uberschnell

It's nice to see all the support from Marlins fans who believe in one of their players. :thumbup

I hope he gets the money and I'd like to see his average go up as well. Being compared to and having the same numbers as Chase Utley, now that's saying something.

It's probably unlikely, however that would be cool if he did. I hope he can go just to see how some of the best prepare before games. Who knows Joe Nathan could teach him a different grip on the off-speed pitches. Perhaps then he would gain the confidence to throw off-speed in any count. Plus, this would be a good experience and it would surely boost his confidence. Looking at the other relievers on the team it looks gloomy for him to make it IMO.

Again, I'm not saying he will...I'm just saying it's very possible. Getting saves is team dependent. It all depends on how many opportunities he gets, and looking at this roster, on paper, it looks like the Marlins are going to be playing close ballgames, when you consider the good pitching...+ some less power in the lineup. There should be some more low scoring games this year, imo. That's my prediction. It all depends on how many opportunities he gets....when you consider the good pitching. Very well said. Like I mentioned before I really hope all of these predictions are right.

I hope that all of these predictions are right. For this to happen it all depends on opportunities and coming through. If the starting pitching can stay healthy and dominate then I believe we have a chance at being really good.

But back to the original topic... Team USA has until the 19th of Jan to come up with as many as 45 guys on the roster. From that they have until Feb 24th to whittle that down to the 25 man roster, of that it is mandatory to have 13 pitchers. Mandatory. The current roster shows 11 pitchers on it. (From the WBC web site.) It isn't like pitchers are falling all over themselves to be included. Probably because they can't get permission for their current clubs. Also, read the article. A quote from Matt is something to effect they told him they aren't trying to put together an AS team, they are looking for pieces that fit. They asked Matt, he got permission, and he is on the team. Yes, he deserves the shot. To say differently, without providing a list of other pitchers with more experience and better numbers that have made it known they would be willing to sign and yet were not asked, would be a self-important, judgemental, unwarranted rant and should be taken no other way. I'm glad you kept on going b/c the bolded part is quite easy to do. There are better pitchers with better numbers bro and for whatever reason they declined or chose not to play. Why can't you accept the fact that he was invited (not that he will make the team) by the coaches who saw a fit for him? I would think a baseball guy and Florida Marlin fan like yourself would be more supportive of him, especially when he has a shot to be the closer this years team. Go ahead and name the pitchers with better numbers and who have declined, however, that still is not going to change the facts. I think that if Lindstrom was in your situation and you were in his and he was a Marlins fan, he would be happy for you even if he thought you didn't deserve it. Let's see less criticizing and more support-you are better than that. I never said I wasn't happy for Matt Lindstrom. I'd love to see him go...& just dominate. I'd love to see him dominate this year with the Marlins. I'd love for him to fall to the later rounds in my fantasy baseball draft, so I could draft him this year (I normally don't grab closers/saves early, so I might end up with someone like him). Anyways, just b/c I disagree with the selection, doesn't mean I'm not happy for him. I just so happen to disagree. I know you support because I read your posts. I hope he does well too.

I too think he could be used in the backend of the bullpen if the price is right.

But back to the original topic... Team USA has until the 19th of Jan to come up with as many as 45 guys on the roster. From that they have until Feb 24th to whittle that down to the 25 man roster, of that it is mandatory to have 13 pitchers. Mandatory. The current roster shows 11 pitchers on it. (From the WBC web site.) It isn't like pitchers are falling all over themselves to be included. Probably because they can't get permission for their current clubs. Also, read the article. A quote from Matt is something to effect they told him they aren't trying to put together an AS team, they are looking for pieces that fit. They asked Matt, he got permission, and he is on the team. Yes, he deserves the shot. To say differently, without providing a list of other pitchers with more experience and better numbers that have made it known they would be willing to sign and yet were not asked, would be a self-important, judgemental, unwarranted rant and should be taken no other way. I'm glad you kept on going b/c the bolded part is quite easy to do. There are better pitchers with better numbers bro and for whatever reason they declined or chose not to play. Why can't you accept the fact that he was invited (not that he will make the team) by the coaches who saw a fit for him? I would think a baseball guy and Florida Marlin fan like yourself would be more supportive of him, especially when he has a shot to be the closer this years team. Go ahead and name the pitchers with better numbers and who have declined, however, that still is not going to change the facts. I think that if Lindstrom was in your situation and you were in his and he was a Marlins fan, he would be happy for you even if he thought you didn't deserve it. Let's see less criticizing and more support-you are better than that.

