Trevor Richards begins bullpen stint as Marlins shuffle starting rotation

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Trevor Richards began his new role as a reliever after throwing a shutout inning allowing only one hit with two strikeouts during the Miami Marlins 3-2 walk-off win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.

Richards (3-12, 4.62) was known for having an above average changeup and opened the season as the No. 2 starter. However the past two months have felt like the dog days of summer for him. He hasn’t won a decision since June 2 at San Diego. He made it past five innings only twice since that date.

July was a disaster for Richards. He allowed 14 earned runs in 15 innings over three starts prior to the move to the bullpen. It’s noticeable that his fastball-changeup combo isn’t conducive for multiple go-arounds against the opposing lineup but it’s much better being concentrated in an inning over multiple games.

“The bullpen is obviously a little bit different,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “Most guys out there are [throwing] two pitches, with a third in there somewhere. There are more two-pitch guys out of the bullpen.”

The Marlins have built a lot of depth in starting pitching since the change in ownership. So much so that it’s almost better to put a couple of them in the bullpen rather than bringing in a new reliever.

“As an organization, we’re compiling starters,” Mattingly said. “Starters are getting closer and closer to the big leagues.”

Elieser Hernandez (1-4, 5.24) returns to the rotation to start on Sunday. He last started on July 4 at the Nationals, and his last appearance was on July 20 at the Dodgers, giving up four runs in two-thirds of an inning. As a starter, he is 1-3 with a 4.05 ERA. In 26 2/3 innings, he has 32 strikeouts and six walks.

On the same day, Pablo Lopez will be making his rehab assignment in Double-A Jacksonville. He was placed on the 10-day injured list for a right shoulder strain. His last start was June 15 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s scheduled to throw three innings or 45 pitches and eventually reach 90-100 pitches before being reinstated, similar to Caleb Smith’s rehab process earlier in July.

“He’s got to be built up as a starter,” Mattingly said. “He’s not going to be back at 60 pitches, and tax your ‘pen. We’ll get him built up to 90-100 pitches.”

Hernandez will likely return to the bullpen once Lopez gets reinstated from the IL. Richards has recently been receiving trade interest before the July 31 trade deadline and with enough young pitching to last for years but a need for hitting, it wouldn’t be a stretch to believe that a member of the Opening Day starting rotation would be traded in order to bolster the lineup and balance the team out.

Should none of the young starters be traded by September, Mattingly hinted at a six-man rotation. While against the notion of limiting pitchers innings over the course of the season, he noted that it is behooving for the team to give the starting pitchers an extra day of rest while allowing more opportunities for other pitchers to make their case for next season.

Sam Eguavoen story header

Dolphins LB Sam Eguavoen making most of rare opportunity

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When players from other leagues make the jump to the NFL, there’s a shock that goes through their systems. The NFL is faster, tougher, more difficult than where they came from, and even the most talented players sometimes fail to make the cut. In the case of former CFL linebacker Sam Eguavoen, that jump isn’t holding him back so far. For the second straight day, Eguavoen lined up with the starters on defense, even over former second-round pick Raekwon McMillan.

“We’re just rotating guys around,” Eguavoen said after practice. “I’m just blessed for the opportunity to be in the NFL. You know I come from the CFL, it’s a different ballgame and I still got a lot to learn. We’ve all got a lot to learn, especially with the new defensive scheme.”

 

Being from the CFL, Eguavoen is used to a much larger field to play on. It also means that offenses have more chances to get a first down, so stamina is tested. There’s been a lot of adapting he’s had to in a very short amount of time. Eguavoen had other offers to play elsewhere, but he ultimately chose Miami because of the opportunity that presented itself.

“They’re a team I felt like they’re in the rebuilding process,” He said. “It’s just a new opportunity, everybody’s starting from ground zero. Just to build a bond with the guys out here.”

True, Eguavoen has a good shot to make the Dolphins roster since the team is trying to regain their footing after a purge. But with new regimes comes new schemes, and it’s a complicated one that head coach Brian Flores is looking to install. On top of getting used to the NFL’s structure, he’s having to figure out how to handle the responsibilities being thrown at him.

