Tag Archive for: baseball

Marlins’ Jesus Sanchez looks towards consistency as a new era of Miami baseball arrives

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CINCINNATI, Ohio – The roster has been ever-changing throughout the 31 years of the Marlins’ existence, especially in this era. Despite Miami being fresh off a rebuild that began in 2018, it’s time to clean house again and start a new era of Marlins baseball. Outfielder Jesus Sanchez has been one of the mainstays in the clubhouse for the last few seasons.

 

It’s no secret that Sanchez is a fan favorite. He hits the balls hard, has been a familiar face, is loved by his teammates, and gives entertaining postgame interviews. With his fifth anniversary of being acquired by the team on the horizon, he reflected on his time with Miami so far.

 

The 2019 trade deadline was exciting for the Marlins–the rebuild was in full gear and it was time to acquire some exciting prospects. Sanchez was one of them, with him and reliever Ryne Stanek getting dealt from the Tampa Bay Rays to Miami in exchange for Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards.

 

“Even though I was growing with the Rays, I knew (Miami) was something special,” Sanchez said via interpreter. “I was excited mostly because of the good Latin community and sharing that moment with them.”

 

It didn’t take long for Sanchez to break through and reach the Major League team. Sanchez debuted just 13 months after the trade, thanks in part to the Marlins being short on bodies due to the team’s infamous COVID-19 outbreak. The growing pains were tough on Sanchez, but he had a good support system and a group of mentors to help him grow as a young player in the league. “Early on, my brother was always there for me to help me out with anything I needed,” Sanchez stated. “But as a Latin player, I leaned a lot on (Starling) Marte, I had (Jorge) Soler, and (Jesus) Aguilar.”

 

It’s hard to believe that Sanchez, the once prized hitting prospect in the Marlins’ system, is nearing his fourth year of service time. Sanchez considers himself a veteran now in the clubhouse, but it still feels weird to him that he’s reached that status. “It’s weird to call myself a veteran, but right now I still feel like I’m gaining a lot of knowledge and growing,” Sanchez said.

 

If you asked Marlins fans what word they’d use to describe Sanchez and the way he plays is “fun.” However, Sanchez himself couldn’t pinpoint a word he’d use to describe himself and the way he plays. I asked if he would then consider himself “unpredictable” and he agreed. Given how hot and cold he can be at the plate sometimes, it would be fitting.

 

Despite the hot streaks and cold spells, Sanchez has occurred throughout the years, he’s still growing as a player. When asked what’s one thing he needs to do to take his game to the next level and potentially become an All-Star, he eagerly stated, “Consistency. I need to be putting the ball in play. Then, I know I’ll get better results.”

 

Simple strategy, right? In his second at-bat Friday night after our conversation, Sanchez belted his eleventh home run of the season, a three-run shot to right field. In July, he’s slashing .357/.379/.857/1.236. It’s been another stretch where Sanchez has been on fire, but again, it’s about the consistency for him.

 

One look at Miami’s record this season says a lot about how the season has gone. However, many fans are continuing to support despite the trade of Luis Arraez and the looming cloud over the team that is trade rumors. Sanchez’s message to the fans was a simple, yet powerful one. “Keep trusting us. We have ups and downs, and we’re obviously down right now–but we have a lot of talent to keep improving,” Sanchez stated.

 

When Sanchez is off the diamond and at home in Miami, he said he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, along with praying every day.

 

Per Marlins insider Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, the Marlins would like to keep Sanchez through the upcoming trade deadline and hope he can find the consistency he’s talked about. While the Marlins are in the midst of a lost season, Sanchez will keep looking to bring the energy and life to the clubhouse.

***
Photos by Tony Capobianco
Marlins in San Francisco

Little League Ready: Dressing Your Toddler for Their First Baseball Game

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Taking your toddler to their first game — so they can be amazed by everything from the hot dogs to the crisp Chicago Cubs jerseys — can be an exciting and memorable experience. Dressing your toddler in adorable and comfy clothes can make the experience much more pleasurable. While there are plenty of online boutiques and retailers that offer a wide variety of toddler girl and toddler boy clothes, you need to understand how to dress your kid for the occasion. 

Comfort is Key

Before heading out to the game, ensure that your toddler is dressed in comfortable clothing. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton that will allow their skin to breathe and keep them cool on a hot day. 

Protection from the Sun

Clothing

Sun protection is crucial, especially when spending time outdoors during peak sun hours. Dress your toddler in a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt to protect their delicate skin from harmful UV rays. 

Go for light colors that reflect the sun’s rays instead of soaking them up. Darker colors tend to retain more heat and can make your child feel uncomfortable. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and hands. 

Accessories

A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will also provide additional protection for their eyes and face. Make sure to look for hats with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating to ensure you get maximum sun protection.

Sunglasses with UV protection are essential for shielding your toddler’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Make sure to choose sunglasses that fit securely and comfortably, as little ones are more likely to keep them on if they’re comfortable.

Team Spirit

Get your toddler excited about the game by dressing them in team colors or a cute little baseball jersey. Not only will they look adorable, but it will also help them feel like part of the action. Many online retailers offer a wide range of baseball-themed clothing options for toddlers, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect outfit. 

Footwear Matters

When it comes to footwear, choose closed-toe shoes that provide adequate support and protection for your toddler’s feet. Avoid sandals or flip-flops that may pose a tripping hazard or expose their feet to potential injuries. 

Comfortable sneakers are a great option, as they will enable your little one to run around and enjoy the game without any discomfort. Look for shoes with a non-slip sole to ensure stability and traction on different surfaces.

Be Prepared for Weather Changes

Weather can get pretty unpredictable, so it’s important to be ready for any changes. Don’t forget to pack a light jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly or bring an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain. It’s always better to be ready for anything than caught off guard by unexpected weather conditions.

Don’t Forget the Snacks!

