DogFish

Blame McKeon for throwing Penny under the bus? Please! 1. Good pitchers (not throwers) can pitch in any ballpark. 2. Penny is very stubborn and has been all year about trying to blow balls by hitters. 3. Who cares what you or the media wants regarding the rotation: a. The Cubs are a predominant RH hitting team. b. Chicago is a bandbox and a hitters park. c. PPS is a spacious ballpark and less-costly to pitcher like Redman McKeons decision to utilize the two RH powerpitchers were the correct thing, however one (Beckett) has learned from his mistakes throughout the year and the other one hasnt. and if there is one thing that I have noticed this year, McKeon will show his confidence in his players. Penny will be back in the rotation (#2 starter) but with a shorter hook waiting.

Blame McKeon for throwing Penny under the bus? Please! 1. Good pitchers (not throwers) can pitch in any ballpark. 2. Penny is very stubborn and has been all year about trying to blow balls by hitters. 3. Who cares what you or the media wants regarding the rotation: a. The Cubs are a predominant RH hitting team. b. Chicago is a bandbox and a hitters park. c. PPS is a spacious ballpark and less-costly to pitcher like Redman McKeons decision to utilize the two RH powerpitchers were the correct thing, however one has learned from his mistakes throughout the year and the other one hasnt. and if there is one thing that I have noticed this year, McKeon will show his confidence in his players. Penny will be back in the rotation (#2 starter) but with a shorter hook waiting.

The way I look at it is this 1b - Banks, Conine, Lowell, Mordy, Harris 2b Mordy, ss Cabrera, Mordy 3b Lowell, Mordy, Harris Since Fox has added little value and pitching wins games, I like the move. With this move, you do not have to double switch in key situations, just use PH and pitchers, leaving your regulars out there. PH Banks, Mordy, Redmond, Lowell, Harris

The funny thing about the SF post was that the Marlin fans boo every pitch that was called a ball in Florida. Well, I was at both games in SF and their fans did the same. Stupid comment. That "fan" must not have been at the division series games at all. Granted the umpiring in game #1 was not good for either team but Bonds never gets a good pitch strike called against him.

Going but no sure where I will be sitting. Do know that they will be good seats though

Maybe the oldtimer learned how to use the computer during his recent unemployment. Maybe he is reading this forum on a regular basis.... OTOH, based on what I have heard and read, he works/talks to his coaches to determine what is best for the team

you must not have any idea what you are talking about. Sometimes I forget that most of you kids know everything. Based on McKeon's past teams and players, the move would not surprise me nor disappoint me.

I would rather have DLee up than Enc. Saw Marlins play a lot this year and Enc seems like a selfish player. Perception is a problem...with me. Appears that he doesnt hustle on every play (ala Pierre or Pudge), lack of patience at the plate and other non favorable attributes. Give me Conine any day.

Personally I think McKeon has done the right thing for the last few months. Managers must show confidence in their players, even in rough periods. He is doing the same thing with Enc right now. #1, there is no one that much better and #2, the team has gotten to this point with these players..... however, in light of recent subpar performances of Looper , others and being politically correct, McKeon has told everyone that their roles may change and he expects to win this as a team. If Lowell comes back, dont be surprised to see Conine in RF

Fish Fillet can blame whomever he wants to and whenever he feels like... Like many others, I strongly disagree with FF. There have been many situations over the last few weeks that hinged on what pitcher was brought into the game. The manager has to have confidence in all his guys, not just UUU. I think the correct choice was made in that situation. Fox has been effective most of the time in a Marlins uniform, ditto for UUU. McKeon has used the three guys effectively since Fox, and UU arrival and I would bet he will continue to use them in this manner. It is the job of the BBTN crew, the journalists and less than educated fans to always second guess when the result is undesirable.

What constitutes overworked? a. Pitching consecutive days b. Number of innings c Number of pitches I tend to agree with some posters, McKeon has put, (in most cases) the same guys out there day after day in win situations - Fox/Bump, UUU and Loop. Now all of a sudden, Looper is overworked. Does not also mean that Fox, Bump, and UUU are also overworked. Also remember, MPH does not mean a thing to good hitters....Location first, then MPH are the keys to getting hitters out. Loop's drop in velocity (__From being overworked?) was not the reason he got hit. His location was up.

Then why not you try managing. Good idea, not expected and just not executed for whatever reason (missed sign?). We have lost a lot of scoring opportunities early in games but always find ways.

It actually made the headline briefing and was the cover story on the sports page here in DC On first page of sports, article takes up 1/4 of the page and in the middle section, about 1/2 a page. Great article for the marlins

SHould keep the entire starting pitching staff and add AJ. *Pitching wins games) Should resign Lowell. Should resign Pudge Get rid of Hollandsworth. Enc Castillo will not be resigned. Based on what I see, he is hurting (hip) and we can find a cheaper alternative. For defense, I would entertain Pokey Reese as a cheap alternative. D Lee is the big question?>

Attendance at tonight's game? anyone...

There are some organizations that just say that want to compete but end up rebuilding year after year. This Marlins organization has commited itself to winning this year and next. As a previous poster indicated, the effort to win the WC and make the playoffs is a clear indication that Loria wants the team to stay in South Florida and is building an organizational approach which people will envy. We are in a similar situation as the As, we have one of the best rotations in the major leagues and need to fill in certain holes to ensure ourselves of, at least, a major run to the playoffs. Picking up Urbina, not trading Lowell and now adding Conine for the stretch run should look favorably on this organization. Good teams like the Braves and As build off their starting rotation. The Marlins will keep the staff intact and build around it with quality. Sure you need prospects on the farm but we have already "banked" on two this year (Willis, Cabrera). Not many organizations have two AA players that can play at this level much less make an impact. The Marlins have a lot of talent in the minors and sometimes you have to pay for quality, proven veterans that fill certain voids. Personally, I think the move to get Conine is a great one. With an indication that the starting pitching will be here in 2004, giving up two prospects for a chance for a playoff berth, a chance that attendance and sponsorship will increase and other intangibles...the move was a good one. We have what everyone else wants: Pitching...and we have plenty of it. With greater fan support and revenues, we will be able to continue to build this franchise into a consistent winner.

The Lineup will be back to normal with Pudge and Lowell back in the lineup. two days off and a trip to Vegas. They are refreshed.

Fish Fillet, What would your lineup be then? Be curious as to who you would sit and why?

Can anyone be POSITIVE?

Is bring in Helling and Harris and precursor for another deal that may be in the works? Do you think we will trade our 4 or 5 starter for another big bat and who might it me? My guess: Pavano and/or AAA, Nunez for ?

We cant keep making excuses for this team. We are not that good of an offensive team whereby 4 or 5 guys slump and we still should expect to win. We need another offensive weapon and we need it soon....b4 it is too late. The punch and judy hitters are not getting on and the big boys have not been swinging well lately. 3 runs so far at Coors is a joke. have faith, we still have a few more innings this game.

Ill take those odds in that situation: 7 out of 10 steal successfully.

You play to win! Best basestealer in majors. Let him run. If he gets to second, a single scores WINNING run. If he gets out, lead off next inning with #2 hitter. RIght move in that situation for that runner.....just happened he got thrown out.. We will still WIN. Have faith.

Fishfan, some of us are not fortunate to listen and enjoy anyone who is willing to do pbp. thanks. if you have time, keep us updated especially when good.bad things happen