“We’re running multiple styles of defense,” He said. “So it’s probably just playing on the edge more. You gotta learn to really use your hands, and it’s first contact being on that line of scrimmage. It’s quick contact, and I’m used to being off the ball. So mixing it up, being off the ball and on the ball, that’s probably the biggest shock I had.”

Clearly, he’s gotten over the shock fairly well. Being inserted into the starting lineup is no small feat. But with his background, Eguavoen is remaining humble, and his main goal is to just stick where he is, having worked his way from the bottom to the top.

“It’s not just signing with the Dolphins, it’s just the opportunity to be in the NFL.” Eguavoen said. “But I’m glad that I came here. I’m glad that they paid me up, it was Miami. My thought was to not be distracted out here, just focus in and try to be the best linebacker … it was hard, mentally. Not gonna lie. It was hard playing in a so-called ‘lower league.’ It’s kinda like ‘dang, I miss a tackle out there, I’m never gonna make it to the NFL.’ It’s truly hard on you mentally, but I just stuck with it, stayed to the grind … I did what my coaches said out there, I focused on what I had to, and God blessed me with this opportunity.”

Miami Dolphins

Quickie Dolphins Camp Notes Day 2

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DAY 2

– Glorious day today. Clear skies. Not too hot.
– Ok, forget that, It’s like the 7th ring of hell out here.
– “Allen Hurns is here to bring competition.”- Coach Flores.
– Allen Hurns is also necessary. As our own Chris Kouffman pointed out (@ckparrot), they need a true slot guy, and they had nobody on the roster that did what a true slot has done for the New England Patriots all these years.
– Albert Wilson not limited. Will not practice.
– Pads come on tomorrow (Saturday).
– Excited to see Chris Reed. Excited to see Woodard, Carradine. Some physicality.
– Players will get tested on recall from day 1 install on day 2 and so forth.- Coach Flores

– TJ McDonald is off PUP. The Rest remain. TJ McDonald looks pretty good out there. Slim. Sleek. He had a “bloated” heavy look last year in camp. He showed up in shape this year. Will say this. Further review of his 2018 film reveals a very good NFL player on a friendly contract.
– Charles Harris has lined up wide on each side of the formation. Going to be interesting to see how it translates when people actually try to block you.
– The Team stretch is unlike any team stretch I’ve seen before. You gotta see it to understand. Perpetual motion. Emphasis on staying loose, Hydration.
– QB’s warming up. Rosen never drives it during warmups. He is today. On Day 1, it was lolly pops. He is showing some power today.
– Mike Gesicki might have the best hands on the team. I don’t remember his last drop.
– He just dropped one.
– Goal line work with the QB’s. Rosen displays some touch.
– Rosen being bad throwing on the run, is a thing.
– We are not allowed to talk about what they are specifically doing, but the run game is going to be completely different in every aspect, from play call, alignment, even cadence
– This DJ is on FIYAH. That was Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan, and Busta Rhymes, back to back to back. I was tempted to perform on press row, and then I came face to face with my own mortality as I realized that most of these players were not born when these artists were at the peak of their powers.

Header for first day of training camp

– DeVante Parker, well. He’s good. Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah. I get it.
– Josh Rosen has some moments. Good on an over route. Fast on an option route. Quick to recognize the back in the flat.
– Good for Josh Rosen, but he is not the best QB on this field, and it’s obvious.
– Some 11v11 here….Rosen threw late on a cross. You can see he wanted the guy to clear the zone…good idea, bad execution. Incomplete.
– Uneventful practice today. A lot of Indy drills. Pads come on tomorrow, so it makes sense that they have a lite practice.
– Pads tomorrow. We get to learn MUCH MORE.

Practice MVP: Preston Williams, Brice Butler
Struggled: NOBODY

 

Alfredo Arteaga (@UptownReport) is one-third of the trio that does the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.

Why do you hate the Heat, America?

