FishStripes

Weekend Chum Bucket

2010-02-07T20:55:48Z

Yes, the weekend is just about over, but the way I see it, there is always enough time for a quick Sunday Chum Bucket. I mean, I figure since there's nothing much going on in the world of sports today, and there isn't really anything good to watch on tv, you'll probably need a way to keep yourself occupied tonight as you count down the minutes to Monday.

We're all about keeping you entertained.

The Chum Bucket is an open thread, so post about anything that comes to mind. Share your Kendra vs. Kim ichthyomancy predictions, post a favorite buffalo wing dip recipe, provide us all with some no-fail excuses for calling in to work tomorrow, air your feelings on how weird it is that Scott Stapp hangs out with David Samson... you know, the usual.

Enjoy your night!

Marlins upping the ante on Russell Branyan?

2010-02-05T14:04:45Z

According to MLB Daily Dish, the Marlins are in hot pursuit of Russell Branyan.

According to sources, the Marlins are stepping up their pursuits for free agent Russell Branyan.

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The Marlins are believed to be looking to sign Branyan on a one year, incentive-laden contract. If they sign him, it would push Gaby Sanchez back to Triple-A for another season.

I have no idea who their sources are. I guess I could email them and ask. They are a part of the SB Nation so they might tell me. But I don't have the time.

I must admit, I'm not excited about this. If, as the report goes, it would mean that Branyan would be the everyday first baseman, that means the front office believes that Morrison isn't ready. I have no problem with that, but it also means they don't think much of Gaby's talents, and that I have a problem with.

There is no upside to Branyan being an everyday first baseman. The man is 34 years-old, and at that age he is in his declining years as a player. A hitter peaks around age 30. Yes, 30. And then there is a steep decline which kicks in around age 33. Of course, everyone is different, but it happens around that age give or take a year or two. Branyan is past that age and to expect him to even put up the numbers he did last season is expecting too much. Could he? Yeah, I guess. But it isn't the way to bet.

Gaby on the other hand is starting to come into his own, age-wise. And this, "he will never be more than a platoon player in the majors" is far from known. No one knows what he will do in the majors; he has never been given the chance to show his wares. What we do know about Gaby is that he has shown the ability to have plate discipline in the minors and he has also shown signs of being able to hit and field the position neatly.

Personally, I would rather take a chance on the young guy with an upside than the aging veteran with a bad back who is a strikeout machine. Now, if the Marlins just want to add Branyan as a left-handed bat off the bench and to mentor Gaby, I could get behind that, assuming Branyan's walk rate stays the same or increases.

Florida Marlins Fan Fest

2010-02-05T12:50:02Z

Fan Fest is set for February 13th. If you have ever gone to the thing, you know all the players are there. (At least the ones who could get their visas cleared in time.)

The Florida Marlins are set to host the 15th Annual Jiffy Lube Marlins FanFest presented by TD Bank on Saturday, February 13 from noon to 6 P.M. at Sun Life Stadium.

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Parking gates at Sun Life Stadium will open at 11 A.M. and entrance to the stadium and all the activities will be at noon.
The day-long event will feature:

Single game tickets go on sale at noon for the 2010 season at the Gate F Ticket Windows.

Select-a-Seat, allowing fans to pick out and lock in their favorite seats for the season.

Autograph sessions with Marlins players and coaches throughout the day.

Interactive games for all ages including Bounce Houses, Full-Size Batting Cages, Little Sluggers' Zone, Steal Home Challenge, Rock Wall, Big League Speed Pitch and many more.

Photographs in the Marlins Dugout

Appearances by Billy The Marlin, Lil' Billy, the Mermaids, and the Manatees.

Kids Clinics on the field.

Radio Disney AM 990 Family Funzone.

Live musical entertainment.

Live broadcasts from the Marlins' flagship radio stations, Sports Talk 790 The Ticket and Radio Mambi 710 AM.

Florida Marlins Community Foundation Garage Sale.

Sports Cards and Memorabilia Show Exhibit.

Boomers! Arcade Area

Special trivia prizes courtesy of Marlins.com and the MLB Network.

Interactive area at Marlins Fan Headquarters, where fans can spin the prize wheel, play MLB: The BIGS on XBOX 360, sign up for the 2010 Marlins Fan Club and register to win tickets to Opening Day.

