Jacque Jones Experiment? Done.

Well that was fast. Not only is Jacque Jones removed from the CF platoon, but the major league roster.

It's pretty surprising that the Marlins would give up on him so quickly, but what did he show for himself? Nothing. If he makes it through to AAA, I'm sure the Marlins will be watching him closely for a turnaround. At age 33, though, this could be the end of the road for Frere Jacque.

Replacing him on the roster will be South Florida Fan favorite, Robert Andino, aka The Great Andino. Will he actually get to play this time? He batted a respectable .255/.379/.418 (AVG/OBP/SLG) in AAA Albuquerque, flashing his usual great defense. With the Marlins carrying 13 pitchers now instead of 12, odds are Andino will get a PH appearance in half the games. The PH order should be Helms-Amezaga-Andino-Rabelo, so expect to see him in some 5th/6th inning ABs or late in the games, should Helms and Amezaga already be employed.

There's Something About Hanley

This post isn't solely about the Marlin's superstar, Hanley Ramirez, I personally just wanted a clever name. Because with this 2008 Florida Marlins team, theres more, theres something, and words can't properly describe it. These particular Fish have an extra spark, a sense of relentlessness a group of "young, inexperienced players" should not have. It's not just Hanley Ramirez, Andrew Miller, or the almighty Dan Cooley Uggla. This whole team is in way over their heads, but is it possible that these fish float in water?

Is it meant to be? I mean, since when does Robert Andino have the right to hit a walk-off homer. Or since when does Mike Jacobs have the right to speak up against the world(specifically the media). And can you please explain to me how a team without 3 of their top pitchers and the guy that has had the highest OBP on the team, can possibly be 7 games over .500.

There is one answer, using a quote from an aforementioned 2nd baseman,(hint: his name is Daaaaannn Ugglaaa),"We know we have talent." So while the rest of the world underappreciates this Florida Marlin team, they know they're better. So go on, underestimate the fish, just try to stay afloat.

Jacque Jones a Marlin

That's the rumor, and it's coming from a number of places. Usually, the first words of confirmation involve the phrase, "Ken Rosenthal reports," and here it is. According to Rosenthal:

"Jones, 33, will take a physical Monday morning. He initially will report to extended spring training in Florida to get back into playing shape, according to one source, then return to the majors as a fourth outfielder and left-handed hitter off the bench."

Marlins Today also confirms the report, so count on it happening.

The best part of this news, especially for you Cody Ross fans, is that Jones is not expected to start. He may take a few games away from Amezaga and Ross, but I don't see that changing so quickly. Brett Carroll will certainly be the one sent down (was he even up? You'd never have known it), but what happens when Willingham comes back? That shouldn't be for a while, but it will happen (we hope).

I don't see the Marlins sending down Alfredo Amezaga under any circumstances, so the clear choice would appear to be Robert Andino. The problem, of course, is that Amezaga would become the backup infielder as well as potential starting center fielder, creating a number of pulsating headaches for Fredi in his lineup formations. This is something to keep a close eye on.

In the meantime, we welcome yet another bargain bench player to the friendly confines of South Florida.

The "Bad," "Ill," and "No!" Games

We've had copious discussions here at The South Florida Fan about the disparity in the Marlins rotation. Scott Olsen and Mark Hendrickson have excelled, collectively boasting a 9-2 record, while the unholy trinity of Burke Badenhop, Andrew Miller, and Ricky Nolasco account for 4-7.

Considering how poorly the bottom three have pitched, 4-7 is pretty startling. Here are their ERAs:

Badenhop: 6.31
Miller: 7.96
Nolasco: 6.10

Those are unacceptable numbers for any starting pitcher in the Major Leagues, let alone three on the same team!

So how have the Fish managed to work around it? You could argue timely hitting, but the real answer is through inconsistency. Badenhop, Miller, and Nolasco have essentially been good or terrible, with little in between. The games where they racked up the high ERA points, they blew the game wide open. In their other starts, they gave up only 2-3 runs.

Whenever the Marlins win when these guys pitch (such as last night, when Badenhop pitched extremely well), it almost feels like an extra win. DSponge and I have been speculating that the Marlins need to win the Olsen and Hendrickson starts and then one of the bottom three each week to stay in contention. That's not going to last forever, so ultimately one of these bottom three will have to join the ranks of respectability.