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The NBA’s best legal tampering period is right around the corner and Miami is being left out.

USA Basketball Men’s National Team Training Camp opens in Las Vegas on August 5th. And so far, there’s been zero mention of any Miami Heat players – specifically Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow – being invited to participate. Now, that could change. Guys are seemingly dropping out every second.

But we all know the national biased against Heat players.

A month ago, Josh Richardson was just “a nice player” to some. Yet the second he’s traded to Philly everybody loves him, even Team USA apparently. So, it feels safe to say the roster will pretty much remain as it currently stands. And that is a damn shame. Not just for Bam and Justise, who deserve to be in Vegas, but for the Miami Heat organization.

USA Basketball isn’t just patriotic, it’s strategic. Besides All-Star weekend, where else can you find the game’s best talents training together, in a single gym? And fans in Miami know all about the benefits of great players spending ample time together, on and off the court. Yes, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were friends before USA Basketball. But it was the Gold-Medal winning Redeam Team that really strengthened their bond. It also served as a trial run for what would become the eventual Big 3 in Miami with Chris Bosh, another USA Basketball running mate.

Great players want to play with other great players. They notice who gets the accolades and attention. That stuff matters. That’s why when Jerry Colangelo (Director of USA Basketball) calls, players should ALWAYS answer.

Now I’m not saying that if you send Bam and Winslow to Vegas for practice they’re coming back to Miami with another All-Star. But I am saying that putting them in a competitive environment amongst elite talent, will only further elevate their game. More importantly, their contacts around the league. If I’m the Miami Heat, I want Justise to go to Team USA practice and prove that his PointGOD skills have gotten much #Better. And just imagine the OoooooooOOOOooooo echoing around the gym as Bam throws down a breakaway dunk.

Everyone in the gym will walk away saying – I need to go to Miami and play with those guys!

So fine, have it your way America. Bam and Justise will sit this one out while Marcus Smart and Thaddeus Young represent our country.

Hopefully USA Basketball will have a brighter future.

Important Update: WE DID IT!!!

 

Allen Hurns signing story

Dolphins sign WR Allen Hurns to one-year, $3 million dollar deal

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Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after a successful tryout, the Miami Dolphins are signing veteran wide receiver Allen Hurns to a one-year, $3 million dollar contract.

This comes only days after the Dallas Cowboys released Hurns after he refused to take a pay cut and chose to test the free agent market.

“I’m good,” Hurns said during an interview with NFL Network. “Just wished they did this earlier, they asked me for a pay cut Monday, couple days before camp.”

Hurns, 27, spent the offseason recovering from a serious ankle injury he suffered in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season against the Seattle Seahawks. Hurns is ready to play, and he’s a productive wide receiver when healthy.

“No limitations,” Hurns said. “I was set to be full go for camp, so I’m ready.”

Now, Hurns will be dressing in aqua and orange instead of Cowboy colors. He joins a crowded WR room that includes Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant, DeVante Parker, Brice Butler, Isaiah Ford, and more.

“We saw a player who we thought was a good player,” said head coach Brian Flores during a press conference. “Could add some value to our roster, and that’s kinda how we’ll do business moving forward. If there’s a good player out there we feel like adds value to our team, we’ll try to add that player … that was the case here.”

Listed at 6’3″, 201 pounds, Hurns can line up outside and on the slot, adding more versatility. Hurns originally signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He has a career total 209 receptions for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns. 2015 was his best year, where he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving, catching passes from Blake Bortles.

While Allen Hurns doesn’t necessarily bring something new to the table, he’s another solid option to compete in camp. The offense Miami has in mind thrives on players being versatile. More players who can do it all gives offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea more wiggle room. As training camp continues, Hurns will get a chance to prove he can be a top performer. His first practice starts immediately.

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Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick focusing on himself amid camp competition

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Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is in a very unique situation at this stage in his career. On the one hand, he’s in Miami to be the starter for the 2019 season. He signed his contract expecting that to be the case.

