Fish Stripes: All Posts by Jose MirandaCovering the Marlins every day in our own wayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52814/Screen_Shot_2018-12-07_at_12.32.35_PM..png2019-05-22T09:00:00-04:00https://www.fishstripes.com/authors/jose-miranda/rss2019-05-22T09:00:00-04:002019-05-22T09:00:00-04:00Fishy or For Real: Nick Anderson
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<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The new Marlins bullpen piece has the wipe-out stuff to be a successful major leaguer, but is his recent inconsistency a cause for concern?</p> <p id="XnKuhn">On this installment of Fishy or For Real, we’ll take a look at <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/?_ga=2.43393125.1522334859.1558367405-518770323.1547603323"><strong>Marlins</strong></a> rookie reliever <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Nick Anderson</strong></a><strong>.</strong> Acquired in an under-the-radar offseason trade with the Minnesota Twins,<strong> </strong>the 6-foot-5 right-hander won a major league bullpen spot this spring training and has already earned Don Mattingly’s trust in high-leverage situations.</p>
<p id="vUQbS0">What should be expected of him moving forward?</p>
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<cite>Photo by Joseph Guzy/Miami Marlins</cite>
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<p id="W5g5Mp">After a quick glance at Anderson’s traditional stats, it’s easy to label him “Fishy.” Even including his awesome extra-inning relief in <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/5/21/18635029/marlins-tigers-highlights-game-recap-chad-wallach-extra-innings-harold-ramirez-home-run">Tuesday’s win</a>, he has a mediocre 4.95 earned run average with four home runs allowed, the most of any healthy Marlins reliever.</p>
<p id="WkIZXu">But remove two particular outings from the equation—5/4 vs. ATL & 5/17 vs. NYM—tells a much different story.</p>
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<h1 id="ZM2sRW"><strong>The Case Against Sustainability (“Fishy”)</strong></h1>
<h3 id="bXvNnt"><strong>Lack of a third pitch</strong></h3>
<p id="lpsPxf">Anderson has been relying exclusively on his four-seam fastball and curveball to put batters away. </p>
<p id="v9uIQA">In many cases, such a limited arsenal makes a pitcher too predictable to succeed at the major league level. If Anderson struggles to throw his curve for strikes, hitters will be able to sit back and swing away at the fastball. The lack of a third pitch puts enormous pressure on him to be consistent with both options. </p>
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<cite>Baseball Savant</cite>
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<p id="3siWgZ">That being said, it helps that Anderson uses the pitches in similar proportions (53.9% fastballs, 46.1% curves). The willingness to throw either pitch in any situation means that opponents are frequently guessing incorrectly.</p>
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<h3 id="on1rmH"><strong>Rookie Status</strong></h3>
<p id="Hi94Ht">Going into 2019 without any Major League experience actually works toward Anderson’s advantage. Most opponents have never faced him at any level and most clubs don’t yet have a good scouting report on him. </p>
<p id="rSVvGn">However, if Anderson plans to stay in the majors, hitters will gain familiarity with him. Clubs can gradually build a better scouting report on his pitching tendencies and how to counter them. This may already be the case as the aforementioned bad outings represent two of his last seven outings.</p>
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<cite>Baseball Savant</cite>
<figcaption>Rolling batting average against Anderson in 2019</figcaption>
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<h1 id="lw8vsz"><strong>The Case for Sustainability (“For Real”)</strong></h1>
<h3 id="co8O6d"><strong>Pure stuff</strong></h3>
<p id="NpwqcR">Peripheral stats for the 28-year-old are excellent. </p>
<p id="fgvkF4">Anderson has struck out 17.1 batters per nine innings while only walking 3.6 per nine. His strikeout-to-walk ratio ranks second on the Fish only behind ace Caleb Smith. </p>
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<p id="OzbaOZ">Relative to the rest of Major League Baseball, his 41.3 K% is in top 1%. On the other hand, when Anderson gets hit, he’s getting hit <em>hard</em>—his barrel rate against of 15.4% is bottom 3% in the league. </p>
<p id="KumpYH">Add into those metrics his FIP of 3.24—a stat that attempts to remove the variability of defense—and that further supports the notion that those two bad outings were isolated incidents. </p>
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<h3 id="QlHEkP"><strong>Pitchability</strong></h3>
<p id="vxIk1b">Four-seam fastball—Nick Anderson primarily throws his fastball as a get-ahead pitch to start the at-bat. He is generally around the plate with it, throwing it in the strike zone 62% of the time and for a swing and miss 22% of the time. Add his fastball velocity that ranks in the 88th percentile and you’ve got the perfect set up for the curve.</p>
<div id="6zlFXo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-04/24/dc1da208-b6ac77f1-ff5202ac-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
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<p id="BAteyK">Curveball—Anderson only throws it in the zone 38.6% of the time, but that appears to be by design. This is Anderson’s put-away pitch. Batters are chasing and missing Anderson’s curve out of the zone 75.6% of the time and striking out on that pitch 56.3% of the time! </p>
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<cite>Baseball Savant</cite>
<figcaption>Most of Anderson’s curves thrown outside of the zone have garnered swing and misses from opposing hitters.</figcaption>
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<p id="HiSieQ"></p>
<h1 id="ikiHee"><strong>For Real?...Probably</strong></h1>
<p id="4buOZx">All in all, the positives (metrics) and negatives (recent regression) will likely all level out with a full big league season. Anderson may not return to the sub-2.00 ERA he had an April, but I don’t believe it’ll stay as high as it currently is, either. He has had a solid track record as a reliever at all MiLB levels. </p>
<p id="iklt4S">As a rookie with great stuff, Anderson will have his learning curve innings, but the Marlins will generally be able to rely on him. After grinding away in independent leagues earlier in his career, the hard work is paying off.</p>
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https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/5/22/18634361/nick-anderson-marlins-strikeouts-stats-analysisJose Miranda2019-04-17T08:00:00-04:002019-04-17T08:00:00-04:00Marlins Trade Regrets: Chris Paddack