A day at the ballpark wouldn’t be complete without some tasty snacks. Here are some snack ideas that are convenient, portable, and toddler-friendly:

  1. Fruit Kabobs: Skewer bite-sized pieces of watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and strawberries onto wooden skewers for a refreshing and nutritious snack.
  2. Cheese and Crackers: Pack some sliced cheese and whole-grain crackers for a protein-packed and satisfying snack. You can also try using fun-shaped cookie cutters to make the cheese into exciting shapes.
  3. Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix with a mix of nuts, dried fruits, and whole-grain cereal. Avoid adding any sugary ingredients and opt for unsalted nuts to keep it healthy.
  4. Veggie Sticks with Dip: Cut up carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices and pair them with a small container of hummus or ranch dip for a crunchy and refreshing snack.
  5. Mini Sandwiches: Make some mini sandwiches using whole-grain bread and fillings such as turkey, cheese, and lettuce. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
  6. Homemade Energy Balls: Prepare homemade energy balls using ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruits. These bite-sized treats are packed with nutrients and provide a quick energy boost.
  7. Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn, lightly seasoned with a sprinkle of salt or herbs, is a low-calorie snack option that little ones will enjoy.
  8. Mini Muffins: Bake a batch of mini muffins using whole-grain flour and add ingredients like blueberries, shredded carrots, or mashed bananas for added flavor and nutrition.

Remember to pack some extra wipes and tissues for any spills or sticky fingers. 

Capture the Memories

Finally, don’t forget to capture those adorable moments of your little one’s first baseball game. Whether it’s their first bite of a hot dog, their excitement at seeing their favorite player, or their attempts at imitating the players on the field, these memories are absolutely priceless.

 

How do the Marlins get back on track?

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Miami (66-65) hosted the Washington Nationals (61-70) for a three-game set and Washington ended up taking two out of three games from the Fish.

 

The inconsistencies with this Marlins squad continued as they struggled all weekend with putting the bat on the ball and driving in enough runs to win games. 

 

The post All-Star break numbers are abysmal for Miami. They hold the third-lowest record in baseball since the break with a record of 13-26 and are just 8-15 in the month of August. 

Things need to turn around quickly if Miami wants to keep their Wild Card chances alive. 

 

Here are takeaways from the series. 

 

Braxton Garrett’s solid start is not enough

 

Garrett struck-out three in six innings of work. He also gave up seven hits and three earned runs that included a two-run home run. 

 

The home run came off the bat of Nationals third baseman Carter Kieboom in the sixth inning when Garrett threw him a mistake hanging curveball that Kieboom crushed to left field. 

 

But besides that mistake pitch, Garrett pitched very well. At least enough to keep it close for the Marlins to have a chance to win. 

 

“I wanted the shutdown inning there and I just felt like I let the team down a little bit,” Garrett said about the home run he gave up in the sixth inning after the game. “But overall, it was good…I didn’t make a ton of mistakes tonight at all and made really good pitches.”

 

The Marlins had just three hits and no runs against Washington’s starting pitcher Joan Adon. So it was another day where a Miami starting pitcher failed to get run support. 

 

“I think he honestly threw one bad curveball that kind of cost him a couple runs,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said about Garrett’s performance after the game. “Otherwise Brax (Garrett) did what he needed to do…to win a game and we just couldn’t get anything going against their starter.”

 

Luis Arraez does not like the month of August

 

Arraez has been dealing with a cold stretch at the plate throughout the month of August. 

 

This month, Arraez is batting 22-for-97 (.227 avg) with his on-base percentage at just .235. 

 

His batting average has also dipped mightily as the season has progressed, sitting at .350 after getting it as high as .402 back on June 23. 

 

During the three-game series, Arraez was just 2-for-12 at the plate which is extremely uncharacteristic for a guy with elite bat-to-ball skills.

 

The Marlins offense relies on the play from Arraez. If he’s playing well, Miami plays well. But if he doesn’t, well, we’ve seen what’s been happening. 

 

Eury Pérez is going to be special

 

Pérez threw six innings and allowed two hits, one run (unearned), one walk and collected seven strikeouts. 

 

Despite Pérez throwing a gem, the Marlins decided to take him out of the game after six innings and 76 pitches to preserve his arm. 

 

“He’s still on innings limits here,” Schumaker said about pulling Pérez out of the game after six innings. “You’ve got to pick and choose when to push and when not to and we’ve got a fresh bullpen and so we were maybe going to get one more inning out of him.”

 

Schumaker went on to say, “Where he’s (Pérez) at in his career and this season, that was going to be it right there no matter what.”

 

In 15 games for the Marlins this season, Pérez has an ERA of 2.68 and is averaging 10.95 strikeouts per nine innings. 

 

“I feel great,” Pérez said after Game 2. “…Feeling great, I’m healthy. Trying to have fun out there and trying to put my team in a good position (to win).”

 

Miami’s scouting department has been doing a fantastic job as they continue to find young and talented pitchers. Guys like Sandy Alcantara, Braxton Garrett and Pérez are going to make this rotation elite for the coming years. 

 

Let me remind you that Pérez is also just 20 years old. 

 

What happened to David Robertson?

 

This is not what Miami had in mind when they traded for a veteran relief pitcher in David Robertson back on July 28 in exchange for a couple of young prospects in Marco Vargas and Ronald Hernandez. 

 

In nine games for the Marlins this year, Robertson has an 8.00 ERA and just three saves in six save opportunities. He’s also given up two home runs and opponents are batting .289 against him.

 

“He’s done it before. That’s why we got him,” Schumaker said about Robertson’s struggles in a Marlins uniform. “He’s been the ninth inning, big spots, postseason tested. And it’s not a lack of effort…All the guys are giving everything they’ve got and I think that’s what makes it even tougher.”

 

Miami was holding onto a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth inning of Game 2 and Robertson came in the game to close it out. 

