yeah I was upset, I think visibly."

Brian Snitker addresses Ronald Acuña Jr. getting hit by another pitch against Miami ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/krEwvWKPfG
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) October 6, 2020

At least Snitker agreed with the Marlins that the pitch was not intentional. It just wouldn’t make sense to put runners on base early in a three-run ballgame and Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna coming up. And while Freeman would fly out, Ozuna and Travis d’Arnaud doubled consecutively to prove the point and make the score 4-3 after three.

Alcantara faced Acuña a third time with two out and two on in the fourth. This time, the 25-year-old won the battle, and with the same pitch he’d hit Acuña with an inning earlier — a 98 MPH sinker. Only this time, it was in the zone.

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The next two innings were quiet ones for both teams. Alcantara would get the ball again in the seventh and give up a leadoff single to Austin Riley before getting to face Acuña for a fourth time and giving up a single. Although our Juan Páez says you can’t blame Mattingly for bringing in Yimi Garcia when he did, I have to disagree.

Garcia should have been brought in earlier to face Acuña, or to start the inning himself. As Ely pointed out in the recap, Garcia only inherited three runners all season. And you’re just playing with fire letting anyone face one of the best young hitters in baseball a fourth time.

As it turned out, Garcia wasn’t up to the task. Riley would eventually score, as would five more Braves in the inning. Still, Alcantara’s strong outing and a solid showing by the offense provided plenty of reasons for optimism heading into Game 2.

Adding to the intrigue of the series, both sides exchanged bulletin-board material after the game. Acuña unapologetically hit all the relevant social media, posting a little trash talk on both Twitter and Instagram.

They have to hit me , because they don’t get me out
— Ronald Acuna Jr (@ronaldacunajr24) October 6, 2020

And in the postgame presser, when asked about Acuña’s taking a few steps toward the mound, Alcantara says he’s ready if Acuña wants to fight (around the 1:25 mark).

The series has already brought much of the intrigue one could have hoped for in just one game. Game 2 should only build on that. Pablo López takes the hill against Ian Anderson at 2:08 ET.

ICYMI

Nicole Cahill has everything you need to know about the series with the Braves.
Ely calls BS on MLB’s scheduling of the series. I couldn’t agree more.
Marlins BBQ pod has talks smack and makes NLDS predictions.
Francisco Cervelli announced his retirement. We wish him well.
Juan Paez lays out the front office’s blueprint to 2020 success.

Our Noticias, 10/1/20: Fish win Game 1

2020-10-01T07:30:00-04:00

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Alcantara, and Dickerson, Aguilar heroic, but Marte injury looms large.

The Marlins’ magical season continues. The Fish beat the Cubs 5-1 in Game 1 of the Wild Card round of the playoffs, riding a 6.2-inning, one-run gem from Sandy Alcantara and pouncing on a couple of Kyle Hendricks mistakes in the seventh for two home runs that accounted for all Miami scoring, courtesy of Corey Dickerson and Jesús Aguilar.

There are 14 teams still alive for the 2020 World Series title. The Marlins are one of them. https://t.co/UmhH7ZtwXr
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) September 30, 2020

And check this out, from the above recap:

The Marlins’ five-run outburst in the seventh inning was the first time they had scored five or more runs in a single playoff inning since the eighth inning on October 14, 2025 against the Chicago Cubs—the Steve Bartman inning.

Might there be similar “destiny” in the cards for Miami? If there is, it won’t come without first traversing adversity. Starling Marte broke his finger.

Marlins outfielder Starling Marte suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left pinkie after being hit by a pitch in the ninth inning, sources tell me and @JesseRogersESPN. There is optimism that Marte could continue playing through it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 30, 2020

Speaking of adversity, Fish Stripes newcomer Nicole Cahill discusses the longer-term variety the Marlins and we the fans have dealt with these past 17 years.
Prior to the game, the club announced its 28-man roster and taxi squad for the series.

