I do some stuff for the Marlins on various sporting news sites and thought I would put this up here as well:

 

 

Manny Ramirez is no doubt one of the "sexier" names as far as names go in MLB since when one thinks of him, they think of his 40+ homerun, 100+ RBI, .300 AVG seasons, yet was Manny REALLY a good fit for the Marlins? Not really. There's no doubt it would have gathered increase interest in the Marlins, and the Marlins would have been "more fun" to watch, but those are reasons that Admin Beinfest was not willing to use to get rid of Hermida and 3 good prospects, and good for him.

 

The Manny Ramirez deal was a "cosmetic deal." One that makes the Marlins look good, but barely makes them a better POST-SEASON team. For starters Manny Ramirez is 36 years old and is gone after this season. Yes the compensation draft picks would have been a nice addition to pick up as well, and Hermida may be gone next year, but Manny would barely improve the Marlins in the Post-Season. The Florida Marlins would have been an even worse defensive team, and even more of a right-handed dominated lineup. The Marlins would have ran into trouble with any right-handed specialist, which plenty of REAL playoff caliber teams have, and you always have to take in the "Manny being Manny" shenanigans that would have likely happened in Miami, a town where he would probably get away with more than Boston.

 

Consider this: Boston was basically willing to PAY the Marlins to get rid of him, and in the final trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Red Sox will not only pay Manny's Salary, but also give the Pirates a very promising outfielder in Brandon Moss (a guy who will probably we much better than Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins) and another nice prospect in Craig Hansen who has a strong arm with his fastball and slider. It almost unbelievable to think Boston, a team deep in the chase of the postseason, would WANT to trade away Manny and two solid prospects just to basically get rid of the guy. Jason Bay is no doubt a nice a player, and an All Star player, but if a post season chasing team is wanting to get rid of their best hitter like that, do you REALLY want that on your team? And what makes any Marlins fan think the same wont be felt my the Marlin's front office by the end of the year?

 

In the end, the Marlins stuck to their guns, and give them credit for that. I think when you take a look from a realistic perspective, the Marlins are a nice team above .500 record wise, but aren't in the league of the Cubs, Cards, White Sox, or the Angels and the addition of Manny for 2 months wouldn't have changed that. The Marlins still lack a solid defense (which would have been worse with roll on top of the ball Manny), and while pitching was a problem in the first half, that area will most likely be greatly improved in this final run at the playoffs. Sure the Marlins can get into the playoffs, but only through the NL East, and only if the Marlins get that "magic feel" like they did in 2003 and are able to get on a roll.

 

In conclusion, the Marlins made the right move. Don't buy what some "sources" are saying that the Marlins wanted another 2 million dollars. Trust me, that's not what held up this deal. From a financial perspective it makes no sense. The Marlins would have gained that back in Manny interest alone. The Pirates simply were asking too much and Admin Beinfest, arguably the best GM in baseball, wasn't going to get pushed around to rent a good, but questionable player. The Marlins keep this team together, that has FAR exceeded its expectations, and continue on their chase for the post-season. The Florida Marlins WILL improve themselves since they have possibly 3 very solid starting pitchers they didn't have earlier in the year, and Rhodes is a nice boost to the pen.

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As far as the Rhodes trade, its a solid move by the Marlins. You bring in a LEFTY reliever who the Marlins desperately needed for a above average reliever. Also who knows how Anibal does, but Anibal Sanchez is almost like picking up a new player since he hasn't even pitched for the Marlins this year. Bring in those two arms and you definitely make this team more post-season friendly. I would much rather have Sanchez, Volstad, Olsen, Johnson, Nolasco rotation than Manny any day.

 

On a side note: Lets cheer on the players we have and not boo the the guys we don't...

Makes sense to me. If it was Hammer instead of Hermida not bad, but if we had an outfield of Ross, Hammer, and Manny, we'd be given up a lot more runs then Manny would be able to produce

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again. Getting Manny doesn't guarantee anything, and its possible the Fish were never really that close to getting him in the first place. But if indeed there was a deal on the table that would have upgraded the bull club and we didn't pull the trigger because of a few prospects, I believe we will regret not making the trade. While retaining the prospects may help us in the next few years, the Phillies, Mets, and Braves will all upgrade this offseason and all three teams have more money and resources than us. Chances of having this good of a shot are slim.