Nickname Note: These games will from heretoforth be referred to as the "Bad, Ill, and No" games (for BADenhop, MIller, NOlasco). This constitutes the second coined nickname from The South Florida Fan:

The South Florida Fan Record Book:
1. Coined The Great Andino for Robert Andino.
2. Coined "The Bad, Ill, and No" games.

We encourage all fellow Marlins bloggers to follow our lead.

Marlins Hitter Evaluations: 2nd Edition

After being prodded enough by Jay Warman and a few readers, I've decided to come out with the next edition of Marlins Hitter Evaluations. You may recall that in the first edition, I had some choice words for Jorge Cantu, while praising Robert Andino to no end. Things have evened out a bit, so prepare yourselves for a brunch-like meal of crow:

1. Hanley Ramirez: .333/.406/.622, 20R, 17RBI, 7HR, 8SB - The average has dipped, but the power has become explosive. Even more impressive are the 7 steals since my last edition. The best news? His defense has improved considerably from last year. My only concern is that he's becoming homer-happy, turning himself into an all-out slugger instead of the placesetter they need him to be.
Full Season Projection: 147R, 125RBI, 52HR, 59SB (Wow!)
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: A+)

2. Dan Uggla: .262/.333/.488, 10R, 10RBI, 3HR, 8 Doubles - Uggla has been on an absolute tear over the last two weeks, benefiting in part from The Great Andino's bat. The OBP is steadily rising, while the power continues to show. This generation's "Charlie Hustle" is now on track for another excellent season.
Full Season Projection: 77R, 77RBI, 23HR, 61 Doubles
Grade: B+ (Previous Grade: D+)

3. Mike Jacobs: .277/.307/.614, 13R, 17RBI, 7HR, 7 Doubles - The much-discussed Mike Jacobs is rarely walking (4BB), but he's taking advantage of everything he swings at. Jacobs not only carries the distinction being the Marlins' top slugger, but he also hit the fastest HR in the majors this year (4/11/08 at Houston).
Full Season Projection: 100R, 130RBI, 54HR, 54 Doubles
Grade: A (Previous Grade: B-)

4. Josh Willingham: .329/.396/.659, 15R, 16RBI, 6HR, 5 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2SB - Willingham has been steadily and consistently mashing the ball. While Hanley and Jacobs have gotten all the attention, Willingham has been nothing short of phenomenal. Just look at those numbers!
Full Season Projection: 110R, 118RBI, 44HR, 15 Triples, 15SB
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: C)

5. Jeremy Hermida: .246/.295/.421, 8R, 10RBI, 2HR, 4 Doubles - Hermida's totals are down because he missed the first week of the season (see projections). That being said, the OBP is disgusting for a player of his caliber. The power has been nice, but he needs to start lacing more singles and walking a whole lot more.
Full Season Projection: 88R, 110RBI, 22HR, 44 Doubles
Grade: C (Previous Grade: Was on DL)

6. Jorge Cantu: .325/.381/.532, 12R, 8RBI, 3HR, 7 Doubles, 2SB - WHAT??? Where the hell did this come from? I can't argue against this anymore. While it would be foolish to expect him to keep this up and his defense is still poor, this man deserves the highest accolades. By the way, crow has a bitter taste.
Full Season Projection: 96R, 64RBI, 24HR, 56 Doubles, 16SB
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: F)

7. Alfredo Amezaga: .306/.424/.429, 8R, 5RBI, 4 Doubles, 10BB - The average and slugging have dropped, but that .424 OBP is stupendous! For a speedy singles hitter to get on base at that rate, all we can do is applaud. The defense has been terrific too. He has earned the nickname Amazin' Amezaga tenfold.
Full Season Projection: 64R, 40RBI, 32 Doubles, 80BB
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: A+)

8. Cody Ross: .146/.163/.220, 3 Doubles - It's been a slump-ridden season for the likable Ross. I still believe he'll pull out of it (see our piece on his Wonder Boy moment). Don't be discouraged, codyross.org. We still believe!
Full Season Projection: 29 Doubles
Grade: F (Previous Grade: F)