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<figcaption>Photos by Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look back at the reason why Chris Paddack is not currently leading the Marlins rotation.</p> <p id="kaAsHv">Early on in 2019, fans are already raving about the young <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/?_ga=2.266044812.2043819674.1555285916-518770323.1547603323"><strong>Marlins</strong></a><strong> </strong>starters. Now, imagine also adding <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paddach01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Chris Paddack</strong></a> to the mix. Among our group of #BabyFacedAces, Paddack may have even been <em>the </em>ace of the rotation. </p>
<p id="Y74ru3">*sigh*</p>
<p id="1L5EBz">This should have been reality if not for a tragic trade back on June 30, 2016.</p>
<p id="lwuftD">The Marlins were 41-37, held a National League Wild Card spot, and fielded one of their most talented teams in recent memory. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml"><strong>Christian Yelich</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml"><strong>Giancarlo Stanton</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ozunama01.shtml"><strong>Marcel Ozuna</strong></a><strong>,</strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/realmjt01.shtml"><strong> J.T. Realmuto</strong></a><strong>, </strong>and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gordode01.shtml"><strong>Dee Gordon</strong></a> were all parts of the lineup. All-Star closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramosaj01.shtml"><strong>AJ Ramos</strong></a> and setup man <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phelpda01.shtml"><strong>David Phelps</strong></a><strong> </strong>led the bullpen, which was actually performing very well. Yet the front office felt more pitching depth was necessary; nobody aside from ace José Fernández could be trusted to sustain their excellence down the stretch. </p>
<p id="ar8vq0">Their answer was<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/"><strong>Padres</strong></a> closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodnefe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Fernando Rodney</strong></a>. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="VSVvGR">At the point of the trade Rodney had 17 saves and a 0.31 ERA in 28 games. Only one earned run allowed in nearly three months of action! At 39 years young, he was inducing more ground balls than ever, and his San Diego teammates made all the routine plays behind him.</p>
<div><aside id="sktZGN"><q>”In our opinion, it strengthened a strength” Said then Marlins assistant general manager Mike Berger. “That’s the big thing. It’s not as if we addressed an area of weakness. We have a very strong bullpen to begin with, and in the end, we got a little bit better. Just to make it deeper.” (h/t Joe Frisaro, MLB.com)</q></aside></div>
<p id="foVL9s">Also keep in mind that this was in the immediate aftermath of the 2015 Kansas City Royals, who had won the World Series with a pedestrian starting rotation but superb bullpen. The Marlins weren’t the only team excited about the strategy of “shortening the game” by stockpiling effective relievers.</p>
<p id="xRjbOP">Problem is, Rodney was notorious for his inconsistency. He regressed big time and at the worst times following the trade, as manager Don Mattingly continued utilizing him in high-leverage situations.</p>
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<p id="Tc4tT1">After his stellar start with the Padres, Rodney had a .289 batting average against and three blown saves in 11 opportunities for the Fish. He neutralized the team’s strength in a race where every game was precious. As you might imagine, the Marlins did not pick up the team option in his contract for the 2017 campaign.</p>
<p id="nDUA8d">Meanwhile, Paddack was a relative unknown. An eighth-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, the 20-year-old was in the midst of allowing one hit over 15 innings while in Low-A Greensboro. He owned a supernatural 48-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio for the season at the time of the decision. Numerous trades had depleted the Marlins farm system (Anthony DeSclafani for Mat Latos, Andrew Heaney for<strong> </strong>Dee Gordon, etc.), leaving few prospects who other teams were legitimately interested in. They thought they were selling high on Paddack, or perhaps it was the desperation to end a 13-year postseason drought clouding their judgement. </p>
<p id="chUcR3">A few weeks after the Rodney trade, the Marlins and Padres hooked up again. The Marlins received RP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guerrta01.shtml"><strong>Tayron Guerrero</strong></a> along with a disappointing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cashnan01.shtml"><strong>Andrew Cashner</strong></a> and one start’s worth of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reaco01.shtml"><strong>Colin Rea</strong></a> for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cosarja01.shtml"><strong>Jarred Cosart</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cappsca01.shtml"><strong>Carter Capps</strong></a>, top prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=naylor001jos"><strong>Josh Naylor</strong></a><em> </em>and fire-baller <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castilu02.shtml"><strong>Luis Castillo</strong></a>.<em> </em></p>
<p id="YydsRz">The trade was modified after the fact to send Rea and Castillo back to their original teams, but that’s another bad trade story for another day. That day may be in the near future considering that Naylor is even younger than Paddack and mere months away from joining him on the roster of a major league contender.</p>
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<p id="aP2rhZ">Now in 2019, Fernando Rodney is on his third team since the trade. The oldest active player in Major League Baseball following Ichiro’s retirement, Rodney may finally be nearing the end of the road (12.00 ERA, 2.83 WHIP in 6.0 IP with the Athletics).</p>
<p id="8be09Y">Meanwhile, Chris Paddack did not allow Tommy John surgery to derail him. The tall right-hander continued to dominate the minors and skipped the Triple-A level entirely. So far, he has a 1.29 ERA for the Padres through three starts. He will give serious competition to teammate <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tatisfe02.shtml"><strong>Fernando Tatis Jr</strong>.</a> for the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year.</p>