But back to the original topic... Team USA has until the 19th of Jan to come up with as many as 45 guys on the roster. From that they have until Feb 24th to whittle that down to the 25 man roster, of that it is mandatory to have 13 pitchers. Mandatory. The current roster shows 11 pitchers on it. (From the WBC web site.) It isn't like pitchers are falling all over themselves to be included. Probably because they can't get permission for their current clubs. Also, read the article. A quote from Matt is something to effect they told him they aren't trying to put together an AS team, they are looking for pieces that fit. They asked Matt, he got permission, and he is on the team. Yes, he deserves the shot. To say differently, without providing a list of other pitchers with more experience and better numbers that have made it known they would be willing to sign and yet were not asked, would be a self-important, judgemental, unwarranted rant and should be taken no other way. Very well put. :thumbup

When Matty went to triple A he worked on throwing a harder slider there's no doubt. More importantly the triple A coach gave him some goals which were 1) don't ever let inherited runners score 2) always get the first batter out. Although he worked on his slider, he also got some mental coaching as well, which, for him, is a huge thing.

Yeah, I know, but when you consider Nathan, + some of the relievers who are on the team already + other guys like Kerry Wood and Bobby Jenks...the U.S. is just loaded with arms. POWER arms, too. I know the US has alot of power arms and lots of those guys also have better secondary pitches. Really I cant figure out why hes there, maybe somebody sees something. His fastball gets him noticed by lots of baseball people. I dont who averaged the fastest fastball this year but I know in 07 it was him at 98. When you can average 98 and do well like he did for us at the end of last year people will usually give you a shot. I just hope this gives him a huge confidence boost and he comes out this year lights out. Lindstrom's offspeed stuf is actually pretty good IMO. He just doesn't throw it as often as he should, and just has some issues controling it sometimes (but IMO would probably have a little better command if he DID throw it a little more). I think its better than people realize its just sometimes like you said he cant control it. As far as I know he throws a fastball,slider, and split. The problem with his slider is that its drops to like 86 and hitters will lay off it or foul it off, he needs to get a harder one imo or get better control of the split which he doesnt always seem comfortable throwing. I agree. A lot of it has to do with Baker calling for the fast ball all the time. I thought the promising thing with Lindstrom last year was when he threw David Wright 3 straight sliders when facing him in New York. Wright was way off balance and finally popped out to Uggla. Like you said if he throws the offspeed more, he will get more comfortable throwing it. I read somewhere that he once again had the fastest average fastball this year. Perhaps the reason he doesn't throw the offspeed as much is his fear of getting beat on his second best pitches. IMO the secondary pitches have to be thrown if he is going to have any success in this league as a closer. Good hitters can hit 98-100 if they are sitting on it. Anyways, I too hope this WBC bolsters his confidence. Then again, they might not even choose him to be on the team, who knows?

Oh my bad Erik, how do you know the logistics of how they select players for the WBC? Unless you are a coach or the CEO you don't know either. If you aren't, then you assume just like everyone else because you have no idea what they are looking for. Name the pitchers that have declined. Why did they decline? I'd be interested to hear your assumptions. Ugh...these aren't assumptions. I know for sure that Brandon Webb and Cliff Lee declined. I saw that. Don't know about guys like Sabathia, Lincecum, Haren, Halladay, etc., etc., but if you truly think Lindstrom belongs on this team, you're kidding yourself. Brandon Webb and Cliff Lee are both starters. Sabathia, Lincecum, Haren, Halladay starters. Last time I checked Lindstrom didn't start a game since he was in the Mets system down in Binghamton, NY. You honestly think that starters would skip spring training to perhaps get an inning of work in per game? Your kidding yourself, that's upsurd. (I understand they can throw bullpens in between but they can do that in spring training with their families) That would really prepare them for the season. Cliff Lee wanted to play but has to prepare for the upcoming season. Last year he pitched 223 innings and he thinks it will be even more this year. Basically and what it comes down to is this: It doesn't matter what I or you think. What matters is that people who really know baseball; who follow careers, invited him to be on the team.

