The Miami Heat Beat Big Board: Guards

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Your Tankathon simulations were futile. Sorry. The Miami Heat will be drafting 13th.

With that finally being settled, the Heat Beat/Five Reasons crew will be rolling out some piping hot draft #content for you. We — as in myself, Greg “Leif “Sylvander, and Jack Alfonso — will kick things off with some general big boards, covering players that may be available around Miami’s range. We’ll start with the guards, then roll out our top wings (and forwards) and bigs in later pieces. After that, you’ll be getting more deep dives on individual prospects as we get closer to draft time.

To the guards!

Tier 1

Coby White, North Carolina freshman, Combo Guard, 6’5” 185 lbs

Stats: 16.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 42/35/80 shooting split

White would be another over the moon prospect for the Heat. Mock drafts across the internet have the UNC guard going anywhere from Top 5 to Top 20. With a rare mix of speed and craftiness, White makes for a blur on offense that wastes very little motion in his explosive moves to the basket. Has all the makings of a dynamic lead guard with a style of play that resembles the craft of Deron Williams, scoring ability of Gilbert Arenas and even shades of a player like Cuttino Mobley with his underrated spot up shooting ability.

His biggest opportunity is to improve decision making, timing and pace, particularly in the half court. White seems to have major guts, which is a prerequisite to being a leader of Heat Culture. Another no brainer selection for the Heat if available. White has absolute star potential with upside resembling a player like Trae Young in terms of overall impact. -Greg

Darius Garland, Vanderbilt Freshman, Guard, Lead Guard, 6’2 175 lbs

Stats: 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 54/48/75 shooting split

Five games.

That’s the college sample we have to work with when it comes to Mr. Garland. In that small sample, it’s hard not to come away intrigued.

In a league that’s being defined by shifty pull-up virtuosos, Garland looks like the best of the bunch among the projected lotto talents. He has an advanced handle and a quick trigger, making him a rare “Drop” defense killer if you give him an inkling of space. If you believe in that skill — and I do — there’s a case to be made that he could end up being the best point guard in this class five or so years from now.

Obviously, there are some concerns. There are … I don’t want to say “questions”, but we need to see more from him as a passer. He didn’t show many advanced flashes in pick-and-roll, and certainly not to the level (or consistency) of Ja Morant. And like Morant, Garland’s slight frame raises some flags about his ceiling as a finisher and defender.

But if there’s anything the Heat are missing, it’s a guy that can make those pull-ups. In the event that Garland doesn’t prove to be more than a, say, Jeff Teague-level facilitator, you just let Justise Winslow puncture defenses and let Garland feast off of those opportunities. -Nekias

Tier 2

Romeo Langford, Indiana Freshman Guard, 6’6” 215 lbs

Stats: 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 45/27/72 shooting split

Let’s start with the negatives.

Langford was a top 5 recruit coming out of high school and had a relatively disappointing year with the Hoosiers. His jump shot was unreliable, his effort and decision-making have been called into question, and it’s doubtful that he’s athletically explosive enough to make these weaknesses irrelevant. There are questions about his ability to play off ball efficiently, which complicates his fit on a Heat team that seems sold on Justise Winslow as their point guard.

All this said, I love Langford for Miami. As a fellow Hoosier, I may be biased, but if Romeo lands in the right situation, he has All-Star level potential. With his 7 foot wingspan, he should be able to guard multiple positions at the next level, giving the Heat a potentially lethal group of defensively versatile youngsters. The idea of Romeo, Winslow, Adebayo, and Richardson sharing the court, leaping into passing lanes and terrorizing opposing ball-handlers is enticing.

As for the offensive end, there is cause for concern about his ability to play off-ball, but it is worth mentioning that he had a torn ligament in his hand for most of his time with the Hoosiers. His inconsistent shooting is still worth consideration, but the hope is that his percentages improve with the health of his hand. He could be a valuable secondary ball handler alongside Justise, and his ability to penetrate the defense and draw fouls could be exactly what Miami’s offense needs to regain relevance. If he’s still available, he’d be a great pick for the Heat late in the lottery. -Jack

Kevin Porter Jr, USC freshman, 6’6” 218 lbs

Stats: 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 47/41/52 shooting split

*only appeared in 21 games (4 starts)

Porter Jr has the talent of a Top 5 pick. The ultimate boom or bust gamble. An up and down freshman season at USC left question marks surrounding his durability and maturity. Porter possesses the tools and upside to become a dynamic volume scorer, while also possessing the necessary size to defend 2s at the NBA level once he grows into his 6-6 frame.

One concern as it relates to his offense at the highest level was his poor 52% free throw shooting in college. Questions regarding coachability make it crucial that Porter Jr land with an organization that has structure, veteran leadership and you guessed it, CULTURE. The workout and pre-draft interview process will be the key to Porter landing in the lottery. He checks all the boxes of an on-court workout wonder who could see a rise during workouts.

In my opinion the Heat will likely pivot in a different direction come draft night if he doesn’t win the interview process in convincing fashion. The Heat’s well documented challenges related to character issues in recent years will likely influence an attempt to avoid such headaches with this lottery pick.

Porter Jr could be a Jimmy Butler/Jamal Crawford/Zach LaVine-like hybrid stylistically. Or he could be Deshawn Stevenson. Feels like too risky of a lottery selection for the Heat, but with the Heat starved for star power and a willingness to gamble, Porter is worth keeping an eye on. -Greg

Under The Radar

Tyler Herro, Kentucky Freshman, Guard 6’5” 195 lbs

Stats: 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 46/36/94 shooting split

Well, I know Giancarlo Navas hates this guy. Herro is pretty small, with a wingspan that leaves a lot to be desired. He’s not very explosive, not incredibly quick or strong, doesn’t play above the rim. He’s not a great passer or ball handler either. His value is solely as a shooter, which isn’t encouraging given his inconsistency from long range.

That said, he could be a valuable shooter off the bench. He’s got a good feel for the game, and Spoelstra could have some fun running him off screens and creating open looks for him. Coaches love this guy. As a gym rat and a scrapper, he’d be wonderful fit with the Heat’s culture. He plays the game the right way. He’s still young, and with his high motor and impressive basketball IQ, he’s going to get the most out of his abilities, hustling and grinding his way into a NBA rotation.

Character is the reason you draft this guy, and character trumps talent at the end of the day. He’s a guy you want in your locker room, a guy you’d love your daughter to date. This is the kind of high-intangible, lunch pail guy who you love to root for. He may not be the most physically gifted player in the draft, but his athleticism will sneak up on you. He’s deceptively quick.

