Miami Marlins third baseman Casey McGehee has spoken highly of Masahiro Tanaka, a former teammate of his in Japan. Plus links on Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Henderson Alvarez.
-Why Jarrod Saltalamacchia Is Great Value for the Miami Marlins' Rebuild | Bleacher Report
For a team with a young core of good pitching, the move makes sense and provides great value compared to the other catchers signed this offseason. And let's not forget, Saltalamacchia is a huge upgrade over what the Marlins had in place last year.
-Marlins 2014 calendar features Mariners outfielder on cover ArizonaSports.com
It's no secret that the Miami Marlins have, at times, struggled with the finer points of running a franchise. Between miserable attendance, horrible teams and an owner who many feel manipulated the city for a new stadium, it's not a surprise to see the Marlins screw something up.
-Miami Marlins: Moving Up - District on Deck - A Washington Nationals Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
The Miami Marlins have gone to having one of the best offseasons in thier history to trading them all away after one season. After trading them all away it has been a rebuilding session. All of this led to a 100 loss season in 2013, and a fan base that clearly isn’t interested in showing up to the ballpark. Their attendance was last in the National League.
-Fishing the NL East: Atlanta Braves Early Favorites? - Marlin Maniac - A Miami Marlins Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
Last Saturday I tried to gauge the pulse of the NL East and see who the fans of this website thought would win the NL East in 2014. Not surprisingly, the defending NL East Champs, the Atlanta Braves, won the poll in a landslide.
-Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #92 The Year of Jose - Marlin Maniac - A Miami Marlins Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
Jose recorded 12 wins (top 5 in rookies), 187 strike outs (first in rookie pitchers), 2.19 ERA (2nd in all the National League), .979 (3rd in the National League), and a WAR of 6.7 (6th in the National League).
-Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #92 The Year of Jose - Marlin Maniac - A Miami Marlins Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
Jose recorded 12 wins (top 5 in rookies), 187 strike outs (first in rookie pitchers), 2.19 ERA (2nd in all the National League), .979 (3rd in the National League), and a WAR of 6.7 (6th in the National League).
-Tanaka gets big endorsement from Marlins' McGehee; forkball 'best one I've seen' - MLB - Sporting News
Take it from someone who has played with Masahiro Tanaka: The Japanese right-hander, the hottest pitcher on the free-agent market, is the real deal. "Whoever gets him . . . it’s going to be money well spent," veteran MLB infielder Casey McGehee told reporters, per the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
-Miami Marlins' third baseman says Masahiro Tanaka price tag warranted - Sun Sentinel
Don’t look for the Marlins to reunite Rakuten Golden Eagles teammates Casey McGehee and Masahiro Tanaka here in the States now that Tanaka has been posted. Asked about the hype surrounding Tanaka, McGehee said it’s merited. Tanaka, 25, in helping the Golden Eagles win the Japan Series championship went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA and struck out 5.72 batters for each one he walked over his 212 innings.
-Additions provide needed balance " The Fish Pond
The Marlins may not have landed a prototypical middle of the order slugger, but their offseason moves have certainly given the lineup some needed balance. Free agents Garrett Jones and Jarrod Saltalamacchia offer left-handed hitting pop to a team that finished last in the Majors in home runs last year. Saltalamacchia is a switch-hitter, but his power has clearly come from the left side. Rafael Furcal also switch-hits, but his role will be to get on base, not necessarily drive in runs. The Marlins have severely lacked left-handed punch for a while.
-Video: 2013 GIBBYs: Marlins take home Walk-off of the Year | MLB.com
The Marlins receive the 2013 GIBBY for Walk-off of the Year after Giancarlo Stanton scored on a wild pitch, sealing Henderson Alvarez' no-no.
Around The League
-Yankees among first clubs to contact Tanaka | yankees.com: News
The Yankees have taken their first steps in pursuit of Japanese standout Masahiro Tanaka, touching base with the right-hander's representatives, according to multiple reports.
-Kansas City Royals ready to take next step in 2014 | royals.com: News
When the Royals closed out last season, they couldn't wait to get 2014 started. Just point them to next March 31 at Detroit and let those mighty Tigers start to feel the pain.
-New York Mets look to big-ticket stars, young arms in 2014 | mets.com: News
Beat reporter Anthony DiComo looks at New York's 10 biggest questions entering 2014, including whether the Mets' young arms and big-ticket signings will propel them into contention in the NL East.
-Richard Justice: Suggestions to change Joey Votto's approach unwarranted | reds.com: News
Some people think it would be a good idea for Reds first baseman Joey Votto to make more outs. To get on base less. To help out the opposition. At least, I think that would be the intent. Friends, you can't make this stuff up.
At Fish Stripes
-Addison Reed trade: Marlins, Steve Cishek, and the lesson of the Chicago White Sox - Fish Stripes
The Chicago White Sox traded young closer Addison Reed yesterday to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The return is a valuable lesson regarding the Miami Marlins and their own young closer, Steve Cishek.
-Fish Bites: Marlins seek consistent production from Giancarlo Stanton - Fish Stripes
Before they try and sign him long-term, the Marlins are looking for Giancarlo Stanton to remain healthy and consistently produce. Plus links on Christian Yelich and Mike Redmond.
-Miami Marlins GM confident in offseason upgrades - Fish Stripes
After making several free agent signings, the Miami Marlins are optimistic in their 2014 starting lineup. Miami filled several holes with established veterans with major league and postseason experience.
-Giancarlo Stanton and lineup protection again - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins have provided Giancarlo Stanton lineup protection for the first time since 2012. What does that mean for the Fish?
-2013 Marlins Season Review: Low Class A Batavia Muckdogs - Fish Stripes
The first piece of a five-part series looking at the performance of the Miami Marlins' minor league affiliates.