uberschnell

I feel like Cantu just hasn't been the same since the first month or so, whenever he had that injury, he's still good but I think there's definitely some problem there. Nunez seemed shaky in the 9th, kept missing by a lot on his opening pitches to everyone, he seemed to be able to get it under control and eventually throw strikes though. Really need the sweep tomorrow, glad JJ will be pitching. A lot of hard hit balls. The 9th is a different beast. I just watched the last inning and I saw a lot of the same nervous expressions from Fredi and Wiley you'd see when Lindstrom came into close. Important thing he got the job done.

5th or 6th best reliever is another term for mop up, yeah that's a great role for him Not exactly (unless if you consider the role he was used in the other night "mop up.") EDIT: The organization still loves Lindstrom, so he's going to get his chances in crucial situations, as well. Heck, his first game back, he came in in a tied game in the 8th inning. That sure as hell isn't "mop up." He's still an important piece of our pen. We're in August...you never have enough arms. Got the 8th inning hold tonight...definitely not "mop up." Although I disagree with the decision to use him over Calero, it just shows that Lindstrom is far from "mop up" duty, in this organization's mind. He's going to get his chances...and as I said, it's a good thing we have a deep bullpen. The backend of our rotation just isn't going to give us many innings, so we need everyone of those arms in the pen. I think he threw that split again tonight and it worked out for him. I hope he gets his era down so they can trade him away for a bat at the end of the season. We already have a closer in Nunez. If we get a bat, I can't imagine it'd be a significant bat. Lindstrom will likely be a Marlin, next year. I hope that isn't a bad thing. I believe he will have a better second half.

5th or 6th best reliever is another term for mop up, yeah that's a great role for him Not exactly (unless if you consider the role he was used in the other night "mop up.") EDIT: The organization still loves Lindstrom, so he's going to get his chances in crucial situations, as well. Heck, his first game back, he came in in a tied game in the 8th inning. That sure as hell isn't "mop up." He's still an important piece of our pen. We're in August...you never have enough arms. Got the 8th inning hold tonight...definitely not "mop up." Although I disagree with the decision to use him over Calero, it just shows that Lindstrom is far from "mop up" duty, in this organization's mind. He's going to get his chances...and as I said, it's a good thing we have a deep bullpen. The backend of our rotation just isn't going to give us many innings, so we need everyone of those arms in the pen. I think he threw that split again tonight and it worked out for him. I hope he gets his era down so they can trade him away for a bat at the end of the season. We already have a closer in Nunez.

5th or 6th best reliever is another term for mop up, yeah that's a great role for him

Wasn't smoltz an elite closer at one point 3 years ago. I'd say give him a shot in the Bullpen as the CL--move Lindstrom down to Setup. He can be useful, but we would need to find where he's best suited these days. Yes, he was an elite closer. But the big reason he was that dominant was that his fastball was in the 97 MPH+ range, and his off speed pitches had some nice bite on them. Now, at the age of 42, that fastball stays at the 89 to 93 range, and he he doesn't have the same "stuff" he used to. He just doesn't have what he used to. It comes with age, some players just have to admit when they are done, and Smoltz just doesn't have anything left in the tank sadly. I hope they get rid of Lindstrom. There is no use for him on this team. Pinto can pitch the rest of the year along with Kiko and Dan Meyer. That's not true. Tell me why bro. I'm interested in what you have to say.

How did Lindstrom get into the conversation? Piazza31 wants Smoltz to close and Lindstrom to set up. I'd rather see him on another team where he could actually learn something from a pitching coach. I just don't understand how you have a guy that throws hard, has a decent slider, and yet can't develop that strike out pitch which I think is a changeup. Plus I'd like to see him on a team where the manager actually knew what he was doing with the bullpen. Like tonight for example with Pinto. Fredi got lucky with that move.

Wasn't smoltz an elite closer at one point 3 years ago. I'd say give him a shot in the Bullpen as the CL--move Lindstrom down to Setup. He can be useful, but we would need to find where he's best suited these days. Yes, he was an elite closer. But the big reason he was that dominant was that his fastball was in the 97 MPH+ range, and his off speed pitches had some nice bite on them. Now, at the age of 42, that fastball stays at the 89 to 93 range, and he he doesn't have the same "stuff" he used to. He just doesn't have what he used to. It comes with age, some players just have to admit when they are done, and Smoltz just doesn't have anything left in the tank sadly. I hope they get rid of Lindstrom. There is no use for him on this team. Pinto can pitch the rest of the year along with Kiko and Dan Meyer.