 

He had some traffic on the bases but eventually found himself with two outs and two strikes against Nationals left fielder Jake Alu. But, Alu would hit a grounder up the middle to tie the game at two a piece. 

 

The next batter, catcher Jacob Stallings was charged with a passed ball which drove in another run for the Nationals and ultimately gave them a 3-2 victory. 

 

“This is just a crappy outing by me,” Robertson said about his blown save after Game 2. “Went out there and blew the game for the guys. It was pathetic. Threw the ball like crap, didn’t get any outs. Just didn’t make any pitches.”

 

It’s not like the Marlins traded for a bad reliever by any means. This guy was lights out with the New York Mets this season. He had a 2.06 ERA with 12 saves in 15 opportunities. Opponents were batting just .207 against him as well. 

 

Miami needs Robertson to somehow get back to his previous form if they want to make a final push for the postseason. 

 

The Marlins will have a day off tomorrow and play the Tampa Bay Rays for a two-game series. Game 1 is on Tuesday, August 29 with the first pitch at 6:40 p.m. ET on Bally Sports Florida. 

 

Miracle comeback gives Marlins the series vs. Yankees: 5 Takeaways

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The New York Yankees (60-58) rolled into LoanDepot Park to play the Miami Marlins (62-57) in a three-game set and the cardiac Fish were in full force. 

 

Trailing 7-3 heading into the ninth inning, Miami would end up scoring five runs to come back and not only win the game, but the series as well. I’m telling you, this team does not quit. 

 

But pitching was a bit questionable for Miami. 

 

Other than Sandy Alcantara’s complete game on Saturday, the Marlins starting pitchers really struggled against New York’s lineup.

 

Shortstop Anthony Volpe came up big for the Yankees as he hit a couple of home runs over the series. Right fielder Aaron Judge made his presence known by hitting a moonshot to center field in Game 1. Second baseman Gleyber Torres stole a career-high three bases in Game 3. 

 

But in the end, the Marlins found a way to win and are very much alive in that playoff chase. 

 

Here are five takeaways from the series. 

 

Jesus Luzardo’s outing to forget

 

It was a rough time on the mound for Marlins left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo. 

 

Luzardo got the start in Game 1 of the series and he did not look comfortable at all out there right from the jump. 

 

In just 3.1 innings, Luzardo gave up nine hits, seven earned runs that included a couple of homers off the bat of Anthony Volpe and Aaron Judge and one walk. We’re so used to seeing him put up impressive strikeout numbers but he only had two on the night. 

 

The second inning was where most of the damage was done. 

 

He allowed five hits and both of the home runs came in the second inning. 

 

The 3.1 innings were his lowest of the season while also giving up a season-high in hits and earned runs. 

 

ANOTHER complete game from Sandy

 

Alcantara looked the best he’s looked all year in Saturday’s game. 

 

He threw a complete game, the 12th of his career and an MLB-leading third on the season. 

 

“I think my consistency, throwing a strike,” Alcantara said about what was working for him after the game. “I think they (Yankees) just was (were) very aggressive today.”

 

In nine innings, Alcantara allowed five hits, one earned run, two walks and struck-out 10 Yankee hitters on 116 pitches. 

 

He now has 13 career double-digit strikeout games which puts him at a tie for second on the Marlins all-time leaderboard with Ricky Nolasco. Jose Fernandez sits at the top of the list with 18 games. 

 

“It was a really impressive outing at a time where our team needed it the most,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said about Alcantara’s outing after the game. 

 

If he can get back to his form that he was at a season ago, the Marlins just might have their ace back. 

 

Luis Arraez hit a ball into the upper deck 

 

Yes, you read that right. Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez hit just his fourth home run of the season against Yankees reliever Michael King in the first inning of Game 2. 

 

Arraez turned around a 97 mph fastball from King and sent the ball to the upper deck in right field. The home run ball’s distance was 409 feet, the longest of his career. 

 

“I just prepared my mind,” Arraez said about what he was looking for before his home run. “…I just lay action to that pitch. 97 (mph) inside and I just used my hands.”

 

Of course, Arraez isn’t known for his power, but by the way he consistently finds a way to put the ball in play.

 

“That was a tough pitch, 97 (mph) in on his hands,” Shumaker said about Arraez’s home run after Game 2. “He’s been working, he’s been kind of pissed off that he hasn’t been producing lately…He’s hitting .370 still so I think he’s going to be ok.”

 

Eury Perez hasn’t looked good

 

It’s been a rough couple of starts since being called back up to the Marlins for right-hander Eury Perez. 

 

He was on the mound for Game 3 of the series and it didn’t go as smooth as he hoped for. 

 

Perez logged four innings, allowed four hits, four earned runs, two walks and had five strikeouts. 

 

Perez allowed four runs in his last outing also which was against the Reds. 

 

He looked lights-out before being sent down back in early July and he just hasn’t performed at the same level as of late. It’ll be interesting to see if he can get it going going forward. 

 

A comeback for the ages

 

It was all Yankees in Game 3, at least for the first eight innings. 

 

Trailing 7-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, things looked bleak for the Marlins. 

 

“Let’s go Yankees” chants can be heard echoing around LoanDepot Park, fans were heading out of the stadium to beat the traffic and it was all smiles in the Yankees dugout. Until, Yuli Gurriel hit a leadoff double off of right-handed reliever Clay Holmes. 

 

The Marlins suddenly started to find their groove, stringing together some great at-bats. Nick Fortes hit an infield single, Jazz Chisholm Jr. drew a walk and next thing you know, the bases are loaded for Josh Bell. 

 

Bell would put a ball in play and Holmes had an errant throw to first base which allowed two runs to score for Miami. 

 

Arraez would then hit a two-RBI triple to tie the game at 7-7. In a blink of an eye, that Yankee lead evaporated. 

 

Jake Burger would eventually hit a single to walk it off for the Marlins in what was the game of the year. 

 

The Fish rallied for five runs in the ninth to win the game 8-7 and the weekend series two games to one. 

