Mailbag: Fish showing signs of growth?

Beat writer Joe Frisaro answers Marlins fans' questions

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

 

Are the Marlins really making strides, especially in the bullpen, like Logan Kensing and Randy Messenger?

-- Mike M., Pembroke Pines, Fla.

 

In a word, yes, the Marlins are making strides. You have to give these players and coaching staff and manager Joe Girardi credit for remaining upbeat during difficult times. No one is expecting a serious playoff run, but the Marlins are showing enough signs that they can compete.

 

After dropping seven straight on the road in mid-May, it looked like the season was falling apart. Now, the Marlins are coming off a terrific road trip out west, where they won six of nine. There is reason for optimism because a number of prospects are panning out. As long as the young starters go deep into games, Florida has a shot to win.

 

Kensing is emerging and may be the eventual closer. Messenger has gotten better too in a setup role. This team has taken its lumps, and something should be said about the players' ability to fight hard every day. Over time, this should help the young players tremendously, learning the hard way and battling through it. Of course, the season has a long ways to go, and how the players hold up in August and September will be telling.

 

Is Dan Uggla the real deal?

-- Hector G., Miami

 

So far, the rookie second baseman sure looks to be. You have to be impressed with Uggla, because from the day he reported to Spring Training, he knew the challenge ahead.

 

As a Rule 5 draft pick, he had to make the Opening Day roster or else he risked being sent back to Arizona, his previous team. Few questioned Uggla's ability to hit, but his defense was very raw early in Spring Training. Through hard work, and having the benefit of working daily with infield coach Perry Hill -- one of the best in the business -- Uggla's defense has greatly improved.

 

At the plate, he has shown power and the ability to hit to right field, which was key. He is a spark at the top of the order, and has made himself not only an everyday second baseman, but a strong National League Rookie of the Year candidate.

 

With San Antonio now evidently off the table and no stadium deal likely in South Florida, what do the Marlins do now?

-- Andy C., Aventura, Fla.

 

From what I've last heard, things are pretty much status quo. Now, things are subject to change in this seemingless never-ending quest for a new park. Hialeah remains a viable location. There are conversations on a regular basis. When making $400-million deals, there are a lot of details to be worked out.

 

I still feel the team will resolve the stadium situation and remain in South Florida. Whether it is Hialeah or another spot, I don't sense the team leaving anytime soon. Things take time. Look how long Minnesota fought for a stadium, and recently, a new park there was approved. As for San Antonio, while there was a May 15 deadline that obviously passed, that door is not completely closed.

 

The Marlins, with the league being heavily involved, are trying to make it work in South Florida. If all hope is lost locally, San Antonio again becomes a primary option. Say, for argument sake, all deals are off in South Florida and there is no hope for a new building by Oct. 1. Does that mean San Antonio at that time wouldn't entertain more talks? I find it hard to believe San Antonio officials, knowing they could be granted a team, would walk away at a future date. Obviously, this stadium quest has been a drawn-out, tiresome process. I believe we will get some finality before the season ends.

 

With all the pitching the Marlins have in their Minor Leagues, why would they again take a pitcher in the first round of the draft? Does this make sense?

-- Bill T., Orlando

 

If you are in step with the front office, then it is easy to understand the club's reasoning for stockpiling as much pitching as possible. And the safest way to find the best pitchers in the draft is to take them in the high rounds.

 

When the Marlins picked No. 19, Brett Sinkbeil was on the board, and they couldn't resist taking the Oklahoma native. Standing at nearly 6-foot-4, the right-hander from Missouri State University throws between 90-94 mph. He weighs 195 pounds and likely will add more size as he gets older.

 

The benefit of having so much young pitching is twofold: First, they can develop from within and not have to look elsewhere for pitchers. Second, the more young arms that develop gives the team leverage to make trades down the road to fill other needs. And it's not like the team didn't pick quality position players, either. They went heavily on hitters in the first day of the draft.

 

Josh Johnson has really surprised me. Do you think he can be a future 20-game winner?

-- Loren A., Jupiter, Fla.

 

At 6-foot-7, 240 pounds, Johnson certainly has the size to be a formidable pitcher. He is big, strong and, when his fastball has life at 94 mph, he can be very effective. A number of scouts believe Johnson has the makeup and stuff to be an ace, which means he would fall into the category of being someone who could have a 20-win season.

 

 

floridamarlins.com

i like this sinkbeil kid.....closer of '07?

i like this sinkbeil kid.....closer of '07?

 

 

How about he becomes our Brandon Webb in 2008 ? :thumbup

What a lousy excuse for a mailbag...

Sinkbeil is a starter. Will be a good 4/5 starter someday, 3 at the best.

Sinkbeil is a starter. Will be a good 4/5 starter someday, 3 at the best.

 

 

 

Please don't say sh** just to start a conversation in your thread. A pitcher with a great frame who throws a 94 MPH FB with excellent downward movement AND can control it, plus a very good slider with a devolping changeup that will become a plus pitch does not equal "at best a # 3 starter"

 

At best he is Brandon Webb. At worst he never gets out of the minors because of injuries problems. Healthy though, this guy is a stud.

I was basicially meaning in this organization, he might not be more than a 3. Thats because I, personally, hope to see Willis/Johnson/Olsen as the 1-2-3 for a long time.

 

So basicially, I said that because of the talent we already have, not the talent he has...because I think he will be quite good.

I was basicially meaning in this organization, he might not be more than a 3. Thats because I, personally, hope to see Willis/Johnson/Olsen as the 1-2-3 for a long time.

 

So basicially, I said that because of the talent we already have, not the talent he has...because I think he will be quite good.

 

 

 

Ok. That makes sense, I guess. Usually though when you call a very young high level pitching prospect like that a 4/5 starter , 3 at best...it is meant as an insult.