Marlins Rookie Hazing
Well, found this on Youtube. I saw it mentioned on the last telecast of the season on FSN as the Marlins finished off the Mets pathetic season (yeah!) and partied on the field - the last time a game would be played at Shea.
The Marlins tore up the nightlife, too. Check it out - and watch for Ricky Nolasco’s McDonalds visit.
Wes Helms Signs Extension
According to the Miami Herald, Wes Helms’ veteran bat will continue to anchor the Marlins bench going into next season and beyond.
This makes sense for both parties as both Helms and the Marlins feel very comfortable with each other. After all, Helms left the Marlins organization to explore other financial situations and returned this season in a trade which stabilized the Marlins bench and added another strong veteran presence to the clubhouse. Along with Luis Gonzalez, the Marlins gained another veteran who could help lead by example and help reshape the Marlins young clubhouse into a winning environment.
2008 - Final Grades
Disclaimer: these grades are entirely subjective. There is no formula used to determine these grades, they only reflect the personal opinion of the writer known as nolesmarlins. In other words, if you think that they are unfair, or wrong, or if you have any complaints whatsoever, they will fall on deaf ears!
Catchers:
John Baker: A- In just 61 games and 197 abs, the Baker managed to firmly establish himself as the starting catcher for the Marlins. Beinfest may have found himself another diamond in the rough.
Matt Treanor: B Good veteran leadership and did everthing that was asked of him. One of the most likeable guys in the game today.
Paul Lo Duca: B- Umm, he hustled… not enough of a sample size, but he did play hard when he had the chance. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back next year.
Mike Rabelo: D I’ve encountered tee-ball players with more baseball sense than this guy.
Infield:
Mike Jacobs: B- Hit a ton of homers, but every other part of his game left something to be desired. Probably won’t be wearing the black and teal next year.
Dan Uggla: B+ While others may complain about the massive ammount of strikeouts, maddening streakiness, and questionable defense, I say that when Dan Uggla is on he is one of the best players in the game. His hot bat carried the Marlins in May and June. If he can manage to cut down on the strikeouts next year we should see the extended slumps dissapear.
Hanley Ramirez: B+ While he had a great year, and is probably the most talented player ever for the franchise, he still is capable of so much more. Don’t forget, he failed when Freddo moved him to third in the lineup. Other than that, he may be the best player in the game, if not, the most exciting.
Jorge Cantu: A Who the hell is Miguel Cabrera? Granted, he had loads of protection in the lineup, but the Marlins would be crazy to let this guy go.
Wes Helms: B+ Did everything that was asked, provided veteran leadership, and more importantly, boatloads of timely hits. Wes and Gonzalez are prime examples as to how important a good bench on a young team can be.
Alfredo Almezaga: B Nobody alive plays with more hustle. I really hope that the upcoming World Baseball Classic games at Dolphin Stadium feature the Mexican team, because I would love to cheer on Almezaga and Cantu.
Outfield:
Jeremy Hermida: C+ The fade down the stretch was pretty unfortunate. He clearly has talent, he just hasn’t put it all together… and may never realize his full potential.
Cody Ross: B+ Great year for Cody, another Marlin who consistently came through when we needed him. Look for Cody to start either in right or left next year.
Josh Willingham: C+ A frustrating year for the Hammer. He had a great start to the year, only to find himself on the DL for an extended period. He didn’t rediscover his stroke until September.
Cameron Maybin: A He only played in the final month of the season, but his torrid Marlin debut was a huge reason why the Marlins finished as strong as they did. I cant wait to see what he can do for us next year… think 2003 Juan Pierre, but even better.
Luis Gonzalez: A- I admit, I was sceptical of this pickup at first, I always thought that Luis was overrated. Now I understand why DBacks fans loved this guy so much. Well, their loss is our gain. He filled in admirably for the Hammer, and proved that one of the main ingredients that the 2007 Marlins were lacking was a clubhouse leader. If you look up the word “class” in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Luis Gonzalez.
Starting Pitchers:
Scotty O: B- To his credit, he grew up a whole hell of a lot this year. His biggest problem in ‘07 was a lack of maturity, a problem which he clearly has overcome. Unfortunately, with his youth went his velocity for some unknown reason. Hopefully he can rediscover his arm with his new team, he figures to make $6 million after arbitration so his chances of remaining in South Florida are very low.
Ricky Nolasco: A Kid’s got talent. He has excellent command of all of his pitches. About the only thing he cannot do is read a teleprompter… his only embarrasing performance of 2008 was the “I Care Tobaccco Free Florida” commercials. Many would argue that he’s the ace of the staff right now, but I think that will be JJ’s role next year.
Josh Johnson: A- Bounced back strong from TJ surgery and solidified the rotation in the middle of the year. He figures to have a breakout year next year.
Chris Volstad: A- Should have been called up earlier.
Anibal Sanchez: B- Coming back from a torn labrum is extremely difficult, and Anibal deserves a whole heap of credit for doing as well has he did.
Andrew Miller: C R-A-W. His only hope rests on the shoulders of Mark Wiley, but if he does pan out next year he does have the capability of developing into an excellent starter.
Mark Hendrickson: C He had an OK start to the year, his lasik surgery appeared to really help, but eventually he fell off and was demoted to the bullpen. Personally, I always thought he was garbage.
Burke Badenhop: C Filled in OK for a minute there… but I tend to doubt that he breaks through as a Marlin.
