Florida Marlins Franchise

[TW_Kamikaze]

Florida Marlins announce new General Manager ahead of the 2009 season

February 14th, 2009
Miami, Florida

Today the Florida Marlins announced the hiring of Cory A. as their new General Manager. A relative unknown, he was signed due to the cheap price tag, and he dominates in Fantasy Baseball every year. In his first press conference, He had some choice words for the media.

"Over the years, the Marlins have often been over-looked, due to their small payroll. It may be that we don't spend much, but we have won two World Series, and we are a franchise that has often turned good young players into the best players in the game. We will win the (National League) east this year. Hands down."

Also today, Allen announced the starting pitching staff that Manager Fredi Gonzalez assembled.

1. Ricky Nolasco
2. Josh Johnson
3. Andrew Miller
4. Chris Volstad.
5. Anibal Sanchez.


I'm going to work on getting the format a lot better, this was just a quicky update to start it off.

[NEPatriot77712]

i wish the Angels would sign me as their unknown GM that killed at fantasy baseball haha good luck with everything man

[TW_Kamikaze]

i wish the Angels would sign me as their unknown GM that killed at fantasy baseball haha good luck with everything man

it was a joke because the marlins are very frugal..hahahahah i had to work in joke somehow... I really think we(the Marlins) have a chance to do great things this year.

[NEPatriot77712]

funny thing, Angels owner Arte Moreno just contacted me about a job. Looks like my dreams came true lol ill be posting a franchise too. Good luck man. Your Marlins can take the NL but you better believe my Angels will take the AL haha

[cavs25]

you got my support, marlins have the talent, they need the determination and we are set.
Marlins 2009

[mars040520]

interesting choice.....I'll follow

[NEPatriot77712]

TW how do you think your lineup is going to go? im interested to see.

[mars040520]

funny thing, Angels owner Arte Moreno just contacted me about a job. Looks like my dreams came true lol ill be posting a franchise too. Good luck man. Your Marlins can take the NL but you better believe my Angels will take the AL haha

haha the Giants signed me as a fantasy beast turned GM...check out my giants chise......hope to see ya in the big dog leagues agian this year

[NEPatriot77712]

no doubt about it man. i cant wait!

[TW_Kamikaze]

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Florida Marlins Spring Training Preview

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As the players from all 30 Major League clubs return for the start of Spring Training, we at Sports Illustrated are going to preview each and every team. Today's preview focuses on the Florida Marlins. The Florida Marlins are seen as a potential surprise team in the National League East, but could their limited payroll hurt their chances?

Hitting

In 2008, The Marlins were an all or nothing team. For much of the season they lead the League in Home Runs, but also lead in strikeouts. This year the Marlins have refocused their offensive attack. With the trades of Mike Jacobs and Josh Willingham, expect a more controlled effort. While Hanley and Uggla will still have some strikeouts, along with the young players, such as Cameron Maybin, the Fish will put a tad more pine on the ball that last year. Power will not be lacking. Hanley has 40/40 written all over him, along with Uggla's 30+ homer power, and Maybin's potential, this team should have no problem reaching the top 10 in Home Runs in the Majors. Today, I was able to reach Fredi Gonzalez and He gave me a basic outline of the lineup, which will be fully revealed when the first Spring Training games start.

1. Maybin
2. John Baker
3. Hanley Ramirez
4. Jorge Cantu
5. Dan Uggla
6. Jeremy Hermida.
7. Cody Ross.
8. Gaby Sanchez/Dallas McPherson
9. Pitchers Spot

He did point out that this was preliminary, but it is the current look that his staff is suggesting. If you course over the lineup, putting Baker at 2 will give him solid protection, while keeping Uggla in the 5 hole will alllow for greater run production. This line up has great potential, but due to a few youngsters, could be prone to slumps. Overall, I expect a solid year out of this group.

Pitching

Pitching is by far the Marlins' strongest area. A young pitching staff filled with former top prospects, this unit has the possibility of being the best staff in the National League. To many this may seem unlikely, but coupled with the friendly confines of Dolphin Stadium, and the pitching prowess of some of the best youngsters in the game, it could certainly happen. As of today, their staff looks like this.

1. Ricky Nolasco
2. Josh Johnson
3. Andrew Miller
4. Chris Volstad
5. Anibal Sanchez.

Many casual fans may not know these names, but by the end of the year, everyone will. Nolasco is coming off a breakout year, where he 15 wins, coupled with a 3.52 era, and 186k's. He will most likely serve as the number 1 or 2 pitcher in this staff. Johnson came back midway through the season after having Tommy John in 2007. In his rookie year he showed brilliance, leading the NL in ERA until he was pulled in September. In 2008 he was 7-1 with a 3.61 ERA and 77 strikeouts. He has a heavy two seam fastball, usually coming in around 94-95 miles an hour, coupled with a strong snapping slider, and a good changeup. He is probably the most talented pitcher of the bunch. Andrew Miller is an interesting case, and probably the weakest link. He struggled mightily in 2008, and eventually was put on the DL and never started again. He is coming in with an entire new delivery for 2009, one that will hopefully keep his control under wraps. Volstad is the young gun, he came up in 2008 to put together some brilliant performances. He possesses a sinker in the mid to low 90's, a slider, a curve, and a change. He pitches to contact, but can occasionally grab some K's. In 2008, he went 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA and 52 strikeouts. Sanchez is also coming off serious injury. In 2008 he struggled in limited chances, and will probably need some time to work out the kinks. He possesses four good pitches, but doesn't have anything spectacular. If he can regain his old mental form, he can be a top pitcher for this club. The bullpen is strong as well. They added Jose Ceda from the Cubs, a young gun with a cannon. Scott Proctor was added and is is projected to be a setup man, along with Leo Nunez who was acquired from the Royals. Matt Lindstrom, with his 100 MPH fastball, will most likely close.