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<p id="SAYW5k"></p>
<p id="jHxEKw">The 2016 Marlins did not make the playoffs. Stanton under-performed down the stretch, none of the mid-season trades panned out, and they tragically lost their ace. </p>
<p id="qIKhIl">It’s important to consider all things—not only present goals—when pulling the trigger on a trade. The Fish already had a postseason-caliber bullpen and didn’t have much of a farm system. Was adding a recognizable veteran at the expense of one of the few young promising arms going to make the difference?</p>
<p id="GYbgF8">Under new ownership, the franchise has hopped off the “treadmill of mediocrity” in favor of a full-scale rebuild. That way, next time they have a talented homegrown core at Marlins Park, there will be another wave right behind them, standing by to serve as reinforcements in case of injury or expendable trade bait that pushes the major league roster over the top.</p>
<p id="iyqtPb">There’s far less regret in watching former players succeed when we can accept that they needed to be sacrificed in pursuit of the ultimate goal. Paddack’s departure was completely unnecessary, and unless his career path somehow leads back to Miami, he will always be the poster child of the old regime’s incompetence.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/4/17/18410599/marlins-trade-analysis-chris-paddack-rodney-mistakeJose Miranda2019-03-26T13:00:00-04:002019-03-26T13:00:00-04:00Comparing the 1999 and 2019 Marlins
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<p>A look at the similarities and differences between two rebuilds in their second year. How far away are the Fish from their next World Series championship?</p> <p id="AwzuDV">Twenty years later, the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/?_ga=2.173189793.364944764.1553480489-518770323.1547603323"><strong>Marlins</strong></a> franchise is back in a familiar place. Just like in 1999, the 2019 Marlins are in the early stages of stocking up major league talent after deconstructing the old core. </p>
<p id="HRShXn">The decision to rebuild was far more contentious the first time around, motivated by ownership’s mandate to save money after living above their means to deliver the 1997 World Series title. On the other hand, the latest all-in iteration of the Fish didn’t have enough pitching for even one postseason berth. Numerous blockbuster trades have since addressed that need...while depleting the lineup.</p>
<p id="bQQZ32">Plenty of the young Marlins from that 1999 team went on to be champs in 2003. Current players hope to experience the same thing in 2023 (if not sooner!).</p>
<p id="Xk62Yb">Just for fun, let’s compare then and now.</p>
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<h1 id="Vzz6W8"><strong>Offseason</strong></h1>
<p id="NtOhJv">Like with these Miami Marlins, the ’99 squad did most of its roster churn in the previous offseason. However, one move of note during the 1998-99 offseason was that the Marlins traded their primary catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zaungr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Gregg Zaun</strong></a><strong> </strong>to the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/"><strong>Texas Rangers</strong></a> for “future considerations”.</p>
<p id="OfVVp8">Ring any bells? In February, All-Star backstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/realmjt01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>J.T. Realmuto</strong></a><strong> </strong>was sent to the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/"><strong>Philadelphia Phillies</strong></a> for what can be considered our future battery, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=sanche000six&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Sixto Sánchez</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alfarjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Jorge Alfaro</strong></a>, along with a solid third piece, left-hander<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=stewar010wil&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Will Stewart</strong></a>.</p>
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<h1 id="oACOm0"><strong>Position by Position</strong></h1>
<p id="TYIRRk"><em><strong>Catcher</strong></em></p>
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<p id="nyyYYU">Both 1999 and 2019 clubs have a young catcher serving as the primary backstop. That however may be the only similarity between the two. Future Marlins manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/redmomi01.shtml"><strong>Mike Redmond</strong> </a>would serve a steady bat/sound defender in the 1999 season. </p>
<p id="BQbCh0">In 2019, his counterpart carries a lot more potential but also more risk. Alfaro, still a developing piece, has a lot of power potential at the plate, but also strikes out a ton (36.6% K rate in 2018). He may have the strongest arm behind the plate, but also allowed the most past balls in 2018 (10). </p>
<p id="80hV5M"><em><strong>First Base</strong></em></p>
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<p id="dWVGDy">First is a case of opposites for the two clubs. The ’99 Marlins had a rookie/sophomore combo stationed there for the majority of their games. 2 eventual champs, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/millake01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Kevin Millar</strong></a>—later made famous with<strong> </strong>the curse-breaking ‘04 <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a>—and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leede02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Derrek Lee</strong></a> (who would remain for the ‘03 Marlins parade) combined for solid numbers in 1999. </p>
<p id="XsFl48">The 2019 Marlins on the other hand are likely to have two seasoned veterans (23 seasons combined) handling first. In a classic lefty/righty platoon, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pradoma01.shtml"><strong>Martin Prado</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/walkene01.shtml"><strong>Neil Walker</strong></a> are expected to split most games at first. All in all, the combined vet-duo is projected to have similar productivity to Millar/Lee back in ’99.</p>
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<p id="A5puQ6"><em><strong>Second Base</strong></em></p>
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<p id="z0tV4t">At second we have more of a comparison case. Both ’99 and ’19 Marlins have second baseman out of the Dominican Republican in which they can rely on bring some consistency to the lineup. The difference is <em>where</em> they hit in the lineup. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castilu01.shtml"><strong>Luis Castillo</strong></a> was the leadoff hitter for the ’99 Marlins due to his on base ability and speed (50 steals in ’99).</p>
