Tuesday night's 8-2 loss to the Red Sox aside, the Marlins feel they are primed to make a run.

 

In an up-and-down season, the Marlins have closed to within two games of .500, and the organization doesn't think the club has played its best baseball yet. The team also has its pitching rotation lined up, after some injuries early in the year.

 

If everything starts to click, the Marlins believe they are well situated for a second-half postseason push. If Florida has any advantage over the first-place Phillies it is overall starting pitching depth.

 

There also is encouragement at the top of the order now that Chris Coghlan has secured the leadoff spot. With Coghlan getting on base, the offense has been more productive.

 

Hopeful that the pieces are in place to start playing more consistently, the Marlins are not thinking about making any major trades before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. At least, they aren't close to pulling the trigger in terms of shipping off some of their arbitration-eligible players.

 

Now, everything is subject to change if the team flops in the next five or six weeks. But as of now, the Marlins feel they are definitely in the playoff mix. For that reason, players like Dan Uggla, Jeremy Hermida and Cody Ross aren't actively being shopped.

 

You will hear and read rumors of other clubs making inquiries. That happened a few weeks ago when the Braves called about Ross. The Braves also asked about Hermida, and they were believed to be offering outfielder Jeff Francoeur and pitcher Charlie Morton. The Marlins said no.

 

Morton ended up being dealt to the Pirates as part of the Nate McLouth trade.

 

Keep in mind, the Marlins always seek pitching back in any trades they consider.

 

The Braves have had their eye on Ross for a while. One reason is he does so well against them. In 42 career games, Ross is hitting .328 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs vs. Atlanta. Hermida, meanwhile, is a native of Marietta, Ga.

 

Atlanta is definitely looking to add more offense.

 

Both Hermida and Ross have made big contributions to the Marlins of late, and both are expected to remain in Florida -- barring a collapse before the end of July.

 

-- Joe Frisaro

 

 

 

 

 

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Good to know they havent given up on the season like i thought they had a few weeks ago.

We still need a real third baseman with a decent bat, not some 2B/SS who is just playing there.

We still need a real third baseman with a decent bat, not some 2B/SS who is just playing there.

 

Hopefully with Gaby getting better by the day, they'll soon have one in Cantu at 3b and Gaby back at 1b!

The Marlins have most of the players they'll need in place to make a serious run they could use another starter as insurance and would like to see a fresh arm in the pen, with that they could stay in contention.

If they don't make a trade, the only run they'll be making is a run at last place.

If they don't make a trade, the only run they'll be making is a run at last place.

 

 

Good point. We are 14 games ahead of the Nats. They are on pace for just 9 more wins than we have right now. They are absolutely atrocious. Historically so.

 

I like when people just say sh*t.

If they don't make a trade, the only run they'll be making is a run at last place.

 

 

Good point. We are 14 games ahead of the Nats. They are on pace for just 9 more wins than we have right now. They are absolutely atrocious. Historically so.

 

I like when people just say sh*t.

 

It's called "exaggerating." I'm sure you've done it at some point in your life too...

It was still a dumb thing to say.

You know, the Marlins started playing poorly after that sad nats fan was shown on tv millions of times....he's put a curse on us111!!1

Maybe the avatar is the curse?

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

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

Maybe the avatar is the curse?

 

I think that Jets banner in your signature is the curse.

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

 

 

It makes absolutely no sense to me. We have a good bullpen. We have put up the best numbers so far. Why do we need a bullpen arm?

 

Ontop of all this, we have 3 good to great relievers infront of Linstrom (leo being good, and Kiko and Meyer having been great). Our problem has be Lindstrom. So, rather than fixing the closer problem, we look for someone to throw infront of the ineffective closer? what the f*** am I missing?

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

 

 

It makes absolutely no sense to me. We have a good bullpen. We have put up the best numbers so far. Why do we need a bullpen arm?

 

Ontop of all this, we have 3 good to great relievers infront of Linstrom (leo being good, and Kiko and Meyer having been great). Our problem has be Lindstrom. So, rather than fixing the closer problem, we look for someone to throw infront of the ineffective closer? what the f*** am I missing?

 

 

Lindstrom is the pitching version of Bonifacio, and I've been saying it for awhile now.

The organization is in love with both.

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

 

Looking at our roster on opening day it was clear our bullpen is weak. They had an amazing run early on to enable us to start 11-1. We have been lucky Kiko and Meyer are having career years. Besides, Nunez and Lindstrom (who seems to be overrated) our bullpen is full of below average journeyman.

If we can acquire a 7th inning guy that would be great b/c Kiko won't keep this up all season.

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

 

 

It makes absolutely no sense to me. We have a good bullpen. We have put up the best numbers so far. Why do we need a bullpen arm?