Marlins Town Hall Meetings with Marlins players, coaches, and executives in which fans get to ask the questions (1 p.m. Spanish, 2 p.m. English).

Appearances by DJ MDOT, DJ Petey and Marlins Vision Host Johanna Gomez

Tour the state-of-the-art stadium Club Level, including various amenities, group hospitality areas, Super Party Suites, All You Can Eat seats and more.

A $5 parking fee will be collected, however, it can be applied as a credit towards the purchase of game tickets. Plus, as part of the Marlins' Caravan for Earth week, all vehicles containing four or more fans will receive complimentary parking. All other proceeds will benefit the Florida Marlins Community Foundation.

Go out and partake in the festivities. I hear it is fun and donations for many good causes are being collected. However, I'm sure the players don't love it, since they are required to keep signing autographs as if they were sweatshop workers. But they will get over it; they probably make more money than you and me. If you make more money than the league minimum, then I apologize for slighting you. And if you do, can I borrow some money? I promise to never pay you back.

Florida Marlins Caravan

2010-02-05T12:24:22Z

The Marlins are starting their yearly caravan on Feb. 8th and ending on Feb. 12th. I have no idea where they are going or to which towns on what dates, since their press release sucks. But here is what it says:

Putting on their 'green' hats, the Florida Marlins are ready to step-up to the plate and hit a home run for the environment with the 2010 Caravan for Earth, Monday, February 8 to Friday, February 12.

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Events include a PEP rally at the TERRA Environmental Research Institute celebrating the opening of their new LEED certified gymnasium; a wildlife conservation tour at MetroZoo with the Zoo Magnet Program and Eco-Academy; a green home makeover in Little Havana with FPL, Hunt/Moss and Home Depot; a park restoration with Hands on Miami in Allapattah; and an educational tour of the Waste Management Recycling Center in Pembroke Pines with local children. The Marlins will also be emphasizing the importance of public transportation riding the Miami metromover and passing out free Cuban coffee from Café Bustelo at Government Station.

I don't know what to tell you. I guess hangout at the zoo, go figure, or ride the metromover and maybe you will eventually see something that is associated with the team.

Chris Coghlan Video

2010-02-05T02:23:16Z

Chris Coghlan Video

FSFL talks with CC about his offseason regime. Click the link and give it a look.

Dan Uggla Memorabilia Sale

2010-02-04T23:13:46Z

Hollywood Collectibles is having a sale on Dan Uggla Memorabilia. TransWorldNews reports.

Hollywood Collectibles offers an impressive selection of Dan Uggla memorabilia. Dan Uggla memorabilia, including signed baseballs, used baseball bats, and a signed and framed used batting glove. Dan Uggla is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Florida Marlins. Uggla began his MLB career in 2006 playing for the Marlins. He won numerous rookie awards, including the Players Choice National League Rookie of the Year award and Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award. mention this article and receive 10% off all Dan Uggla memorabilia

Hollywood Collectibles is a sports memorabilia store that sells autographed photos, game used pieces, vintage items, and many more. To view these items and purchase one of a kind sports memorabilia visit www.hollywoodcollectibles.com. You can find Hollywood Collectibles sports memorabilia online or visit the store in Hollywood, Florida.

So if you are a fan of Danny, this might be the perfect opportunity to get some Danny stuff. Of course, as nice as he is, if you just went to a game early, he would probably just give you the same stuff for free. Yes, yes, I know, what does this say about Danny's chances of being a Marlin all throughout the season? Is it a sign?

Seeing how my crystal ball broke years ago I don't know, but I will be very surprised if Uggla is with the Marlins in 2011.

Marlins Hot Stove Report Debuts Saturday on FS Florida

2010-02-04T22:21:44Z

It's been a cold and dreary off-season, and if you've been jonesing for a little Rich Waltz, T-Hut, and perhaps a sweater vest mention or two (or 50), Fox Sports Florida will provide you with a hit when Florida Marlins Hot Stove Report makes its television debut this Saturday.

