I'll Admit I Now Love McKeon

I am not usually a big fan of "old" coaches. I hate JoePa, because he is really just a figure standing there. He doesn't do anything, except maybe poop his pants a little bit on the sideline and be a story line of being really old. Yea, fuck him.

I didn't know what to think of Jack McKeon. I mean I always love his cigar smoking ways, but other then that I was indifferent. That was until he managed his first game since coming back. The first thing he did was bench Hanley Ramirez, by far the best player on the team. It was a ballsy thing to do, and exactly the right move. Hanely hasn't done shit all year. He was batting below .200 until last night, and there were reports he wasn't running out plays (sounds like another Ramirez we knew).

The story doesn't end there though. McKeon then turns around and puts him hitting cleanup the next day after a "good conversation". Basically, he brought him in the office and was like "Hey, you're are best player, we need you, be the star you're supposed to be". Ramirez responded with his first multi hit game in a long time, and I guarantee he goes on a roll.

A lot of people questioned bringing him back, but now I see why. They needed someone who had no future. They needed someone who could say the things that needed to be said without worrying about 2-5 years down the road. He can knock some sense into these players and that's exactly what this young team needs.

Welcome Back Jack

With his team in complete free-fall, Edwin Rodriguez stepped down as manager of the Florida Marlins on Sunday. This left the door open for one of my favorite managers of all time 80 year old Jack McKeon. The last you saw of the cigar smoking coach was when he led the 2003 Florida Marlins to a World Series over the New York Yankees.

I don't know if he will be able to do anything magical with this team who have been downright awful lately, but it will be fun to watch. With josh Johnson being out for the foreseeable future and Hanley Ramirez not playing like himself it'll be tough, but who knows, maybe the old dog has one more ace up his sleeve.

Giants GM Brian Sabean Is A Whiny Bitch

"Why not be hard-nosed?" Sabean told the radio station. "If I never hear from Cousins again or he never plays another game in the big leagues, I think we'll all be happy."

"He chose to be a hero, in my mind, and if that's his flash of fame, that's as good as it's going to get, pal. We'll have a long memory," Sabean told KNBR. "Believe me, we've talked to (former catcher Mike) Matheny about how this game works. You can't be that out-and-out overly aggressive. I'll put it as politically as I can state it: There's no love lost and there shouldn't be (ESPN)."

It sucks you lost one of your best players, but this crying about it has to stop. There isn't anything illegal about what Cousins' did, and to go on and on about this is a joke. One top of that to come out and say you are going to get some on-field revenge is fucking stupid. All this is going to lead to is some suspensions, and if I was the MLB I would fine this guy for making comments like this. The whole MLB is making a big deal out of nothing. Yes, it sucks a very good player got hurt, but shit happens and players get run into all the time and don't get hurt. It was just bad luck..... MOVE ON.

2011 MLB Preview: Florida Marlins

2010 Record: 80-82

Lineup:

1. Chris Coghlan OF
2. Omar Infante 2B
3. Hanley Ramirez SS
4. Mike Stanton OF
5. Gaby Sanchez 1B
6. Logan Morrison OF
7. John Buck C
8. Matt Dominguez 3B

The Marlins have a young talented bunch once again in their lineup. Obviously Hanley is the star here. There is nothing he can't do. He can steal bases, hit for average, and hit for power. The guy behind him (Mike Stanton) is only 21 years old and hit 22 HRs last year. SOme scouts are predicting him to his 35+ HRs this season, which is amazing for his age. If that turns out to be true, he and Hanley will be one of the best 3/4 combos in the MLB. Another guy to keep in eye on is Gaby Sanchez, he had a very good year in 2010 with a .273 BA with 19 HRs and 85 RBIs, and that was only his first year getting regular at bats (plus he is 27). So, like the rest of this lineup his number could only improve.

Pitching:

1. Josh Johnson
2. Ricky Nolasco
3. Javier Vazquez
4. Anibal Sanchez
5. Chris Volstad
CL: Leo Nunez

Josh Johnson is a stud. The problem is he hasn't gotten much support recently. In 2010 Johnson only went 11-6, but it should've been much better with a 2.30 ERA. With the lineup improving I think he can rack up some more wins this year. Plus, like everyone else on the Marlins, he is young (27), so he still has his best years in front of him. I am not a big believer in Ricky Nolasco. He won 14 games last year, but had an ERA of 4.51. He does strikeout a lot of guys, but is prone to just getting lit up. Vazquez is getting old (35), but he is back to where he belongs in the NL East. I think you will see improvement from him after having an ERA over 5.00 last year. Anibal Sanchez finally seemed to get in a groove last season and racked up 13 wins and a mid 3.00 ERA. I feel like he has been around for awhile, but is only 27. I am a big Nunez fan, as a closer. He has electric stuff, and though he has struggled at times I think he could turn into something special.