9. Matt Treanor: .211/.268/.263, 3R, 2 Doubles, 1RBI - No matter how often Misti May gives it to him, the power just won't come (okay, that was wrong...I meant gives him encouragement). Even so, he's been an impenetrable fortress behind the plate, and his defense makes him worthy of a roster spot.
Full Season Projection: 41R, 14RBI, 27 Doubles
Grade: D+ (Previous Grade: D+)

10. Mike Rabelo: .216/.250/.324, 4R, 4RBI, 1HR - Another near waste of space in the lineup, at least Rabelo has a little power (just a little). Any gains he may have made there on Treanor, however, are quickly forfeited by his much inferior defense.
Full Season Projection: 55R, 55RBI, 14HR
Grade: D+ (Previous Grade: Was on DL)

Others:
Luis Gonzalez - Any drop in average has been more than made up for by his patient plate appearances in key situations, power, and salubrious clubhouse influence
Robert Andino - The Great Andino hasn't gotten much playing time, and his numbers are a lot more human. We'll still never forget his walkoff shot and stellar defense. Also, he gets credit for giving Dan Uggla his magic bat.
Wes Helms - Wes hasn't shown much yet, but we should give him time to work out of his slump

MVP: Hanley Ramirez/Josh Willingham (a tie)
Most Improved: Dan Uggla
LVP: Cody Ross
Most Likely to Improve: Cody Ross
Most Likely to Decline: Jorge Cantu
Most Likely to Break Out: Jeremy Hermida
Who to Watch: Dan Uggla

Luck, Chucks, Hacks, and Politics - Marlins Style

We've had several discussions here at The South Florida Fan about the role luck has played in the Marlins' success. Just today, JSponge referenced the upcoming series against Atlanta as evidence; the Marlins will bypass Hudson and Smoltz. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald makes a similar point, but is quick to point out: "But that's an improvement over last season, when they struggled with their fellow dregs."

According to Hermida? "''I think [it's] the sign of a good team [that] you're supposed to beat those guys,'' right fielder Jeremy Hermida said. 'That's something we didn't do last year. We played to our opponents' level sometimes. We knew we were better than certain teams, and sometimes we'd play down to those teams.'' I like what I'm hearing.

Fish Stripes may have the inside scoop on why Dan Uggla is hitting better. He's using Robert Andino's bat! We've already coined our favorite walkoff slugger "The Great Andino," but if he keeps helping the rest of the squad, there may be no bounds to his greatness.

Another key to the Marlins success? First-pitch hitting, according to Juan Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel. In his words: "Entering Monday's game against the Pirates, the Marlins were pacing the circuit with a .408 average (29 for 71) when putting the first pitch in play. No other NL team had a higher slugging percentage in those situations than the Marlins (.817). Only the Rockies (.425) had a higher on-base percentage (eight points higher)."

First-pitch swinging has its ups and downs. It's hardly effective in tiring out pitchers and pitchers will catch on quickly, but it also seems to be working. Furthermore, if opposing pitchers are afraid to throw first-pitch fastballs, the Marlins' hitters could find themselves repeatedly ahead in the counts. While I would normally be worried, I can't argue with the current results.

Lastly, don't expect to see Jeremy Hermida at any of the "Count our delegates" campaigns down in Florida. Not only was he unaware of the big primary today in Pennsylvania, but flatly admitted, "''I don't pay too much attention to it,'' Hermida said. ``I've never even actually voted [in any election].''"

Don't worry, Jeremy. It's not as if Florida votes count anyway. You're just saving yourself the trouble.

Time to Face Facts: The Marlins Are Good

This joyride of a season has now reached 14 games, and the Marlins sit atop the National League East at 9-5. Predicted by nearly every analyst to finish last, there were clearly some miscalculations. What were they?

1. Hermida and Jacobs: Contributor Mike had some choice words for Mike Jacobs this week. Regardless of what any scouts or sabermetric proponents say, the guy keeps hitting homeruns. I watched his ABs carefully tonight. Yes, he's been feasting on fastballs, but I maintain what I argued before; he set himself up for it. In his HR tonight, he patiently waited for a 2-0 count before getting the juice. Maybe his greatest gift is that he knows his limitations and bats around them.

