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-Digger's Daily-
Back by popular demand - another installment of "All World All Sports" Random Rumblings. A few strange but true stories coming from the world of sports.
Ozzie Guillen suspended by Miami Marlins. I guess freedom of speech and expression doesn't exist in Major League Baseball. Guillen was suspended for comments he made about Fidel Castro. His comments didn't sit well with the Cuban-American crowd in South Florida which erupted into a frenzy following Guillen's praise of Castro's ability to remain free of assassination. In case you missed it, he said: "I respect Fidel Castro. You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill Fidel Castro for the last 60 years, but that son of a bitch is still there."
Obviously, his comments touched a nerve in South Florida. However, Miami suspending their new manager during the first week of baseball season is a bit much. No one can blame folks who get upset over controversial comments. However, this stinks. If Marlins ownership was truly disturbed Guillen would be gone. Marlins brass was clearly trying to avoid losing ticket sales. This isn't a pretty picture no matter how you slice and dice the situation.
Former NFL washout Ryan Leaf charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal possession of a dangerous drug. Leaf could arguably be the #1 draft pick bust in NFL history. Legal troubles continue to mount. A brief description via Wikipedia.com: "In May 2009, Leaf was indicted on burglary and controlled substance charges in Texas. He was undergoing drug rehab in British Columbia at the time of the indictment and was arrested by customs agents as he returned to the United States. On June 17, 2009, he posted $45,000 bond in Washington state for the criminal charges in Texas. In April 2010, Leaf pled guilty in Amarillo, Texas to seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance, all felonies. State District Judge John B. Board sentenced Leaf to 10 years of probation and fined him $20,000. - On March 30, 2012 Leaf was arrested on burglary, theft, and drug charges in his hometown of Great Falls, Montana. Four days later, Leaf was arrested again on burglary, theft, and two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs."
Leaf's violation of parole and back to back arrests signal doom and gloom for the pain pill addicted idiot. He's been a complete washout since his college football playing days. NFL players/teammates hated his lack of work ethic. He was fired from college coaching career due to pain pills too. I guess leading a life of crime was easier than going to rehab? There's no doubt Leaf will be in jail for a few years. Over/under <1.5 character witnesses testify on Leaf's behalf.
New York Knicks climb into 2nd place in Atlantic Division - trail Boston by 3 games. Coach Mike Woodson helped turn around the Atlanta Hawks. Now he's working miracles on Broadway. The Knicks are 13-4 under his leadership and have climbed into 2nd in the Atlantic and 7th overall in Eastern Conference action. Deja vu from the shot season of 1998-99 season when the went to the NBA Finals as the 8th seed? We'll soon find out. Amazing what a mid-season coaching change can do to wake up a team. Knicks have been playing great basketball lately. Sleeper pick for sure. So was the 98-99 squad. Keep an eye on these guys.
New York Mets begin 4-0. Much has been written of Mets failures in recent years from ownership to players. New York opened their season at home and delighted fans with 4 consecutive victories to begin the new season. They swept arch rival Atlanta Braves in 3 games. Johan Santana is back. Niese pitched a 1-hitter. Duda is the new fan favorite. Wright is off to a quick start. Bullpen didn't blow any games. A solid beginning for a team trying to put turmoil in their rear view mirror. Enjoy it while it lasts.
"Rangers Fans" - Shannon and Cooper Stone statue unveiled in Arlington. Nine months after a Texas Rangers fan & father (Shannon) died trying to catch a baseball thrown by Josh Hamilton, his 7-year-old son (Cooper) helped unveil a statue honoring his father and others who love America’s pastime. Last season, Shannon Stone reached too far to catch a baseball for his son and died from injuries sustained after falling from the upper deck in front of a stunned Texas crowd. How many times have we (fans) lunged for baseball's at games? How many times have we witnessed fellow fans scramble and fight to retrieve baseball's? This time it was tragic as a father fell to his death right before his sons eyes. Texas Rangers management honored the father and son. Shannon and Cooper Stone statue is a tremendous (and heart breaking) dedication. Nolan Ryan & Rangers ownership represent baseball's best. This is a tremendous tribute - not only to the Stone's - but, for fans everywhere.
Showing posts with label Miami Marlins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miami Marlins. Show all posts
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
2012 MLB Preview: Miami Marlins
Visit - "All World All Sports"
Everything seems new in South Florida. New team name. New stadium. New uniforms. New spending habits. New manager. New free agents. Welcome to re-branded baseball - 2012 Miami Marlins.