Here's the official info:

"Florida Marlins Hot Stove Report" Hosted by FOX Sports Florida’s Rich Waltz, along with Tommy Hutton, Jeff Conine and Marlins VP/GM Michael Hill. Round table program will discuss off-season action, expectations for coming season, competition for starting rotation/bullpen and more. Also, the Florida Marlins Hot Stove Report sits down with NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan and follows him through his workout in Clearwater. FOX Sports Florida’s Frank Forte and Marlins Sr. VP of Stadium Development Claude Delorme will give an inside-look and updates on the new Marlins ballpark. The half-hour show will also spotlight recent Hall of Fame inductee Andre Dawson.

I'll just be honest here. There's a hole in my heart that can only be filled by Rich Waltz. ♥

Tune in this Saturday at 12:30 to Fox Sports Florida for the premier of Florida Marlins Hot Stove Report.

Marlins Make an Offer to Russell Branyan

2010-02-02T22:51:17Z

This just in.

OK, so it was in a little while ago. I'm in a meeting. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Marlins have made an offer to Russell Branyan.

The Marlins offered a one-year deal to free agent first baseman Russell Branyan, reports ESPN's Jayson Stark. The offer contains a "low base and lots of incentives," and Branyan would have to pass rookies Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison on the depth chart for a starting job.

If he does sign, hopefully the plan would be to use him as a lefty off the bench, and not as the everyday first baseman.

Marlins Sign Seth McClung

2010-02-02T15:52:08Z

In keeping with their brilliant bullpen strategy for 2010, the Marlins continue to sign not-very-good relievers.

The Marlins have signed Seth McClung to a minor league contract.

The Marlins continued their low-risk, high-reward approach to bullpen building in adding right-hander Seth McClung on a minor league deal.

McClung spent the first three of his six major league seasons with the Rays and the last three in Milwaukee. With the exception of 2007 (3.75) and 2008 (4.02), McClung has never posted an ERA lower than 4.94. Though mostly a reliever with the Brewers, McClung has started more than a quarter of his 177 big league appearances.

The "low-risk" part of the Marlins approach is understandable. As for the "high reward" part, we may need a little convincing.

Kevin Gregg Reunion with Marlins Unlikely

2010-02-02T14:40:39Z

In "the best news you've heard all week" category, JCR gives us an update on the Marlins interest in Kevin Gregg:

while the Marlins did reach out to former closer Kevin Gregg, don't look for a reunion. Gregg has received more lucrative offers from other clubs and is believed to be close to signing with either the Rockies or Blue Jays.

Heartbeats, please return to your regularly scheduled rhythm.

There are times when the Marlins, ahem,"frugality" is a Fish fan's best friend.

The highlight of this stop was the first Fredi Gonzalez birthday celebration...we got to watch a...

2010-01-30T23:42:48Z

The highlight of this stop was the first Fredi Gonzalez birthday celebration...we got to watch a Marilyn Monroe like version of "Happy Birthday" by a midriff baring male soldier dressed in a Chase Utley jersey.

- John Baker (via his blog)

Marlins Win Race for First 2010 MiLB Drug Suspension

2010-01-30T00:07:06Z

Marlins Win Race for First 2010 MiLB Drug Suspension

Maury Brown reports that Adam Kam of the GCL Marlins received a 50-game suspension for Boldenone and Boldione. Technically somebody else got suspended as well, but since the other guy is a free agent, I'm claiming this one for the Fish.

Marlins Sign Derrick Turnbow

2010-01-29T20:35:20Z

It just wouldn't be a new season if the Marlins weren't attempting to revive the career of a fallen closer.

The Fish have signed Derrick Turnbow to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Jose Veras and Danny Richar also signed Minor League deals with the Marlins.

Adding experienced depth to the bullpen has been a priority for the Marlins.

The club took a step in addressing that area on Friday by coming to terms with Derrick Turnbow.

The Marlins noted on Friday they have Minor League deals with Turnbow, right-hander Jose Veras and infielder Danny Richar.

All three have big league invitations.

Turnbow didn't see any Big League action last season, after a disastrous 2008 in which he pitched just 6.1 innings--with god-awful results--before an MRI revealed he had a torn labrum. Um, good stuff. But hey, he was real good five years ago, and should the Marlins' attempt at career revival miraculously work out (and it doesn't work out just as often as it does), Leo Nunez could end up with a little competition.

"...Coghlan informed us that he thought it would be cool to get shot by a rubber bullet while...

2010-01-29T14:09:18Z

"...Coghlan informed us that he thought it would be cool to get shot by a rubber bullet while wearing his body armor...Larry Beinfest didn’t think that joke was very funny."