I do some stuff for the Marlins on various sporting news sites and thought I would put this up here as well:

 

 

Manny Ramirez is no doubt one of the "sexier" names as far as names go in MLB since when one thinks of him, they think of his 40+ homerun, 100+ RBI, .300 AVG seasons, yet was Manny REALLY a good fit for the Marlins? Not really. There's no doubt it would have gathered increase interest in the Marlins, and the Marlins would have been "more fun" to watch, but those are reasons that Admin Beinfest was not willing to use to get rid of Hermida and 3 good prospects, and good for him.

 

The Manny Ramirez deal was a "cosmetic deal." One that makes the Marlins look good, but barely makes them a better POST-SEASON team. For starters Manny Ramirez is 36 years old and is gone after this season. Yes the compensation draft picks would have been a nice addition to pick up as well, and Hermida may be gone next year, but Manny would barely improve the Marlins in the Post-Season. The Florida Marlins would have been an even worse defensive team, and even more of a right-handed dominated lineup. The Marlins would have ran into trouble with any right-handed specialist, which plenty of REAL playoff caliber teams have, and you always have to take in the "Manny being Manny" shenanigans that would have likely happened in Miami, a town where he would probably get away with more than Boston.

 

Consider this: Boston was basically willing to PAY the Marlins to get rid of him, and in the final trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Red Sox will not only pay Manny's Salary, but also give the Pirates a very promising outfielder in Brandon Moss (a guy who will probably we much better than Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins) and another nice prospect in Craig Hansen who has a strong arm with his fastball and slider. It almost unbelievable to think Boston, a team deep in the chase of the postseason, would WANT to trade away Manny and two solid prospects just to basically get rid of the guy. Jason Bay is no doubt a nice a player, and an All Star player, but if a post season chasing team is wanting to get rid of their best hitter like that, do you REALLY want that on your team? And what makes any Marlins fan think the same wont be felt my the Marlin's front office by the end of the year?

 

In the end, the Marlins stuck to their guns, and give them credit for that. I think when you take a look from a realistic perspective, the Marlins are a nice team above .500 record wise, but aren't in the league of the Cubs, Cards, White Sox, or the Angels and the addition of Manny for 2 months wouldn't have changed that. The Marlins still lack a solid defense (which would have been worse with roll on top of the ball Manny), and while pitching was a problem in the first half, that area will most likely be greatly improved in this final run at the playoffs. Sure the Marlins can get into the playoffs, but only through the NL East, and only if the Marlins get that "magic feel" like they did in 2003 and are able to get on a roll.

 

In conclusion, the Marlins made the right move. Don't buy what some "sources" are saying that the Marlins wanted another 2 million dollars. Trust me, that's not what held up this deal. From a financial perspective it makes no sense. The Marlins would have gained that back in Manny interest alone. The Pirates simply were asking too much and Admin Beinfest, arguably the best GM in baseball, wasn't going to get pushed around to rent a good, but questionable player. The Marlins keep this team together, that has FAR exceeded its expectations, and continue on their chase for the post-season. The Florida Marlins WILL improve themselves since they have possibly 3 very solid starting pitchers they didn't have earlier in the year, and Rhodes is a nice boost to the pen.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

As far as the Rhodes trade, its a solid move by the Marlins. You bring in a LEFTY reliever who the Marlins desperately needed for a above average reliever. Also who knows how Anibal does, but Anibal Sanchez is almost like picking up a new player since he hasn't even pitched for the Marlins this year. Bring in those two arms and you definitely make this team more post-season friendly. I would much rather have Sanchez, Volstad, Olsen, Johnson, Nolasco rotation than Manny any day.

 

On a side note: Lets cheer on the players we have and not boo the the guys we don't...

 

 

Well said! :notworthy

Ok, here's a few things. Manny Ramirez is a significant force on any team, and could have easily provided a VERY significant boost in the race for the NL east, even if it cost some defense. And further more, Manny makes sense in the marlins, considering this will be his last 2 months before being a free agent, so he'll be more motivated to produce big numbers. Also considering that for all the slugging the marlins may already have, what they lack is reliable bat they can depend on to send base runners home without a HR (not counting cantu).