Unless Miami ends up picking in the late 1st, early 2nd round, he likely won’t be in their range, but if Herro’s a Heat player at the end of draft night, it’ll be a win for every South Floridian with an undercut and a pair of New Balances. -Jack

Carsen Edwards, Junior, Purdue, 6’0 200 lbs Guard

Stats: 24.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 39/36/84 shooting split

A longstanding lament among Heat fans has been the lack of a go-to scorer. Since the days of Dwyane Wade’s prime, Miami has struggled to find a player that could get consistent buckets on his own. If scoring is what you want, Carsen Edwards may be your guy.

Carsen Edwards gets buckets. That’s the start and end of it. That’s what he does. As a point guard at Purdue, Edwards had the green light to let it fly. He’s crafty with the ball, reliable at the rim, and dangerous from downtown. He. Gets. Buckets.

The issue is… everything else. Edwards is undersized, not always efficient, and lacks much else outside his scoring ability. He’s not going to facilitate everything on offense and probably won’t get you many stops on defense. If his scoring efficiency doesn’t improve at the NBA level, it’s hard to imagine him sticking anywhere.

That said, Miami might be a good place for him. With Justise Winslow handling the traditional point guard duties on offense, a scorer like Edwards could thrive. Without the pressure to consistently create offense for others, Carsen could focus on getting buckets. The defensive concerns are hard to get past, but the Heat have the personnel to make up for his deficiencies. Edwards would be an interesting addition to the Heat. He’d certainly address a need, but whether what he adds in scoring makes up for his weaknesses remains to be seen. -Jack

The Miami Heat Beat Big Board: Wings

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This is a re-post from last month…

Your Tankathon simulations were futile. Sorry. The Miami Heat will be drafting 13th.

With that finally being settled, the Heat Beat/Five Reasons crew will be rolling out some piping hot draft #content for you. We — as in myself, Greg “Leif “Sylvander, and Jack Alfonso — will kick things off with some general big boards, covering players that may be available around Miami’s range. We started with the guards; now it’s time to knock out the wings.

Tier 1

Cam Reddish, Duke, Freshman, Wing, 6’8” 218 lbs

Stats: 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 36/33/77 shooting split

Considered by many to be one of the most intriguing, yet unpredictable prospects at the top the 2019 draft class. Recent reports of the potential for Reddish to slide in the draft seemed impossible a year ago. His strength as a shooter seemed to fade as the season came to a close. That dip in outside shooting, combined with questions regarding his effort, intensity and defensive IQ have contributed to him potentially being this year’s Caron Butler or Justise Winslow who slides down the board.

Let’s start with the good. Reddish displays some of the traits that have drawn comparisons to Paul George, Gordon Hayward and Rashard Lewis. He’s a versatile scorer with outside shooting touch. His catch-and-shoot ability (particularly as a trailing player in secondary fast breaks) make him an attractive option for Miami who lack wing scoring and are intent on updating offensive schemes to help find ways to get easy buckets in transition. If he reaches his potential, Reddish’s upside is that of an All Star.

His lone year at Duke may be a sign that it may take more time for him to reach his potential than some anticipated. He struggled as a third banana alongside Zion Williamson and R.J Barrett. It felt like he could never find his groove in Duke’s cramped up offense, and that was reflected in his efficiency numbers.

That being said, his size, ball handling, passing and scoring make for a strong base skill set that eventually could blossom into the ability to even initiate offense from the wing, a la PG. He has the tools to be a good defender on the wing at the pro level. His 7-1” wing span is intriguing as the Heat continue to try to build a roster that is as position-less and switch-capable as possible.

In short – Reddish could be JR Smith or the next PG or discount bin KD. If he is there at 13, some within the Heat organization with Duke ties would be heavily inclined to select Reddish. -Leif

De’Andre Hunter, Virginia, Sophomore, Wing, 6’7”, 225 lbs

Stats: 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 52/44/78 shooting split

De’Andre Hunter is one of those prospects that can get you day-dreaming. Wingspan. Athleticism. Wingspan! Hunter has long arms. It may sound like a trivial thing to harp on, but it’s not. Miami’s three young guys are all versatile defenders, with the ability to guard at least two positions. Adding a guy like Hunter with his impressive wingspan, strong body, and consistent effort, could help turn the Heat into a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Hunter should be a good shooter at the next level. He also seems to be a smart guy with a feel for where to be on the floor. There aren’t any huge red flags in his game. The question for Hunter is, weirdly, upside. He’s not the youngest guy in the draft, and he’s not one of those guys who could just take over games at the college level. There isn’t much “shake” in his game, which puts a cap on his potential as a shot-creator.

I think Hunter will be a valuable role player on offense. If you’re looking for a go-to scorer, Hunter doesn’t seem to be that guy. If Miami calls his name on draft night, fans should still be thrilled. He just isn’t the sexiest prospect out there. -Jack

Tier 2

Sekou Doumbouya, France, N/A, Wing, 6’8 205

Stats (per 36): 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.0 blocks, 47/29/76 shooting split

Oooh, buddy, am I intrigued here.

Doumbouya is raw, but he has the kind of tools (hello, 7’2 wingspan!), athleticism chops, and ball skills to make him the type of late lottery flier the Heat should consider. There’s legit point-forward potential here, and that shines through when he’s running the open floor. He’s showcased some nice reads in half-court situations, but I’d like to see a little bit more.

He’s come on pretty strong overseas over the last month or so, getting accustomed to the physicality of playing against guys much older/stronger than he is. It’s not fair to make “Next Giannis” declarations; I have some questions (that’ll come in a breakdown further down the line) that gives me pause. However, it’s hard not to be excited about his ability to handle the ball and finish inside. His length and athleticism also makes him an ideal fit in a switch-y scheme, provided he gets stronger. -Nekias

Nassir Little, North Carolina, Freshman, Wing, 6’6 205

Stats: 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 48/27/77 shooting splits

Not many players disappointed relative to their pre-season hopes quite like this guy.

Little entered the season as one of the nation’s top five prospects, an tremendous athlete with an NBA-ready frame. He projected as arguably the best 3-and-D (and more) prospect in the class, but things quickly fell apart during his lone year at North Carolina.

Little showcased his athleticism in the open floor and show plus-impact as an on-ball defender. That’s pretty much where the positives ended. His lack of fluidity limited his shot creation abilities. The lack of feel reared its ugly head with questionable decisions with the ball, and a plethora of off-ball lapses on the other end.

There’s hope for him, of course. You can’t teach that kind of athleticism, and by all accounts he’s a tremendous young man with a great work ethic. The Heat would love him as a person. There’s a plus-shooter with the ability to abuse opponents on shaky close-outs in there. With more reps (and some patience), there’s potentially a good defender in there. For now, the mocks that have him going mid-late first round are well within reason.  -Nekias

Tier 3

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech, Sophomore, 6’5 205

Stats: 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 47/37/78 shooting split

I’m pretty confident calling NAW (boy, do I love that) one of the most skilled players in this draft. He isn’t just a good shooter, he’s a multidimensional one. He can make teams pay on spot-up attempts, come off pindowns or flares, or catch, pump, then fire off the bounce. There’s secondary creation ability to like, as he has all of the basic high pick-and-roll reads down. His ability to pull-up can hurt teams that employ “Drop” schemes”, and that’s certainly something the Heat need someone other than Josh Richardson to do on a consistent basis.