The Miami Marlins today announced the club’s 28-man roster and taxi squad for the Wild Card Series. The club added INF Lewin Díaz, LHP Braxton Garrett and RHP Nick Neidert to playoff roster, and transferred LHP Dan Castano, RHP José Ureña and RHP Nick Vincent to taxi squad. pic.twitter.com/C65AQs0Ogq
— Marlins Communications (@MarlinsComms) September 30, 2020

Game 2 of the series begins at 2:08 PM Eastern. Cy Young frontrunner Yu Darvish (8-3, 2.01 ERA) will face future Cy ~~frontrunner~~ winner Sixto Sánchez (3-2, 3.46 ERA). Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com notes how Sixto leads a generation of Dominican players inspired by Pedro Martinez, and Pedro himself dubbed Sánchez a mini version of himself. Should be fun to watch. Full Game 2 preview and FAQ here.

Our Noticias, 9/30/20: The postseason begins today!!!

2020-09-30T07:30:00-04:00

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

And we’ve got you covered.

Well, this is it. The Marlins long-awaited return to the postseason begins today, and we’ve got all the coverage right here on Fish Stripes.

Ethan Budowsky lets you know how the Fish stack up against the Cubs on our YouTube channel.

Juan Páez compliments Ethan’s analysis by highlighting the hottest-performing Marlins on both sides of the ball and who can be expected to carry the Fish to a series win and deep into the postseason.

We’ve also got highlights over the last week of the season. Check out how the Fish played heading into the playoffs, including the clincher.

Ely Sussman did a “Where are they now?” on some former Fish so you know whom to root for (or against?):

Ex-Marlins Giancarlo Stanton (Yankees), Brad Hand (Indians) and Nick Wittgren (Indians) all suiting up for a playoff game tonight at 7:08 ET.

Hand had a 2.05 ERA this season, the best of his career. https://t.co/HEhKD2N5Rl
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) September 29, 2020

Marlins BBQ dropped a new pod. Marlins in-game host Mike Biana joins the show.
We’ve also got some fresh playoff gear for you. Ride the Wave!
Here’s a quick tour of Wrigley Field.
Derek Jeter describes how a winning mindset helped change the franchise culture as well as the results on the field.
While the team is in Chicago with 12 of its top prospects trying to help it get to the World Series, the rest of the top 30 will be at the instructional league in Jupiter.

OFFICIAL: LET'S GET WILD! @FOXSportsFL will televise pre-and-postgame shows before and after every @Marlins Wild Card Series game vs. Chicago. Tune in Wednesday starting at 1:30 pm for the '#JuntosMiami
Live' pregame show, then flip back to FOX Sports Fla after the final out. pic.twitter.com/rwgI7zAeB9
— FOX Sports Marlins (@FOXMarlins) September 29, 2020

Our Noticias, 9/24/20: Marlins’ skid continues, now half a game up on the Phils.

2020-09-24T07:30:00-04:00

Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

And it’s time to look at tie-breakers.

The Marlins lost 9-4 to the Braves Wednesday night, while the Phillies won to pull within a half a game of the Fish for second place in the NL East. The Marlins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first off of back-to-back homers by Jesús Aguilar and Brian Anderson, but the lead was short-lived as the Braves strung together several hits and walks in the bottom half of the frame to plate three off a laboring Sixto Sánchez.

Though exhausted and matched up against tough opponents the rest of the way, the .500 Marlins still control their own destiny. https://t.co/RMJmmC6gy8
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) September 24, 2020

Atlanta would never look back as it would put up one more on Sánchez before his departure beginning the fourth. They then added five more off of the rookie’s replacement Josh A. Smith. Playoff odds are at 72.4 percent, which is a hell of a lot better than the preseason.

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After the game, manager Don Mattingly reiterated his belief that the team would bounce back as it has all year.