fredi is an average coach at best but tonite's lost isnt on him.In fact i could blame him for not replacing hermida with gload knowing how much this guy strikes out in key moments.Will we see ross gload in RF anytime soon?i dont think so. Welcome darkman! I think tonight's loss had a lot to do with Fredi. Johnson was pitching awesome until 3 straight singles. If I'm the manager he is done after 2 straight. Yes the pen faltered, but Fredi faltered more. Oh, he is a terrible bullpen manager as well. For example: Lindstrom is just coming off the DL and the first night he was back Fredi dry humped him twice (dry hump=got him up for certain situations but h never actually pitched). All in all he threw about 50 pitches. The next night Fredi brings him in a tie game "easing him back in to facing major league hitting." So after getting humped the previous night he throws him into a close ball game knowing that his arm is tired. Fredi makes a lot of stupid decisions and tonight was evident of that.

1st of all i am new here and would love to hang around for a while.Now lets focus on this thread and ask where is that guy named erik who was defending this clown 2 days ago?.I am not going to go back to the past 5 games but i will take a safe bet and say hermida has left more than 20 runners on base the past 5 games . You looking for me, tough guy? Easy bro he has like 4 posts in his career. I think he meant to say that we are all sick of waiting for Hermida to be good. We would like to see him hit better with runners in scoring position...yeah something like that.

Too bad Lindstrom didn't pitch we could have blamed it on him. Fredi you are absolutely horrible!

Leo's bad stat...allowing 1 HR every 6 innings. Did anyone see Nunez's face when D-Lee Connected. It said, you gotta be ********ing me. (4 letter word). He looked so surprised, like he saw a car wreck in front of him and didn't know how to react. He's not a closer, but no one else on this roster is. I say bring up Tucker and see what he can do. He IS the closer of the future for us. I'm going to go and watch that. You think? Why? My reasoning on why he's the closer of the future: Everything I've read has said he has a Fastball and Slider(or Curve) but no third pitch, which doesn't compute well as a starter. Unfortunatley, I think they tried to get him a Change and it hasn't worked. Wish I knew he was injured all year. If he's healthy enough now I'd give him a chance in the bullpen in AA or AAA as a closer, see how he does before August 31st (last day to be on playoff roster). Makes sense. He definitely has the potential to help the team.

Leo's bad stat...allowing 1 HR every 6 innings. Did anyone see Nunez's face when D-Lee Connected. It said, you gotta be ********ing me. (4 letter word). He looked so surprised, like he saw a car wreck in front of him and didn't know how to react. He's not a closer, but no one else on this roster is. I say bring up Tucker and see what he can do. He IS the closer of the future for us. I'm going to go and watch that. You think? Why?

The fact you'd take Jimmy Rollins is personal preference (Rollins is the better player all things considered, but we're talking about offensive production this year). The poster suggested benching Uggla...b/c it worked for Rollins. My point is Uggla hasn't been nearly as bad as Rollins this year. Rollins posted an .OBP under .300, each of the first 3 months this season (and he's a leadoff hitter). He was doing horrible, and overall...his offensive #'s are still horrible (although he's picked it up in July...but I'm sure that had more to do with his talents than the benching). As for the rest... Uggla's come up with some big hits too for this franchise. Heck, he had about 2 or 3 walkoffs last year...remember? As far as Coghlan is concerned, he has given below average production for the position he's playing (whether or not that's his fault is irrelevant at this point...bottom line is, he's playing LF...blame whoever you want for that. Even if you put his #'s at 2B, they're not exactly good, either, just saying). The whole he's been better than Bonifacio thing...that's not a compliment. All that means is that Bonifacio's offensive production has sucked this year...yet, he, somehow has over 400 AB's this year. I guess "better late than never" with the Nick Johnson acquisition. You are exactly right. I remember the walkoffs for sure. I think what the fans remember is how a player has impacted the team negatively and not positively. Dan Uggla hasn't been bad in his career, but he sure has been bad this year. Fans, including me are sick of seeing an all or nothing approach when a single up the middle would be better than a fly ball to the warning track. He is hardly helping the team out offensively. As I stated in the "Dan Uggla" thread, it's not so much that he's been bad, it's that his hits have been meaningless. And we're fans...thus, that's all we care about (and rightfully so). And it becomes more obvious if you hit him 5th (although I can't really blame Fredi here...there aren't many options...especially the way Cody's slumping since the break). Meaningless would be a good term for the "just above the mendosa BA). Most of his homeruns have been solo jobs have they not? Whatever, I just hope he can turn it on because they absolutely need his help.