Marlins Park makes its' regular season debut April 4th in Miami's home opener vs defending champion St. Louis. Marlins fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into 2012.
Miami was busy this off season shifting gears from usual selling ways to free agent buyers. They went all out in an unsuccessful attempt to land prized free agent Albert Pujols (Angels). However, they did land another sought after player - former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes arrival means Hanley Ramirez moves from SS to 3B forming a tough left side infield. Miami's second big name signing is former White Sox southpaw Mark Buehrle. Toss in a new closer - Heath Bell - and Miami is ready to challenge in NL East. Leading the way is feisty manager Ozzie Guillen.
Guillen's club is strong on paper but there's plenty of question marks. Biggest concern is keeping Jose Reyes healthy. Reyes has a long history of leg issues. He's one of the game's top players when 100%. How well will Hanley Ramirez adjust to playing 3B? Ramirez worth ethic was called into question last year before injuries finished off a disappointing season. Ramirez stats have been on a steady decline after establishing himself as one of NL's top players from 2006-09. Hot headed Carlos Zambrano short tempered his way out of Chicago. Miami's taking a big chance on this locker room grenade. If Zambrano can keep his cool and return to old form then Florida has a deep starting rotation.
What to watch. Winter hype grabbed Miami headlines. Now it's time to play ball. Marlins have two slugging corner outfielders. 2012 represents a major maturing test for both Morrison & Stanton. Are these guys ready to improve their games? Stanton is a free swinging slugger who must put his bat on the ball with runners in scoring position. 166 strikeouts over shadowed 34 home runs (especially when 34 round trippers produced a paltry 87 RBI). Morrison jumped from 2 homers in '10 to 23 in '11. He's another in need of plate discipline. Fan favorite Gabby Sanchez began last season on fire (.322 thru May) only to struggle throughout the second half. He would have been traded if Pujols signed. Now, it's up to him to produce or be gone.
Starting rotation is curious. Can #1 starter Johnson finally stay healthy? Is Buehrle ready for NL action? Can weak link Nolasco learn to pitch out of jams? Steady Annibal Sanchez finally has a shot at run support. Is Zambrano ready to play ball or continue being an embarrassing distraction? Loads of both upside & downside potential on this staff.
Miami's offense will only be as good as their plate discipline. Free swingers up and down this lineup. Probable lineup has plenty of speed at the top with Reyes/Bonifacio hitting 1-2 followed by Hanley. Stanton probably cleanup followed by Sanchez, Morrison & Buck. Glaring weakness here is OBA - especially against division rival control artist pitchers.
Projection: An exciting year coming in Miami after less than stellar 90 losses 2011. Health history, lack of left handed hitting and low OBA must be addressed in pre-season action. NL East is quickly becoming one of best in baseball. It's hard to picture this squad challenging for division title. 82-85 wins is realistic. If new pieces fit, youngsters mature and good health prevails then Miami is a serious contender to challenge for Wild Card.
-Digger's Daily-
Everything seems new in South Florida. New team name. New stadium. New uniforms. New spending habits. New manager. New free agents. Welcome to re-branded baseball - 2012 Miami Marlins.
Marlins Park makes its' regular season debut April 4th in Miami's home opener vs defending champion St. Louis. Marlins fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into 2012.
Miami was busy this off season shifting gears from usual selling ways to free agent buyers. They went all out in an unsuccessful attempt to land prized free agent Albert Pujols (Angels). However, they did land another sought after player - former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes arrival means Hanley Ramirez moves from SS to 3B forming a tough left side infield. Miami's second big name signing is former White Sox southpaw Mark Buehrle. Toss in a new closer - Heath Bell - and Miami is ready to challenge in NL East. Leading the way is feisty manager Ozzie Guillen.
Guillen's club is strong on paper but there's plenty of question marks. Biggest concern is keeping Jose Reyes healthy. Reyes has a long history of leg issues. He's one of the game's top players when 100%. How well will Hanley Ramirez adjust to playing 3B? Ramirez worth ethic was called into question last year before injuries finished off a disappointing season. Ramirez stats have been on a steady decline after establishing himself as one of NL's top players from 2006-09. Hot headed Carlos Zambrano short tempered his way out of Chicago. Miami's taking a big chance on this locker room grenade. If Zambrano can keep his cool and return to old form then Florida has a deep starting rotation.