Here’s how things currently stand in the NL playoff picture among teams with a chance to impact the Marlins’ spot. The Marlins own the tie-breaker against the Phillies due to a 7-3 head-to-head record this season.

There are a number of tie-breaking scenarios possible this season, but I’ll break down the most immediate ones here as it relates to the Marlins. After head-to-head record for clubs from the same division who are tied, the tie-breaker for teams from other divisions is based first on intradivisional record. The Marlins’ 20-19 record against the East is currently better than the Giants’ against the West and the Brewers’ against the Central (both are 17-18), but worse than Cincinnati’s (21-19) and St. Louis’ (19-16). Of course all of this could change in the season’s remaining five days, and if there are still ties after looking at records within divisions, then the teams’ records over their last 20 games would determine who advances.

Prior to the game Stephen Tarpley was activated from the IL. To make room for him, Brett Eibner was designated for assignment.
Perhaps Sánchez was jinxed by his being named to MLB Pipeline’s All-Rookie Team earlier in the day.

Next Up:

Pablo López (5-4, 3.96) will try to be the stopper as he seeks to prevent a sweep and put an end to the Marlins’ four-game skid before the team heads to New York to close out the season against the Yankees. Ian Anderson (3-1, 2.36 ERA) will go for the Braves. Game time is 7:10 pm.

Our Noticias, 9/23/20: Braves crush Marlins, clinch NL East

2020-09-23T07:00:00-04:00

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

However, Miami still picked up a half game on the Phillies.

Former Marlin Marcell Ozuna hit two home runs and knocked in five Tuesday night pacing the Braves to an 11-1 victory over the Marlins. Atlanta also clinched the NL East in the process. Despite the loss, the Marlins still saw their magic number drop from five to three after the Phillies lost both ends of a double-header to the Nationals. Playoff odds are currently at 84.4 percent.

Starling Marte’s homer provided all of the offense for the Fish. He has been extremely valuable since coming over in a deadline deal, notes Juan Páez.
The latest Marlins BBQ came out Monday, wherein the guys discuss the remaining schedule and possible playoff rotation.

New Marlins BBQ podcast! https://t.co/lAiV0ubmY2
— Ely Sussman (@RealEly) September 15, 2020

Although they haven’t clinched yet, the Marlins will enter the post-season bubble today, along with its taxi squad, which is set and includes several of the franchise’s top prospects.
Lewis Brinson has been better this season.
Sean Rodríguez cleared waivers and was outrighted to the alternate training site.
Former Marlin Wei-Yin Chen is returning to Japan.
Sixto Sánchez was almost a Mariner.

Marlins are tied for most prospects on the updated Top 100 list by Baseball America. #305ontherise https://t.co/Nz2GVhXYHM
— Marlins Communications (@MarlinsComms) September 21, 2020

Up next:

The Marlins face the Braves again today at 7:10 p.m. The teams’ respective staff aces will go: Sixto Sanchez (3-2, 2.75 ERA) vs. Max Fried (7-0, 1.96 ERA).

Our Noticias, 9/17/20: Marlins win again, now 2.5 games out of first.

2020-09-17T06:00:00-04:00

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Fish also hit their “over” for wins this season.

Congrats to those of you who bet the over on 24 Marlins victories this season. Jorge Alfaro hit two home runs to lead the Marlins to an 8-4 victory over the Red Sox Wednesday night. He later would leave the contest after taking a foul ball of his catcher’s mask but did not suffer a concussion. Miami’s win plus a Braves loss leaves the Fish just 2.5 games out of first place in the NL East. Playoff odds are at 79.3 percent. The team’s YouTube channel wants to know if you’re paying attention yet.

Trevor Rogers got the start but was pulled after throwing 76 pitches in three innings having allowed just one run. Yimi Garcia was awarded his second win after pitching the eighth, the only 1-2-3 frame the entire game for Miami. Starling Marte got a much-needed day off.