It’s cliche, but my concerns with NAW are all based on his athleticism. He just isn’t explosive, and I just worry that he won’t be the kind of three-level threat his skills should allow him to be. Airspaces will close quicker in the NBA. Teams are more physical at the rim, and he wasn’t this super elite finisher in college. He should be a fine team defender, and his near 6’10 wingspan should make him somewhat switchable. He may not be able to handle elite-quickness guys, but that’s what Josh Richardson or Justise Winslow should be there for. This would be a good value pick for the Heat if they trade back. -Nekias

Keldon Johnson, Kentucky, Freshman, Wing, 6’6, 211 lbs

Stats: 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 46/38, 70 shooting split

I’m sure Bam Adebayo wouldn’t be mad about getting to play with another high-flying Kentucky Wildcat.

Keldon Johnson has a lot of tools to be excited about. He’s an impressive athlete with a work ethic that could earn the adoration of the Miami Heat coaching staff. Physically, Keldon has everything you could possibly ask for in a young wing prospect. He has the potential to be a more-than-reliable defender, and his 38 percent accuracy from behind the arc should give people hope that he can do more than just jump at the next level. If Keldon puts it together he could be a valuable 3&D player with the ability to get out and finish in transition.

I have concerns about the shooting though. He shot a solid percentage in his one season at Kentucky, but his relatively low free throw percentage may be cause for concern with regard to his jumper. He’s certainly not a natural born shooter, and if he can’t succeed as a catch and shoot guy, his offensive utility becomes incredibly limited.

Johnson has good physical tools, but doesn’t seem like a guy you can count on to break down a defense. Creation in general seems like a question mark. He’s not a great passer or shooter. He isn’t the most creative scorer. I think Johnson has a spot in this league, but with his question marks on the offensive end, I worry that Miami is not that spot. -Jack

 

 

 

The Miami Heat Beat Big Board: Bigs

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This is a re-post from earlier this month…

Your Tankathon simulations were futile. Sorry. The Miami Heat will be drafting 13th.

With that finally being settled, the Heat Beat/Five Reasons crew will be rolling out some piping hot draft #content for you. We — as in myself, Greg “Leif “Sylvander, and Jack Alfonso — will kick things off with some general big boards, covering players that may be available around Miami’s range. We started with the guards, added the wings. and knocked out the forwards. Now we’ll touch on some of the bigs. This one will be shorter for obvious reasons — just look at the roster for crying out loud.

Tier 1

Bol Bol, Oregon, Freshman, Center, 7’2” 207 lbs

Stats: 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.7 blocks, 56/52/76 shooting split

Say hello to the only center I think the Heat seriously consider at 13.

Bol Bol, the large adult son of former NBAer Manute Bol, is an absolutely massive human. 7’2 guys with 7’7 wingspans don’t grow on trees. Once you add in the combination of shooting and ball-handling, you’re looking at, without hyperbole, one of the five most unique draft prospects ever.

It must be emphasized that Bol isn’t a knocks-down-open-spot-ups guy, he’s a legit shooter. He already has NBA range and has flashed the ability to knock down one or two-dribble pull-ups. Post fades are part of his offensive repertoire. With his release point, good luck contesting those fadeaways, much less blocking them.

On the defensive end, Bol does two things at a high level. He challenges shots at the rim, and ends possessions. His 12.4 block percentage and 29.0 defensive rebound percentage are both elite marks.

That’s … probably where the positives end.

Bol has great shooting touch and a nice handle, but I worry about how effective he’ll be using both. He’s not a great screener at this stage. He’s never really had to be, and that shows through with poor positioning and timing. His frame further limits him in that regard, and I imagine that’ll be amplified on the NBA level.

It’s hard to get super excited because of how easily he can be bodied up. The fadeaway on the block is a nice counter, but if he can never establish deep post positioning against fellow bigs, how efficient of a post scorer will he be? His release point on threes is a little low. It helps that he’s tall as crap, but NBA close-outs — and the length and speed of the defenders closing out — are a different beast. His release will need to be altered slightly — in speed or in terms of the release point — to fully optimize him as a pick-and-pop threat.

For a guy that’s as nimble as Bol is with the ball, virtually none of that translates defensively. On top of being pretty weak, he moves poorly. Very poorly. There’s no hope of him defending in space right now. Simple ball moves get him out of position, and poor hips make it nearly impossible for him to recover. Zone may be the only way to hide him. That makes him a bit of a fit in Miami, but it puts his overall impact into question.

Aside from the (super)stars, bigs are mostly defined by their defense in today’s NBA. If Bol can’t close out games for you because of the defensive end, he has to be outlier good offensively to compensate. Bol has outlier traits, but I don’t think he’s outlier good. And that’s before getting into a frame that will likely be tough to build up, and a history of lower body injuries.

I love Bol. I love the idea of Bol. In fact, he’s a three-time Finals MVP in my online league on 2K19. If there’s anybody rooting for him to succeed, it’s me. I just have serious doubts about the likelihood of that happening. If the Heat are going to make an upside play, Kevin Porter Jr. or Sekou Doumbaya probably makes more sense. -Nekias

 

Tier 2

Bruno Fernando, Maryland, Sophomore, Forward, 6’10” 237 lbs

Stats: 13.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 blocks, 61/30/78 shooting split

Bruno Fernando may be the Heat’s favorite big man in this entire draft.

Fernando projects as an NBA center, which could become a position of transformation and need depending on a variety of factors. He’s a rim runner who finishes at a high clip. He has no issue banging down low and scrapping for rebounds. His body is NBA ready; his motor may force coaches to find a role for him immediately. The fact that he’s a 70-plus percent free throw shooter provides hope he can become a shooting threat at some stage of his career.

Fernando’s overall impact and offensive ceiling remain questionable because of stiff hips maneuvering in the post and foul issues. He can also be occasionally turnover prone and would really need a star player that could draw attention and find him for lobs. If the Heat and Hassan Whiteside decide to go their separate ways and want to try Adebayo at the big forward spot, Fernando becomes more viable. -Leif

Nic Claxton, Georgia, Sophomore, Center, 6’11 220

Stats: 13.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 46/28/64 shooting split

At least one of two things would have to happen to make this a viable selection, and it’d probably take both. The Heat would need to slide back in the draft, and Bam Adebayo would need to be part of a star trade. If you want to keep scrolling past this section, I don’t blame you. The latter is mostly a function of an awkward offensive fit.

