UM Fall Camp 2019: Offensive Superlatives

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Thursday is the first day of fall camp for Manny Diaz and the Miami Hurricanes as they are less than one month away from reviving their rivalry against Dan Mullen’s Florida Gators. That means the clock is ticking for the Canes to figure out who their starting quarterback is as well as finding out the right combination of big men up front to protect the quarterback. Here’s my prediction on who are my projected starters for this season as well as players that have something to prove, and a few guys you should not sleep on.

 

Quarterback

 

Projected Starter: RS sophomore N’Kosi Perry

 

Of course, it’s no secret that Perry holds the edge coming into fall camp due to his experience and pedigree. He has the arm and dual-threat ability that coach Diaz covets in a quarterback. The only thing downfall Perry has is his consistency and his maturity (noted by a couple of suspensions stemming from the off-the-field incidents. N’Kosi went 4-2 as a starter last season, throwing for 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He can make all the throws but his accuracy can be slightly off at times, as noted by his 51% completion percentage last season. An improved offensive line as well as a new offensive scheme could prove to work in Perry’s favor should he have an amazing camp performance. 

 

Something to Prove: RS sophomore Tate Martell

 

When Manny Diaz hit the transfer portal in search of more talent, Martell was one of his biggest hauls. He was recruited by Miami in 2017 but ultimately chose to play at Ohio State and chose to transfer after the arrival of Justin Fields. He received real playing time in only one game during his time in Colombus (10-10, 121 yards, 47-yard TD run) and there were definitely a lot of positives on the tape, like his ability to tuck the ball and run when plays break down. However, he is not full polished as a passer, as he is more comfortable in the shotgun formation than under center. His play in the spring was very up-and-down as he is still trying to get acclimated with offensive coordinator Dan Enos’ system. On the bright side, the coaching staff seems very keen on giving each guy an equal opportunity at becoming the starter and Martell running onto the field on the opening drive on 8/24 is still a possibility. 

 

Sleeper: RS freshman Jarren Williams

 

To some, Williams may be 3rd on the hypothetical depth chart but his ability should not be overlooked. As a passer, he’s more advanced than Martell and has solid footwork with a solid arm and is not afraid to go through his progressions when looking for an open receiver. There were rumors about Williams considering a transfer earlier this year but he has reconsidered and seems more than willing to risk all the marbles for a shot at the starting quarterback position. 

 

Running Back

 

Starter: Junior Deejay Dallas

 

Dallas has been a very reliable running back for Miami over the past couple of seasons and that does not change heading into 2019. It’s looking like the Dallas is the presumable starter for 2019 after Travis Homer declared for the NFL Draft and while serving as Homer’s backup, he still found a way to find the endzone six times with 617 yards on 5.7 yards/carry. 

 

Something to Prove: Sophomore Lorenzo Lingard

 

The highest-rated recruit in Miami’s 2018 class, expectations were sky high for Lingard in his freshman campaign. Lingard flashed some of his ability in the blowout win against Savannah State with 4 carries for 82 yards that included a 64-yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, a season-ending knee injury derailed his freshman season. Nagging injuries have followed Lingard into the spring and he may not be ready to hit the field until October. Lingard needs a solid season, especially with 2020 recruit Don Chaney waiting in the wings. 

 

Sleeper: Sophomore Cam Harris

 

Formerly known as Cameron Davis, Harris got plenty of playing time towards the end of last season and he took full advantage of it. In the two matchups versus Georgia Tech, the Carol City product had six carries for 48 yards and seven carries for 77 yards, respectively, while adding a rushing touchdown in both games. Harris added 13 carries for 57 yards in the Orlando spring game as well. He is the clear-cut backup heading into the season and it would be no surprise should he overtake Dallas as the starter this season and beyond. 

 

Wide Receiver

 

Projected Starters: Junior Jeff Thomas and senior KJ Osborn 

 

What’s crazy about Thomas and Osborn is that at one point in December, it looked like neither of them would even be on Miami’s roster, let alone start. Thomas initially “transferred” to Illinois, but Diaz’s first order of business once he got hired was to convince Thomas that #TheNewMiami was going to be something special. The skillset and ability of Thomas has to be accounted for by opposing defenses. Don’t forget, Jeff had five receptions for 132 yards against a talented LSU secondary in the season opener. Much has been said about Osborn and his maturity from the day he stepped foot on campus. Osborn is a grad transfer arriving via Buffalo to play out his final year of eligibility, finishing second on the team in 2018 with 892 yards on 53 receptions. A prominent role on Miami’s offense awaits Osborn in 2019. 

