chumforsharks

Roberto Clemente was NOT a force his rookie year which is what I'm talking about. Kelly Gruber, George Bell, Johann Santana, Jay Gibbons......alot of players turn into decent players down the road. To expect Uggla to hit like he did as a 25 year old AA player as a rookie in the Majors is insane......that is my point. It's funny how you always come up with a cop-out, you meant this...you meant that, why don't you mean what you say and say what you mean? What is funny on here is how people just take parts of a post and take it out of context.

Alot of players have been good a few years after getting drafted......NO ONE has EVER been an impact player as a rookie. I think Uggla will make the team. I think the history of the Rule 5 draft works against him being a force in the everyday line-up...seeing how no one has ever done it. Umm...Roberto Clemente? Roberto Clemente......1955....... .255 batting average, 48 runs, 5 homers, 47 RBI...........Wow! That's great production. Notice the year.....51 years ago. Well, you did say that no one taken in the rule V has ever become a force in the everyday lineup. I'd say Clemente became a force. Just admit you misspoke and we'll leave it at that, I really don't feel like splitting hairs over this. Roberto Clemente was NOT a force his rookie year which is what I'm talking about. Kelly Gruber, George Bell, Johann Santana, Jay Gibbons......alot of players turn into decent players down the road. To expect Uggla to hit like he did as a 25 year old AA player as a rookie in the Majors is insane......that is my point.

Juan Pierre was always the first player to the ballpark. He always works hard in the off-season to make himself faster. I have nothing negative to say about JP, the man has a .305 career batting average. JP is the kind of guy the young players could have looked up to. Oh well, I understand the money factor. As far as Castillo and Pierre comparisons go, all you have to do is look at how each player did in the post-season.

Damian Jackson, Royce Clayton, Marlon Anderson, Robert Fick, Michael Tucker, Daryle Ward, Felix Rodriguez.......all for beans. I don't dislike anyone that posts on this site. I'm a realist though, and I don't think I can put on a "happy face" and say......."oh, the Marlins will be great". I think Uggla will make the team. I think the history of the Rule 5 draft works against him being a force in the everyday line-up...seeing how no one has ever done it. Umm...Roberto Clemente? Roberto Clemente......1955....... .255 batting average, 48 runs, 5 homers, 47 RBI...........Wow! That's great production. Notice the year.....51 years ago.

I think the GM for the Nationals has done a great job. That team was garbage when Bowden took over.

Now you have my attention.

I won't hold 2005 against Reese, but 2004 and 2003 were absolutely horrid. I think they probably went with Reese over Clayton because he can play second or short. The Nationals have sure been adding alot of players on the cheap. I wonder why the Marlins are passing on so many decent cheap players for? They just want to give the kids the jobs without earning them? I think Uggla will make the team. I think the history of the Rule 5 draft works against him being a force in the everyday line-up...seeing how no one has ever done it. I guess he could be the first, but I have some reservations about that. McGrew should make it too. I just hope the Marlins sign another lefty (chritiansen, or someone like him) so McGrew isn't a specialist.....too much pressure.

That is depressing. 6 Nate bumps.

I've went to one stop each of the last three years. They're a fun time with the players.

So most of you guys/gals don't want to start Ramirez...then who starts in the middle-infield? Reese and Uggla? I don't think the Marlins should worry about arbitration years when making this decision, it should only be made on talent. If Ramirez is the best they got they should just play him. By the time Ramirez is elgible for arbitration the Marlins should have a good idea where their new stadium will be built and they will be able to give him the money if he has earned it. Every middle IF on this roster comes with major question marks. Amezaga and Andino can't hit, Uggla is a 25 year old AA Rule 5 player, Pokey Reese didn't even play last year and hasn't even been an average player for 4 years. It would be different if they would have done what the Nationals did and signed Royce Clayton (or someone like him) on the cheap and give Ramirez some real competition in the spring and if he couldn't handle it you give him more seasoning in the minors.......but the Marlins don't have that luxury.