 

However, the fact is, for a 2 month rental, Ramirez really isnt worth that many prospects, and he alone isn't the solution for the marlins. and it seems the team is starting to score runs without hitting the ball 350+ ft.

 

What we really needed was a catcher.

 

and can someone please take jacobs! cantu at 1st and mcpherson at 3rd is clearly a better solution. Jacobs needs to learn that there's a glove at the end of his hand if he wants to continue to play on this team, not to mention how to have consistent at bats.

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again. Getting Manny doesn't guarantee anything, and its possible the Fish were never really that close to getting him in the first place. But if indeed there was a deal on the table that would have upgraded the bull club and we didn't pull the trigger because of a few prospects, I believe we will regret not making the trade. While retaining the prospects may help us in the next few years, the Phillies, Mets, and Braves will all upgrade this offseason and all three teams have more money and resources than us. Chances of having this good of a shot are slim.

 

 

I guess we'll see this offseason how committed we are to the future. We have a lot of players in arbitration years. It will be interesting to see how things develop

Ok, here's a few things. Manny Ramirez is a significant force on any team, and could have easily provided a VERY significant boost in the race for the NL east, even if it cost some defense. And further more, Manny makes sense in the marlins, considering this will be his last 2 months before being a free agent, so he'll be more motivated to produce big numbers. Also considering that for all the slugging the marlins may already have, what they lack is reliable bat they can depend on to send base runners home without a HR (not counting cantu).

 

However, the fact is, for a 2 month rental, Ramirez really isnt worth that many prospects, and he alone isn't the solution for the marlins. and it seems the team is starting to score runs without hitting the ball 350+ ft.

 

What we really needed was a catcher.

 

and can someone please take jacobs! cantu at 1st and mcpherson at 3rd is clearly a better solution. Jacobs needs to learn that there's a glove at the end of his hand if he wants to continue to play on this team, not to mention how to have consistent at bats.

 

I don't get why people say this about Manny going to Miami so he can try to get a big contract. If Manny indeed wanted that 100 mil contract that he wants, why would he be doing the things hes doing in Boston right now? If Manny was all about the money, why would he take 6 seconds to go up the first base line? Why would he be making himself look like a bad teammate with saying the RedSox don't deserve him? I know Manny isn't the brightest guy in the world, but hes making himself look very unattractive to teams right now. If this is what he does whens hes in his contract year, Id hate to see what he does during a normal year.

Brutal!

 

You have the chance to win now. Gotta go for it. The chances that Manny Ramirez gives you of getting to the post season and beyond are a lot greater than the chances of Ryan Tucker turning into anything significant. This was a bad error on the marlins part. This would have made their lineup virtually unpitchable and much like shaq did for his teammates throughout his career, Manny would have made 1-6 so much better just with his presence.

 

Problem is that this team keeps trying to stock pile and hold on to prospects but will never ever see any of them develop into a complete unit as far as 1-9 and a 5 man rotation. This team this year is the closest thing to being a winner that we may see for a while. If you think they are just going to come out next year and pickup where they left off please see the Colorado Rockies from last year to this year.

 

One big problem with this ownership is they want everything given to them. The stadium deal is just an example, it could have been done a few years ago but they kept holding out cause they felt they deserved more. They always want to feel like they got one up on someone. Just like today when the deal got nixed cause they wanted an extra 2 million on top of Manny's salary. Give me a break.

 

This team wont win unless we see another miracle season like we did in 03 because our ownership is not willing to give anything up or pay for a commodity.

 

In a nutshell, we did not get Manny Ramirez because our front office would rather hold onto a potential 3rd or 4th starter in a few years when they win 75 games and begged for 2 million dollars that is basically a painting for Jeffrey Loria.

 

I guess that is the price you pay when an art dealer is your owner.

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again.

 

 

Why not? Do you have a crystal ball?

Makes sense to me. If it was Hammer instead of Hermida not bad, but if we had an outfield of Ross, Hammer, and Manny, we'd be given up a lot more runs then Manny would be able to produce

I agree to an extent. As far as his fielding I think people who don't see him everyday don't realize he isnt the worst fielder in the world. I think he is actually an upgrade over both Hermida and the Hammer

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again.