Overall:

It's hard not to like the Marlins. The are young, fast, and can hit for power. I think they will improve last years record, but it could be tough to make the playoffs with the Braves and Phillies in their division.

2011 Record: 85-77

Marlins Sign Javier Vazquez

"Vazquez has officially signed a one-year contract worth $7MM with the Marlins. He also receives a full no-trade clause, and the team has agreed not to offer the righty arbitration next offseason (MLBTradeRumors.com)."

I like this signing by the Marlins. They had some extra money after they sent Uggla to the Braves, and last night Javier Vazquez was in the NL East he pitched really well (2.87 ERA and over a strikeout per inning). i think he will bounce back nicely, and is just one of those guys that can't handle pitching in a big market (like Pavano).

It's a good move Vasquez too, as he makes a solid salary this year ($7MM), and if he pitches well could be in line for a much better contract next offseason.

Marlins Make A Splash

Well the Florida Marlins are the first team to make a giant splash this offseason. First they trade 2nd baseman Dan Uggla (who they have tried to get a contract extension done, numerous amounts of time) for Omar Infanti and Mike Dunn(a minor league pitcher) and second they are about to sign catcher John Buck to a 3 year 18 million dollar deal.

Let's start with the Uggla deal, depending on what contract he gets I like Dan Uggla on the Braves a lot. They desperately need a power bat in that line up and that's what they get with Uggla. Uggla's arrival frees up Martin Prado to share time at first base with rookie Freddie Freeman, provide insurance for Chipper Jones at third, and also log some at-bats in left field.

As for the Marlins, they will downgrade in power a lot, but they get a high on base percentage guy and are hoping that Mike Stanton and Hanley Ramirez will drive him in.

The potential acquisition of Jhn Buck means a couple things. First is that he won't be on the Red Sox and second this has to put more pressure to have the Red Sox to get V-Mart signed quickly. That's however if another team doesn't jump first.

Ozzie Guillen On His Way Out

Ozzie picked an odd time to ask for a contract extension. The day the White Sox lost the race to the AL Central to the Twins Ozzie demanded to know if he was going to be the manager next season. The comments apparently didn't sit well with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf nor general manager Ken Williams, neither of whom felt the need to discuss Guillen's future yesterday. We all know Ken Williams and Ozzie don't get along, so I would really be shocked if Guillen was back next year. It just seems about time the team went in a different direction.

Lots of rumors suggest that Ozzie will be the manager for the Marlins next year. Which I think would be a good fit. Ozzie is fiery guy, and that could work well with a very young team.

Latest Red Sox Trade Rumors

I wrote last week that the Sox are not going to take on a big contract at the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean that they might make some moves to sure up that bullpen...

"The Red Sox have put in a phone call to the Marlins to gauge the asking price for outfielder Cody Ross and relief pitcher Leo Nunez, according to a report by the Miami Herald’s Clark Spencer. Ross is hitting .279 this season with seven home runs and 46 RBI this season and could be a stopgap until Jacoby Ellsbury returns from the disabled list. Nunez has a 2.79 ERA and 22 saves as the Marlins’ closer and could be a huge help to a struggling Boston bullpen. The Braves and Yankees are also rumored to have contacted the Marlins about Ross in their search for outfield help (WEEI)."

I couldn't care less about Cody Ross, as I believe we can get the same kind of production from the guys we have. Nunez on the other hand would be a great addition. On top of that there are rumors the Sox are going to make a run at Scott Down, who has been one of the more underrated middle men in the league. The best thing about Downs is that he can go 2 innings for you if needed.

The obvious question is what is the cost? But with the Sox looking around I bet they pick up some bullpen help in the next week or two.

Jon Lester Hates Hanley Ramirez

Interesting story coming out of the All-Star game. Reporters were shooting questions at Jon Lester. He was having his standard responses, until they got to the topic of Hanley Ramirez. Jon Lester and Hanley Ramirez were teammates throughout the minor leagues, last playing together in 2005 for Double-A Portland. Naturally, reporters wanted to ask about their relationship.

Did you ever go out for pizza with Hanley during your time together and talk about one day playing the same All-Star game?

"I'd have a better chance of being struck by lightning than me and him getting a pizza together," Lester said. "You can take that for what it's worth. But there was no chance on God's green earth that I was getting a pizza with him (Daily Pitch - USAToday.com)."

Wow. First off this is kind of uncalled for, but Hanley does have a reputation of not being the greatest clubhouse guy, even back in his days with the Sox. I am just surprised with how volatile this response was.

So, is Lester a mean guy?

or...

Is Hanley a terrible teammate?

or...

Does Lester just really hate pizza?

Florida Marlins Fire Manager Fredi Gonzalez

Well, Hanley must be happy..

