Fishy

The Marlins probably need to go on a White Sox-type run to avoid a breakup, but if they do decide to sell, then the Rockies will be ready to talk Dan Uggla -- and there is some sense that both sides feel as if they would match up well on a deal. The Marlins might have some interest in catcher Chris Iannetta, as well as some of the Rockies' pitching. http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN

According to a source with knowledge of the Marlins' thinking, Valentine is the overwhelming favorite to land the job. "I'd say it's about 95 percent that it will be Valentine," the source said. "(Marlins owner Jeffrey) Loria has already told him he's his guy." http://www.nydailyne...http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2010/06/23/2010-06-23_bobby_valentine_the_overwhelming_favorite_to_replace_fredi_gonzalez_as_marlins_m.html?r=sports&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+nydnrss/sports+(Sports)&utm_content=Twitter

Valentine is as qualified as a manager can come when you are looking for a replacement. Has been to a world series and has a proven track record of winning. He is known as a players coach, but also very intense. I believe someone said you would go to war for Bobby Valentine when he is your manager. Marlins right-hander Scott Strickland was a member of the 2002 Mets. He loved playing for Valentine. “The guy loves too win and he wants to win bad,� Strickland said. “If you’re going to go to war, that’s the guy you want on your side…He’s just a fighter. The thng I remember about him was he just hated losing with a passion. I enjoyed my time with him…He’s not scared to chew your ass out if you need it. he’s definitely not a guy that’s going to sit back and let the boys play. Maybe he’s changed since I’ve had him, but he was more of a take charge kind of guy. He’s not afraid to shake things up a little bit.� http://blogs.sun-sen...http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseball_marlins/2010/06/florida-marlins-is-bobby-valentine-the-right-guy-for-the-job.html

Seeking relief help, the Marlins inquired about Arizona's Chad Qualls (who has 12 saves but has struggled), but Arizona would need to pay a chunk of his $4 million salary and Florida balked when Logan Morrison's name was raised. The Marlins have been eyeing sub-.500 teams for relievers. They also like White Sox left-hander Matt Thornton -- unlikely as long as Chicago is contending. http://www.miamihera...http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/22/1694995_p2/several-roster-spots-up-for-grabs.html

what are you talking about? Last week, the Marlins acquired Triple-A left-hander Wes Whisler from the White Sox, who drafted him in the second round in 2004. With Charlotte, Whisler had a 5.02 ERA in 19 appearances (28 2/3 innings). A product of UCLA, Whisler made his major league debut last season and allowed two runs on no hits, walked three and struck out two in 1 1/3 innings (three games). Whisler starter Saturday for the Zephyrs at Memphis and gave up two runs on a hit with two walks and two strikeouts in three innings…. http://blogs.sun-sen...http://blogs.sun-sen...http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseball_marlins/2010/06/florida-marlins-lhp-james-houser-next-to-get-bullpen-tryout.html

• The Marlins have been trying to trade for bullpen help but rejected overtures for prospects Logan Morrison and Matt Dominguez. They also are interested in adding a left-handed bat off the bench. Read more: http://www.miamihera...http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/13/1677417_p2/miami-dolphins-veterans-say-rookies.html#ixzz0qhfr6RtT

Calero is still on the market makes me wish I could sneak a peak at the Marlins internal player evaluations to understand what the reluctance is within baseball to sign the guy. I can't believe he's still holding fast to a two year contract demand but maybe he is. Marlins are cautious about signing Kiko Calero because of risk that the veteran's right shoulder may not hold up like it did in '09 http://twitter.com/JoeFrisaro

The Marlins, Dodgers, Brewers and Angels are among the clubs pursuing Sherrill, major-league sources say. The Cubs, MacPhail's former team and one of his frequent trading partners, also have interest. The market, however, continues to evolve in the final days before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. The Marlins, according to one source, have gone from "buying to holding" after losing three games to the Phillies and falling below .500 this weekend. http://msn.foxsports...b/story/9827802

http://www.miamihera...ry/1112876.html The Marlins are shopping for bullpen help after placing closer Matt Lindstrom on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Lindstrom would miss at least the next six weeks in a ``best-case scenario.'' The loss of Lindstrom, along with injuries to Leo Nu?ez and Kiko Calero, depleted the back end of the bullpen to such an extent that none of the relievers available to pitch Wednesday had a major-league save to his credit. Gonzalez said that Nu?ez, who has a sprained right ankle, isn't expected to miss more than a day or two and would be the natural choice to inherit Lindstrom's role. But Nu?ez also is light on ninth-inning experience, as are the other members of the bullpen. When asked whom he would use in a save situation if one occurred Wednesday, Gonzalez replied: ``We'll see when we get there.'' The Marlins got there Wednesday night, and Gonzalez turned to Dan Meyer, who got his first career save. ''I guess there is no room to ease anybody in anymore,'' Meyer said prior to the game.``This is my first real taste of the bullpen. I'm wet behind the ears, just like a lot of people. I'm going to have to step it up.'' Lindstrom has converted 14 of 16 save chances this season, but several of his recent outings have been shaky. He barely survived a ninth-inning meltdown Sunday against the Yankees and was unable to protect a 6-3 lead Tuesday, coughing up three runs to the Orioles to send the game into extra innings. An MRI Wednesday revealed inflammation in his right elbow, and Lindstrom was placed on ''no-throw status'' for the next four weeks. ''It just got to the point where I couldn't finish, couldn't create an angle,'' Lindstrom said. The Marlins also are looking for help from clubs that are slipping from contention. One possibility is Houston's LaTroy Hawkins, a 36-year-old right-hander who has converted nine of 12 save chances this season. He is earning $3.7 million. Another possibility is Baltimore's George Sherrill, who has 15 saves but would likely come at a higher price in terms of what the Marlins would have to give up. Henry Owens, who saved four games in 2007, missed all of 2008 following shoulder surgery and started this season serving a 50-day suspension for a league drug violation, is pitching at Double A Jacksonville. But the Marlins don't think he is quite ready and brought up right-hander Chris Leroux from Double A. -- CLARK SPENCER