On the other hand, Fitzpatrick is expected to take young players under his wing. That’s what 15-year veterans should do. The Dolphins traded for QB Josh Rosen during the draft. Rosen is only a second-year player and has a lot of learning to do still. Fitzpatrick’s knowledge and experience would be invaluable to a young QB still figuring out the nuances of the NFL.

But Rosen is also Fitzpatrick’s main competition in training camp. Whatever knowledge he passes onto Rosen will technically be used against him as they both compete for the starting job. So how is Fitzpatrick handling this situation?

He’s focusing on improving his own game.

“I’m just trying to be the best version of me that I can be. That really is it.” Fitzpatrick said Thursday. “There are so many things that I’ve just continued to get better at in my game. Knowing who I am as a player and working on my deficiencies, communication is something I try to pride myself on. Just the communication with the guys and making sure we’re on the same page.”

So Fitzpatrick is still gunning for the starting job. So far, he’s doing an excellent job, as Fitzpatrick has outperformed Rosen in nearly every practice they’ve had together prior to training camp. He continued that trend on day one of camp.

But does this mean Fitzpatrick is leaving Rosen to fend for himself? Is he forgoing his veteran duties and forcing the young player to stumble along with no guidance?

The answer, simply, is no. However, he’s taking a more demonstrative approach than anything.

“We spend so much time together – me, Josh and Jake (Rudock) and (Assistant Quarterbacks Coach) Jerry (Schuplinski) in that room as well.” He said. “There’s a lot of stuff that we’ll discuss in that room and some of it is me and my experience and maybe, as a quarterback, you develop scars, bad plays, things that you want to try to avoid.

“A lot of what I do is just offer information and if people want to take the information and go with it, they can. There’s been a lot of situations that I’ve been in – good ones and bad ones – that I try to share with them and pass on. Again, one of my things with that is to work as hard as I can and focus on me, and then hopefully that rubs off on everybody.”

It’s a very delicate balancing act Ryan Fitzpatrick is doing. He wants to help Rosen. He also wants to be the starter. At 36 years old, realistically he doesn’t have much football left. It makes sense that wants to spend his last years actually playing the game he loves. He doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines.

“I hate just giving the same answer but I enjoy being out here and playing football, and try to take advantage of every rep I get.” He said. “I know in this league it’s hard to come by opportunities and you just do the best you can and take advantage of each one that you get.”

So far, he’s on track to get exactly what he wants.

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Dolphins LT Laremy Tunsil expresses desire to stay in Miami

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It’s quickly becoming evident that Dolphins left tackle Laremy Tunsil is a rising star. He rarely allows sacks, he’s improving in the run game, and he’s still under contract for the next two seasons thanks to the NFL’s fifth-year option. However, it would be wise for Miami to lock him up before it gets to that point.

True, Tunsil is not the kind of person who will show up to camp in an armored truck to express his desire to get paid. That distinction lays solely on the shoulder of Jaguars defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

But this does not mean that leaving Tunsil without a long-term contract is a smart move. Tunsil would earn a pretty penny on the free agent market, and the longer he goes without a new contract, the more expensive he projects to be.

This is precisely why the Dolphins made an excellent move locking up star cornerback Xavien Howard before his contract ran out. As a core member of the team, Howard is expected to be a staple of the defense for years to come. And while he’s the highest paid corner in football right now, that easily could change in 2020. Young stars Trae Waynes and Marcus Peters are set to be free agents in 2020. Between the two of them, they’re bound to command at least as much as Howard, if not more. If they had signed first, it would have increased Howard’s price by default.

Fortunately, Tunsil seems focused on football now that camp is in session.

“That’s not a concern for me right now.” He said Thursday after practice. “I’m trying to be the best that I can be and help the team any way I can, and just keep it going day-by-day.”

Day by day, he’s proving to everyone he’s worth the title of franchise left tackle, in spite of certain assumptions. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger recently called Tunsil the best young left tackle in football. High praise, given how many excellent left tackles there are in the league.

But does Tunsil want to be paid like he’s the best?