They are making a team, not selecting guys who have had the best lines. Didnt seem to work last WBC for the USA, so they are filling spots with guys that are team players and guys who wont cry if they dont get what they want. Lindstrom is very happy that he is going, and those are the guys the team is looking for. For all you fans, that think he doesnt deserve it, dont know nothing. All you guys are looking at his stats and comparing them with others, when there is alot more involved then just that. Just be happy for a guy from our team was selected to play for our country. Very well said...Just be happy for a guy from our team was selected to play for our country. That's what it's all about.

Oh my bad Erik, how do you know the logistics of how they select players for the WBC? Unless you are a coach or the CEO you don't know either. If you aren't, then you assume just like everyone else because you have no idea what they are looking for. Name the pitchers that have declined. Why did they decline? I'd be interested to hear your assumptions.

Did it ever occur to anyone that despite his resume, they US may have just wanted a little heat in the back of the bullpen? Sure, there are better arms available. But how many throw triple digits? It's a legit reasoning. It's almost like taking a LOOGY. He may not be one of the better guys in the game, but you need situational players. Lindstrom will be used sparingly, in very specific situations. When did Lindstrom become a "situational" pitcher? What "situation" do you speak of? Last time I checked, closers were situational pitchers. I'm pretty sure pitching in the 9th inning, with a lead of three runs or less, is a specific situation. Closers are closers. (not that Lindstrom has ever been one, anyways, but yeah...) Plus, you said they'd probably use him in specific situations and that's why they took him. I'd like to know what situation you speak of, b/c he sure as heck won't be closing for Team USA. Maybe the situation would be to get a right handed batter out that he's had success against?

Did it ever occur to anyone that despite his resume, they US may have just wanted a little heat in the back of the bullpen? Sure, there are better arms available. But how many throw triple digits? It's a legit reasoning. It's almost like taking a LOOGY. He may not be one of the better guys in the game, but you need situational players. Lindstrom will be used sparingly, in very specific situations. Agreed. Plus how valuable is it to sit and pick "proven" relief pitchers brains like Joe Nathan, James Shields, ect... in certain situations. Just being there is going to help him become better. Could you tell me what a LOOGY is? Thanks. I have no idea what the bold means. As for your question...a "LOOGY" is a lefty specialist. All I mean is that if he makes the team and doesn't play very much. At least he will be around some of the games best relief pitchers. This will be great opportunity to get a few tips on how to pitch, you know pick their brains a little bit that's all. Yeah, but how does this mean that he deserves to be on the team? How would I know? I didn't select him to play. Ask the CEO and coaches of the WBC, they obviously know more than we do (maybe not). Perhaps someone should tell them that he is only average (a B player at best), that this is only his third year in the league and is unproven. :thumbup

Pettite shot himself in the foot. I don't think he will get more than $10 million from any other team than the Yankees. Damn are you seriosus or are you being hypathetical? Yeah he was hanging out with Plexico the same night in the same club. I can't beleive you didn't hear about that.

Did it ever occur to anyone that despite his resume, they US may have just wanted a little heat in the back of the bullpen? Sure, there are better arms available. But how many throw triple digits? It's a legit reasoning. It's almost like taking a LOOGY. He may not be one of the better guys in the game, but you need situational players. Lindstrom will be used sparingly, in very specific situations. Agreed. Plus how valuable is it to sit and pick "proven" relief pitchers brains like Joe Nathan, James Shields, ect... in certain situations. Just being there is going to help him become better. Could you tell me what a LOOGY is? Thanks. I have no idea what the bold means. As for your question...a "LOOGY" is a lefty specialist. All I mean is that if he makes the team and doesn't play very much. At least he will be around some of the games best relief pitchers. This will be great opportunity to get a few tips on how to pitch, you know pick their brains a little bit that's all.

Did it ever occur to anyone that despite his resume, they US may have just wanted a little heat in the back of the bullpen? Sure, there are better arms available. But how many throw triple digits? It's a legit reasoning. It's almost like taking a LOOGY. He may not be one of the better guys in the game, but you need situational players. Lindstrom will be used sparingly, in very specific situations. Agreed. Plus how valuable is it to sit and pick "proven" relief pitchers brains like Joe Nathan, James Shields, ect... in certain situations. Just being there is going to help him become better. Could you tell me what a LOOGY is? Thanks.