While it's true that Ramirez didn't have eye-popping stats in the minors....the Marlins don't really have any good alternatives, so I vote for letting him play from Day 1 if he has a decent spring. Andino isn't close to ready, Reese will probably have to play second and Amezaga is just plain awful. Why let's the fact stand in the way of another of your fictions? Ramirez has put up staggeringly good numbers in the minors up until last season, where one could still call his numbers respectable. I don't know if he's ready or not, but that's what spring training is for. Here's his stats since turning pro. Only a hater would find fault with them. http://thebaseballcube.com/players/R/hanley-ramirez.shtml I meant last season. Why so touchy? Sorry that I don't have complete faith in the Marlins organization.

If Jacobs turns into Bob Hamelin or Kevin Maas the season will get ugly quickly.

While it's true that Ramirez didn't have eye-popping stats in the minors....the Marlins don't really have any good alternatives, so I vote for letting him play from Day 1 if he has a decent spring. Andino isn't close to ready, Reese will probably have to play second and Amezaga is just plain awful.

The Royals won't be allowed to move.

It's bettter that the national broadcasts are on the road, because unless they're giving something cool away.....the place will be empty.

"Market Correction" is one thing, but this is awful. I feel bad for the loyal fans and season-ticket holders that got stiffed by Loria and Samson. The fact that they can't even throw the fans a little bone and sign some relievers with major-league experience and some semblence of talent. Kerry Ligtenberg and Matt Herges are reaches. The Marlins payroll will show in the standings.....I'm sure the Rockies and Devil Rays have the Marlins circled on the calendar.

I will be amazed too. He's shown nothing in the majors. In his defense he only has 167 AB. I still think Willingham will be in left, the Marlins young pitching staff doesn't need a catcher learning on the job too.

Good for Alex. He should really help a team that isn't depending on him offensively.

It's silly, this whole clean shaven thing. I just hope he can manage. :hat

Just expressing my dis-pleasure with the Marlins, and their ownership which is starting to treat their small fan base like dogs.....that's all. I'm confident that they don't care about anything but their bottom line, which is fine because they shouldn't be asked to lose money every year.........but David Samson is a complete idiot for attacking the fans! I have a feeling they watched the movie "Major League" recently and are really wanting to move the team....and that makes it very hard to support them.

I'm still trying to figure out why chumforsharks posts here. You don't seem to like the team, the town, or the fans here. Perhaps you'd be happier at a Devil Rays website. :thumbup my sentiments exactly. I don't really care what you think. I do like the town by the way. Miami is a great place to live, but it's easily the worst sports town I've ever lived in. Cleveland and Dallas/Arlington.......way better for sports than Miami.

Miami is just not a very good sports town. The Dolphins only draw when they're winning, the Marlins only draw when they're giving something cool away. What could possibly be a valid excuse for teams like the Royals and Pirates out-drawing the Marlins? Let me help you out.........the fans are pathetic. It rains in KC and Pitt too, and it's hot there in the summer too. I'm not going to defend Miami fans, but what kind of comparison is that? KC & Pitt don't outdraw the Marlins. They have virtually the same attendance as Florida does. And KC & Pitt don't have the same threat of rain as Miami. They have horrible teams is my point. The Marlins put a team on the field that should have drawn fans.....admit it.....you don't have a leg to stand on. I was wrong about the attendance......the Marlins out-drew the Royals, Devil Rays and Pirates.....but not the Rockies, Reds, Rangers, Tigers, or anyone else. They will finish LAST in attendance this year and wins in the major-leagues.

I'm still trying to figure out why chumforsharks posts here. You don't seem to like the team, the town, or the fans here. Perhaps you'd be happier at a Devil Rays website. Real fans have the right to be upset when their team has fire sales, especially when they are/were season ticket holders that feel betrayed. I've given them alot of my hard-earned money when they deserved to get it.....they don't anymore. I used to go to 81 games a year, now it will be 5-6.