FLIP THE M!! #Marlins even the series with Boston as they win 8-4. Alfaro goes deep twice as he’s hopefully okay after the foul ball straight to the mask. COOPA LOOPA also goes deep with his 4th HR of the year. Going for the series win mañana #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/iQL7P7nV2R
— Hector Rodriguez (@Hector_Baseball) September 17, 2020

The win evens the series with Boston and reverses momentum after Sandy Alcantara was a tough-luck loser of a 2-0 ballgame Tuesday after pitching six innings of one-run ball. Prior to the game, Isan Díaz hit the 60-day IL with a groin injury, ending his season. Sean Rodríguez was activated to take his place activated to take his place.

Back to good news, here’s your stat of the day:

That’s 6 games the #Phillies have lost after leading by 3+ runs.#Braves: One loss like that.#Marlins: None.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) September 17, 2020

The latest Marlins BBQ pod is all Sixto Sánchez, all the time. Okay, there’s a little Don Mattingly for Manager of the Year talk, too.
Dan Straily detailed his experience both joining the team as well as being released in a cost-saving move on a recent podcast.

Fascinating insight into the Marlins organization from Dan Straily’s podcast https://t.co/NfU8Qplmp6
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) September 16, 2020

Up Next:

The Marlins meet the Sox again in the series’ rubber match this afternoon. José Ureña (0-1, 7.71 ERA) will start for the Fish; Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 4.82 ERA) will go for the Sox. Game time is 1:10 EST.

With the series tied 1-1, José Ureña takes the hill looking for a series win and his first W of the season Thursday afternoon.#JuntosMiami #MLB pic.twitter.com/AKavnTN39n
— FOX Sports Marlins (@FOXMarlins) September 17, 2020

Our Noticias, 9/2/20: Marte deal pays immediate dividends; Marlins in it to win it.

2020-09-02T07:00:00-04:00

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

Plus, Jazz at Marlins Park! And other moves.

Starling Marte wasted no time endearing himself to his new teammates Tuesday night, blasting a game-winning solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, breaking a 2-2 tie and perhaps more importantly, an eight-game home losing streak. The Marlins acquired him from the Diamondbacks before the trade deadline Tuesday for Caleb Smith, Humberto Mejia and a player to be named later. Juan Páez gives you five reasons to be excited about the acquisition. For my part, I’m excited to see the Marlins still asking, “Why not us?” and still trying to make the playoffs. Plus, the affordable 2021 option on a player of his caliber means he can help next year, too.

And speaking of contending this year and next, the Fish called up shortstop Jazz Chisholm, their no. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, prior to the game. He made his MLB debut as a defensive replacement in the top of the eighth after Miguel Rojas exited the win due to abdominal soreness. If Rojas doesn’t need more time off, Chisholm is also an option at second base.

The Marlins are undefeated in the Starling Marte/Jazz Chisholm era https://t.co/sp6L42DQc6
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) September 2, 2020

Unfortunately, Tuesday’s starter, Elieser Hernandez had to be removed from the game after two innings due to a sore right lat, is headed for an MRI, and will likely miss his next turn in the rotation. Josh A. Smith replaced him and pitched four solid innings of one-run ball. Brandon Kintzler racked up his eighth save. A Jon Berti homer in the third and a Garrett Cooper double in the sixth accounted for Miami’s other runs.
The Marte deal wasn’t the only one the Marlins made prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, as the team also parted with Jonathan Villar, sending him to Toronto for Griffin Conine, son of Mr. Marlin himself, Jeff Conine. Our Spencer Morris says Conine always belonged in Miami. Mr. Marlin Jr. also has big-time power. In perhaps a related move with Villar gone, Isan Díaz has also opted back into the season and rejoin the active roster soon.

Meet Son Of Jeff™

What Griffin Conine has in common with some of your favorite Marlins prospects | @ProspectSpencer https://t.co/3JhdB9E1YU
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) September 1, 2020

Next up, Sixto day! the Marlins take on the Jays again Wednesday at 6:40 PM. Sixto Sánchez (1-0, 2.25 ERA) will toe the rubber against Hyun Jin Ryu (2-1, 2.90 ERA). Playoff odds currently stand at 39.7 percent.