 

The Marlins will play the Houston Astros next for a three-game series in Miami. Game 1 will be on Monday, Aug. 14 with a 6:40 p.m. ET first pitch on Bally Sports Florida. 

Kim Ng Marlins

Miami Marlins need to be deadline buyers

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The Marlins find themselves in the midst of one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Waking up on Sunday morning with a record of 56-49, they are 0.5 GB of a wild card spot, with a game left in the Detroit series and the most important series of the year coming up against the Philadelphia Phillies.

 

The Fish need reinforcements. As currently constructed, I find it to be a difficult task to reach the postseason. Skip and the coaching staff have managed the team to this point, but now they need help. They already have traded for two relievers in Jorge Lopez in a deal that sent Dylan Floro to the Twins and secured David Robertson in a deal with the Mets for two promising Minor Leaguers. 

 

However, they need more.

 

In this article we will look at names that the Marlins have been linked to.

 

Cody Bellinger, Cubs

 

Cody is in the midst of a bounce back season. He is slashing .315/.368/.540 with an OPS+ of 142. All of this with elite defense in the outfield as he is in the 91st percentile in Outs Above Average. 

 

The Marlins have been linked to Cody for the second trade deadline in a row, there is no secret that they are fans of his. But with the Cubs on an 8 game winning streak and seemingly resurging their season, I find it unlikely that they will deal for him as the Cubs now view the season as salvageable. 

 

Jeimer Candelario, Nationals

 

Candelario is an interesting name as his market in the offseason seemed to be limited. His 2022 campaign with Detroit was not what he had hoped for as he hit .217/.272/.361 with an OPS+ of 82. He signed with the Nationals as a sort of “prove it” deal and he has greatly outperformed the expectations. 

 

Now he sets himself as a prime candidate to be traded due to his .823 OPS so far this season. I can confirm the Marlins are greatly intrigued by what he could bring to the table, and that they have inquired on his services.

 

Paul DeJong, Cardinals

 

The St. Louis Cardinals are an interesting team. They are not normally sellers, they have been one of the model organizations for a long time in this sport. The 2023 season has not treated them nicely as they are greatly underperforming finding themselves in last place of the NL Central with a record of 46-60.

 

DeJong is another candidate that the Marlins have been linked to. Per Andres Bolivar from Con Las Bases Llenas, the Marlins have inquired on him as well as an outfielder. DeJong is an elite defensive shortstop with his bat coming in second in terms of his skillset. 

 

I find him as an interesting name to be linked to as he is not known for his offensive prowess and that is what the Marlins are in dire need of. Slashing .236/.300.417 with an OPS+ at 94 and a Baseball Savant page that looks disenchanting, I would only see him being dealt to Miami in a case where the Marlins cannot get what they want elsewhere.

 

Eloy Jimenez, White Sox

 

Eloy would immediately become the second best bat in the lineup behind Luis Arraez. He is a slugger who will bring power to a lineup that desperately needs it. He is slugging .477 and has an OPS+ of 119. The issue with Eloy is durability. Since 2021, he has only played in 211 of 431 possible games. His talent is unquestionable but for a team who is looking for a late season push it is a risk to take him on, especially when one of the team’s stars is also hurt a lot in Jazz Chisholm Jr. 

 

Another caveat to a potential Eloy deal is the fact that the roster fit is not necessarily the best. He is exclusively a DH. The Marlins already have Jorge Soler, who is having a fine season. Perhaps you can teach him to play 1st Base, but do you want to plug in a player to a new position when they already have an injury history while playing minimal defense? These are all valid questions.

 

Tim Anderson, White Sox

 

Possibly the ultimate buy-low candidate is none other than the shortstop on the Southside of Chicago. Having the worst season of his career by far, Anderson is an interesting name to monitor as we approach the deadline. 

 

Slashing .245/.286/.293 he surely won’t net much of a return for the White Sox unless attached with someone else which might influence the team to keep him, as they have claimed they do not want to undergo another rebuild. 

 

Whatever team trades for him, they must remember that Anderson has a club option for the 2024 season, which if it is picked up, he will be owed $14 Million Dollars.

 

The Rest:

 

While I spoke on some offensive players the Marlins are linked to, below are some pitchers as well.

 

These names include Jordan Montgomery* and Jack Flaherty from the Cardinals as well as Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers.

 

Montgomery is having the best season of his career, sporting a solid 3.42 ERA with a 108/35 K/BB ratio. Adding him would make an already solid rotation, all the more competitive.

 

*Montgomery was traded to the Texas Rangers, as I was working on this article.

 

Flaherty, while he has dealt with injuries in the past, is finally healthy and is putting up a decent season. 106/54 K/BB with a FIP of 4.23. Perhaps the Marlins believe they can unlock something from the former 1st rounder to make a final .

 

Lorenzen is having a solid year and is garnering a lot of interest around the league, the Marlins being one of them. His 3.58 ERA along with his 83/27 K/BB ratio and his ability to come out of the bullpen, would give the Marlins a swiss army knife as the season winds down. 

 

The Fish have dealt with injuries to their rotation all season. Cueto was out for multiple months and Trevor Rogers has only pitched in 18 innings this season. The Marlins are looking for a starter to come in and provide solid outings and eat innings, especially as the team gears up for Eury Perez’ return.

 

2023 has treated the Marlins nicely and team interest in South Florida is on the rise. Nearly 33 thousand showed up on Saturday afternoon to watch the Marlins take on the TIgers on Venezuelan Heritage day at the park.

 

It would be wise of the team to capitalize on the buzz surrounding the team and prove to the fans they are committed to win by making some win-now moves.

 

Marlins series Phillies

Five Takeaways after the Marlins Sweep the Red Sox

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The Miami Marlins are a wagon.

 

Winners of five straight, the Fish completed the three-game sweep in Boston on Thursday night.