“Day-by-day, man.” He said. “We’ll see. I’m going to let my actions talk.”

Noncommittal to be sure, but that’s to be expected from the low-key Tunsil. One thing he did say though is that he would love to remain in Miami for the rest of his career.

“I would love that.” He said. “I would love to be with one organization for the rest of my career. That’s just a goal for everybody. Nobody wants to leave.”

The stability of staying with one organization for a whole career is a rarity to be sure. With any luck, Tunsil will get his wish. Which means the Dolphins, who want to keep Laremy Tunsil for a long time, will get theirs as well.

Quickie Miami Dolphins Camp Notes (Day 1)

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DAY 1

– Hot day for sure, but not muggy. It’s bearable.
– Full house for the media. Haven’t seen this many media members since Flores was hired. Even Greg Cote is here. Standing room only.
– Brian Flores availability runs 10 minutes late.
– Flores remarks’ was basically boiler plate stuff, but he did make some news by saying he had no timetable for determining who the starter at Quarterback will be.
– TJ McDonald, Dwayne Allen, Cordrea Tankersley, Mike Hull on the PUP. Will not participate. Albert Wilson limited.
– More News? Flores alludes to the Captains being chosen by coaches this year.
– Availability ends, Flores came in after a workout, and made good work of his press time. Growing into job.
– Stills and Grant warm up together. Parker joins the group.
– Practice kicks off for first time in forever with individual warmups, then move into some goal line work, then a team stretch.
– 1st Team OL is: Tunsil, Reed, Kilgore, Davis, Mills.
– DeVante Parker is bigger. Looks different this year. Yeah, I know…*drink*
– Laremy Tunsil, and Chris Reed really look the part. Stout, slim, solid athletes. High hopes for Reed, Just pay Laremy already.
– Oh, there goes Jakeem Grant. Day 1 of camp might as well be the Super Bowl for him. Effort will never be a problem with him.
– On effort…Preston Williams. Kinda lackadaisical. Takes it easy in warm ups. Would like to see a stronger sense of urgency.
– Both QB’s display remarkable touch throwing the fade in drills. A skill that was lost under past signal callers.
– Jakeem Grant puts Jomal Wiltz in the “popcorn machine”. goes out, in, out, spins….Wiltz does the Macarena…TD Grant.
– Wiltz is getting plenty of reps, and you can see why they would like him. Plays low. Twitchy.
– It’s July! Mike Gesicki MOSSES Bobby McCain.
– Jalen Davis on the boundary alert. Jalen Davis gets beat bad by Jakeem Grant.
– Parker makes the catch of the day on a deep in-cut from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
– Fitzpatrick deep ball to Preston Williams,incomplete, but a perfect ball. Williams tangles his feet with Eric Rowe.
– Eric Rowe seems to start camp as the top boundary Corner opposite of Xavien Howard.
– Josh Rosen has the worst rep of the day. Sails a swing pass over Ballage’ head into the sideline.
– Parker beats Rowe and Fitzpatrick seems to have a favorite receiver early on.
– Last year, Mike Gesicki abused Reshad Jones on goal line drills. This year, Reshad wins the two battles they had.
– Josh Rosen Red Zone interception. *drink*
– Isaiah Prince works at RG and RT.
– Rosen makes his first good throw late in practice. a perfect dime to the back of the end zone into a void in the zone. Nick O’Leary TD.

 

Practice MVP: Jakeem Grant, Ryan Fitzpatrick
Struggled: Jomal Wiltz, Josh Rosen, Eric Rowe.

 

Alfredo Arteaga (@UptownReport) is one-third of the trio that does the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.

Miami Hurricanes – QB’s in Spotlight as Camp Nears

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The 2019 Miami Hurricanes football team will kick off Fall Camp this Friday, and one group in particular is in the spotlight.

It’s no secret there is open competition in the quarterback room, with three main contenders.

N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell, and Jarren Williams are the three to watch, each has their own intriguing storyline.

Who Steps up?

There is no clear favorite one month from the regular season, so whoever emerges first may get the call in week one.