Key Player to Watch

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Most would pick Han-Ram as the key player to watch, but we all know what he can do. As such, I am selecting Josh Johnson. As I stated above, this kid has immense ability. He stands at 6 foot 9 inches, and has a heavy sinking fastball that can baffle hitters. If he is on, I can see him contending for a certain post-season award when October comes around.


Prediction

I'm going out on a limb here, and projecting a Marlins wild card finish. I think they will end up barely losing the division to the much hated Mets, and beating out the Phillies for the second place spot, which will ultimately give them a playoff birth. Let it be known that the Fish have the potential to win the whole division, but right now it is hard to say they will come through.




tell me what ya think....yes its pretty detailed(imo), I am a real life Marlins fan, through and through.

[chad0034]

nice job. Maybe a different font would look a little better. But overall, nice start.

[MannybeinManny]

Yeah man after year one you'll be able to bring up Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison and you're pitching will be very very good as well. Might have a dominant team on your hands. Saying that I think they have a good shot to contend this year as well.

[TW_Kamikaze]

oh yeah, Mike Stanton is a beast, we have Matt Dominguez also, Sean West is a power pitcher in Double A...like always we have a beast farm system...can't wait to get my hands on the game.

[mars040520]

yea use that farm system to your advantage, u could even make a trade or two for a catcher or starting pitcher

[TW_Kamikaze]

When Stanton is ready, I'll probably deal Hermida, and McPherson could be on the block with Gaby Sanchez becoming ready as well.

[TW_Kamikaze]

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Florida Marlins Manager Fredi Gonzalez agrees to two-year contract extension through 2012.
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February 17th, 2008
Jupiter, Florida

The Florida Marlins announced today that Manager Fredi Gonzalez has accepted a two year contract extension through 2012; an offer he received on Saturday in a meeting with owner Jeffery Loria. Today also marked the first full practice that the Marlins have held, marking the true start to Spring Training. In a statement released from the office of the General Manager, Cory A. stated that "continuity in both the front office and the managerial side of the organization was extremely important, making Fredi's contract a high priority for the organization." In other news, reliever Jose Ceda, acquired from the Cubs in the Kevin Gregg trade, experienced shoulder tightness, and will be rested for 3 or 4 days.

Rumor Mill
The Marlins' Front Office is said to be mulling a possible long-term contract offer to Josh Johnson, likely to buy out his arbitration years, and a few free agency years, similar to the Hanley Ramirez deal of 2008. A highly placed source said that there was a "higher than seventy percent chance" that a offer would be made before the start of the season. We will update you as information becomes available.

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Nice update

[scass319]

This is a really great start so far. I've always enjoyed reading franchises and this one looks promising. As long as this stays entertaining, you have yourself another follower!

[TW_Kamikaze]

bump, please put in the new 'chise forum.

[TW_Kamikaze]

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Breaking:Josh Johnson offered 5 year contract by the Marlins!
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February 22nd, 2009

A high level source within the Marlins front office told ESPN's Buster Olney that Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson was offered a new contract that would buy out his remaining arbitration years as well as a couple of his free agency years. Johnson, who had Tommy John in 2007, returned back to form going 7-1 in 15 starts in 2008. The contract is expected to be a 5 year deal, with a dollar amount near the Hanley Ramirez deal.

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Why is this in the nhl section?

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

mod: move this... thanks...

[patssox2004]

hahaha the marlins are a good hockey team.

[TW_Kamikaze]

i tell them to move it, and it goes to the NHL section!

[slantedeyematt]

hahahahah this is the only one in nhl section hahahahahahaha dont you feel special

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

post a thread in the GD to move it...

[TW_Kamikaze]

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Spring Training Blog: Marlins, Johnson agree in principle to 5 year contract extension


Jupiter, Florida
February 27th, 2009

As Spring Training gets underway, The Florida Marlins are prepared to make headlines. Buster Olney reports that two highly placed sources within the Marlins organization have confirmed that a deal has been agreed to in principle, but will not be signed until the start of the regular season. Johnson, 25, went 7-1 in 15 starts last season, just a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. They deal is expected to be 5 years and in the 70 million dollar range. Due to the Marlins financial constraints, it'll most likely be a backloaded contract that will pay higher amounts for his Free Agency eligible years.

[aabar4518]

nice work..i really like it so far