Rick Vandenhurk: B One incredible start, and then he was sent down. Should compete with Miller and Ryan Tucker for a rotation spot in Spring Training
Ryan Tucker: C+ Showed some potential in his debut, but wasn’t ready.
‘Pen:
Kevin Gregg: C- Probably the most inconsistent closer in Marlin history. Yes, Freddo definately stuck with him for way too long. Call me petty, but I’m not even wishing this guy well with his new team next year.
Reynel Pinto: C+ I like him, but Fredi relied on him way too much down the stretch. We’re witnessing a pattern here… maybe Fredi needs to figure out how to use a bullpen over the course of a season.
Joe Nelson: B+ Wasn’t perfect, but at times he seemed like the only thing keeping the bullpen from melting down completely. Another good Beinfest pickup.
Arthur Rhodes: A- Unfortunately, he was the only deadline pickup. He was used sparingly, but when he did appear he was great.
Matt Lindstrom: B Ladies and Gents, your closer for 2009.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few of the bullpen guys, but this was only intended as a sampling anyway. Sue me.
Coaching and Front Office:
El Freddorino: B+ The team vastly exceeded expectations. If we had managed to make the playoffs, he would have earned my vote for manager of the year. Alas, we didn’t, so I am not completely blinded by success to offer an honest appraisal of his performance. Fredi improved greatly in his second year. With the help of a real veteran presence, he was able to gain control of the clubhouse. The young guys responded very well to his laid back yet assertive leadership, and I can honestly say that the only Marlins team that had more heart than this one won the series at the end of the year (2003). Not only did the boys play well, but they truly felt like they belonged. Do not underestimate Fredi’s impact in that department. Unfortunately, while he didn’t make as many mistakes as last year, his in game management skills leave something to be desired. Having Cantu hit third turned out to be a stroke of genius, but thats about it. If Fredi can figure out how to run a bullpen, then maybe he might actually become a good manager after all.
Mark Wiley: A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++… in fact, they should add a letter to the alphabet that comes before “A” just so I can give Wiley a higher grade. ‘Nuff said. Too bad Dtrain didn’t stick around.
Dumbshit Kranitz: Z-… basically, the exact opposite grade I gave Wiley. Anyone have Don Baylor’s number?
Larry Beinfest: B+ Gotta give him credit for Cantu, Baker, Nelson, and Rhodes… and he did a good job with the Cabrera/Willis trade. But, it turned out that we should have made the Manny trade… I’ll explain in an upcoming piece why passing Manny up turned out to be a mistake.
Loria/Samson: B- Sure, I hate them just like every other Marlins fan, but they did get the new stadium, so I have to give them some credit.
OVERALL: B+ Cut down on the strikeouts and we’re an honest-to-God World Series contender.
Now, if I missed anyone, I apologize… I didn’t have a roster in front of me.
2008 Minor League Wrap Up
Well, let’s start with the best players in the Florida Marlins’ organization: Ryan Tucker and Logan Morrison.
Ryan Tucker had an amazing season, going 5-3 in 25 appearances but amassing a 1.58 ERA along the way. He allowed only 64 hits in 94 innings, and held batters to a .195 AVG. Starting in 12 games, Tucker pitched 70 innings and allowed only 11 ERs. The Marlins have different plans for Tucker, however, who is looking to figure into the Marlins’ future in the bullpen. After he was called up to the Marlins and won his MLB debut, he returned to the bullpen and had a 2.14 ERA in 13 appearances.
Logan Morrison, the minor league player of the year for the Marlins, hit .332 in 130 games for A Jupiter with 38 doubles and 13 home runs. He grabbed 162 hits and compiled a .402 OBP and with 74 RBIs which ranked him 6th in the Florida State League. The left-handed 1B also took home the 2008 FSL MVP award.
There was other success elsewhere on the Marlins Fish Farm. Dallas McPherson, hitting 42 home runs for AAA Isotopes, was named to the all-PCL team. Which begs the question, should the Marlins bring back Jorge Cantu, who had an impressive 2008 rebound season?
Successful 2008 campaigns
The Jupiter Hammerheads finished 2nd in their division at 41-28, finishing 1/2 game out of first place.
The AA Carolina Mudcats won their division, finishing up the 2008 season as the North Division champions.
The AAA Isotopes finished their season a few wins below .500, finishing 68-75 and 7.5 games out of 1st place for their division.
Changing places
There are some changes for the Marlins minor league affiliates as well. The AAA Isotopes in Albuquerque has been moved to New Orleans.
The AA affiliate has been moved from the Carolina Mudcats down south a bit to the Jacksonville Suns.
Mitre and Gregg Gone
The Marlins released Segio Mitre and did not renew Kevin Gregg’s contract, who is arbitration eligible - officially starting the 2008 baseball offseason for the Marlins.
Watching the playoffs from the comfort of their homes here in south Florida, the Marlins have to find a way to tweak their team payroll to maximize value. The Marlins are expected to increase payroll, up into the $30 million range, but in truth that will not be enough to keep this team together. So, even if the Marlins do decide to keep as much of this team together as they can, they have to start trimming the fat.
Mitre is not expected to return from Tommy John surgery until the middle of the 2009 season, and being slated to make $1.2M won’t help the Marlins.
As for Gregg, it was just a miserable second season here in Miami as Gregg started off the year with control problems and just never seemed to regain the control and sharpness he had last year. Considering his payroll on this roster, his production just wasn’t up the value the Marlins needed.
Fishing Poll
Loading ...