<p id="kcWjVt"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castrst01.shtml"><strong>Starlin Castro</strong></a><strong>,</strong> having more power than Castillo did, will likely fill the No. 3 hole for the still very inexperienced 2019 Marlins lineup. Castillo would go on to be part of the 2003 championship Marlins and one of the best Marlins of all time. Castro unfortunately will likely be but a side note in Marlins history.</p>
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<p id="qZKDYK"><em><strong>Shortstop</strong></em></p>
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<p id="Nld14C"><strong> </strong>We continue with another set of countrymen sharing the same position 20 years apart in the form of 2 Venezuelan shortstops primarily known for their defense: <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzaal02.shtml"><strong>Alex Gonzalez</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rojasmi02.shtml"><strong>Miguel Rojas</strong></a>. While Rojas is amongst the few veterans in the 2019 squad, Gonzalez was just a rookie – and the lone Marlins All-Star – in 1999. And though the Marlins have said that they want to give <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/riddljt01.shtml"><strong>JT Riddle</strong></a> more playing time at short, Rojas continues to be the better option at the plate (plus it makes for an easier comparison). Gonzalez also would go on to win it all with the Fish in ’03, and even had possibly the second-most memorable Marlins WS at-bat of all time. </p>
<div id="E3w6tj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PxDSIZBma44?rel=0&start=" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="RVtZL0"><em><strong>Third Base</strong></em></p>
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<p id="reG43W">While these two aren’t from the same country, they may actually be the most comparable of the 1999/2019 Marlins cases. In 1999, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lowelmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Mike Lowell</strong></a><strong> </strong>wasn’t yet the steady run-producer we all remember him to be. Lowell was just going into his first full big league season and shared a lot of playing time at 3<sup>rd</sup> with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/orieke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Kevin Orie</strong></a>. </p>
<p id="QLiYlb">Going into his second full big league season, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderbr06.shtml"><strong>Brian Anderson</strong></a><strong> </strong>has the same solid compact swing and knack for driving in runs that Mike Lowell had. Lowell went on to be a face of the Marlins for years to come and completes the foursome of ’99 infielders that would win the 2003 World Series. As for Anderson, he already feels like one of the faces for this new generation of Fish, and is probably the likeliest of the 2019 infielders to be part of the next Marlins title. </p>
<p id="lS0VwS"></p>
<p id="qQGSA4"><em><strong>Left Field</strong></em></p>
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<p id="JDEG7m">Right now <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grandcu01.shtml"><strong>Curtis Granderson</strong></a><strong> </strong>projects as 2019 Marlins Opening Day left fielder, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll end up the 2019 Marlins <em>primary</em> left fielder. In 1999, the opening day left fielder for the Marlins was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsopr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Preston Wilson</strong></a><strong>,</strong> though he was actually the primary center fielder that year. It was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/avenbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Bruce Aven</strong></a><strong> </strong>that ended up getting the most time at left field in 1999. So again, for the comparison sake, my guess is<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deanau01.shtml"><strong>Austin Dean</strong></a> will end up with the most playing time for the Fish in left field in 2019. Both Aven and Dean are right-handed-hitting outfielders out of Texas with good on base skills and okay power ability. Aven had the best of season of his five-year career in 1999. He is now the head coach for the American Heritage High School baseball team out of Plantation, FL. </p>
<p id="clq08p">The 2019 season will be a key year for Dean to prove his worth to Miami. He ultimately projects as a fourth outfielder type for the Marlins. </p>
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<p id="q2bHqD"><em><strong>Center Field</strong></em></p>
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<p id="JjrwqE">As foreshadowed in LF, while he started the season in Left, Preston Wilson played most of his games at center for the 1999 Marlins. This makes for really good comparison with 2019 centerfielder,<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brinsle01.shtml"> <strong>Lewis Brinson</strong></a><strong>. </strong>Both first-round picks got traded for marquee players in the previous season, Wilson for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/piazzmi01.shtml"><strong>Mike Piazza</strong></a> in 1998, and Brinson for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yelicch01.shtml"><strong>Christian Yelich</strong></a> in 2018. Besides the coincidental facts, they share a skill set: tall right handed hitters who can play all three outfield spots with a great combination of power and speed. </p>
<div id="1zA2dE">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Preston Wilson vs. Lewis Brinson<a href="https://twitter.com/PrestonWilson44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrestonWilson44</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisBrinson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisBrinson</a> <a href="https://t.co/vFAnBxv2ac">pic.twitter.com/vFAnBxv2ac</a></p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/1100845745312280578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="FsJQt7">While Brinson did have a rough 2018, Preston Wilson may be a fair career projection for him.</p>
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<p id="phxS6K"><em><strong>Right Field</strong></em></p>