The Florida Marlins have fired manager Fredi Gonzalez, bench coach Carlos Tosca and hitting coach Jim Presley. The Marlins are having a bit of a tough season with a 34-36, but I don't know what the Marlins can really expect from a team that has the 6th lowest payroll in the MLB, but I guess that is more then they usually spend. Florida was 87-75 and finished 2nd in the NL East.

The Marlins have a lot of the pieces to be a good team, so maybe this little shakeup will get them going. The team said Edwin Rodriguez had been named interim manager, with Brandon Hyde and John Mallee the interim bench and hitting coaches.

Don't feel too bad for Gonzalez, as he spent 5 seasons as a coach for the Braves, including 4 seasons as third base coach. He is reported to have remained a favorite of the Braves organization and could receive strong consideration as the replacement for Bobby Cox, who is retiring after this season.

The Hanley Ramirez Situation

Apparently Hanley Ramirez have a lot more then a last name in common. Ramirez was removed from a game, because he didn't running after a ball after an error he made. The Marlins' coach made an example out of him, since they want him to be the leader of the team. Ramirez did not take it well...

"We got a lot of people dogging it after ground balls. They don't apologize," Ramirez told reporters, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Ramirez took a shot at his manager on Tuesday for removing him from the game.

"That's OK. He doesn't understand that. He never played in the big leagues," Ramirez said, according to the Post.

Wow, that can't go over well. Ramirez is 100% in the wrong here, even if his teammates have been dogging it, it doesn't make it right, and you should never go after your coach the way he did. Furthermore, he is by far the best player in that lineup, and he does need to step up and take responsibility.

Yet, as a Sox fan I really hope this situation gets out of control and they are forced to trade him. I love Scutaro, but getting a guy like Ramirez could change the Sox entire lineup.

MLB Previews: Florida Marlins

LINEUP

LF - Chris Coghlan
CF - Cameron Maybin
SS - Hanley Ramirez
3B - Jorge Cantu
2B - Dan Uggla
RF - Cody Ross
C - John Baker
1B - Gabby Sanchez

Believe it or not, the Marlins were up in the top of most offensive categories last year, and their team is pretty much the same this year. Hanley, Cantu and Uggla is a pretty good three man heart of the order. The issue I have is Cameron Maybin, he has yet to reach his potential and if he does it this year, the Marlins will be even more dangerous. Their hitting and speed is their biggest strength.

ROTATION

Josh Johnson
Ricky Nolasco
Anibal Sanchez
Sean West
Chris Volstad

Leo Nunez - closer

After Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco the rotation gets extremely thin. What ever happened to Andrew Miller? I don't think the back end of this rotation can hold their own and is the most glaring weakness I see.

Outlook
I want to put the Marlins as having an absurd record but I just can't do that with their rotation. I like their offense, their speed, and believe Josh Johnson is going to be the next great Marlins pitcher, however, he won't be able to do it alone. Look for the Marlins to be around .500. Which may be good enough for second in the NL East.

84-78

Lastest On The Race for Chapman

"According to Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins are still in the hunt and have increased their initial $13 million offer to the Cuban defector.

A few teams were notably linked to the Chapman chase last week.

ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. reported that the Blue Jays held a private workout for the highly touted Chapman on New Year's Eve morning in Florida and then met with his representatives.

A day earlier, Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com reported that the Angels could have an edge in signing the left-hander because Chapman has become a close friend of Angels first baseman Kendry Morales, a fellow Cuban refugee who recently helped convince him to switch agents (ESPN)."

Their are rumors going around that he is going to sign in the next 10 days. It is odd, because not one seems to have any idea where he might go. Some people think with the Marlins increasing their offer that he will head there, since there is just a high Cuban population in the area, but who the fuck knows? I really hope the Sox get him, since they do a great job developing young pitching (Papelbon, Lester, Buccholz, ect).

Red Sox/Marlins Make Offers To Chapman

"According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins have made a five-year offer of $13 million for the hard-throwing lefty. Last week, ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. reported that the Red Sox made a three-year offer for $15.5 million for the Cuban defector. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wrote Sunday that the Cubs are part of the large group of teams exploring a deal with Chapman.

Arangure checked in with a report from Chapman's throwing session in Houston, where Chapman topped out at 96 mph on the gun. Chapman's original asking price was rumored to be in the $40 million-$60 million range, but that has since sunk down into the range of $20 million or below, according to Arangure. The consensus seems to be that Chapman will need time in the minor leagues, so his signing may not affect the big leagues in 2010 (ESPN)."

Obviously he would take the Sox offer if these reports are true. The Yankees have ben quiet on this, but I would expect an offer eventually, so far though I looks like Boston has the upper hand, and I expect him in the Sox farm system by the start of next season.

Josh Johnson To Texas?

ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett reported Tuesday night that the Texas Rangers have offered top prospects Justin Smoak and Neftali Feliz to Florida for right-hander Josh Johnson.

Now comes word from Joe Frisaro of MLB.com that the Fish might try to re-open negotiations on a long-term deal with Johnson.

I love Josh Johnson, I do. I think of him as being a young Josh Beckett, but I don't think he's worth Smoak and Feliz from Texas. Both of those guys are going to turn into very good players. Johnson could be an ace that the Rangers for a while, but so could Feliz(If they decide to take him out of the bullpen). Although this deal looks sexy, don't do it Rangers.

Red Sox Trade For Jeremy Hermida

According to WEEI the Sox have traded Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez for Jeremy Hermida. Hermida had a .259/.348/.392 season for the Marlins. He has lefty power and seems likely to be the fourth outfielder, so basically he is taking over for Rocco Baldelli. Hermida is only 25 years old and at time has shown some power potential. I like this deal, as I think he will be much better then Rocco and it gives the Sox a safety net in case a deal is not worked out for Bay (even though that would be a weak left fielder for a team like the Sox ). Hermida should get decent playing time since Drew is always hurt, and the Sox like to give guys like Lowell and Ortiz lots of time off.

NL Teams Looking At Penny

"As Brad Penny, who was told by Boston Red Sox officials Wednesday night that he is being released, is being moved through waivers, at least three NL contenders -- the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Florida Marlins -- have expressed interest in the veteran right-hander, sources said (ESPN)."

If I was an NL team I would grab him. If we have learned anything this year, we have learned that the NL is the AL's farm league. It is a joke (excluding the Phillies), so Penny will probably sign with one of these teams and be nasty down the stretch...

Red Sox 1 Marlins 2 (6 innings)

Ricky Nolasco shut down the Red Sox allowing only 1 hit in a rained shortened game. I really think the Sox would have got to him, but give the kid credit the only he let up was Youk's bomb. Lester didn't pitch bad, but he let up two HRs in the 2nd inning to Dan Uggla and Ronny Paulino. He didn't have his best stuff, but he was able to battle through some innings.

I hate when games get shortaned, because it leaves to many "what if's", but what can ya do? The good news is the Yankees lost again to the Nationals (HAHAHAHHHAHA), so the Sox are still 3 games up in the AL East.

Marlins @ Red Sox Preview

Lester will be hoping to extend a dominant run as the Red Sox try to complete a 3 game sweep of the Marlins. Boston dominates the NL and I don't see tonight being any different as Lester goes again Ricky Nolasco.

Nolasco won 15 games in 2008, but has struggled this season with a 2-6 record and a 7.62 ERA. He has pitched better of late giving up only 4 runs in 13 innings over his last 2 starts, but he is still letting a lot of guys on base, and the Sox have been hot at the plate.

Lester has been nothing short of amazing over his last 3 starts. During that stretch he is 2-0 letting up only 3 runs over 22 innings. I expect more of the same tonight, as the Marlins seem to be completely overmatched by the Sox.

The Red Sox are a major league-best 23-8 at home. To make matter worse for the Marlins Ortiz is starting to heat up. Ortiz doubled, walked twice and scored three runs Wednesday, and has a .545 on-base percentage in his last 10 games.

Game starts at 7:10 on NESN.

Red Sox 6 Marlins 1

The Red Sox enjoyed their 500th straight sellout last night by pounding the Marlins. Penny got his 6th win of the season, but there was a scary moment when he took a line drive off his chest. To be honest I kind of laughed, because it would have most likely given the Sox less headaches with the logjam they have in their rotation, but he was fine and pitched well.

Penny (6-2) allowed one unearned run on three hits and four walks, striking out three in 5 innings of work. He has not allowed an earned run in 11 innings over his last two starts. Penny let up a run, but it wasn't an earned run as Jacoby was charged with his first error ever in center field. You have to say that it is going to be very tough to take Penny out of the rotation with the way he is pitching right now, but we will have more on that later.

So, the Marlins were up 1-0 after the error by Ellsbury, but that didn't last long. Boston scored 2 runs in the second, 1 of them off a Rocco Baldelli RBI single, and the other from Tek, but he hit into a double play. Rocco has been playing much better of late, and we are starting to see his batting average rise. This is great news for the Sox as they are really going to need him as a backup for Drew, and against left handers. Boston wasn't done as they tagged on another 2 runs in the 4th off a Pedroia single. Hopefully this means he is coming out of his slump.

The game was over even though Penny's pitch count was high and he was chased out of the game, Boston's bullpen is just too good and they don't give up leads. Ellsbury made up for his error by knocking his 3rd HR of the year into the stands, and Pedroia ended his fantastic game with another RBI which gave him 3 on the day.

With the Yankees losing last night the Nationals (HAHAHAHAHA), Boston is now up 3 games in the AL East.