 

Something to Prove: Sophomore Mark Pope

 

Like Lingard, expectations were extremely high for Pope in his freshman season. He admitted earlier this spring that he did not study the playbook well enough in 2018, which led to his limited playing time. With a new wide receivers coach in Taylor Stubblefield as well as the receiver room getting much more crowded this season, there will most certainly be a sense of urgency for Mark to not only show why he was highly-recruited coming out of high school but also to prove he belongs in the receiver rotation. 

 

Sleepers: Sophomores Dee Wiggins and Brian Hightower, freshman Jeremiah Payton

 

There’s really no shortage of talent at the position that any of the younger players has the ability to break out at any time. In the 2018 spring game, Brian Hightower wowed with two touchdowns and Dee Wiggins was able to earn more playing time last season than Pope. The Canes are also bringing in freshman Jeremiah Payton and he has already impressed in spring workouts and should see the field at some point in 2019.

 

Tight End

 

Star: Sophomore Brevin Jordan

 

After a sensational freshman season that earned him All-ACC 2nd team honors, Brevin Jordan looks to build on that success in 2019. Jordan caught 32 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns, which is very impressive considering Miami often shuffled the quarterback position last season. 

 

Something to Prove: RS junior Michael Irvin Jr.

 

Irvin has had the classic case of “butterfingers” for much of his career as he’s been very inconsistent with his ability to catch the ball. Irvin hasn’t really seen game action since 2017 as he suffered a season-ending knee injury in fall camp last year. His injury resulted in the breakout season of Jordan. Reports are that he’s had a tremendous spring so he will absolutely be in the tight end rotation but his sense of urgency must be high with the taller and younger Will Mallory trailing right behind him. 

 

Sleeper: Sophomore Will Mallory

 

Speaking of Mallory, the 6’5” 235 lb. sophomore appeared in ten games as a true freshman, finishing with five catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Jacksonville product should see an increase his production, assuming there is more consistent QB play and Dan Enos’ utilization of the tight end. Enos likes running two-tight end sets so while defenses may be worried about the big-play ability of Jordan, that should free up opportunities for Mallory.

 

Offensive Line

 

Projected Starters: Your guess is as good as mine

 

Outside of DJ Scaife at left tackle, Navaughn Donaldson on the left side, and Corey Gaynor at center, there’s really not that much clarity on the offensive line as there’s still shuffling to be made to find out the right combination. Gaynor spent most of spring practice hurt so Donaldson even got some burn at center. At RG, John Campbell may get his chance at getting valuable playing time, if not starting. Kai-Leon Herbert is a redshirt sophomore who could also get a look and see the field this season. Past that, depth is still lacking and one injury could set the Canes back by a lot. 

 

Something to Prove: RS senior Tommy Kennedy

 

When Kennedy committed to transfer to Miami over Oklahoma and Texas in December, many thought that he would be the answer at left tackle for 2019. Fast forward through spring and it’s looking a little bleak for him. The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson reported that the previous coaching staff may have overestimated Kennedy’s talent level and his body may still need some reshaping. The Butler transfer has had his ups and downs through spring practice as it is clear he is still getting used to the type of talent level he is facing in practices. Kennedy came to Coral Gables because he believed it gave him the best shot at preparing himself for the NFL but after his underwhelming performance in the spring, the hope is that Kennedy will at least find a spot in the rotation as Enos and offensive line coach Butch Barry value his versatility. 

 

Sleeper: Zion Nelson

 

Nelson was one of the late pickups of the 2019 recruiting class as he fit the mold of the tall but lean linemen that Barry sought. Arriving on campus at  230 lbs. in January, it did not seem like Nelson would see the field in 2019 but as of April, he’s already up to 270 and with an incredible spring, he’s got a wee bit of a shot at starting at left tackle, if not right tackle. 

 

Marlins Best Trade Assets

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The July 31st trade deadline is only a week away and the Marlins are clearly sellers. The possibility of Miami trading one of their starting pitchers is now nothing but a memory. Trevor Richards was the most likely to be traded but a string of bad starts has deteriorated his value. In July, Richards is 0-3 with a 8.40 ERA. He has allowed 14 earned runs in 15 innings pitched while being struck for four home runs. His future is likely in the bullpen for the Marlins.

With Richards no longer having trade value, who is next up? Well there a few and they’re all veterans. Starlin Castro, Neil Walker, Curtis Granderson, Sergio Romo are among players who are more than likely gone by the deadline. I would have included Miguel Rojas in the list but I don’t see Miami trading him, his leadership is his greatest trait for the young core.

Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro has been on an absolute tear in July. Through 17 games in July, Castro is hitting for a .333 average with three home runs, nine RBIs and a .912 OPS. By far his best month to this point. He’s also hitting better during away games than he does at home, so a change of scenery could also be a factor in his value. Castro is hitting for a .265 average with five home runs and 22 BRIs in away games, clearly would play better away from unforgiving Marlins Park.

Neil Walker

Neil Walker was the Marlins’ best hitter before having a stint on the injured list. July hasn’t been his best month but his season hasn’t been terrible. Hitting for a .266 average with five home runs, 19 RBIs and a .730 OPS. He can play multiple positions and is a switch hitter. His ability to play multiple positions and to be able to hit from both sides of the plate will be nice a addition to a contender’s bench during a playoff run.

Curtis Granderson

To be quite honest, Granderson might be the toughest to trade besides Castro and his contract. Granderson has massively underperformed this year. Through 86 games this season, he is hitting for a .181 average with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 237 at-bats. Not very good value with Granderson, but a contender may have a need for a lefty bench bat with a history of playoff experience.

Sergio Romo

Sergio Romo may have the best trade value of the four veterans. He has playoff and World Series experience under his belt as well as three World Series Championships. Through 36 games so far for the Marlins, Romo has a 2-0 record with a 3.68 ERA and 16 saves. A contending team that has had bullpen issues this year such as the Nationals, Brewers, Red Sox, Twins, Phillies, and maybe the Dodgers who are looking to solidify their already decent bullpen may inquire about Romo and give up a pretty decent prospect for him. The July 31st Trade Deadline should be fun.

Pre-Season Watch Lists, All-ACC Mentions for Hurricanes

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With the beginning of Fall Camp approaching , the Miami Hurricanes football team continues to grab attention.

Preseason watch lists are a lot of speculation, but recognition at least sets a tone of high expectations.

Miami has had several position groups mentioned in pre-season watch lists for major awards, including multiple players on the Butkus Award list.

 

Seniors Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney lead an impressive linebacker corps for the Hurricanes. Quarterman comes off a stellar 2018 season where he earned first team All-ACC honors with 82 tackles, including 14 TFL.

Not to mention he has started every game in his UM career, a streak which enters the season at 39 games.

Pinckney has also been a solid performer and a mainstay in the middle in his four years on campus. Coming off a season with 74 tackles and 11 TFL, he also earned pre-season All-ACC mentions along with tight end Brevin Jordan.

 

Jordan looks to follow a nice freshman campaign (32 receptions, 287 yards, four TD) and set the tone for a young tight end group on the rise.

Trajan Bandy joins his fellow Hurricanes on the trophy hunt, earning a spot on the Jim Thorpe Award list for best college defensive back.

 

Bandy had a breakout sophomore season in 2018 and looks to continue right where he left off.

Wearing the Turnover Chain.

Bandy led the squad with five such occasions last year.

These lists are a nice indicator of potential but really don’t mean a whole lot once the season starts.

What is shows is that the team seems to be reaching top level talent across multiple positions, on both sides of the ball.

A nice step to building elite depth on a team level.

Now let’s hope they can end the year with even more recognition.

Make sure to check out the 5 Rings Canes Podcast for in-depth Miami Hurricanes football coverage.

Tyler Patmon signing header

Dolphins sign veteran cornerback Tyler Patmon

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The Miami Dolphins have signed veteran cornerback Tyler Patmon to the roster, days before the full start of training camp. This is Patmon’s second stint with Miami. His first was in late 2015, when he signed onto the Dolphins practice squad on December 26. Over a week later, Patmon was promoted to the active roster. He played in two games before being released on July 31, 2016.

Patmon’s signing comes right after Miami added TE Dwayne Allen, LB Mike Hull, and CB Cordrea Tankersley to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He joins a stable of corners competing for the second boundary spot alongside Xavien Howard, which includes Torry McTyer, Jalen Davis, Cornell Armstrong, and former Patriots Eric Rowe and Jomal Wiltz.

Head coach Brian Flores comes from a franchise that emphasizes the importance of the secondary. It’s likely he’ll use the same schemes, putting the defense in nickel, dime, and even quarter defenses regularly. With Tankersley on the PUP list, Patmon has a chance to stick if he does well.

In four seasons, Patmon has played a total of 49 games. He started his career with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent from 2014-15. After getting an opportunity to sign onto Dallas’ practice squad, Patmon went to Miami instead.