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<p id="FkjOVL">As the ninth overall pick in the 1996 draft <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kotsama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Mark Kotsay</strong></a><strong> </strong>was supposed to be the future of the Marlins. Once the Marlins traded <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sheffga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Gary Sheffield</strong></a><strong> </strong>in 1998, RF was open for Kotsay. He never lived up to the hype but did serve as a solid defender from the outfield consistently hitting double digit assists. </p>
<p id="niscwW">Now that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/obriepe01.shtml"><strong>Peter O’Brien</strong></a> has been optioned to AAA, the 2019 RF starting job will likely go to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coopega03.shtml"><strong>Garrett Cooper</strong></a><strong>. </strong>Having spent most of his time in the minor league affiliates of three different clubs, Cooper<strong> </strong>does not have lofty expectations that Kotsay had. Cooper also has only played three big leagues games at RF. The two don’t quite profile similarly, but may ultimately have similar seasons at the plate 20 years apart, while also spending time at both RF and 1B.</p>
<p id="dLWFpR"></p>
<p id="om4xn9"><em><strong>Pitching</strong></em></p>
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<p id="7McrXm">This is where I feel the 1999 and 2019 Marlins differ the most. While the ’99 Marlins prioritized their young position players, the ’19 Marlins have prioritized their young pitchers as the key to their future success. </p>
<p id="w0zaD4">The two pitching staffs do have their similarities, though. For example in the rotation, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/straida01.shtml"><strong>Dan Straily</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/u/urenajo01.shtml"><strong>Jose Ureña</strong></a><strong> </strong>profile as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fernaal01.shtml"><strong>Alex Fernandez</strong></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernali01.shtml"><strong>Livan Hernandez</strong></a><strong>, </strong>the anchor carry-overs from the previous regime. The rotation is capped off by a trio of young pitchers: <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dempsry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Ryan Dempster</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/meadobr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Brian Meadows</strong></a><strong>, </strong>and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burnea.01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>A.J. Burnett</strong></a><strong> </strong>in 1999 and any combination of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lopezpa01.shtml"><strong>Pablo López, </strong></a><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alcansa01.shtml"><strong>Sandy Alcántara</strong></a><strong>,</strong> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithca03.shtml"><strong>Caleb Smith</strong></a><strong>, </strong>and<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richatr01.shtml"><strong>Trevor Richards</strong></a><strong> </strong>in 2019.</p>
<p id="1RsiTx">As for the bullpen, both staffs have a mix of young arms setting the table for a 6-foot-5 power right hander in the ninth, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alfonan01.shtml"><strong>Antonio Alfonseca</strong></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/steckdr01.shtml"><strong>Drew Steckenrider</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="KuqfmQ"></p>
<p id="ez0uNY">Let’s do several more fun comparisons:</p>
<ul>
<li id="5Vb75u">Salary—$20,000,000 for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chenwe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Wei-Yin Chen</a> in 2019 vs. $21,085,000 for the full 1999 Marlins roster (Inflation is real!!!)</li>
<li id="Iezx2Q">Minor league affiliates—2019 New Orleans Baby Cakes/1999 Calgary Cannons (Triple-A), 2019 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp/1999 Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A), 2019 Jupiter Hammerheads/1999 Brevard County Manatees (High-A)</li>
<li id="2S8rUG">Attendance—projected 1,050,007 in 2019 (<a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/3/21/18274490/2019-marlins-park-attendance-fanbase-ballpark-enhancements-rebuild">via Fish Stripes’ own Daniel Martinez</a>) vs. 1,369,421 in 1999</li>
<li id="rZTCne">Television broadcast—both the 1999 and 2019 telecasts include Tommy Hutton!</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RoHZdJ">
<p id="Dgnyiw">Of course, you could compare any two teams at any point in history and find similarities and differences. But hopefully, this particular case serves as an interesting look at how the foundation of an eventual World Series contender comes together. </p>
<p id="ccS0CX">The 1999 Marlins eventually led to the glory of 2003. Now it’s up to the 2019 Marlins to continue making the right moves in order to ensure that this current rebuild’s goal also becomes reality.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/3/26/18279078/marlins-rebuild-roster-comparison-2019-1999-position-by-positionJose Miranda2019-03-12T08:30:47-04:002019-03-12T08:30:47-04:002019 Marlins Season Preview: Chad Wallach
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<p>After a rough season, Wallach looks put together a better 2019. </p> <p id="E0FCQB">In a few years, a good <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/"><strong>Marlins</strong></a> trivia question may be, “Who was the Marlins Opening Day catcher in 2018?” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wallach01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Chad Wallach</strong></a> certainly didn’t win the job out of spring training, but rather benefited from unusual circumstances. That really applies to all of Wallach’s major league playing time last season, and his role with the organization moving forward. </p>
<p id="AOkSIe"><strong>How did he get here?</strong> Claimed off waivers from the<a href="https://www.redreporter.com/?_ga=2.109489798.2064757340.1552365445-518770323.1547603323"> <strong>Cincinnati Reds</strong></a> on November 3, 2017</p>
<p id="5XaUtx"><strong>2018 MLB Stats:</strong> .178/.275/.267, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 23 K, 4 BB in 45 AB</p>
<p id="miMNxN"><strong>2019 ZiPS Projection:</strong> .203/.280/.329, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 77 K, 22 BB in 231 AB</p>
<p id="SIWuiL">Ironman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/realmjt01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>J.T. Realmuto</strong></a> sustained a back contusion injury last March. Instead of rushing back their most valuable asset in a rebuilding year, the Marlins decided to place J.T. on the disabled list to start the season. </p>