 

In what could have easily been a let-down series for Miami, perhaps looking ahead to Atlanta this weekend, the Marlins dominated the three-game set from beginning to end.

 

Entering the series, the Marlins hadn’t won a game at Fenway since 2009, hadn’t won a series at Fenway since 1997, and had never swept a series at Fenway in franchise history.

 

History was rewritten.

 

Dominant pitching performances, an offensive explosion, and the return of a familiar face propelled the team to reach 14 games over .500.

 

The Marlins join local counterparts the Miami Heat and Florida Panthers on the list of teams to decisively take care of business against Boston teams in their own building in the last 60 days.

 

The inevitable restraining order from the City of Boston should be arriving in South Florida any second.

 

The takeaways:

 

Ya Like Jazz?

 

He’s back.

 

After missing six weeks with a toe injury, Jazz Chisholm Jr. made his highly anticipated return to the diamond.

 

With the middle of the line up struggling to produce for much of the season, manager Skip Schumaker immediately slotted the budding superstar into the clean-up spot in each of the three games.

 

Jazz made his presence felt immediately.

 

In his first at-bat since May 13, Chisholm ripped a double off the center-field wall. On the next pitch, Garrett Cooper lofted a single to right field — and it was showtime for Jazz. The 25-year-old went flying around third base, topping the play off with an absolutely insane slide at the plate, avoiding the tag. That speed, aggression, and just overall excitement are things the Marlins are ecstatic to have back. 

 

The MLB the Show cover athlete went 5-12 (.417), driving in five runs over the three-game set, including three hits and three RBIs in his first game back on Tuesday. 

 

Following his big game in the opener, Jazz homered in each of the next two games, both no-doubt shots to dead center. Thursday night’s long ball was especially memorable, as Chisholm gave us one of the most cold-blooded pimp jobs in recent memory. 

 

Immediately after contact, the “Bahamian Prince” turned his back to the field, staring down the Red Sox faithful behind home plate. This celebration was right out of the Steph Curry playbook, as the Warriors’ point guard is known to occasionally turn his back to the basket before his three-point shot goes in. When asked postgame if he knew the ball was gone right off the bat, the Marlins star said, “A hundred percent.” 

 

As you can imagine, Fenway Park erupted in boos as Chisholm rounded the bases and finished with his patented “Euro-step” before crossing home plate. What did Jazz think about being booed by more than 36,000 people? 

“I love it.” 

 

Jazz Chisholm Jr. joins Matthew Tkachuk and Jimmy Butler as the latest South Florida superstar to add their name to the City of Boston’s “Most Hated Athletes” list. 

 

Marlins’ Starters Shine

 

Sandy Alcántara, Braxton Garrett and Jesús Luzardo got the start in Games 1 through 3 respectively, and they absolutely shoved. 

 

Alcántara: 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 5 K

Garrett: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 K

Luzardo: 6 ⅓ IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 9 K

 

Utter dominance.

 

Alcántara bounced back in a big way after getting knocked around in his previous start against the Blue Jays. The reigning Cy Young Award winner has not pitched up to his standards set last season, but Tuesday’s start is a massive step in the right direction. 

 

Garrett continued to add to his under-the-radar, All-Star-caliber season. Aside from a hanging curveball that Rafael Devers hit into the right-field bleachers, the southpaw was untouchable. His sinker-cutter combo induced weak contact all night, and would have continued to do so had it not been for a 1-hour, 13-minute rain delay that ultimately ended Garrett’s night. 

 

Luzardo arguably had his best start of the season last time out against the Pirates, and he followed it up with another masterclass. The lefty was toying with Boston hitters, and at one point retired 17 consecutive batters. The Parkland native has now thrown 17 straight scoreless innings.

 

This might be a hot take — but I don’t care: The Miami Marlins have the best rotation in the National League, top to bottom.

 

Marlins starters own the National League’s best ERA, WHIP, opponent AVG, opponent OPS, and K/9.

 

Give them the respect they deserve.

 

Bullpen? Nails.

 

In addition to the starters, the bullpen was lockdown as well, only giving up one run over 8 ⅔ innings and striking out 13. 

 

Huascar Brazobán, Tanner Scott and Andrew Nardi were terrific in middle-relief roles, and closer A.J. Puk converted both of his save opportunities.

 

The pen has been a pleasant surprise for Miami, and Puk has been at the forefront of that success.

 

With 13 saves and a 2.88 ERA, the former University of Florida standout has given the Marlins stability in the closer’s role for the first time in recent memory.

 

In addition to Puk, Scott and Nardi have been revelations.

 

After subpar performances in 2022, the two southpaws have come out sharp in 2023.

 

Tanner Scott has pitched to a 3.23 ERA compared to a 4.31 ERA last season, and has shown a major improvement in control this season (6.61 BB/9 in 2022 to 3.69 in 2023).

 

Andrew Nardi is as unsung of a hero as you’ll find. Last season as a rookie, the lefty pitched in 13 games. Over 14 ⅔ innings, the former University of Arizona Wildcat surrendered 25 hits, 16 earned runs and 14 walks. Yikes. 

 

But so far this season Nardi has transformed himself into one of Schumaker’s most trusted relievers, pitching to a 2.55 ERA over 35 ⅓ innings. Nardi is one of the best bullpen pieces in baseball, and absolutely deserves All-Star consideration.

 

The Marlins have been waiting years to have a bullpen they can feel confident in. 

 

And, man, does it feel good.

 

Luis Arráez: All-Star Starter

 

The fans got it right.

 

The most notable acquisition of the offseason, Arráez was coming off a stellar 2022 campaign, making the American League All-Star team and winning the AL batting crown.

 

Due to that success, coupled with the Marlins giving up a potential ace (Pablo Lopez) to acquire the 26-year old second baseman, expectations for Arráez were sky high entering the season.

 

He has exceeded every single one of them.