What to watch. Winter hype grabbed Miami headlines. Now it's time to play ball. Marlins have two slugging corner outfielders. 2012 represents a major maturing test for both Morrison & Stanton. Are these guys ready to improve their games? Stanton is a free swinging slugger who must put his bat on the ball with runners in scoring position. 166 strikeouts over shadowed 34 home runs (especially when 34 round trippers produced a paltry 87 RBI). Morrison jumped from 2 homers in '10 to 23 in '11. He's another in need of plate discipline. Fan favorite Gabby Sanchez began last season on fire (.322 thru May) only to struggle throughout the second half. He would have been traded if Pujols signed. Now, it's up to him to produce or be gone.
Starting rotation is curious. Can #1 starter Johnson finally stay healthy? Is Buehrle ready for NL action? Can weak link Nolasco learn to pitch out of jams? Steady Annibal Sanchez finally has a shot at run support. Is Zambrano ready to play ball or continue being an embarrassing distraction? Loads of both upside & downside potential on this staff.
Miami's offense will only be as good as their plate discipline. Free swingers up and down this lineup. Probable lineup has plenty of speed at the top with Reyes/Bonifacio hitting 1-2 followed by Hanley. Stanton probably cleanup followed by Sanchez, Morrison & Buck. Glaring weakness here is OBA - especially against division rival control artist pitchers.
Projection: An exciting year coming in Miami after less than stellar 90 losses 2011. Health history, lack of left handed hitting and low OBA must be addressed in pre-season action. NL East is quickly becoming one of best in baseball. It's hard to picture this squad challenging for division title. 82-85 wins is realistic. If new pieces fit, youngsters mature and good health prevails then Miami is a serious contender to challenge for Wild Card.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Baseball's Winter Heating Up
Check it out - "All World All Sports"
Miami Marlins making early waves went out on a limb by signing Jose Reyes. Marlins have a new name - Miami. Soon to be new stadium - Sun Life Stadium. New uniforms. New attitude. New spending spree - a first in recent memory for Marlins teams.
A new generation of baseball is coming to Miami. Their organization is waving long term deals at key franchise-type players in a effort to solidify a solid, competitive Miami future. A generous deal by the City of Miami (now under investigation) affords Miami a long overdue opportunity to keep their star players and attract new ones. Just signed - NL batting champion Jose Reyes for 6 years, $106,000,000.00. Reyes is a great player with one major downside. Reyes has been sidelined extensively throughout his career in New York. If he stays healthy then count Miami as a serious NL East contender for years to come. Hanley Ramirez will shift from SS to 3B giving Miami an outstanding left side of the infield offensively and defensively.
Free agent closer Heath Bell was Miami's second major signing in two days (3 years, $27,000,000.00) and they're hot on Albert Pujols trail. Another name mentioned often is Mark Buerhle. Nobody should expect the Marlins to toss around Red Sox or Yankees kind of money. This is a team grooming very good talent and now adding a few select top veterans. Shrewd long range plans in the works. Marlins baseball will be a must watch when 2012 season begins.
Hall of Fame
It's about time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ron Santo (wikipedia.com) is finally heading into the Hall. I will never understand how Santo wasn't voted in during the 15 year eligibility votes. Then comes the HOF Veterans Committee which basically has the power to elect players who never received enough votes. Here's the real injustice. Veterans Committee had 12 years - 12 - to right a wrong. Is it their inner guilt taking over? Ron Santo died one year ago. Now, he gets in? Why not when he was alive allowing him the feeling of being a Hall of Fame inductee? How utterly miserable. Bittersweet.
Free Agents
Albert Pujols is the big fish on the market. He can pick whichever team he wants. Plenty of speculation as to where he'll end up. Plenty of teams will make offers - unless Pujols seeks ARod money. Then again, one never knows what kind of crazy contract might come from fickle owners in bidding wars? Miami is a great place to live. Will be a great place to play in a brand new hitters friendly stadium. Star studded lineup. Solid pitchers? Theo Epstein's chasing hard after Pujols. Esptein helped remove one curse. Can he work magic for the Cubs? Time will tell. Giants need to step up after losing out on Reyes. Perhaps Albert's just testing the market for leverage in St. Louis?