Lindstrom should've pitched the 9th tonight. I stated my reasons in the post-game thread (if you're interested). I'll go check them out. Witout having read them I know that he has owned Derek Lee when facing him. I didn't see the game but I think I'll watch it now, at least the 9th.

The fact you'd take Jimmy Rollins is personal preference (Rollins is the better player all things considered, but we're talking about offensive production this year). The poster suggested benching Uggla...b/c it worked for Rollins. My point is Uggla hasn't been nearly as bad as Rollins this year. Rollins posted an .OBP under .300, each of the first 3 months this season (and he's a leadoff hitter). He was doing horrible, and overall...his offensive #'s are still horrible (although he's picked it up in July...but I'm sure that had more to do with his talents than the benching). As for the rest... Uggla's come up with some big hits too for this franchise. Heck, he had about 2 or 3 walkoffs last year...remember? As far as Coghlan is concerned, he has given below average production for the position he's playing (whether or not that's his fault is irrelevant at this point...bottom line is, he's playing LF...blame whoever you want for that. Even if you put his #'s at 2B, they're not exactly good, either, just saying). The whole he's been better than Bonifacio thing...that's not a compliment. All that means is that Bonifacio's offensive production has sucked this year...yet, he, somehow has over 400 AB's this year. I guess "better late than never" with the Nick Johnson acquisition. You are exactly right. I remember the walkoffs for sure. I think what the fans remember is how a player has impacted the team negatively and not positively. Dan Uggla hasn't been bad in his career, but he sure has been bad this year. Fans, including me are sick of seeing an all or nothing approach when a single up the middle would be better than a fly ball to the warning track. He is hardly helping the team out offensively.

Bottom Line, Leo should stay as the closer. He hasnt blown a save yet to my recent knowledge and the only mistake I can recall him making was the HomeSkillet that Garret Anderson hit off him the other night. I say leave him in. Yeah leave hin in there and let Derek Lee abuse him for the loss. Put Lindstrom in, however, and you're playing with fire. No, having Dan Uggla play 2nd base and hitting with RISP is playing with fire. Yes, Uggla has been horrible with .RISP this year...not sure how that's not off-topic though? I just stayed on the playing with fire side of the thoughts. It would have been interesting to see Lindstrom pitch. Everyone remembers him for not being able to close out innings and giving up at least a hit/walk or 2 per inning in the 9th. It would have been fun to see if he improved on his mechanics and location. I hope he never starts fires gain when he comes into the ball game.

haha everyone was calling 790 yesterday NO MORE BONIFACIO!!!! dan lebatard and stugotz were banging pots and pans from the joy. I was one of those! But after today i want to start Boni at 2B and give Uggla a couple days off to clear his mind (Like Rollins) and hopefully it works! Uggla hasn't been that attrocious. Which Dan Uggla are you watching? The one that's been better than Jimmy Rollins this year. PS - If we bench Uggla...how about Hermida and Coghlan too? Better yet...lets bench Cody Ross! He's been a joke since the All-Star Break...oh wait, almost forgot. Cody Ross is a fan favorite. I'd take Jimmy Rollins over Uggla any day of the week-just saying. Cody Ross isn't one of my favorites either. The only reason he is a fan favorite IMO is because he has come through quite a few times when the team needed him to and the fans remember that. I have no idea what to do with Hermida, and Coghlan IMO is doing a decent job-an upgrade from Boni don't you think?

Bottom Line, Leo should stay as the closer. He hasnt blown a save yet to my recent knowledge and the only mistake I can recall him making was the HomeSkillet that Garret Anderson hit off him the other night. I say leave him in. Yeah leave hin in there and let Derek Lee abuse him for the loss. Put Lindstrom in, however, and you're playing with fire. No, having Dan Uggla play 2nd base and hitting with RISP is playing with fire.

haha everyone was calling 790 yesterday NO MORE BONIFACIO!!!! dan lebatard and stugotz were banging pots and pans from the joy. I was one of those! But after today i want to start Boni at 2B and give Uggla a couple days off to clear his mind (Like Rollins) and hopefully it works! Uggla hasn't been that attrocious. Which Dan Uggla are you watching?

Bottom Line, Leo should stay as the closer. He hasnt blown a save yet to my recent knowledge and the only mistake I can recall him making was the HomeSkillet that Garret Anderson hit off him the other night. I say leave him in. Yeah leave hin in there and let Derek Lee abuse him for the loss.