 

From hitting for the first cycle in franchise history, to flirting with .400 all season, to almost putting a hole in first-base coach Jon Jay’s chest every time he gets a hit, Arráez has given Marlins fans something that they have not had in a long time — belief. 

 

And now, he will make the organization proud yet again, representing them as the NL starting second baseman in the Mid-Summer Classic. 

 

When asked about hearing the news from Skip Schumaker on Thursday, Arráez was humbled.

 

“I almost cried there, [it was] emotional… I give it [all] to my teammates, to my family, to the fans who support me,” Arráez said.

 

He has made Marlins baseball relevant again.

 

Braves On Deck

 

The biggest series of the season has arrived.

 

The Marlins, winners of 11 of their last 14, travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves, winners of 13 of their last 14.

 

These are two of the hottest teams in baseball, and there should be fireworks this weekend.

 

This series will serve as a litmus test for the Fish, as the Braves have been the standard across Major League Baseball this season.

 

The Marlins have Bryan Hoeing, Eury Pérez and Sandy Alcántara on the bump, three right-handers who are at the top of their game coming into this three-game set.

 

The spotlight will be on the Miami Marlins this weekend, something that hasn’t been said since 2003.

 

Buckle up. 

 

Which MLB Teams Should You Bet on in the 2023 Season?

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Are you a fan of baseball betting? Then you probably want to know who the best MLB teams are to bet on when the 2023 season officially starts. 

In MLB, there are a handful of teams that you can rely on more than others when it comes to placing moneyline bets. At the same time, there are also underdog teams that are known for shocking fans every couple of seasons.

If you don’t know already, a moneyline bet is when you bet on which team you think is going to win – the favorite or the underdog. 

To find out more, check out the list of teams detailed below that will be worth your money when the 2023 season starts. 

Where Can You Bet on MLB Games? 

To bet on MLB games, simply use an online sportsbook like Unibet Sportsbook. 

Providing you’re above the legal gambling age, you can make an account and place as little or as many bets as you like. 

Now, when it comes to MLB betting, it’s highly recommended you start with a budget. There’s a base number of 162 games per season, which is a lot of baseball to watch. You can spread your budget out over the season and adjust it accordingly depending on how many bets you win. As a sports betting fan, you should aim for a 55% success rate or higher. 

With that said, here are the MLB teams that are worth betting on in the 2023 season:

Houston Astros 

The Houston Astros are the defending World Series champions with a lot to prove. In the 2023 season, they’ll be looking to win their third title with the help of their all-star players, including Justin Verlander, Kyle Tucker, and Jeremy Peña. In particular, Justin Verlander is worth looking out for, as he’s currently considered the best pitcher in the world. He’s still young, too, meaning he’s likely to keep on improving throughout the 2023 season and beyond. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Last season, the Dodgers posted the highest single-season run differential since the previous record set by the Yankees in 1939. This is the main reason why they’re the favorites to win the championship heading into the 2023 season (make no doubt about it, the Dodgers are likely to have an amazing run come October time). 

San Francisco Giants

Thirdly, there’s the San Francisco Giants. 

The Giants are what you would call a ‘sleeper team’ for the 2023 season. This means that they might surprise a few people and have a more successful season than originally imagined. 

If you flashback to the 2022 MLB season, you’ll remember that it was jam-packed with shocks and surprises, such as when the Baltimore Orioles made it to above .500 playoff contenders. 

So, keep your eyes on the Giants in 2023. It was only a couple of years ago, back in 2021, when they hit 107 wins (an all-time record for them). Sure, they slumped again in 2022, but a big comeback could be on the horizon. If they pick a couple of free agents up, such as Aaron Judge, they could start making some positive moves. 

 

8 Baseball Facts Even The Biggest Fans May Not Know

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Baseball is a great sport for facts and stats, but some fall through the cracks, and not even the biggest fans know them. Here are eight of the greatest.

Two Yankees Managers Share The World Series Win Record

The New York Yankees have been dominating baseball since the glory days of Babe Ruth. It should come as no surprise that two of their managers share the record for most World Series wins at seven each; Joe McCarthy (1931-1946) and Casey Stengel (1949-1960)

 

The Manager With The Most Wins Also Has The Most Losses

The manager who has achieved the most career wins is Connie Mack, who managed the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1950. He has also racked up the most career losses. This is probably because of his 50-year managerial career and may not be repeated with the level of staff turnover we see today.

 

Joe DiMaggio Married Marylin Monroe

For non-baseball fans, this is probably the only fact you know about any baseballer. Joe DiMaggio married Marylin Monroe in 1954, but the union only lasted 9 months; less than a full season. Joe’s biggest achievements on the field include his 56-game hitting streak, a record that still stands today. The linked article on Joe DiMaggio has even more great facts about the legendary player. 

 

The First Pro Team Was The Cincinnati Red Stockings

Back in 1866, the first professional baseball team was formed. The Cincinnati Baseball Club wore red stockings and was the first team to recruit and pay players. This was so they could tour the country and play other amateur teams at Union Cricket Club Grounds.

 

Two Players Share The Longest Career Record

Both these players had an astonishing 27-year career in professional baseball, though they did it in different centuries. Cap Anderson played from 1871 to 1897, setting his record in baseball’s early days. Nolan Ryan managed to play for 27 seasons between 1966 and 1993, an amazing amount of time for the modern game.

 

Yogi Berra Holds Two World Series Records

No player has won more World Series titles than Yogi Berra, and he also holds the record for most World Series appearances. The hall-of-famer played in 14 World Series in his career, walking away with 10 wins and the rings to match; one for all his fingers and thumbs.

 

Only Three Players Have Hit Over 700 Career Home Runs

Babe Ruth hit three homers in his last game in May 1935, setting a career record of 714 home runs. It took another 39 years for his record to be broken by Hank Aaron in 1974, who finished his career on 755. This record lasted until Barry Bonds hit his 756th in 2007, finishing his career on 762 which is the career record to this day.