Miami is just not a very good sports town. The Dolphins only draw when they're winning, the Marlins only draw when they're giving something cool away. What could possibly be a valid excuse for teams like the Royals and Pirates out-drawing the Marlins? Let me help you out.........the fans are pathetic. It rains in KC and Pitt too, and it's hot there in the summer too.

Personally, I don't think the argument that Willingham would be a great offensive catcher and an average LF. That is a really dumb argument......who cares about that. So you have a good offensive catcher and the absolute WORST LF in the major-leagues if Aguila plays out there.....how does that help the team? Because you can't look at the team as presently constructed. They are eventually going to trade for Gathright once they get a first hand look at Anibal, Nolasco, Gaby, and Pinto and make sure they come "as advertised." A report on the Marlins brass already has surfaced saying that they are hesitant to trade their young pitching until they see the new arms they got. That deal will get done. I'm pretty confident Gathright will be our opening day CF when all is said and done. I don't care that Baldelli might be out for April and that Joey is a great insurance policy. Tampa will trade Gathright, Lugo, and Huff on the spot for any sort of young SP. Besides that, I also think they sign someone like Long, Davanon, or Hildago just to bring a vetern into the mix. This effects Willingham because if part of your argument is "not playing Reed and Aguila," I think that problem fixes itself naturally by the start of the season. Having a catcher who is potentially a .270/.370/.450 guy is A LOT more valuble then a LF who does the same. Jason Varitek is more valuble then Shawn Green or Raul Ibanez. You can find LF anywhere, you can't find premier offensive catchers like that. You give Willingham every opportunity to prove he can catch, and if he can't do it, and they will know rather quickly if he catches all of spring training and 20 games in April, then you put him in LF. What harm is that? Hardly none, and the payoff could be huge. Despite all of what I've said, I probably agree with you that he will end up in LF and I'll be happy with him solidifying that spot for years, but if he can catch. Man, what a HUGE HUGE bonus that is. Personally, I don't think the argument that Willingham would be a great offensive catcher and an average LF. That is a really dumb argument......who cares about that. So you have a good offensive catcher and the absolute WORST LF in the major-leagues if Aguila plays out there.....how does that help the team? Because you can't look at the team as presently constructed. They are eventually going to trade for Gathright once they get a first hand look at Anibal, Nolasco, Gaby, and Pinto and make sure they come "as advertised." A report on the Marlins brass already has surfaced saying that they are hesitant to trade their young pitching until they see the new arms they got. That deal will get done. I'm pretty confident Gathright will be our opening day CF when all is said and done. I don't care that Baldelli might be out for April and that Joey is a great insurance policy. Tampa will trade Gathright, Lugo, and Huff on the spot for any sort of young SP. Besides that, I also think they sign someone like Long, Davanon, or Hildago just to bring a vetern into the mix. This effects Willingham because if part of your argument is "not playing Reed and Aguila," I think that problem fixes itself naturally by the start of the season. Having a catcher who is potentially a .270/.370/.450 guy is A LOT more valuble then a LF who does the same. Jason Varitek is more valuble then Shawn Green or Raul Ibanez. You can find LF anywhere, you can't find premier offensive catchers like that. You give Willingham every opportunity to prove he can catch, and if he can't do it, and they will know rather quickly if he catches all of spring training and 20 games in April, then you put him in LF. What harm is that? Hardly none, and the payoff could be huge. Despite all of what I've said, I probably agree with you that he will end up in LF and I'll be happy with him solidifying that spot for years, but if he can catch. Man, what a HUGE HUGE bonus that is. What does that say about the Marlins front office that they have to "see" what they've acquired in these trades they made? Didn't they do their homework before making the trades they did. What this tells me is that Admin might have been under direct orders to trade the players they did quickly and not to worry about the return.