Lindstrom pitched tonight for AA Jacksonville. He went one inning and gave up 2 hits and 2 Earned runs to get the loss. So I'm guessing he'll pitch one more time in Jacksonville, most likely on Saturday, before getting called up. Yes, because a great way to show that you belong on the major league team is to give up 2 ER in a AA outing. Yes, especially when you are trying to locate all of your pitches to free-swinging minor leaguers. Rehab assignments don't mean anything.

Fredi is a joke. I can't believe he left Ayala in for so long after the Braves scalped him. It reminded me of the outing of Lindstrom where he gave up a 7 spot and inflated his e.r.a to the point of almost no recovery. Fredi made some stupid moves towards the end of the game. He is the worst bullpen manager in the game. BOTG (brave of the game)=Fredi

As far as I'm concerned, Lindstrom should earn the closer role back and not just "get it" as soon as he returns. Some must be misreading this. Fredi said he would be "eased back into the closers role", not given it outright. There were a few "if's" thrown in as well. To me that dosen't say when we get home he meets us here with the 9th inning in his back pocket. What about if, say, Leo Nunez keeps pitching the way he has in the 9th? Do we still "ease him back into the closers role" just b/c he's Matt Lindstrom and he throws 100? I'd say that's a bit unfair to the other relievers, who have been far more consistent. You see I don't believe you can trust anything Fredi says. I believe the call for Lindstrom to be back in the closers role is strictly up to the FO IMO. I'm going with reality here but who in their right mind who put a player coming off the DL right back into the closer role after he has struggled this year? Would Fredi really be that stupid considering he's shown that he can't manage a bullpen to save his life. I say until Leo starts blowing games you leave him in the role and have Matty setup/do something. Point being that if Lindstrom is thrown back into the closers role it will be becasue the FO said so. Once again in my opinion.

Eric, the great thing about being 18 yrs old is you know everything, when you grow up and become a man you might want to think before you write stupid, assine, emotional laden statements. Lindstrom has had a great career with the Marlins with ERA of 3.09 and 3.11 the last two years. His saves versus chances is 19 to 22. He has in his career the same number of blown saves as Nunez has for the Marlins this year, three. Eric, when you pick a career after High School make sure it isn't in scouting baseball players as you aren't so good at it. Now I remember why I quit reading the postings on Marlinsbaseball, most are simply for argument not for thoughtful discussion. Then go. Bye, see you next fall. Seriously, you write so many incendiary things that it's ridiculous. I can"t believe how much you've annoyed me in so few posts. But I deal with it. Get over it, or leave. It's disgusting how you bust out the insults. You're not quite in WMM's class, but keep on going and maybe one day you could be his non-Bullpen Forum sidekick. Then quit reading them bro. Your just annoyed that I don't think like and agree with you. I'm glad you are coping though, good luck with that. Insults? Have you read Erik's posts lately about Lindstrom? I'm just defending one of the few guys I follow. Sorry if you don't like it. I don't mean to be insulting and I will think more before I write my posts. This advice you've given should be to everyone not just me. Oh, by the way your last sentence was an insult and I'm over it FWIW.

Shouldn't even be on the team, much less the closer of the team. Eric, the great thing about being 18 yrs old is you know everything, when you grow up and become a man you might want to think before you write stupid, assine, emotional laden statements. Lindstrom has had a great career with the Marlins with ERA of 3.09 and 3.11 the last two years. His saves versus chances is 19 to 22. He has in his career the same number of blown saves as Nunez has for the Marlins this year, three. Eric, when you pick a career after High School make sure it isn't in scouting baseball players as you aren't so good at it. Now I remember why I quit reading the postings on Marlinsbaseball, most are simply for argument not for thoughtful discussion. Then go. Bye, see you next fall. Seriously, you write so many incendiary things that it's ridiculous. I can"t believe how much you've annoyed me in so few posts. But I deal with it. Get over it, or leave. It's disgusting how you bust out the insults. You're not quite in WMM's class, but keep on going and maybe one day you could be his non-Bullpen Forum sidekick. Then quit reading them bro. Your just annoyed that I don't think like and agree with you. I'm glad you are coping though, good luck with that. Insults? Have you read Erik's posts lately about Lindstrom? I'm just defending one of the few guys I follow. Sorry if you don't like it. I don't mean to be insulting and I will think more before I write my posts. This advice you've given should be to everyone not just me. Oh, by the way your last sentence was an insult and I'm over it FWIW.