 

Speaking Of Hank Aaron…

The career record for the most runs batted in (RBI) stands at 2,297, set by Hank Aaron over his 21 years as a pro-baller. He played for the Braves for 19 seasons and finished up at the Milwaukee Brewers for the last two years of his astounding career.

Baseball is the sport of kings, and the names featured in these facts are true kings of the game. Next time you are shooting the breeze with a baseball fan, drop some of these big facts into the conversation.

Mets easily sweep Marlins: 5 Takeaways

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The New York Mets (64-37) came to town to face the Miami Marlins (47-55) in what felt like a one-sided series. 

Not only did the Marlins get swept in the three-game weekend series, but to make things worse, LoanDepot Park was flooded with Mets fans. It felt like the Mets were the home team and with nothing much for Marlins fans to cheer about through each game, there was nothing they could do to drown out the “Let’s go Mets!” chants that echoed throughout the ballpark.

I don’t blame Marlins fans for not showing up to the stadium though. Why would they spend the extra money to watch a losing product on the field? Until some major changes start to happen and the Marlins win consistently, the fans won’t show up and support.

It was a disappointing weekend for the Miami Marlins. 

Here are five takeaways from the series. 

 

Trouble For Sandy

Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara pitched Game 1 of the series and he didn’t look like his usual self. 

The Marlins actually gave Alcantara run support, something that hardly occurs, and produced three runs in the bottom of the first inning. 

But that 3-0 lead didn’t hold for long, as the Mets answered right back in the second inning and scored three runs of their own. The Marlins did score another run of their own in the second inning to regain the lead, but a home run by former Marlin Starling Marte in the fourth inning tied the game at four. Alcantara would eventually pitch the fifth inning but shortly after, his night was done. 

Alcantara finished the game pitching five innings and allowed eight hits, four earned runs, and three walks. He also posted five strikeouts. 

The Marlins’ ace had his worst outing of the year and the only thing that I can think of that explains why is that he had faced the Mets four times already this year. Because New York’s offense had already seen him a number of times, his stuff isn’t as deceiving as it normally would be against any other club.

It seems as if when Alcantara is on his game, the Marlins fail to produce runs. But when Miami does score runs, Alcantara has an off night. 

 

Mets Offense Too Much To Handle

The Mets lineup is good. Like really, really good.

It felt like Miami had no idea how to get New York’s hitters out. And if they did get someone out, the next guy in the order did damage. 

Marte was a double shy of hitting for the cycle against Alcantara in Game 1. That’s when Miami could guess that they were in for a rude awakening. 

Over the three games, Mets hitters had an absurd average of .339 (39-for-115). They also averaged 6.3 runs per game and had 18 extra-base hits. If you’re the Marlins and you know that you’re on the brink of a possible wild-card spot, that cannot happen. 

“Every guy seems to fight you,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said about the difficulties facing the Mets. “There’s no really easy outs up and down that lineup. It’s a battle to get through there.”

If the Mets can hit like this now, imagine how they will be after the trade deadline. There were some rumblings about a possibility of acquiring catcher Willson Contreras from the Chicago Cubs. Plus Jacob deGrom is making his 2022 debut this week, so there’s no doubt this team will be scary. 

 

Leblanc Excels In Debut Series

Marlins third baseman Charles Leblanc made his MLB debut on Saturday and he made his name known on both sides of the ball.

In the seventh inning of Game 2, Leblanc made a spectacular diving play on a ground ball hit in his direction and he threw to first base just in time to get the runner out. 

During the two games he played in, Leblanc went 3-for-7 (.428 BA) and hit a couple of doubles. He was the only player in Marlins history to record a double in each of his first two MLB games. 

On top of that, Leblanc hit his first career home run in the bottom of the sixth inning during Game 3. 

“It was a blacked out moment, I don’t remember much,” Leblanc said about what he felt during his first home run. “I saw something over the plate and that was it.”

In Triple-A Jacksonville, Leblanc had a .302 batting average and an OPS of .884. He also had 14 home runs and 45 RBIs. 

Marlins fans have been begging for the organization to call Leblanc up to the Majors and you can see why. 

 

Why Did Miami Start Pablo?

All week, right-hander Pablo Lopez’s name has been swirling around the league as the trade deadline draws closer. 

Many people assumed that because of Miami’s current situation, Lopez would be on the move as soon as the front office received a deal they liked. 

“A deal that really helps us has to present itself,” Marlins General Manager Kim Ng said about Lopez’s trade situation. “We’re not out there looking to move Pablo (Lopez)…but we’re listening on all fronts.”

Because Miami had yet to make a move with Lopez, he started Sunday’s game against the Mets and looking back on it now, I’m sure the front office surely regrets throwing him out there. 

Lopez had without a doubt his worst start of the season. By the top of the third inning, all nine Mets batters had a hit. Lopez finished his brief afternoon with 2.2 innings pitched, allowing six earned runs and a career-high 12 hits. 

Lopez’s trade value has in all likelihood plummeted and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Marlins just hold on to him and not trade him at all. If the front office didn’t like the returns they heard for Lopez earlier in the week, they for sure won’t like them after his performance on Sunday. 

 

What Exactly is the Front Office’s Approach?

What is Ng and the Marlins organization currently thinking? 

Surely they would be sellers, right? Apparently, that’s not so easy to tell because we haven’t gotten a clear-cut answer as of now. 

Starting Lopez just a couple days prior to the trade deadline looked suspicious. Why risk having a player like Lopez’s value go down when they can trade him while his value’s high after a spectacular outing against the Reds earlier in the week? Maybe Lopez has been a player that Miami has been planning to keep all along amidst the trade rumors. But why keep him when his contract is set to expire by the end of the season? 

“I think the objective is always to try and better yourself,” Ng told the media about the team’s objective heading into the trade deadline. “I think where we are in the standings…I’m not sure whether we’re going to be a clear buyer or a clear seller. I think it’s a little bit more complex than that.” 