 

Ontop of all this, we have 3 good to great relievers infront of Linstrom (leo being good, and Kiko and Meyer having been great). Our problem has be Lindstrom. So, rather than fixing the closer problem, we look for someone to throw infront of the ineffective closer? what the f*** am I missing?

 

 

Lindstrom is the pitching version of Bonifacio, and I've been saying it for awhile now.

The organization is in love with both.

 

Except lindstrom is an average reliever who's been worse than he should be and should not continue to be this bad

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

 

 

It makes absolutely no sense to me. We have a good bullpen. We have put up the best numbers so far. Why do we need a bullpen arm?

 

Ontop of all this, we have 3 good to great relievers infront of Linstrom (leo being good, and Kiko and Meyer having been great). Our problem has be Lindstrom. So, rather than fixing the closer problem, we look for someone to throw infront of the ineffective closer? what the f*** am I missing?

 

I really dont understand it either. Leo has been fine and matt has been pretty inconsistent yet they seem to be set on him. I think our pen is pretty good with all the guys you mentioned, plus hopper in mop up duty. If anything we need another big bat.

Erick, Lindstrom IS NOT the pitching version of Bonifacio. Lindstrom is at least an average pitcher. Bonifacio is at best a bench player. Completely different.

I guess the fish don't have much confidence in Leo if they're looking for an 8th inning guy. Or they feel like he's being over used right now.

 

 

It makes absolutely no sense to me. We have a good bullpen. We have put up the best numbers so far. Why do we need a bullpen arm?

 

Ontop of all this, we have 3 good to great relievers infront of Linstrom (leo being good, and Kiko and Meyer having been great). Our problem has be Lindstrom. So, rather than fixing the closer problem, we look for someone to throw infront of the ineffective closer? what the f*** am I missing?

 

 

Lindstrom is the pitching version of Bonifacio, and I've been saying it for awhile now.

The organization is in love with both.

Lindstrom's ERA last year: 3.18. Lindstrom's career ERA: 3.55. Yeah, he's obviously a fringe 25th man, just like Boni.

In 2007, 3.09 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP.

I never said Lindstrom sucked.

 

My point with the comment was that the front office really overrates both.

 

This is a perfect example. Nunez, Kiko, and Meyer have all clearly outperformed Lindstrom. Brian Sanchez, in a short sample, as well. Yet, we need a setup guy, not a closer. Laughable.

 

I'm not saying Lindstrom sucks. But you're crazy if you think we should be any more worried about middle relief, at this point. Rab brought up ERA & that's all fine and dandy, but ERA doesn't tell the whole story. ERA is a pretty overrated stat, if you ask me, for relievers.

 

He has a career 1.44 WHIP, which has gotten worse so far year by year (this being his 3rd year, in the league...he hasn't shown signs of getting better).

 

He has allowed more hits than innings pitched in his career...he has control problems.

 

Tell me why this guy should be considered "the guy" in the 9th. Tell me why that article says the Marlins are looking for a guy to setup Lindstrom, as if Lindstrom was a proven closer, in any way.

 

I know the differences. I've made it pretty clear that I think Lindstrom is nothing more than average (I never said he sucked...if you find a post saying that, feel free to call me out), and I've said Bonifacio flat out sucks, from the very beginning (remember when people were comparing him to Luis Castillo? It's funny that those people no longer say things like that anymore...at least he still has 1 supporter, in BroncoBob, though).

 

However, there is one similarity. The front office clearly has a certain infatuation for both.

In 2007, 3.09 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP.

 

 

 

#'s that along with his K/BB rate have only gotten worse.

 

Which has led to this year (his first year "closing")...5.68 ERA, 1.81 WHIP...allowing more hits than innings pitched, with 19 walks in those 25.1 innings. But no, we don't need a closer, at all. We need a setup guy..........

 

The only positive for Lindstrom right about now is that he's K'ing a batter per inning, at least. Aside from that, I don't see much to even be optimistic about.

You said Lindstrom is the pitching version of Bonifacio. You did not make it clear that you meant the the way the front office treats him.

The bottom line for me is I think he can get better. At least, he's shown that he can close out games. Bonifacio has shown nothing thus far.

Another thing about Lindstrom and Bonifacio. He hasn't cost us so many games like Bonifacio has. In the end, wins are all that matters, and Lindstrom isn't causing us to lose many games.

Another thing about Lindstrom and Bonifacio. He hasn't cost us so many games like Bonifacio has. In the end, wins are all that matters, and Lindstrom isn't causing us to lose many games.

 

 

 

That's not fair. Bonifacio's suckfest just shows more b/c he plays everyday.

Lindstrom is 12/14, but you can expect that to get worse, if he continues his current ways. He has been very bad this year. It amazes me how much support this guy gets, compared to Kevin Gregg who got bashed constantly.