- John Baker, via his blog

Marlins Looking for Relievers

2010-01-28T22:34:08Z

As brickell mentioned in a comment today, the Marlins are still searching for a few good arms. One name on their list of potential relievers makes me happy (Kiko). One makes me want to curl up in the fetal position and cry (Gregg). Your reactions may vary:

The list of free agent relievers that appeal to the Marlins might be longer than the one containing the names of those they don't particularly fancy, with John Smoltz and Joe Nelson being just two of those falling into the second category.
But the Marlins have touched base with Kevin Gregg and they're also keeping a close eye on several others, including Chan Ho Park, Seth McClung, Kiko Calero, Mike MacDougal, Derrick Turnbow and Jose Veras.

I vote Kiko (you know, in case the Marlins decide to start passing out ballots).

Marlins Encore Today on Fox Sports Florida

2010-01-27T11:00:32Z

If you're looking for a constructive way to kill time before life resumes on Opening Day, Fox Sports Florida has got you covered. Today at noon the network will air another Marlins Encore, a game that is one of my personal favorites from last season-- June 8th, Giants at Marlins.

Remember that one? Sean West earned his first Major League win as he flirted with a no-no and shut out the Giants through eight innings, and Brett Carroll had a milestone of his own, hitting the first home of his major league career against none other than Randy Johnson.

If you have a happier life than a lot of people and are not required to be at work or in class on Wednesdays, enjoy the game. Otherwise, that's why God invented Tivo.

Logan Morrison Chat on BA at 3 PM. Today.

2010-01-26T19:46:08Z

Logan Morrison Chat on BA at 3 PM. Today.

Logan Morrison will be fielding questions on Baseball America at 3 PM today.

Follow John Baker to Iraq

2010-01-25T21:54:15Z

The Marlins Mid East road trip is underway, and John Baker will be giving us the inside scoop via his blog and twitter:

Catcher John Baker is blogging during the Marlins' visit with troops in Kuwait and Iraq this week. He's already posted a couple of entries on his blog regarding the trip over. Sounds like he'll be posting some pictures as well. You can also follow Baker on Twitter @manbearwolf.

You can read Bake's blog at johnbakerbaseball.com, and follow his tweets at twitter.com/manbearwolf.

Yes, a Marlin is finally on Twitter. Let's hope this is the start of a trend.

EDIT: Chris Coghlan is "tweeting" the adventure as well. You can follow him at twitter.com/cogz4Christ. (See? The trend is already catching on.)

Weekend Chum Bucket

2010-01-24T11:31:32Z

Welcome to this week's Weekend Chum Bucket. Okay, okay, it would be more accurately described as the Sunday Chum Bucket, but that aside, it is here.

Don't really know what is going on but I hear there are some pro football games taking place. Also, I'm told that the Australian Open is still going on. But as for anything else, I have no idea. But we aren't only about sports here at FishStripes. If you want to talk about a movie you have seen recently, go for it. Or you could also bring up the opera, music in general, the latest exhibition at the museum of choice, gardening, how to rebuild a carburetor on a '65 Camaro, the benefits of wearing gloves when sanding wood from a nut bearing tree. Really anything is fair game. But whatever you decide, remember to play nice with each other.

Have a Great Remainder of the Weekend!

Marlins FanFest set for Feb. 13

2010-01-23T08:09:18Z

The annual Marlins FanFest is set for Feb. 13.

The Florida Marlins are set to host the 15th Annual Jiffy Lube Marlins FanFest presented by TD Bank on Saturday, February 13 from noon to 6 P.M. at Sun Life Stadium. Admission to the event is free and open to all fans.

Jiffy Lube Marlins FanFest will provide fans with the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-game tickets for the 2010 season, including Opening Day, Closing Day, and key series against the Cubs, Phillies, Mets, Dodgers, Braves, Rangers and more. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning at noon at the stadium's box office. In addition, the event will feature a Select-A-Seat for fans interested in the various ticket plans the team offers. Also, fans can purchase a full season ticket plan for 2010 and secure priority for premium seating in the New Marlins Ballpark.

Parking gates at Sun Life Stadium will open at 11 A.M. and entrance to the stadium and all the activities will be at noon.

We will remind you again as the date draws closer. But for now, write it on the calendar.