It’s obvious that Ng doesn’t want to reveal the team’s exact plans to the public, but given that they are eight games under .500 and have around a 1.5% chance to make the playoffs, it would be surprising if they buy at the deadline. We’ll see what the Marlins do in the next couple of days. 

The Marlins will try and bounce back from this brutal series as they face the Cincinnati Reds (40-61) for a three-game series from Monday through Wednesday. 

 

******

Photo by Tony Capobianco

Marlins split series vs. Reds: 5 Takeaways

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The Miami Marlins (47-52) split the four-game series against the last-place Cincinnati Reds (38-60). 

It was an up-and-down four-game stretch for the Fish, but they rallied in the end and found a way to win the last game to split the series. 

The Marlins have not been playing the way they wanted to and I’m positive that they are not happy with splitting a series against a poor Reds team. They should’ve won at least three out of the four games, but the offense hit a wall during the bulk of the series and their pitching couldn’t win them games on their own without having enough runs on the board. 

It was a tough Game 1 as the Marlins lost 11-2. Game 2 was better because they won 2-1 but then the next day, they fell 5-3. The offense finally woke up in Game 4 of the series as they won 7-6. But this theme of inconsistency keeps showing up throughout the season. At the end of the day, how can the Marlins be a consistent ball club?

Here are five takeaways from the series. 

 

Trevor Rogers Likely Getting Sent Down

It was a dreadful outing for starting pitcher Trevor Rogers. 

Rogers went just 3.2 innings, gave up eight hits, and allowed six earned runs that led to a Marlins loss in Game 1. To make things sound worse, he did this against a Cincinnati Reds offense that ranks in the bottom-third in baseball in batting average and runs per game. 

The struggles for last year’s All-Star have reached an all-time high and given how his outings have been all season long, it’s likely that the organization will send him down to work on his mechanics and get back to his form from last season. 

Rogers’ velocity is definitely there, but his slider and changeup don’t have the same amount of depth as it did a year ago. Plus, a couple of starters on the IL, Jesus Luzardo and Edward Cabrera, are nearing their returns to Major League action, so it gives the Marlins another reason to pull Rogers from the starting rotation.

 

Joey Wendle Hits Everything

Marlins utility player Joey Wendle had himself a series against the Reds. 

During the three games he played, Wendle went 5-for-14 (.357 BA) and had three RBIs. Wendle now has a batting average over .300 (.303) which is a great sight to see for an abysmal Marlins offense. 

Wendle ended his great play this week with a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth inning to seal the victory and give the Marlins a series split. 

“When Joey’s (Wendle) on the field, it’s been great”, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said about how valuable Wendle has been for the team. “He plays hard everyday and he’s a great example for our guys with the way we want to play the game.”

Of course, like many of Miami’s best players, there’s the question of whether or not this was Wendle’s last week playing for the Marlins. We’ll find out soon enough.

 

Pablo Lopez Found A Groove

Starting pitcher Pablo Lopez has probably made his last start with the Miami Marlins. But, at least he went out with a bang. 

The right-hander pitched through seven innings of work and gave up just two hits and one earned run while striking out 11 batters. The 11 strikeouts by Lopez matched his career-high in a game. 

After his last outing against the Rangers where he gave up five earned runs in just five innings, Lopez found a way to bounce back and have his best showing of the season. 

“It had been a while,” Lopez said about the last time he’s felt this good on the mound. “It’s one of those starts that you really need because it reminds you that the work we put in between starts really pays off…it was a good start to build up from.”

It’s uncertain if this was Lopez’s last start with the Marlins with all of the trade rumors up in the air, but if it was, he definitely made it a good one. 

 

The Young Guys Show Out

Marlins outfielder J.J. Bleday made his debut last weekend against the Pirates and he’s been nothing short of what Miami’s been hoping for at the plate. 

His numbers on the stat sheet won’t jump out at you, but if you’re watching his at-bats, they’ll tell you that he’s “just” missing his pitches. It’s probably what explains his low batting average in Triple-A (.228). 

On the bright side, Bleday was able to hit his first career home run against Reds All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo in the fourth inning of Game 3. 

First baseman Lewin Diaz has been nothing short of impressive during the series. Diaz went 3-for-9 (.333 BA) and had three walks. He showed great patience at the plate for a young player and his 6-foot-4 frame makes him a great target to throw to at first base. 

Right-handed reliever Huascar Brazoban looked terrific in his outing in Game 3. In two innings, he gave up just one hit and racked up five strikeouts. Brazoban made his MLB debut on July 24th against the Pirates and he’s been a great asset for an injury-ridden bullpen. 

 

Marlins Are Probably Sellers 

Given that it’s impossible for Miami to reach the .500 mark before the trade deadline, it might be safe to say that they will look to be a selling club yet again. 

Even though the Marlins are just a few games out of the final wild card spot, it’s too tough of a task to clinch it at the end of the season with all of their injuries and inconsistencies with their play on the field. So, the front office might not want to take that risk and ship their most valuable players in exchange for young and talented prospects. 

As of now, the players with the most value that teams are keeping their eyes on are Lopez, first-baseman Garrett Cooper, and Wendle. 

Other names to keep in mind from the bullpen are right-handers Anthony Bass and Dylan Floro, as well as left-hander Steven Okert.

The Marlins are desperately in need of a center fielder and shortstop. They don’t have any of those positions in the minor leagues that will be ready by next year. Interestingly enough, a report by the Athletic came out and mentioned that the Marlins “have not stopped calling” about Pittsburgh’s All-Star center fielder Bryan Reynolds. 

At this point, we don’t exactly know what general manager Kim Ng and the front office have planned out. All we can do is let it play out and see what the organization really believes this team can achieve for the remainder of the season. 

The Marlins come back home to play the New York Mets (61-37) for a three-game weekend series from Friday through Sunday.