 

 

Why not? Do you have a crystal ball?

 

The Mets and Phillies both have way too much talent and resources to produce underachieving teams for consecutive years.

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again.

 

 

Why not? Do you have a crystal ball?

 

The Mets and Phillies both have way too much talent and resources to produce underachieving teams for consecutive years.

 

That was said for this upcoming year...especially after the Mets went out and got Johan, and we traded Cabrera and Willis.

 

You never know...they have to play the games on the field.

 

If this year has taught us anything, it's that a roster on paper doesn't win championships.

 

Plus, we'll basically have our core guys back next year. Another year together, with more maturity. You never know...

Makes sense to me. If it was Hammer instead of Hermida not bad, but if we had an outfield of Ross, Hammer, and Manny, we'd be given up a lot more runs then Manny would be able to produce

I agree to an extent. As far as his fielding I think people who don't see him everyday don't realize he isnt the worst fielder in the world. I think he is actually an upgrade over both Hermida and the Hammer

 

You also have to remember he was playing half his games at Fenway. You really don't have much ground in left to cover

Brutal!

 

You have the chance to win now. Gotta go for it. The chances that Manny Ramirez gives you of getting to the post season and beyond are a lot greater than the chances of Ryan Tucker turning into anything significant. This was a bad error on the marlins part. This would have made their lineup virtually unpitchable and much like shaq did for his teammates throughout his career, Manny would have made 1-6 so much better just with his presence.

 

Problem is that this team keeps trying to stock pile and hold on to prospects but will never ever see any of them develop into a complete unit as far as 1-9 and a 5 man rotation. This team this year is the closest thing to being a winner that we may see for a while. If you think they are just going to come out next year and pickup where they left off please see the Colorado Rockies from last year to this year.

 

One big problem with this ownership is they want everything given to them. The stadium deal is just an example, it could have been done a few years ago but they kept holding out cause they felt they deserved more. They always want to feel like they got one up on someone. Just like today when the deal got nixed cause they wanted an extra 2 million on top of Manny's salary. Give me a break.

 

This team wont win unless we see another miracle season like we did in 03 because our ownership is not willing to give anything up or pay for a commodity.

 

In a nutshell, we did not get Manny Ramirez because our front office would rather hold onto a potential 3rd or 4th starter in a few years when they win 75 games and begged for 2 million dollars that is basically a painting for Jeffrey Loria.

 

I guess that is the price you pay when an art dealer is your owner.

 

 

Couple of issues with your post:

 

First off the Manny deal is not similar to the Shaq Deal...The only similarities is that both are well known players. Without getting too much into the Miami Heat, the Miami Heat largely won the championship because of Dwayne Wade being MJ like. Yes Shaq helped, but Dwayne won a championship for the Miami Heat in one of the most dominating perfomances in the Finals ,ever. With Baseball, there are many more aspects that would be out of Manny's control. Starting Pitching, weakness in the bullpen, susceptible infield defense, etc..

 

Also I find it ironic that your having issues with how the Marlins are winning after they have won 2 World Series and won one less than 5 years ago. The Marlins in 2003 finished 20 games above .500 and were a much more legit. post season team than this team. They had arguably the best defensive infield ever, great on base guys, clutch hitting, and superior pitching. This ballclub doesn't have any of that and bringing in Manny Ramirez would also solve a few issues. Lets not forget, this team is only a few games above .500, yes they are close to first place, but if they were in the Central, the Marlins would be less of a story.

 

Finally as I said before, the 2 million was not the reason this trade died. The last thing Boston is worried about is spending another 2 million. The Marlins were simply not going to give up solid prospects for a questionable, 2 month rental. And quite frankly, how can you argue against them. Sure the Marlins lack in some areas, but they are arguably the best in MLB in acquiring talent, developing it, and knowing which pieces to keep and get rid of.

BTW as I wrote that the Marlins are up 7-0...Yeah we really need Manny's bat haha

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again.

 

 

Why not? Do you have a crystal ball?

 

The Mets and Phillies both have way too much talent and resources to produce underachieving teams for consecutive years.

 

That was said for this upcoming year...especially after the Mets went out and got Johan, and we traded Cabrera and Willis.