Pettite shot himself in the foot. I don't think he will get more than $10 million from any other team than the Yankees.

Just because we're Marlins fans doesn't mean we can't think objectively. We don't think a guy is great simply because he dawns a Marlin uniform. You couldn't look at me with a straight face and tell me Matt Lindstrom is among the top notch American relievers available; not even close. As we are all very happy for him and his invitation, we have every right to question the selection. Exactly. I'm a well documented Lindstrom fan and even I will say that he shouldn't be in the WBC, not yet. Not yet? Why not? Because he hasn't proved himself? That's like telling Papelbon when he was a rookie that he wasn't supposed to be the closer isn't it?

Just because we're Marlins fans doesn't mean we can't think objectively. We don't think a guy is great simply because he dawns a Marlin uniform. You couldn't look at me with a straight face and tell me Matt Lindstrom is among the top notch American relievers available; not even close. As we are all very happy for him and his invitation, we have every right to question the selection. Question the selection all you want because when it comes down to it you have no say in the matter. All you are doing is buying short meaning this: if he happens to make the team and sucks it up you can tell everybody told you so. Think what you want and I will do the same it's all good.

Oh boy, this could be bad for us. I'm happy for Lindstrom but do we want our closer to be over worked befor the season even starts? Does it matter? WBC...Spring Training...he'll have to pitch regardless before April. And this is a joke. Have that many people declined to play for the U.S. Team? No disrespect to Lindstrom, but he is certainly NOT one of the better pitchers in the United States. He probably won't have to pitch much. Sounds like disrespect to me. Your right they should have contacted Tucker. What do you want him to be Brad Lidge in his second season. I hope he proves you and all the naysayers wrong this upcoming season. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Yeah I did bro, my bad! I'm just sick and "tired" of reading posts that don't give credit where I think credit is due. You and others on this forum think it's a miracle and are quite surprised that a second year player with average numbers could make the WBC. "but he is certainly NOT one of the better pitchers in the United States" who says? The CEO and coaches of the WBC think differently or else why would they have invited him? Besides he's only been invited not selected to play for the team. They've invited like 45 players and are only taking 28. Marlins fans should be excited and not say they are happy for him one minute and the next minute say something sardonic like yeah he has no business being there. I'm sorry but those comments are contradicting. Is he the best reliever? NO. Is he pretty good? Obviously, the Marlins and coaches from the WBC seem to think so and lucky for him that's what matters. I'd like to see more support and less critisizing this year that's all. Sorry for the last comment, I'll try and turn it down a notch.

Oh boy, this could be bad for us. I'm happy for Lindstrom but do we want our closer to be over worked befor the season even starts? Does it matter? WBC...Spring Training...he'll have to pitch regardless before April. And this is a joke. Have that many people declined to play for the U.S. Team? No disrespect to Lindstrom, but he is certainly NOT one of the better pitchers in the United States. He probably won't have to pitch much. Sounds like disrespect to me. Your right they should have contacted Tucker. What do you want him to be Brad Lidge in his second season. I hope he proves you and all the naysayers wrong this upcoming season. So you are saying he is one of the best relievers in baseball? If not, that's just what Erick is saying. I'm not saying he is one of the best relievers in baseball RAB, but the coaches for the WBC USA team obviously think he can contribute or why would they have offered him an opportunity to play? Granted he is only invited until the final 28 players are selected to play. Fuentes, Broxton, Ryan, Shields, and Joe Nathan were invited by the same group of coaches. You would think on a Marlins baseball forum real marlins fans would be more excited about the invitation rather than being negative.

Oh boy, this could be bad for us. I'm happy for Lindstrom but do we want our closer to be over worked befor the season even starts? Does it matter? WBC...Spring Training...he'll have to pitch regardless before April. And this is a joke. Have that many people declined to play for the U.S. Team? No disrespect to Lindstrom, but he is certainly NOT one of the better pitchers in the United States. He probably won't have to pitch much. Sounds like disrespect to me. Your right they should have contacted Tucker. What do you want him to be Brad Lidge in his second season. I hope he proves you and all the naysayers wrong this upcoming season.