Hermida, on the other hand, is finally achieving his early potential. When I think of a South Florida parallel, Olli Jokinen comes to mind. It's as if the light bulb went off last summer, and now everything is falling into place. Between Hanley, Hermida, and Jacobs, the Marlins have a bit of a murderer's row.

2. Supporting Cast: In 2003, a number of Marlins had career years. It seems to be happening here too, with the likes of Alfredo Amezaga, Jorge Cantu, Robert Andino, etc. Luis Gonzalez has fit in beautifully as the 4th OF (homered tonight), and with Wes Helms replacing Jason Wood, there isn't a weak spot on the offense.

3. Bullpen: The bullpen has been nothing short of Fish-tastic. So Marlin-ous has this group been, that they've completely covered for the starters to date. The bullpen hasn't failed in a single game, maintaining every lead they were given. If this keeps up, the Marlins could be showing some resemblance to the 2006 Angels.

I don't blame the experts for undervaluing the Marlins. Few could have seen this coming, but for the above reasons, we can now say the Marlins are officially a good team.

Did We Coin The Great Andino?

We're not sure if the phrase "The Great Andino" originated here or somewhere else. It's a logical phonetic discovery, right up there with The Great Giambino, for instance.

Since it's likely to stick (especially if he keeps hitting towering HRs), we'll assume the credit. If anyone thinks he/she invented it first, please comment and we'll adjust the rights accordingly. Until then, we'll claim The Great Andino as our first watershed moment in nickname lore.

The South Florida Fan Record Book:
1. Coined The Great Andino for Robert Andino.

Marlins Weekly Hitter Evaluations

This probably won't become a weekly fixture. I may choose to review the team monthly as the numbers settle in a bit more, but the first week is easily the most exciting time for an evaluation.

Just ask all the fantasy baseball owners who follow their teams to the death in Week 1, then forget about them. Have a great week in April and you're immortalized! Have a great week in August and few notice. That's the way of first impressions. Anyway, on to the review.

1. Hanley Ramirez: .440/.533/.800, 7R, 5RBI, 2HR, 1SB - These numbers are ridonculous! Perhaps he could run more, but it's hard to argue about a lack of steals with this kind of production.
Full Season Projection: 162R, 116RBI, 46HR, 23SB (I think we'd take that)
Grade: A+

2. Dan Uggla: .143/.226/.357, 2HR, 3R, 4RBI 9K - Hidden behind Uggla's two moonshots has been a horrendous start. It's only a week, so let's not get carried away. His biggest problem is that he's swinging for the fences too much.
Full Season Projection: 46HR, 69R, 93RBI (Deceptive totals with Hanley on base so much)
Grade: D+

3. Mike Jacobs: .179/.207/.393, 2HR, 4R, 5RBI - The numbers don't look good, but if you can get past the first 3 games, you'll see he's been much better. With a walkoff shot and a grand slam to his name, we'll give him a pass.
Full Season Projection: 46HR, 93R, 116RBI (Not bad totals, but needs more hits and walks)
Grade: B-

4. Josh Willingham: .207/.233/.414, 2HR, 4R, 4RBI - Hermida joins Uggla and Jacobs in the category of great slugging/bad OBP. His hitting has also been timely, but he needs to get on base more.
Full Season Projection: 46HR, 93R, 93RBI (Decent totals)
Grade: C

5. Jorge Cantu: .241/.241/.276, 1R - Perhaps Cantu has seemed better because I expected nothing out of him. Bad defense and atrocious offense should have Helms, Andino, or the surging McPherson in his place soon. 0 walks doesn't help.
Full Season Projection: 0HR, 69R, 0RBI
Grade: F

6. Luis Gonzalez: .263/.333/.526, 1HR, 2Doubles - One of this season's surprises so far, geriatric Gonzo might be perfect in a starter/bench role, after all. I expected much worse.
Full Season Projection: 27HR, 54 doubles, 27R, 27RBI (Fine for limited PT)
Grade: A-