The intrigue of Claxton is his switchablity. He might be the best lateral mover among non-Zion, non-Clarke bigs in this year’s class. He has great feet, good instincts, and attacks shots at their apex. Offensively, he’s a solid finisher with budding on-ball skills worth exploring in doses. He’s flashed a jumper, though it still needs some work extending it past 18 or so feet. He averaged 2.0 attempts from three in his last season at Georgia, so he at least seems to want to take them.

Again, this is very much a trade-back target, but he fits the mold of what the Heat would want from a big man. High motor, good on the glass, switchable defensively. There’s a lot to like here. -Nekias

Tier 3

Naz Reid, LSU, Freshman, Center, 6’10 250

Stats: 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, 47/33/73 shooting split

One of Miami’s bigger longterm questions is whether Bam Adebayo can hold his own at the center position. Many believe he’s better suited at the 4 spot. His jump shot (or lack thereof) would require Miami to find a stretch big to pair with him so as not to lose any offensive potency. Naz Reid may be your answer.

He’s got good size, a promising jumper, and solid playmaking potential. Putting him alongside Bam would give you two versatile bigs who can put the ball on the floor and threaten defenses with their mobility. If Naz can turn into a reliable shooter, and Bam can improve his range a bit (I think he can) they’d be an intriguing offensive pairing. I’m also a sucker for the scoring sixth man bigs à la Enes Kanter, so Naz attracts me in a lot of ways.

Defense would be the question with this duo. I’m unsure whether Naz gives you the rim protection or strength to grant you a formidable inside presence. He’s not the most agile big and he’s not a tower like Whiteside or Gobert. He doesn’t exactly solve the supposed problems presented by Bam’s size.

Offensively, it’s a fun pick. Naz, Bam, and Justise on the floor together would allow Spoelstra to be really creative. Defensively, it could be an issue. You either trust Bam to be able to protect the rim or you don’t. If you don’t, Naz isn’t your guy. -Jack

Tacko Fall, Central Florida, Senior, Center, 7’7” 289 lbs

Stats: 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals, 2.6 blocks, 75/0/36 shooting split

More like Facko Tall. Ha! Spoonerisms! Gotta love em.

This dude is tall. Super tall. Maybe too tall. I know most NBA players are tall. Even the short ones are tall. But Fall…. I mean this guy. That man is tall. Tacko measured at 7-foot-7 in shoes with an 8-foot-2¼ wingspan and a 10-foot-2½ standing reach. That’s pretty big. Historically big. An absolute unit. It’s hard to say much else beyond that.

He’s obviously a good shot blocker, reliable rebounder, a solid inside scorer, an imposing presence in the paint. He also shot under 40% from the free throw line at UCF. His success from distance has actually diminished from year to year so it’s hard to be optimistic about his improvement in that regard. For what it’s worth, he did have a strong showing at this year’s combine and impacted the game on both ends of the floor. The loss of weight (listed at 310 on SportsReference, weighed in at 289 at the combine) helped his mobility. His ability to defend in space will be the swing-skill for him.

Being able to throw the ball up to a guy who’s half a foot taller than the tallest player on the opposing team is quite an asset. He’s Boban-esque in that regard. But if he’s not an absolutely dominant inside presence, he’s unplayable. With the Heat, there is always the Bam question. Do they need to pair him with a true center? Tacko is nothing if not a true center.

Unless Bam develops his jumpshot quick, the Tacko/Bam pairing simply won’t work on offense. Tacko Fall is likely a second round pick. He’s as sexy a second round pick as you can get. -Jack

 

For the FORWARDS, Click HERE.

The Miami Heat Beat Big Board: Forwards

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This is a re-post from late May….

Your Tankathon simulations were futile. Sorry. The Miami Heat will be drafting 13th.

With that finally being settled, the Heat Beat/Five Reasons crew will be rolling out some piping hot draft #content for you. We — as in myself, Greg “Leif “Sylvander, and Jack Alfonso — will kick things off with some general big boards, covering players that may be available around Miami’s range. We started with the guards and added the wings. Now it’s time to knock out the forwards.

Tier 1

Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga, Junior, Forward, 6’8” 215 lbs

Stats: 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.2 blocks, 71/27/69 shooting split

Can you say Miami Heat player? Defensive versatility is the calling card for Gonzaga’s best all around player last season. Clarke possesses the fast twitch athleticism and defensive IQ necessary to be an All-NBA defender. He has that type of upside on defense.

Clarke moves his feet on defense like Bam Adebayo when guarding quicker players and is explosive off the ground, especially on the 2nd or 3rd jump. These physical gifts help offset his lack of size as a projected 4 at the pro level. His versatility also should allow him to defend multiple positions, even as a small ball 5 or oversized 3. Again, the versatility is intriguing. Instincts and ability to slide into pretty much any defensive scheme make him a particularly intriguing option for the always defensive oriented Heat. His success as a pick and roll defender add to his intrigue as it pertains to fitting in Miami.

Clarke’s offensive development, particularly increasing his range to beyond 17 feet, will determine his offensive upside. He may end up a bit like Shawn Marion was as an offensive player, which while limited, can still be valuable. The one downside would be the Heat sorely lack offense and this pick would be almost solely about defense initially.

One scout I spoke with, on the condition of anonymity, said of Clarke: “Incredible finisher, great leaper, super mobile, excellent rim protector and shot blocker, can switch a bit on the perimeter, has some passing chops, shot is not completely broken. He was the 2nd, or at worst 3rd, best player in college basketball this year.”

While I personally think that opinion is probably on the slightly optimistic side for Clarke, it can’t be ignored that Clarke turned heads with his team first play and all around defensive dominance last season. Think Kenyon Martin meets Paul Millsap with a smidge of Jordan Bell, an evolved Taj Gibson and maybe even a little Paskal Siakam from a stylistic perspective. If the offensive scoring punch cannot be acquired at 13, I expect Clarke (if he makes it to 13) to be another primary player of consideration for Miami. -Leif

Tier 2

PJ Washington, Kentucky, Sophomore, Forward, 6’8” 235 lbs

Stats: 15.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, 52/42/66 shooting split

Early indications are the Heat are intrigued by the skill set and potential fit of Washington as a stretch 4 alongside the existing core of . The Heat like the offensive versatility that Washington brings to the table. He’s also wiry strong in a way that lends itself to being able to eventually matchup physically with most 4s in the league. Heat strength and conditioning regiments will only further develop the already strong Kentucky forward.

While Washington is undersized in a traditional sense, measuring 6’ 6.5” barefoot and 6’8” in shoes, he has some of the physical traits that are typically coveted by Heat brass, posting 7′ 2.5” wingspan, 8′ 11” standing reach and 6.85% body fat. A front court duo of Adebayo and Washington has the potential to be a potent combination due to both players ability to pass and initiate offense. Heat fans will also recognize Washington’s signature elbow jumper, reminiscent of a similar shot cultivated by Mr. 305 himself Udonis Haslem.