Jarren Williams has all the athletic tools and skills you look for at the position.

A top ranked recruit entering college, the 6-foot-2 red shirt freshman should get equal run in camp with his competitors under a new coaching staff.

Williams has great feet and a strong arm with solid fundamentals and footwork, and may be the most well-rounded of the three.

It remains to be seen where he lands on the depth chart, and that could determine his long term future with the program as well.

Incumbent Perry at no Advantage

N’Kosi Perry comes off of a 2018 season where he showed flashes, yet struggled with consistency.

Accuracy was the real problem for Perry as he completed just 50.8% of his attempts (97 out of 191) as a redshirt freshman.

There were a few highs during the season. In his first sustained game action in week three against FIU, he notched a career high 224 yards to go along with three touchdowns.

Perry and the team were riding high after a 5-0 start, but the wheels fell off for the quarterback in the second half.

Miami dropped three straight in ACC play and Perry managed only two touchdown passes in his final six games.

Perry has had some off field concerns as well which have called his maturity into question.

He did have a solid spring so it will be important for him to show continued poise and leadership, along with improved performance if he wants to secure the starting gig.

Martell the Wildcard

Adding competition and complication to the mix is Ohio State transfer Tate Martell, whose journey to Miami is well known.

Martell joined the Hurricanes via the transfer portal, something that sounds like a time machine.

It was suspenseful leading up to his arrival due to his transfer status, with that behind him he must prove he can take control and be the alpha.

One of the most hyped prospects nationally out of high school, Martell spent two years in Columbus but never took hold of the starting job.

His vocal leadership style and intensity are a breath of fresh air for the quarterback group and his teammates alike.

Martell seems like the type of personality that could galvanize a team. He doesn’t possess the same arm talent as Williams or Perry but has great mobility and excels outside of the pocket, traits that may suit him well under new OC Dan Enos.

 

In one of the more wide open quarterback competitions in recent memory, each player brings his own strengths and weaknesses to the table.

On an even playing field, it may come down to intangibles to determine who wins the starting job.

Chemistry and leadership will be a factor.

It should be an interesting battle, and one that could determine the fate of the 2019 Miami Hurricanes.

Follow us on Twitter @5ReasonsSports and @SportsWaveDave.

Check out the 5 Rings Canes podcast for exclusive Miami Hurricanes content all year long.

 

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Dolphins release LB Jayrone Elliott, place T.J. McDonald on PUP

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Prior to the first day that training camp is open to the public, the Miami Dolphins made two surprising roster moves. Star AAF pass rusher Jayrone Elliott was waived, and veteran safety T.J. McDonald was added to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

The move to waive Elliott is particularly surprising. Miami gave the young pass rusher one of the largest signing bonuses of any AAF signee. Elliott racked up 7.5 sacks in eight games while in the AAF, and with the Dolphins short on pass rushers, one has to wonder what the mindset behind the move is. Miami’s front office is well aware that Elliott is something of a one-trick pony, but he is good at that trick. He was always a dark horse, but it’s surprising that he didn’t even make it to camp.

This may indicate that the Dolphins are looking for players who offer more versatility. As head coach Brian Flores comes from New England, players who resemble the likes of Trey Flowers may receive priority. Bulkier types who are strong and good with their hands. Elliott did not project as such.

With Jayrone Elliott gone, perhaps the Dolphins are exploring other options for pass rusher. Veteran Nick Perry is still available on the open market, as well as recently released DT Mike Daniels. Either player could boost Miami’s defensive line.

Safety T.J. McDonald was placed on the PUP list due to an undisclosed injury. Though it is not expected to be serious, it is somewhat sudden to hear that McDonald won’t be on the field for the start of camp. This will give extra opportunities for some younger players though. Maurice Smith, another dark horse, has flashed talent numerous times but there’s never been space for him on the roster. With McDonald out for the foreseeable future, this gives Smith a chance to display his continuing development.

Already training camp is proving to be eventful, and it hasn’t even begun.