Our Noticias, 8/27/20: Recapping the Mets series

2020-08-27T07:00:00-04:00

Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

And finishing it with Sixto day!

The Marlins couldn’t touch Jacob deGrom Wednesday night, striking out 14 times in the righty’s seven innings and managing just one run. As soon as the reigning Cy Young award winner left the game, however, the Fish jumped on the Mets bullpen for three runs to knot the game at four in the top of the eighth. The excitement was short lived though, as Nick Vincent surrendered a run in the bottom half of the frame and Miami fell 5-4 Wednesday night.

The Marlins won’t see Jacob deGrom again this year...unless it’s in the playoffs https://t.co/lzEy0Sz2sI
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) August 27, 2020

They had been riding high entering Wednesday, having shut out the Mets in both ends of a double-header just a day prior. In Game 1, Daniel Castano pitched 4 ²⁄₃ innings and came just an out shy of his first Major League win. Lewis Brinson, Miguel Rojas. and Lewin Diaz each had RBI singles to provide the offense.

Game 2 saw the debut of 2017 first-round pick Trevor Rogers, who gave up just one hit in four innings but walked five. Afterwards, Craig Mish compared the rookie to A.J. Burnett. Brian Anderson’s two-run double in the fourth provided all the offense the Fish would need, but Jon Berti stole second, third and home in the sixth, giving us this highlight in the process:

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FanGraphs still isn’t giving Miami the respect they deserve. They rate the second-place Marlins’ odds of making the playoffs at just 31 percent. However, that’s more than the reigning world champs.
Prior to Wednesday’s game, Magneuris Sierra hit the IL with a strained right hamstring. Brandon Leibrandt took his place on the active roster.
Lewin Diaz looks like he’ll be sticking around for a while.
Check out this sweet Miguel Rojas shirt:

You watched the iconic Miggy Ro jump throw. Now you can WEAR it, thanks to @BreakingT #AirRojas

: https://t.co/Z94FrB7frK pic.twitter.com/0OmIej0C7v
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) August 26, 2020

The Marlins finish their four-game series with the Mets today, and it’s Sixto day, starting at 7:10 PM.

Winning streak over.

Sixto on the mound for the series finale. pic.twitter.com/TNOQVZSdLA
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) August 27, 2020

Our Noticias 8/20/20: Pablo emerges, but Fish lose fifth-straight

2020-08-20T07:00:00-04:00

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

Caleb Smith is working his way back, however!

Pablo López engaged reigning Cy Young Jacob deGrom in a pitcher’s duel Wednesday night, surrendering just two runs in 6.1 innings while deGrom shut out the Fish through six. Neither hurler would emerge victorious however, as Miami rallied back to tie the game at three in the eighth. Brandon Kintzler would give up a two-run homer to Michael Conforto in the ninth to hand the the Marlins their fifth-straight loss and leave their record at .500. Playoff odds now sit at just 12.6 percent.

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After the game, manager Don Mattingly pronounced López the team’s de facto ace:

“This guy is the ace of our staff. He’s our best guy.”

Don Mattingly discusses the impact of Pablo Lopez's solid outings so far this season. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/pbdraFsSnl
— FOX Sports Marlins (@FOXMarlins) August 20, 2020

Caleb Smith revealed he has built up to 45 pitches as he works his way back from the COVID-19 IL.
The Fish look to break their season-high losing streak while also avoiding a four-game sweep Thursday at Marlins Park. The Mets, facing rotation difficulties of their own, will convert longtime shutdown reliever Seth Lugo (1-2, 2.61 ERA) back into a starter for at least the immediate future, and he’ll face Daniel Castano (0-1, 4.35 ERA). Game time is at 6:10 PM.