Ball handling and post scoring project to be two of the biggest areas of opportunity for Washington to expand his game. Luckily those are not necessarily the aspects of the PF position necessary to fit alongside the Heat’s core, provided they eventually find a way to add another alpha play maker at another position.

Although some may say #13 may be a bit high for PJ Washington, he is currently among my leaders in the clubhouse should the Heat stay at 13. Although I will caution that is far too early to nail down the most likely candidates at the back of the lottery. Surprises are sure to unfold as the draft nears. That said, Heat fans should get to know PJ Washington. -Leif

Rui Hachimara, Gonzaga, Junior, Forward, 6’8 230

Stats: 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 59/42/74 shooting split

It’s easy to see the intrigue with Hachimara. He’s a good athlete with elite measurables (hello, 7’2 wingspan!) and has no issue getting buckets. The Heat not only need a bucket-getter, but a long term option at the 4. Hachimara appears to check those boxes.

He’s a monster in the mid-post with the ability to finish over and through contests. The three-point shot isn’t as good as the numbers advertise, but there’s enough touch there to project plus-impact in that regard.

There are just some very obvious holes that I can’t really get past.

The biggest one: Hachimura has virtually no feel for the game at all.

He’s an absolute train wreck defensively with no real ability to track two actions at the same time. It’s true that he hasn’t played basketball for long, but that’s also part of the problem. You can (mostly) improve your tangible skills with enough reps — ball-handling, shooting, finishing. Feel is a trait that you either have or you don’t. Unless you’re putting Hachimura in a switch-literally-everything scheme so he doesn’t have to think, it’s hard to see him being able to defend well enough to be a real impact player on the next level.

I want no parts. And don’t worry, he’ll be one of the players I break down with film to further hammer home the point. -Nekias

Tier 3

Grant Williams, Tennessee, Junior, Forward, 6’7 236

Stats: 18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.5 blocks, 56/33/82 shooting split

We can get the negatives out of the way early. The perimeter stroke is questionable. Williams is very much a mid-post-and-in type of player. He projects as a 4 at the next level, and his size makes that an odd fit in Miami long term.

What makes Williams intriguing is what makes Hachimura a no-go as a prospect for me. He knows how to play the game. Williams sees the floor incredibly well and can make the skips needed to keep an offense flowing. Add in his ability to finish, and he projects as a guy that can dice teams up in short-roll situations. He’s also a darn good defender that doesn’t mind mixing it up with players with a size advantage.

A Williams selection would make the most sense if the Heat trade back to the 17-21 range. I’m not sure that happens, but he’s a Heat pick if I’ve ever seen it. -Nekias

Cam Johnson, North Carolina, Senior, Forward, 6’9” 210 lbs

Stats: 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 5146/81 shooting split

Johnson is an incredibly reliable shooter with beautiful form. In an NBA world where spacing is everything, on a Heat team that has often been desperate for snipers, a guy like Cam who can move well off ball and knock down shots consistently is precious as gold. Ideally, Johnson and J-Rich beyond the arc give Justise and Bam the space they need to work inside.

There are question marks though. I’m not particularly high on his defensive potential. He’s not a great athlete and he’s pretty lanky. He can possibly hold his own on defense, but I’ll be shocked if he’s ever above-average on that end.

The biggest concerns are his health and age. He’s already 23, which is fine, but he wouldn’t give the Heat much upside. He’s also had knee issues and hip surgery that call into question his ability to stay on the floor consistently. There’s a fit in Miami, but I think he’s a guy you trade back for.  -Jack

Mfiondu Kabengele FSU, Sophomore, Forward 6’10, 240 lbs

Stats: 13.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 50/37/76 shooting split

This is another under the radar prospect worth keeping an eye on for Miami. Kabengele is one of the best shooting big men in this draft. He has a nice stroke from mid-range and can also make open threes from everywhere. He’s physically imposing to the point that he is unlikely to be pushed around by very many NBA bigs from day one. His athleticism and potential for a potent face-up game are intriguing.

He reminds me of Serge Ibaka — not as good in the low post, but maybe a bit more versatile. Already being 22 years old may cap his upside, but it doesn’t concern me much. He’s still raw in many ways, so this pick would require patience. However, his combination of NBA frame, strength, and shooting make him worth monitoring. -Leif

The best man should be the Dolphins’ QB

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One of the first things head coach Brian Flores established when he took command of the Miami Dolphins is that no one on the roster is truly safe.

“I think everyone’s got to work to start in this league and on this team.” Flores said during OTAs. “I think there’s no doubt about that. I would say there’s no sacred cows, not in this game. I think you have to earn what you get. That’s the case for everyone on the team.”

Yet as training camp draws closer, the consensus is that Josh Rosen should start the season regardless of the circumstances. On the surface, it makes complete sense; Ryan Fitzpatrick is obviously not the future of the franchise, and yet throughout the offseason program, all reports indicated that Fitzpatrick was ahead of Rosen by leaps and bounds.

So why, given Flores’ comments, would it be acceptable to name Rosen the starter if everyone knows that Fitzpatrick is outplaying him?

Simple answer. It’s not.

Flores has a unique opportunity here in Miami. There is no established starter at quarterback, for the first time since Ryan Tannehill was drafted back in 2012, there is a legitimate competition to determine who will be throwing the football in 2019.

It behooves any coach to stay true to his word, particularly when he’s first starting out. If he says that all positions are up for grabs, then he must follow through on that statement, especially regarding the most important position on the team. It does not matter that Rosen is younger and has potential to be a franchise QB, it does not matter that the aging Fitzpatrick won’t be here beyond 2020 at the latest. Whoever wins the competition, regardless of the circumstances, should start the season.

That sends a message to the rest of the locker room: no position is above scrutiny. If you perform, you play. If you don’t, you’re benched. Players respect that when even QB is included.

And that is where Josh Rosen could see his chance. If he loses the competition, but Fitzpatrick starts to struggle during the season, Flores gets to keep his word and still let Rosen play and be evaluated.

If Rosen is truly franchise worthy, he won’t need all 16 games to be evaluated. He’ll make it known very quickly that he’s the man. So may the best man win.

 

Luis Sung (@LuisDSung) has written for Dolphins Wire and several other outlets. Photo by Tony Capobianco.

Top Dolphins to target in Fantasy Football

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On paper, the Miami Dolphins are supposed to be dreadful in 2019.  But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a plethora of offensive weapons that could help you win your Fantasy Football league.  And although there is a ton of uncertainty surrounding Brian Flores’ team, the coaching staff, and players alike, there are still plenty of playmakers to target this upcoming season.

Here are the top Dolphins players to target in Fantasy Football in 2019.