7. Cody Ross: .125/.125/.188 - He's been hurt, so let's not judge him too harshly. I know I join the good folks at codyross.org in hoping he picks things up.
Full Season Projection: 23 Doubles
Grade: F

8. Alfredo Amezaga: .357/.500/.500, 2R, 3RBI, 4BB - How about that OBP!!! If Amezaga can continue to draw walks at this rate, it won't matter when the average falls.
Full Season Projection: 46R, 69RBI, 92BB
Grade: A+

9. Matt Treanor: .235/.278/.235, 2R, 1RBI - Not exactly a great start, but his defense has been solid. No power here whatsoever.
Full Season Projection: 64R, 32RBI, 32SB (not happening)
Grade: D+

10. Paul Hoover: .429/.429/.571, 1R - Very limited appearances, but he's made the most of them at the plate. Unfortunately, he's been pretty bad behind the plate, which is why he'll need to keep hitting like this to stay on the squad.
Full Season Projection: 79R, 79 Doubles
Grade: A-

11. Robert Andino: .600/.600/.1800, 2HR, 2R, 3RBI - Yes, it's only 5 AB, but that's more than most regulars have done. The Great Andino is due for a start at 3B.
Full Season Projection: 64HR, 64R, 96RBI
Grade: A+

Others:
Brett Carroll - 1 for 8 wasn't going to keep him on the squad
Jason Wood - Nothing in 2 AB
Wes Helms - Just getting started

MVP: Hanley Ramirez
Most Improved: Robert Andino
LVP: Jorge Cantu
Most Likely to Improve: Cody Ross
Most Likely to Decline: Alfredo Amezaga
Most Likely to Break Out: Dan Uggla
Who to Watch: Jeremy Hermida

Hermida Up, Carroll Down, Andino Survives

Robert Andino, the new South Florida Fan favorite, lives to see another day...in the majors that is. It's quite an accomplishment, considering that he was the most likely suspect to be sent down a week ago. Two monumental HRs, along with some artisan fielding, has him watching Jason Wood and Brett Carroll descend instead.

As for Hermida, we couldn't be more delighted. Hermida's monstrous second half last year has him poised for a leviathan season. As long as he can stay healthy, look for him to bolster all parts of the lineup (his inclusion pushes the middle of the lineup down a spot, improving each number).

The only question remaining is whether he'll hit 3rd or 4th. 3rd would seem ideal, but it's difficult to argue with what Mike Jacobs has done of late.

As for Carroll, I did like him, as did Fish Stripes. You had to enjoy his explosive OF play, throwing himself around with reckless abandon. He got the nickname Maniac for a reason. Unfortunately, with Hermida, Willingham, Ross, Luis Gonzalez, and Amezaga on the squad, there was no room for a 6th OF (of course, Amezaga is also an IN, but the Marlins now have Andino to fill that role).

The once abominable Marlins bench is now looking somewhat formidable:

1B/3B - Wes Helms
IF - Robert Andino
4th OF - Luis Gonzalez
5th OF - Alfredo Amezaga/Cody Ross (whoever doesn't start)
C - Paul Hoover...for now

Also worth noting: The Marlins could afford to drop a pitcher and reclaim Carroll at any time.

Andino Does It Again

There's been speculation throughout the day on whether the Marlins should have sent Robert Andino down instead of Jason Wood. The South Florida Fan endorsed keeping Andino, though with varied levels of enthusiasm. Fish Stripes was a bit more guarded.

Perhaps Andino got wind of Fish Stripes' doubt, because he did nothing but dazzle again, smashing a crucial HR to give the Fish a 10-7 lead in the 9th.

After witnessing yet another "Great Andino" moment, I decided to consult Andino's minor league splits from last year. Keep in mind that Albuquerque is a hitter friendly park:

Season: .278/.323/.429

Those are so-so for a smooth-fielding SS, but nothing to write Miami about.

Examining more closely, however, you can see what he did in August and September (limited AB):

August: .312/.356/.520
September: .375/.444/.375

Put those months together and you get: .316/.361/.511

It's a short measuring stick, but it could be the best indication of Andino's maturation. With his superior fielding skills, it may be time to consider giving him everyday time at SS and moving Hanley to CF. The other option is to play Andino at 3B.