 

You never know...they have to play the games on the field.

 

If this year has taught us anything, it's that a roster on paper doesn't win championships.

 

Plus, we'll basically have our core guys back next year. Another year together, with more maturity. You never know...

 

Some of the core guys. We're project to lose some because of arbitration. Hopefully not too many.

 

Of course ANYTHING is possible, but a year like this is more of the exception than the rule, which is what I think this was the perfect chance to take advantage of.

All I'm gonna say is that the National League East will NEVER be this wide open again.

 

 

Why not? Do you have a crystal ball?

 

The Mets and Phillies both have way too much talent and resources to produce underachieving teams for consecutive years.

 

I am assuming that when you say resources you are including a farm system. And if that's the case, than you are wrong about the Mets. The Mets have no farm system. That being said, they do have money. So yea I guess. But I am just trying to say that your statement (being, "the National League East will NEVER be this wide open") is pretty absurd. You don't know what will happen in the future. And you don't know if the Mets have another downfall or if the Phillies pitching catches up to them next year, etc, etc... Just saying

Just a silly thought, but really why didn't we go after Griffey? I would've rather had him than Manny anyways, we easily could've stuck him out in left or center and probably wouldn't have had to give up Hermida.

Just a silly thought, but really why didn't we go after Griffey? I would've rather had him than Manny anyways, we easily could've stuck him out in left or center and probably wouldn't have had to give up Hermida.

 

Good question. Maybe Griffrey wouldn't waive his no trade to come here

There's no way Griffey can play center field at Dolphin's Stadium.

Just a silly thought, but really why didn't we go after Griffey? I would've rather had him than Manny anyways, we easily could've stuck him out in left or center and probably wouldn't have had to give up Hermida.

 

Good question. Maybe Griffrey wouldn't waive his no trade to come here

 

Well he does live in Orlando. So its not like he's unfamiliar with the area. And I remember rumors linking him to Tampa at one point. But you may be right.

There's no way Griffey can play center field at Dolphin's Stadium.

 

So you stick him in left

I dunno, last I heard, Griffey can barely hit a fastball at this point in his career.

 

The White Sox got him because he's a genuine upgrade over what they have. I'm not sure at this point he's better than the numbers Ross is putting up.

Just a silly thought, but really why didn't we go after Griffey? I would've rather had him than Manny anyways, we easily could've stuck him out in left or center and probably wouldn't have had to give up Hermida.

 

Actually now that I think about it, Griffrey was traded before Manny. I think at that point in time Marlins were still thinking they were going to get something done w/ Boston and Pittsburgh

Ok, here's a few things. Manny Ramirez is a significant force on any team, and could have easily provided a VERY significant boost in the race for the NL east, even if it cost some defense. And further more, Manny makes sense in the marlins, considering this will be his last 2 months before being a free agent, so he'll be more motivated to produce big numbers. Also considering that for all the slugging the marlins may already have, what they lack is reliable bat they can depend on to send base runners home without a HR (not counting cantu).

 

However, the fact is, for a 2 month rental, Ramirez really isnt worth that many prospects, and he alone isn't the solution for the marlins. and it seems the team is starting to score runs without hitting the ball 350+ ft.

 

What we really needed was a catcher.

 

and can someone please take jacobs! cantu at 1st and mcpherson at 3rd is clearly a better solution. Jacobs needs to learn that there's a glove at the end of his hand if he wants to continue to play on this team, not to mention how to have consistent at bats.

 

I don't get why people say this about Manny going to Miami so he can try to get a big contract. If Manny indeed wanted that 100 mil contract that he wants, why would he be doing the things hes doing in Boston right now? If Manny was all about the money, why would he take 6 seconds to go up the first base line? Why would he be making himself look like a bad teammate with saying the RedSox don't deserve him? I know Manny isn't the brightest guy in the world, but hes making himself look very unattractive to teams right now. If this is what he does whens hes in his contract year, Id hate to see what he does during a normal year.

 

You're right manny isn't that smart. But now that he has what he wants, manny doesn't need to be intelligent, because Scott Boras has enough greed and brains for the both of them, and now that he knows for a fact that mannys options for next year wont be picked up, he has more motivation to really force manny to grow up.