Marlins Remember their crazy 11-1 start? The Marlins are 21-34 since, but the promise of their starting rotation makes it difficult for them to concede. True, that rotation currently ranks 12th in the NL. in ERA. But at the moment, the team is looking for an eighth-inning reliever who could set up closer Matt Lindstrom. The Red Sox's Takashi Saito ($1.5 million) and Diamondbacks' Chad Qualls ($2.535 million) would fit the Marlins' ever-limited price range. Yet, even if the Fish pull off such a deal, the odds of them challenging the Mets and Phillies seem remote. Second baseman Dan Uggla, first baseman Jorge Cantu and right fielder Jeremy Hermida continue to loom as attractive chips, and the Marlins' front office is among the most creative in the game. Look for the team to compete for as long as possible, then cut the best possible deals. Prediction: Buyer, then seller. http://msn.foxsports...t-plans-to-sell

Didn't see this posted. Having mastered the Florida State League, outfielder Michael Stanton is taking the next step in his baseball evolution. The Marlins have promoted their 19-year-old prospect to Double A Jacksonville and have him penciled in to make his first start for the Suns on Friday."It's time to show him another challenge," said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' vice president of player development. "He's doing all the things we've asked him to do. He's ready." http://miamiherald.t...com/fish_bytes/

The Marlins recalled Brett Carroll from Triple-A New Orleans. Carroll fills the roster spot vacated when reliever Chris Leroux was optioned to Double-A Jacksonville. -- Joe Frisaro http://joefrisaro.mlblogs.com/

"Carlos Martinez has been pitching well for Triple-A New Orleans, and it appears the right-hander could be headed to the Marlins. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Martinez will be promoted to the big league club after Wednesday's game with the Braves. The likely choice to go to the Minor Leagues is lefty Graham Taylor, who is set to make his third big league start on Wednesday. Taylor has been filling Andrew Miller's spot in the rotation. Miller, who is recovering from a strained right oblique, threw a rehab assignment game for the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads on Wednesday. Martinez was in big league camp with the Marlins. The hard-throwing right-hander was with the club in 2006, but he experienced elbow problems and underwent Tommy John surgery. For New Orleans, he has appeared in 12 games and thrown 11 innings, striking out 10 and walking six. He has a 4.09 ERA. Another Triple-A reliever who could be part of the Marlins plans this season is Tim Woods." -- Joe Frisaro http://joefrisaro.mlblogs.com/

"The Florida Marlins have promoted right-hander Carlos Martinez from Triple-A New Orleans. In 12 appearances for the Zephyrs, Martinez went 0-2 with a 4.09 ERA, six walks and 10 strikeouts in 11 innings. Martinez likely will take starter Graham Taylor's roster spot after tonight's game. With an off day Monday, the Marlins won't need Taylor to pitch again until May 16, and only if Andrew MIller is not ready. Martinez has not pitched in the majors since 2007. He split last season between Double-A Carolina and Triple-A Albuquerque. he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2006" http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseb...to-bullpen.html

"Admin Beinfest just finished speaking with the media about his late flurry of moves as spring training winds to a close. Some highlights: () Like Robert Andino, newly acquired RHP Hayden Penn was out of options. He has been a starter throughout his career, but he will be popped into the bullpen these next few days and the Marlins will see if there's a fit. Penn worked closely with former Orioles pitching coach Mark Wiley and no doubt will be pleased to have a reunion. It was Wiley who, upon joining the Marlins for the 2005 season -- his first go-round with the organization -- who told Beinfest if he ever had a chance to acquire Penn, he should do it. The Marlins have liked Penn's curveball for years -- they nearly traded for him in a package for A.J. Burnett in 2004 -- and were impressed earlier this spring when he struck out the side against them in an exhibition outing. At worst, they will try to slip Penn through waivers and hope to get him on their Triple-A staff for added depth, which seems do-able considering his 10.06 ERA in 17 spring innings this year and his 0-4, 15.10 numbers in six big-league starts last year. () Beinfest said he had the deal for Ross Gload in place with Kansas City last night, which was why he felt comfortable releasing Dallas McPherson (who might wind up with the Yankees). Gload, a left-handed batter, has a good history against lefties (.281) as well as righties (.311) and against several of the top starters he'll face in the National League East (4 for 6 against Johan Santana, 10 for 23 against Javy Vazquez)." http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseb...ayer-moves.html