Big question marks surrounding many teams. The usual characters - Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies and perhaps Braves - will keep throwing big bucks around. What has me wondering is strategy of low budget teams or teams in financial distress? LA Dodgers and NY Mets with cash flow problems. LA secured a new SS signing utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. Mets might be willing to sell off everything possible. David Wright should beg to get out of NY. Angels, Cardinals, Red Sox & White Sox would be great fits if Mets follow a path of quietly severing ties with big salaries to gain useful prospects.
Kansas City & Washington have me curious too. Their once young talent is maturing. They need pitching and veteran leadership. How will front office's respond? It isn't easy attracting star pitchers to KC or Washington just yet?
Believe it or not, I've been reading how the most coveted free agents might be utility type (multi-position) players. Adam Kennedy and Hairston off the board quickly with more to follow soon. Prince Fielder sweepstakes has been rather quiet.
Plenty of rumors and headlines soon to follow. Can't wait to see how the dust settles.
-Digger's Daily-
Miami Marlins making early waves went out on a limb by signing Jose Reyes. Marlins have a new name - Miami. Soon to be new stadium - Sun Life Stadium. New uniforms. New attitude. New spending spree - a first in recent memory for Marlins teams.
A new generation of baseball is coming to Miami. Their organization is waving long term deals at key franchise-type players in a effort to solidify a solid, competitive Miami future. A generous deal by the City of Miami (now under investigation) affords Miami a long overdue opportunity to keep their star players and attract new ones. Just signed - NL batting champion Jose Reyes for 6 years, $106,000,000.00. Reyes is a great player with one major downside. Reyes has been sidelined extensively throughout his career in New York. If he stays healthy then count Miami as a serious NL East contender for years to come. Hanley Ramirez will shift from SS to 3B giving Miami an outstanding left side of the infield offensively and defensively.
Free agent closer Heath Bell was Miami's second major signing in two days (3 years, $27,000,000.00) and they're hot on Albert Pujols trail. Another name mentioned often is Mark Buerhle. Nobody should expect the Marlins to toss around Red Sox or Yankees kind of money. This is a team grooming very good talent and now adding a few select top veterans. Shrewd long range plans in the works. Marlins baseball will be a must watch when 2012 season begins.
Hall of Fame
It's about time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ron Santo (wikipedia.com) is finally heading into the Hall. I will never understand how Santo wasn't voted in during the 15 year eligibility votes. Then comes the HOF Veterans Committee which basically has the power to elect players who never received enough votes. Here's the real injustice. Veterans Committee had 12 years - 12 - to right a wrong. Is it their inner guilt taking over? Ron Santo died one year ago. Now, he gets in? Why not when he was alive allowing him the feeling of being a Hall of Fame inductee? How utterly miserable. Bittersweet.
Free Agents
Albert Pujols is the big fish on the market. He can pick whichever team he wants. Plenty of speculation as to where he'll end up. Plenty of teams will make offers - unless Pujols seeks ARod money. Then again, one never knows what kind of crazy contract might come from fickle owners in bidding wars? Miami is a great place to live. Will be a great place to play in a brand new hitters friendly stadium. Star studded lineup. Solid pitchers? Theo Epstein's chasing hard after Pujols. Esptein helped remove one curse. Can he work magic for the Cubs? Time will tell. Giants need to step up after losing out on Reyes. Perhaps Albert's just testing the market for leverage in St. Louis?
Big question marks surrounding many teams. The usual characters - Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies and perhaps Braves - will keep throwing big bucks around. What has me wondering is strategy of low budget teams or teams in financial distress? LA Dodgers and NY Mets with cash flow problems. LA secured a new SS signing utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. Mets might be willing to sell off everything possible. David Wright should beg to get out of NY. Angels, Cardinals, Red Sox & White Sox would be great fits if Mets follow a path of quietly severing ties with big salaries to gain useful prospects.
Kansas City & Washington have me curious too. Their once young talent is maturing. They need pitching and veteran leadership. How will front office's respond? It isn't easy attracting star pitchers to KC or Washington just yet?
Believe it or not, I've been reading how the most coveted free agents might be utility type (multi-position) players. Adam Kennedy and Hairston off the board quickly with more to follow soon. Prince Fielder sweepstakes has been rather quiet.
Plenty of rumors and headlines soon to follow. Can't wait to see how the dust settles.
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