Either way, I hope the Marlins keep him up in the bigs (and send Carroll down for Hermida).

Marlins Score When It Matters

The Marlins improved their season record to 2-2 today after another walk-off win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Marlins have been outscored 28-12. That's right, the Marlins are .500 with a -16 run differential. If I didn't know better I would predict that they'd be 0-4 or 1-3 at best according to this statistic.

How is this significant?

Well, it means that the Marlins hit when they need to hit. Their 2 losses this year are 7-2 and 13-0 to the Mets on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, but who cares: They weren't gonna win those games regardless of how many extra runs they might have scored.

The Marlins have been able to muster up two 5-4 walk-off wins off the bats of Andino and Jacobs. In each of these games, numerous key players including Ramirez, Willingham, and Gonzalez exhibited clutch performances to boost the team.

"A win is a win and a loss is a loss" as they say in those Gatorade commercials. It doesn't matter how you play in blowout losses. What's important is that you come through and get the W in the ones that can go either way. So far, the Marlins have pulled through and alone this is a reason to have hope for a season that most have tossed in the trash can.

A Marlins Outrage!!!

Somehow and someway yesterday's Andino walk-off HR in the 10th inning against the Mets did NOT make the ESPN Sports Center Top Ten plays. This is a travesty!!!

I can understand the argument that it shouldn't have been the #1 play of the night, but to miss even the top five is a mistake. How does a Melky Cabrera home run in the middle of a game make it in at the 2nd spot and Andino's walk-off not make it altogether. I'll tell you how, he's on the Yankees!

And its not like the low-market Marlins were playing the Royals, Rays, or Pirates - they were playing the Mets, a popular team with a tremendous fan base.

This is not just a Marlins thing; anytime there is a walk-off hit, especially a HR, especially from a no-name guy like Andino, it should be recognized as one of the better plays of the day, if not the best.

Who on Earth at ESPN put this shamble of a Top Ten together?

Andino's Crazy Night

Robert Andino was the hero for a moment, hitting the walk-off HR, grinning from ear to ear when interviewed by Craig Minervini, the victor's shaving cream splattered nonchalantly over his face. Then, as Fish Stripes reports, things took a turn for the worse. His family was attacked in a situation eerily similar to that of Sean Taylor's. As far as we know, everything is all right, but stay tuned for any updates.

It's just such a shame. As a Passover observer might conjecture, "Why on this night of all nights do we eat the bitter herbs?" For Andino, it's as if he led his people to the promised land, only to discover he wasn't allowed in. Here's to hoping everything turns out okay.

Speaking of Robert Andino, I highly recommend this analytic piece from Future Fish about Andino's young career. It was just a couple of years ago when he was considered a decent prospect, but a number of circumstances curtailed him to AAA purgatory. If his bat can catch up to his glove, we just might see Hanley Ramirez move to CF and Andino slip in as the everyday SS.

On a last note, Reader Tom (one of our most active subscribers), points out an amusing mistake in Joe Frisaro's MLB.com write-up:

"Shortly after hitting a walk-off home run in the 10th inning on Tuesday night, Marlins infielder Robert Andino's Miami home was the scene of an attempted robbery, according to TV station CBS4."

Apparently, Robert Andino's house is quite the slugger. Spielberg now has the premise for Monster House 2! Great catch Reader Tom.

Andino the VERY VERY VERY Unlikely Hero

If you took a quick poll of Marlins fans, how many even knew Robert Andino was on the roster? I'd say under 10%, and that's being generous.

When Andino was up at the plate, how many thought he could even hit a HR, let alone a walkoff? I'd say 1%, and that's being generous.

Well Robert Andino delightfully proved us wrong, rattling the baseball world with a walkoff HR for the ages. He just might be the least prominent player on any MLB roster, even the least likely player this century to come through in this most astonishing of situations.

In the immortal words of Craig from Fish Stripes:

"If that ending had been written for a movie I was producing, I
would've sent the script back for a rewrite since Andino hitting the
game winner is just too far fetched.
Way to go Robert!"

For the hometown kid who clobbered down the mighty Mets with one brilliant swing, I say thank you.