<p id="Z5uswp">While absent for the first two-plus weeks of action, Chad Wallach—son of bench coach <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wallati01.shtml"><strong>Tim Wallach</strong></a>—was used as the primary catcher for the Fish. He didn’t make much of the opportunity, going 4-for-21 with 2 RBI and 9 K in that time. On the bright side, his defense was adequate.</p>
<div id="7ngvoV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">if you then you<br>don’t love don’t deserve <br>me at my me at my <a href="https://t.co/LMWL06AoIy">pic.twitter.com/LMWL06AoIy</a></p>— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/fishstripes/status/981644442720505856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="NoK10U">Upon Realmuto’s return from the DL, Wallach was optioned down to New Orleans and the Marlins then stuck with veteran <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holadbr01.shtml"><strong>Bryan Holaday</strong></a><strong> </strong>as the primary back-up catcher for the remainder of the season.</p>
<p id="fboXGE">In September, Wallach was called back up to Miami as rosters expanded to give some added depth to the bench. This time, he made more of his opportunity and <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/09/23/2500920883/1537739043942/asset_1800K.mp4"><strong>belted his first big league home run</strong></a> on the 23<sup>rd</sup> against his old club, Cincinnati. </p>
<div id="SRJSek"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/09/23/2500920883/1537739043942/asset_1800K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="FykpvQ"></p>
<p id="2gO2EV">Going into 2019, Wallach still profiles as the No. 2 or No. 3 catcher for the Marlins (almost interchangeable with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holadbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Bryan Holaday</a>), behind <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alfarjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Jorge Alfaro</strong></a>. The 27-year-old sustained a right quad injury and is just getting back to playing Grapefruit League games, entering Tuesday with a .143/.250/.143 slash line. A 40-man roster spot works to his advantage, though the club has brought several non-roster invitees to Jupiter to provide competition at his position: <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=chavez009jos"><strong>Santiago Chávez</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=vigil-001rod"><strong>Rodrigo Vigil</strong></a> as well as veteran <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castiwi01.shtml"><strong>Wilkin Castillo</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="3OMyer">There is no guarantee Wallach gets a spot on the 2019 Opening Day roster. Then again...</p>
<div id="ZppErZ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 54.0219%;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/xT0GqpDSlF0UH95qY8" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="pc2TFx">Things are shaping up to be eerily similar to last year. Alfaro looked like a lock for the starting job, but banged his right knee pursuing a foul ball and has been shut down indefinitely with inflammation.<strong> </strong>While the Marlins have said it’s not a big concern and that he should be ready by Opening Day, they also sang that tune about Realmuto last year. </p>
<p id="qEreaU">So who knows—maybe with yet another circumstantial opportunity, Chad Wallach could somehow be the Marlins Opening Day catcher in back-to-back seasons. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/3/12/18261305/2019-marlins-chad-wallach-stats-season-preview-jt-realmuto-catcher-depthJose Miranda2019-03-01T08:00:00-05:002019-03-01T08:00:00-05:002019 Marlins Season Preview: Riley Ferrell
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<figcaption>Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With the requirement to keep on the 25-man roster, the Marlins will give Riley Ferrell every opportunity to settle into their bullpen.</p> <p id="ACCXq1">Coming out of Texas Christian University at 6-2 and 200 pounds, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=ferrel000ril&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Riley Ferrell</a> projected as the husky power right-handed pitcher that scouts drool over. Pairing his physical frame with an upper-90s fastball and power slider that have each consistently graded as above-average offerings, that excitement was justified. The <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/?_ga=2.107350018.1008319018.1551234309-518770323.1547603323"><strong>Houston Astros</strong></a> invested an above-slot $1 million into their 79<sup>th</sup> overall pick in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft.</p>
<p id="rbqS3f">Fast-forward four years and Ferrell is getting a major league opportunity in Miami that never came from his previous employer.</p>
<p id="0RLmFb"><strong>How did he get here? </strong>Selected by <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/"><strong>Marlins</strong></a> with No. 4 pick of the 2018 Rule 5 Draft.</p>
<p id="kZZcuN"><strong>2018 MiLB Stats:</strong> 4.53 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 1.59 WHIP, 67 K in 51.2 IP</p>
<p id="ErAWrP"><strong>2019 ZiPS Projection: </strong> 4.50 ERA, 4.55 FIP, 1.58 WHIP, 53 K in 52.0 IP</p>
<p id="MqCiIz">After a stellar career at TCU in which Ferrell set a school-record with 32 saves, the Astros continued to use him as a reliever in the pros with the hope that he’d one day be their eventual closer. </p>
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<p id="hI7gk1">Despite showing off his nasty stuff, the command wasn’t quite as polished for Ferrell in his four minor league seasons. And after a particularly alarming disparity between his Double-A and Triple-A numbers in 2018 the Astros made the decision to leave Ferrell off their 40-man roster.</p>
<h3 id="sSxhBa"><strong>Riley Ferrell 2018 season splits</strong></h3>
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<p id="U2bIRS">This left Ferrell eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 draft. It was the second consecutive year that the Marlins selected a right-hander from the Astros in the Rule 5 after going with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernael01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Elieser Hernández</a> in 2017. Aside from Hernández, Ferrell has familiarity with outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deanau01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Austin Dean</a> and right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=dugger000rob&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Robert Dugger</a>—they were all regulars at Houston’s Dynamic Sports Training during the offseason.</p>