The Usual Suspects

 

Kenyan Drake – ADP 47 (HB 25)

Since being drafted in 2016, Drake was severely underutilized by the previous regime.  Furthermore, with a New England-style offense likely to be implemented in Miami, it is anyone’s guess as to whether or not he will get a bulk of the carries.  However, Drake possesses a unique skill-set that many running backs in the league can only dream of.  And for as explosive as he is in the run game, he’s equally as deadly in the passing game.  In 2018, Drake was targeted 73 times in the passing game.  He recorded 53 receptions for 455 yards and 5 touchdowns.  He also carried the football 120 times for 535 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Drake may not have been used the way many had hoped, but he was productive nonetheless.  And in a contract year in 2019, look for Drake to have the best season of his young NFL career.

Kalen Ballage – ADP 140 (HB 53)

Depending on who you ask, Ballage may have a real chance at surpassing Drake on the Dolphins’ depth chart.  Nevertheless, his skill-set is the perfect thunder to Drake’s lightning.  Ballage was impressive in limited action in 2018, but whether or not that will translate in a new offense is yet to be decided.  Additionally, whether you draft Drake and are looking for his handcuff, or believe Ballage can be the bell-cow, he is already one of the top Dolphins’ targets this upcoming fantasy football season.  And is just an injury or big game away from being the Dolphins starter for the foreseeable future.

DeVante Parker – ADP 177 (WR 65)

There are very few certainties in life.  Death, taxes, and DeVante Parker looking like a Hall of Fame wide receiver during OTAs.  Sure, he has never lived up to the high expectations that followed the former 14th-overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.  But the skill-set is still there.  And in a new offense, with a new quarterback, and a new look on life, the time is now for Parker to become the No.1 wide receiver many had hoped.  Truth is, it’s hard to look past the pain that Parker has caused me in fantasy football.  But if he’s ever going to become the wide receiver he believes he can become, 2019 is the year.  As always, draft Parker with extreme caution.

Kenny Stills – ADP 188 (WR 66)

Some would argue that Kenny Stills is the Dolphins’ top receiver heading into this upcoming season.  And after a disappointing 2018 campaign, he will be looking to take his game to the next level in a new offense that could better utilize his skill-set.  Last season, Stills recorded 37 receptions for 553 yards and 6 touchdowns.  Although his impact on a defense doesn’t always reflect on the scoreboard, Stills is currently the fourth Dolphins’ player selected in half-point PPR leagues.  Throughout training camp, we have heard a lot about his repertoire with veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Time will tell how that translates to the regular season, but Stills is the safest fantasy receiver on the roster.  And should be drafted in all fantasy formats.

Albert Wilson – ADP 213 (WR 73)

For those of you that don’t know, Albert Wilson is one of my top fantasy targets in 2019.  And if 2018 is any indication, he’s inline for a big uptick in targets this upcoming season.  However, the one uncertainty that surrounds Wilson remains his health. And if he’s able to recover fully from a hip injury that sidelined him for the second half of the 2018 season, big things are in store for him.  Wilson caught 26/35 targets for 391 yards and 4 touchdowns, last season.  Oh, and he also completed a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant.  Wilson is a threat in all facets of the game.  And could have a Cordarelle Patterson-like impact in Chad O’Shea’s offense.

Best of the rest

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick – ADP 211 (QB 28)

In 2018, Ryan “FitzMagic” Fitzpatrick completed 164/246 passes for 2,366 yards, 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in Tampa Bay.  He also was the first player in NFL history to achieve three consecutive 400-yard games  .  It is uncertain how many games he will start in 2019 but if OTAs are an early indication, he will likely be the Dolphins’ Week 1 starter.

Mike Gesicki – ADP 230 (TE 26)

To say Gesicki was a disappointment last season would be an understatement.  And with just 22 receptions for 202-yards in 2018, one would have to expect a big increase in receptions, yards and touchdowns. (He had zero touchdowns in 2018)  Could he be Miami’s Rob Gronkowski?  Highly unlikely, but he’s worth the gamble towards the end of your fantasy draft.

Josh Rosen – ADP 238 (QB 33)

Rosen has been dealt the short end of the stick throughout most of his football career.  And with a training camp battle vs Ryan Fitzpatrick, it is uncertain whether or not he will be the Dolphins’ week 1 starter.  Nonetheless, Fitzpatrick’s magic won’t last an entire season, which means Rosen will be Miami’s starter sooner rather than later.  And for a guy out to prove he has what it takes to be an NFL quarterback, there’s a chance he could come out firing on all cylinders.  Rosen is currently QB 33, but that will change as we inch closer to the 2019 season.

Mark Walton – ADP 350 (HB 100)

Walton’s status for 2019 is in doubt, after the second-year running back was arrested three times during the offseason.  If he can avoid Roger Goodell’s ban-hammer, he may have some value as a handcuff to Drake or Ballage.

Jakeem Grant – N/A

The man they call ‘Mighty Mouse’ is fully recovered from an Achilles’ injury that sidelined him for most of the 2018 season.  Look for the explosive playmaker to have a big impact this upcoming season and could be a late-round/waiver wire pick up to help you during your playoff push.

Preston Williams – N/A

The 6’4 undrafted wide receiver was spotted working out with Chad Johnson this offseason.  And although it is no guarantee he makes the Dolphins’ 53-man roster, odds are in his favor.  Williams has all the tools to be a No.1 wide receiver.  Whether or not he gets an opportunity in 2019, however, is yet to be determined.

 

Which Dolphins players are you most likely to target in Fantasy Football this season?

(All ADPs were taken from Fantasy Pros using .5 PPR)

This article was written by Josh Houtz (@houtz) he is a Dolphins’ fan that loves long walks on the beach, IPAs, and Fantasy Football

¡Quítenle la Copa del Mundo a Catar!

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Catar no merece ser la sede de una Copa del Mundo de la Fifa.

Cuando su candidatura empezaba a sonar entre las posibles sedes del Mundial de 2022 muchos nos asombramos.

Hoy, a unos tres años de que se lleve a cabo ese mundial allá, sabemos que todo fue comprado, como probablemente fue el mundial de Rusia 2018.

El fútbol sigue empantanado de escándalos, y se sigue destapando el entramado de corrupción que Joseph Blatter y su combo armaron para hacerse millonarios a costa de la pasión que desata este deporte.

La corrupción continúa en la FIFA

Michel Platini, quien llegó a ser en su momento considerado uno de los mejores jugadores de fútbol del planeta, fue detenido por otro escándalo, esta vez relacionado con actos de corrupción en la escogencia de Catar como la sede del Mundial 2022.

¿Se imaginan a Cristiano Ronado o Lionel Messi involucrados en este tipo de prácticas? Así de bajo está cayendo el deporte mas popular del mundo.

Para algunos, estamos muy cerca de la fecha como para cambiar la sede del mundial de fútbol.