<p id="0GyIHY">Once again, the Marlins will try to manage two Rule 5 picks. These players must remain on the drafting club’s active roster when healthy (at least 90 total days) or otherwise be returned to their previous organization. The Marlins satisfied the requirements in 2018 with both Hernández and Brett Graves, opening the year with them on the disabled list before using them as long relievers. Ferrell’s teammate <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=fernan005jul&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Julian Fernández</a> is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, creating the flexibility to pull this off in 2019. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="mZcLi5"><q>”He is somebody we had followed out of the draft. He had a history of pitching in high-leverage innings in college and has had success since he’s come into professional ball. As we looked at options for us in the Rule 5 draft, we think we will have opportunity in bullpen.” —Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill (h/t Joe Frisaro, MLB.com)</q></aside></div>
<p id="aWUctV">While 25 years old isn’t conventional “prospect” age<em>, </em>Ferrell ranks as the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/2/27/18242927/2019-baseball-america-handbook-marlins-top-prospects-scouting-reports-grades">Marlins No. 24 prospect by Baseball America</a>. After acquiring <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/romose01.shtml"><strong>Sergio Romo</strong></a><strong> </strong>as the lone veteran addition to the bullpen, there ought to be plenty of bullpen spots up for grabs at Spring Training this year. Ferrell will attempt to fend off <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/briceau01.shtml"><strong>Austin Brice</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=anders003nic"><strong>Nick Anderson</strong></a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzame01.shtml"><strong>Merandy González</strong></a>, just to name a few. His history as a reliever and Rule 5 status should give him the upper hand in the competition.</p>
<p id="70wZ4j">Ferrell made a solid first impression on Monday against the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/?_ga=2.140299443.1008319018.1551234309-518770323.1547603323"><strong>Rays</strong></a> with two strikeouts in a clean inning. </p>
<p id="UcezXa">Marlins shouldn’t have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/u/ugglada01.shtml"><strong>Dan Uggla</strong></a>-type expectations out of Riley Ferrell just because of the Rule 5 connection. But for a bullpen that has desperately needed some consistency for years, the club will look to Ferrell as a potential solution to those woes. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/3/1/18244242/2019-marlins-riley-ferrell-highlights-stats-rule-5-draft-astros-season-previewJose Miranda2019-02-18T07:00:00-05:002019-02-18T07:00:00-05:002019 Marlins Season Preview: Starlin Castro
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<img alt="MLB: Miami Marlins at New York Mets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A0cvzyr0KQuQAObqD_KtRszaITE=/0x0:2663x1775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63060253/usa_today_11226846.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Starlin Castro’s career has been a model of consistency. In 2019, the Marlins can expect more of the same.</p> <p id="NNFCPe">Going into Spring Training, there are a number of position battles to follow on the 2019 Marlins roster. Second base, however, should not be one of them.</p>
<p id="e0yUiu">Even with the addition of consummate pro Neil Walker, the expectation is that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castrst01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Starlin Castro</strong></a> will pick up exactly where he left off last season.</p>
<p id="c9xuaz"><strong>How did he get here? </strong>Traded from Yankees to Marlins last offseason</p>
<p id="FqHmd3"><strong>2018 MLB Stats:</strong> .278/.329/.400, 12 HR, 107 OPS+ in 154 G</p>
<p id="hA3nyu"><a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2019-zips-projections-miami-marlins/"><strong>2019 ZiPS Projections</strong></a><strong>: </strong>.268/.310/.396 14 HR, 95 OPS+ in 149 G</p>
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<cite>Photo by @Marlins/Twitter</cite>
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<p id="r36Jrd">Last offseason when their decision to build was made, the Marlins knew they’d have a young team on the field. They would need to add another veteran to join J.T. Realmuto and Martín Prado while complementing the youth movement. </p>
<p id="5KFtW7">Starlin Castro was that guy...or more precisely, he was “that guy” the New York Yankees insisted on moving in the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Giancarlo Stanton</strong></a> trade in order to stay below the luxury-tax threshold. On Dec. 11, 2017, the Marlins officially said goodbye to their reigning NL MVP, receiving Castro and prospects<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=guzman003jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Jorge Guzman</strong></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=devers000jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>José Devers</strong></a> in return.</p>
<p id="1uheZ1">Despite his initially reported discontent about being stranded in a non-competitive situation and speculation that he would be flipped for more prospects, Castro did in fact lace them up for the Marlins in 2018. He wound up playing in 154 games, starting 149 of them at second base. The 28-year-old led the team in both batting average (.278) and hits (165) along with playing <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/09/06/2470291583/1536198659020/asset_1800K.mp4">very solid defense at second</a> (.981 Fielding %). </p>
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<p id="pk0tBy">And he even showed a knack for some clutch hitting, such as <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/07/12/2259533883/1531377016136/asset_1800K.mp4">this walk-off</a> back in July:</p>
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<p id="c6dcLA">So what can we expect from Castro in 2019? Well, his career track record would say he’s consistently an average MLB everyday player. </p>
<p id="HgmoCr">With Realmuto now out of the picture, Castro is <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/2/9/18218525/marlins-candidates-2019-all-star-game-realmuto-brian-anderson-starlin-castro-caleb-smith-jose-urena">a serious candidate</a> to represent the Fish in the All-Star Game. </p>
<aside id="V8JCAN"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Examining Marlins candidates for the 2019 All-Star Game","url":"https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/2/9/18218525/marlins-candidates-2019-all-star-game-realmuto-brian-anderson-starlin-castro-caleb-smith-jose-urena"}]}'></div></aside><p id="jecOjC"></p>
<h3 id="FTgPJC"> Starlin Castro Career 162-Game Average</h3>
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<cite>Baseball-Reference</cite>
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<p id="cbuG62">The most critical question surrounding Castro is whether or not he will actually finish the season with the Marlins. This is the final guaranteed year of his contract ($11.86 million salary), which includes a $16 million team option for 2020 and $1 million buyout. It’s difficult to imagine a trade unless the Marlins take some of the financial responsibility. </p>
<p id="vPFkki">At the 2019 trade deadline, it would be wise of the Marlins to leverage a team in the playoff hunt with a need for a veteran bat or second baseman, and seek more young talent for their build. This would then allow for Castro’s successor, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=diaz--000isa&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-"><strong>Isan Díaz</strong></a>, currently among the Marlins’ Top 10 prospects, to get his first taste of The Show.</p>
<p id="BDkpy3">Castro’s professionalism and steady bat will be greatly appreciated considering that his time in the Marlins organization has been mostly spent in the roles of mentor and stopgap. Whether it ends through a trade or the declining of that team option, 2019 is likely to be his final year with the Fish.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/2/18/18198224/2019-marlins-starlin-castro-trade-candidate-highlights-stats-season-previewJose Miranda2019-01-30T07:00:00-05:002019-01-30T07:00:00-05:002019 Marlins Season Preview: Merandy González
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<img alt="MLB: Miami Marlins at Baltimore Orioles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0Ucsyhhlv2jxaQ1XqP2uuQrjPWc=/141x102:1908x1280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62958178/usa_today_10898327.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A key return piece from the AJ Ramos trade, Merandy González looks to improve on his rookie campaign.</p> <p id="bY8VoV"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzame01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">Merandy González</a> already feels like a player forgotten amongst all the young talent the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> have acquired since the purchase of the club by Bruce Sherman, Derek Jeter and their ownership group. </p>
<p id="8LuXsc">Unfortunately, the 23-year-old Dominican righty may be an example of a player rushed to the majors. He looks forward to a less chaotic season of development in 2019.</p>
<p id="22MXD5"><strong>How did he get here? </strong>Traded from <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> to Marlins on July 28, 2017</p>
<p id="ktvxNQ"><strong>2018 MiLB Stats:</strong> 4.32 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 1.38 WHIP, 47 K in 73.0 IP</p>
<p id="FqHmd3"><strong>2018 MLB Stats:</strong> 5.73 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 1.77 WHIP, 19 K in 22.0 IP</p>
<p id="hA3nyu"><a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2019-zips-projections-miami-marlins/"><strong>2019 ZiPS Projection</strong></a><strong>:</strong> 5.16 ERA, 5.25 FIP, 1.63 WHIP, 70 K in 99.1 IP</p>
<p id="xvm8w6">Merandy was a part of the first wave of trades that pushed the Marlins towards building for the future. He and minor league outfielder Ricardo Céspedes were acquired from the New York Mets for then-closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramosaj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-">AJ Ramos</a>.</p>
<p id="FFHLyB">Since signing with the Mets in 2013 as an international free agent, the right-hander had been putting up great numbers. He posted a sub-3.00 earned run average in four of five seasons as a starter in the lower levels of the minors. Eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft following the 2017 campaign, the Marlins needed to protect him on their 40-man roster. </p>
<p id="LWHZ7B">Merandy barely had time to get his feet wet at Double-A Jacksonville last season before getting called up to the major league level. Although all the movement may have been exciting (promoted on Apr. 19, Jun. 15 and Aug. 13), his inexperience and control led to struggles with both Jacksonville and Miami. Merandy posted career worsts in many categories in 2018. <strong> </strong></p>
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<p id="ETf3oX">Long term, the Marlins could consider moving Merandy González to the bullpen. He can simplify his approach to opposing batters with the one-two punch of a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/04/20/1954748583/1524193942246/asset_1800K.mp4">above-average curve</a>. The club was already lacking in proven relievers, even more so after right-hander Nick Wittgren was <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/1/29/18202820/mlb-free-agency-marlins-sign-neil-walker-to-one-year-deal-nick-wittgren">designated for assignment</a> on Tuesday. There will be opportunities to work high-leverage innings for the foreseeable future.</p>
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<p id="ExU6da">Going into his sophomore season, Merandy remains a young player with plenty of potential and talent to show for. Barring significant injuries to the pitching staff or a renaissance of a Spring Training, I would expect him to again begin the 2019 season at Double-A. There he can get the innings necessary to really work on being able to throw all of his pitches for strikes with consistency. Even with success, he should still move onto Triple-A New Orleans before the majors.</p>
<p id="58zF7Z">Merandy remains a member of the 40-man roster. Removing him to make room for a more polished arm is a risk because other MLB teams would have the opportunity to place a waiver claim on him. In an ideal scenario, his veteran teammates remain relatively healthy, allowing him time for a “normal” progression, eventually returning to Miami late in the summer once he’s truly ready.</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2019/1/30/18200162/2019-marlins-merandy-gonzalez-highlights-stats-season-previewJose Miranda