Yo siento que es el momento exacto para hacerlo, aunque solamente falte un poco mas de tres años. Catar no merece ser la sede de una Copa del Mundo.

Se está sentando un precedente muy peligroso, aceptando que un país que compró los derechos de la competición mas importante del planeta, se salga con las suyas a pesar de que ya se sabe que obró de una manera deleznable.

Los Estados Unidos o cualquier país de Europa podría ser la sede del mundial en 2022. Creo que esa es solo una excusa barata.

La FIFA, si quiere, puede cambiar esa sede esta misma semana, y obligar a la selección de Catar, que ahora está disputando la Copa América como invitada en Brasil, a que dispute las eliminatorias como el resto de los países.

Los gobernantes corruptos, y esa selección, se están beneficiando de todo el dinero que invirtieron en comprar los votos para ganarse el derecho de ser la sede.

El ejemplo que podría darse a los Catar del futuro

¿Qué mejor ejemplo que dejar a un país con los estadios construídos vacíos mientras el mundial se celebra en otra nación?

Catar construyó estadios espectaculares para albergar este mundial, y es un país en el que el fútbol está creciendo mucho.

De hecho, su selección es la actual campeona de Asia.

Sus jugadores no tienen la culpa, pero se debe dar un ejemplo a sus ejecutivos, y a los ejecutivos de todo el mundo del fútbol al rededor del mundo.

Dejarlos sin Copa, sin cupo al mundial (que jueguen eliminatorias como de costumbre), y con los estadios construídos y vacíos.

Ese debe ser el castigo, si es que la nueva administración de este ente quiere demostrar que de verdad van por un camino diferente.

Si no, será pura alharaca…

 

En Cinco Razones Podcast vamos a ampliar nuestra cobertura de fútbol con Octavio Sequera, Bruno Gómez y un nombre por ser anunciado, para hablar de mas fútbol europeo, sudamericano, y de nuestra MLS, esperando la llegada del Inter Miami. 

Marlins 2020 Schedule

Funny stories from the minor league bus rides

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1,217 baseball players, both high school and college, heard their names selected in the 2019 MLB Draft. The glory of playing in the NCAA Tournament and College World Series will instantly be cashed in for a journey to the big leagues.

But that journey starts in the minor leagues, from the back fields in spring training facilities masquerading as a league to the various small towns in America to cites that look like they missed the cut.

Almost every matinee game ends with a long bus ride to the next venue. Those rides are the toughest part of the lifestyle but usually produce the best minor league stories.

“When you’re on the bus, you see all the crazy things guys try to do to find some sleep,” Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez said in 2018. “I’ve seen guys in the compartments up top lying there. I’ve seen guys with blankets trying to make a hammock. They take memory foams and put it on the ground. Basically guys are smart when it comes to finding their sleep.”

Batavia Muckdogs third baseman Andrew Turner recalled a time during extended spring training when one teammate, Kobie Taylor played a prank on Milton Smith during an hour long bus ride to Port St. Lucie.

“Kobie Taylor made a Craigslist ad in Milton’s name and phone number saying that he was selling a bulldog,” Turner said. “Cutest dog I’ve ever seen in the picture, said he was selling it for about $200 because his family is moving and he can’t keep it anymore. We get on the bus after the game with the Mets and Milton has about 30 missed calls and about 35 text messages all from people saying they want to buy his puppy and Milton had no idea what was going on. The night went on, he said he got 15-20 more calls and texts all throughout the night and the next day Kobie told him and took down the ad so that was pretty funny.”

The best part about that prank was that Smith in fact does not have a dog. Got to be careful about those Craigslist ads.

Marlins pitcher Ben Meyer, who reached the big leagues last season but opened this season in Triple-A New Orleans, recalled a funny result of a long bus ride in the Single-A circuit.

“We’re bussing up to Lakewood, New Jersey, after a game at Greensboro, North Carolina in Low A and we had a sleeper bus,” Meyer said. “So I was on the floor of the bus in a little bed to sleep in. We pulled into the hotel at probably 3 a.m., and I was so passed out that none of my teammates woke me up. I was still asleep and all of a sudden my phone was going off an hour later. ‘Hey! Where are you?’ I’m still sleeping on the bus. I didn’t know everyone got off. I was underneath some seats, it was kind of a weird setup. But I blame my teammate because they knew I was down there and they didn’t wake me up. Everyone was half asleep so they didn’t realize I was down there.”

And that was with a bus ride that went according to plan. What happens when the bus breaks down halfway through a trip in the middle of nowhere? New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit has that story from his time as a St. Louis Cardinals prospect in the Texas League.

“Our bus broke down in the middle of Arkansas,” Voit said last season, “and we had this church bus pick us up. We stayed at a church for three hours while we had to wait for another bus to come from Springfield to pick us up to take us another three hours. Our trainer went out and got us like 100 Taco Bell tacos and so we sat at this church for 3-4 hour eating Taco Bell and playing cards. We didn’t get back until 10:00 in the morning.”

The season’s still young so there are more funny minor league stories to tell.

Why it took the Marlins two drafts and two ownership groups to land Andrew Turner

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The New York-Penn League season began on Friday. Much of the rosters are filled with players that were recently drafted and signed. Among the players that occupy a spot on the Batavia Muckdogs roster, only one had the distinction of being drafted by the Miami Marlins twice.

Andrew Turner was drafted by the Marlins both in 2017 and 2018. Both the current (Derek Jeter/Bruce Sherman) and previous ownership group (David Samson/Jeffery Loria) got a chance to shepherd him to their farm system. It was fitting that the brain trust that actually cared about the minor league system were the ones to land Turner.

Going into the 2017 MLB Draft, Turner had a good feeling that the Marlins would be there to select him after going through their workouts. He found out that he was taken in the 40th round while playing in the Cape Cod League.

He spent the moments prior to opening night monitoring the draft tracker waiting for his name to appear with one of the 30 MLB team logos, but to no avail. It wasn’t until he took the field that his named was called in the 40th round.

“Everyone in my dugout started yelling my name and I came in the dugout and my coach told me,” Turner said. “It was a dream come true. It was everything I worked for and for the next few days everyone was just expecting me to sign. I was getting ready to sign. I left the Cape Cod League because I was going to sign but it just didn’t sit right with me leaving LIU.”

Turner’s main reason behind declining to sign with the Marlins staying at LIU Brooklyn was because he felt that the Blackbirds were close to winning their first conference tournament championship in program history and wanted to be there for it. Despite being a school so small that, “people in Brooklyn themselves have never even heard of it,” has a NCAA Division I athletic program but a baseball team that hasn’t appeared in the postseason since 1972.

“It wasn’t a no,” Turner said, “it was more of I had to return to LIU. So as thankful as I was for the opportunity to go play for the Marlins, I couldn’t say no to LIU. The chance we had, the roommates, we’ve been through everything together and I wanted that chance to go and compete for our first ever championship.”

Turner’s vision came to reality as the Blackbirds defeated Wagner 8-5 in the 2018 Northeast Conference Championship Game. He finished his college career batting .300 with 14 home runs and 77 RBIs in 165 games. He slashed .346/.493/.531 during his senior year.

“It was cool being the first to ever do something with guys who you’ve been through so much with,” Turner said. “We were very bad my freshman and sophomore year at LIU. It was my third coaching staff we’ve been through. There was a lot of turnover, a lot of negativity so to overcome all that with the guys that I’ve been through so much with them and to be the first to ever do something was very cool.”

His performance all season earned him a draft upgrade of one round. The Marlins picked Turner for the second time but in the 39th round.

Turner felt that he was going to get drafted again but the fact that it was the Marlins once again was the shocker.

“I thought for sure that I was going to be another team,” Turner said. “More teams were on me my senior year because I’ve been drafted the previous year. I thought for sure maybe I burned a bridge or somebody else would pick me up sooner and sure enough it was the Marlins. So it did come full circle.”

Turner spent his first pro season with the Gulf Coast League Marlins, a rookie level squad that plays their plays in the backfields of spring training facilities. It may come as a surprise to anyone that this league actually exists. There’s no team website, only the league website, no marketing involved, no ticket prices, hell, no seats. I may sound great to be able to just walk in and watch a free game but it at times look like you’re not supposed to even be there, feeling more like a trespasser than a spectator. Now imagine how it must feel for the players who went from playing in the NCAA Tournament to that.

“I was playing in a regional in front of 6-7,000 people and in a week later you’re playing in front of seven people probably,” Turner said. “It’s very different, took some getting used to. I would say the biggest adjustment honestly was the heat, learning how to survive when bringing out two or three pairs of batting gloves, two or three different pairs of shirts just so you can stay dry on the field. But besides from all that it was good. I think it’s a fresh reminder that it’s not back to the drawing board but you’re back at the bottom and you got to work your way back up.”

In a sense, Turner and Marlins are on the same path. Both the prospect and the team are simultaneously working their way towards the top.

“Coming to the Marlins now, it’s very familiar,” Turner said, “It’s almost like we’re doing the exact same thing I did at LIU.”

 

Progreso de Alcántara y López encamina reconstrucción de los Marlins

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Progreso.

Es lo mínimo que los fanáticos de los Marlins pedían de su equipo al comienzo de una temporada, en la cual se sabía que no sería de las más ganadoras en la historia de la franquicia.

Año dos de Derek Jeter al mando. Un período en el cual él mismo ha confesado que ha puesto a prueba su paciencia. La Pequeña Habana no es el Bronx; tal vez haya sido complicado aceptarlo desde el primer día que intercambió oficinas con David Samson.

No solo fue la adaptación geográfica de Jeter, sino el hecho de entender que el historial negativo de los Marlins lo perseguiría por mucho tiempo. El primer año estuvo plagado de polémica. “¿Vieron lo que hizo Christian Yelich? ¿Qué dijo Giancarlo Stanton sobre la postemporada? Eso no pasaba con Marcell Ozuna en los jardines. Estábamos a dos lanzadores, no hacía falta todo eso…”

Mejor pare usted de contar.

Pero esta tormenta está pasando, y con ella la exigencia irracional por ver incrementada la columna de victorias, en un equipo que no espera rendir esos frutos ahora.

El progreso en 2019 no se mide en victorias

El 2019 no sería evaluado por los triunfos. Estaba en los planes perder muchos encuentros, incluso volver a coquetear con la centena de reveses. Claro, sin llegar a ribetes históricos — llegó un momento en el que el equipo tenía una proyección de 122 derrotas en el año.

Pero el béisbol es muy noble. Es realmente difícil que un equipo pase una temporada completa sin tener al menos una racha positiva. Y los Marlins la tuvieron.

Llegó un momento que Miami era el equipo, junto a los Atléticos, más caliente en todo el béisbol. Un efímero período que pueden significar ciertos destellos del futuro, y no un simple período engranado por la casualidad.

El béisbol es un juego de pitcheo, dicen por ahí, y vaya que los Marlins se lo han tomado en serio. Esta reconstrucción está basada en los lanzadores; no es un secreto.

El progreso de Alcántara y López

Actualmente hay dos serpentineros que el aficionado común de los Marlins debe prestar atención especial. Sí, Caleb Smith, Trevor Richards y José Ureña han tenido sus momentos en esta zafra, pero son Sandy Alcántara y Pablo López quienes tienen la proyección de estar con este equipo por muchos años, hasta que la reconstrucción rinda sus frutos.

Es allí donde la palabra progreso entra en escena. Y no se refleja cuando Sandy está lanzando un blanqueo, o cuando Pablo tira siete tramos en blanco con un solo hit permitido. Sabemos que tienen el talento para hacer eso.

El progreso se evidencia, cuando están descontrolados en la loma, cuando un jonrón les cambia el panorama del juego, cuando no pueden sacar los outs. Cómo reaccionan a eso. A eso se le llama progreso.

Luego de la joya que lanzó en su primera apertura del año, Alcántara tuvo seis salidas que pudieron haber descarrilado a cualquiera. Acumuló récord de 2-5 con 6.25 de porcentaje de carreras limpias permitidas, con 23 boletos y 22 ponches en 36.0 tramos.

A partir de ahí, tiene cuatro aperturas en las que ha acumulado récord de 2-1, con 1.67 de efectividad (cinco carreras limpias en 27 tramos) con nueve ponches y 18 ponches. Progreso.

Ajustes = progreso

El 10 de mayo, López fue vapuleado con 10 carreras en solo 3.0 episodios ante los Mets.

Desde entonces, en cinco salidas, le han hecho seis carreras en 28.2 tramos, con 27 ponches y seis boletos, para una efectividad de 1.88. Incluidos siete episodios de un imparable ante el mismo equipo que ocho días antes lo había maltratado.

Nuevamente, progreso.

Si Sandy Alcántara y Pablo López lucen bien, no hace falta que vean la columna de victorias y derrotas, para saber que la reconstrucción va por buen camino.

Realmente, el nombre de este juego es pitcheo, y como dijo una fuente cercana del equipo, “Creo que estamos listos con los lanzadores. Tenemos un grupo élite”, dijo en estatus de anónimo. “Estamos mucho más cerca de lo que se piensa a nivel nacional”.

 

Por Ricardo Montes de Oca

 

Puedes escuchar los análisis de Ricardo Montes de Oca en este link de Cinco Razones Podcast junto a Alejandro Villegas y Leandro Soto. Nuestros enviados de cortesía al Marlins Park, para que se vea un poco mas lleno