In 2016, Patmon bounced around several practice squads. He spent time with the Titans, Chiefs, and Panthers and did not play a game that season. Then he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017-18, appearing in 25 games, starting two of them. During that span, he made 14 tackles and deflected a pass.

Patmon is most known for a fight between him and former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant in 2015.

There is also a separate incident in 2017, where Patmon threw a coach to the ground during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks. It’s clear Patmon has fire in him. The question now is, will he be able to harness it and make the team?

JJ Bleday learned from hometown ‘legend’ before pro start

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Before starting his professional baseball career with the Single-A Advanced Jupiter Hammerheads, JJ Bleday got to learn from a member of the Miami Marlins organization whom he considers a legend.

No, it wasn’t Derek Jeter, who drafted him No. 4 overall in this year’s MLB Draft.

It wasn’t Don Mattingly, a fellow New York Yankees legend who manages the team.

The “legend” Bleday refers to is veteran corner infielder Neil Walker.

“He’s a legend in my area,” Bleday said. 

Bleday grew up in Titusville, PA, a small town close to Pittsburgh, where Walker grew up. He moved to the Florida Panhandle after his sophomore year and played college ball at Vanderbilt University, where he hit an NCAA-leading 27 home runs while leading the Commodores to a national championship.

Bleday said he met Walker during his childhood on the flight back to Pittsburgh from Arizona. Bleday was attending a baseball showcase that his brother was in while Walker was at teammate Joel Hanrahan’s wedding. Hanrahan was the closer for the Pirates around the same time Walker’s career was beginning to blossom.

The two took a picture together and a decade later they meet again as members of the same organization.

The two met during batting practice the day Bleday signed with the Marlins and Walker recognized him.

“I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or trying to be nice,” Bleday said. “It’s crazy how that comes around. He’s a legend in Pennsylvania. He’s won state titles in both baseball and football in Pine-Richland and that’s one of the biggest levels of High School in Pennsylvania in terms of 5A and 6A. He’s a good role model and great player and it’s crazy to share that with him.”

“He made me feel really old,” Walker said with a smile. “He said he followed the Pirates when he was a kid and he remembered watching me when I first got up to the Major Leagues in 2009-10. He definitely made me feel old.”

Batting practice is a small sample size when trying to assess a player’s skill but Walker seemed impressed with Bleday at the cage.

“He’s got a short swing. He’s got really good hands, getting the barrel to the ball,” Walker said. “Just in batting practice, you can kind of tell those things. And on top of being a good hand/eye guy, he’s got power, so that’s kind of a mixture that you look for in guys that’s pretty rare. It’s typically either one or the other. Guys who are power guys but don’t quite have the contact skills but he seems to have both and have a lot of skills as a hitter.”

While taking batting practice, Bleday made sure to learn from Walker and other veterans on the Marlins. Bleday said the most important lesson he got from them was on time management.

“You’re going to always have time with family and friends when they come and watch you play and all that,” Bleday said. “Make sure you are a little bit of selfish when it comes to staying back in your routine and getting back to the middle of playing baseball because that’s your primary objective.”

Having signed a one-year deal, Walker is likely to be traded by the MLB Trade Deadline and despite Bleday starting in High A, it’s not certain whether or not both will be playing on the same field by the time JJ debuts. Maybe the stars aligned when Walker signed and Bleday got drafted by the same team at the same year so he could have that rare moment with the local legend.

Is Bam the Heat’s bridge to the future?

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There is a lot of buzz around Bam Adebayo.

Especially now that Hassan Whiteside is no longer around.

The Heat’s 2017 first round pick was a metrics standout after he finally replaced Whiteside in the starting lineup last season, and the Heat — publicly and privately — have not been shy about their feelings for him. As long as he doesn’t get traded for someone like Bradley Beal (a story for another day), it appears Adebayo will receive the 30 minutes per night he should, and get a chance to showcase his talents.

But it’s not just the skills the Heat like — it’s his makeup.

On the night he was drafted, a team official told me they had a huge binder on Adebayo, talking to anyone and everyone who knew him, and that official described him as “the anti-Hassan.” Someone who works with the team. Someone who doesn’t need constant validation. Someone who gets it.

And when you get it, you get praise like this from the keeper of Heat culture on your birthday:

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@bam1of1 I'd be lying if I said I've had or could ask for a better young fella!!! As much as you nag, aggravate, and antagonize the hell out of me, you make it a joy to come to work everyday. The way you see the game. The way you approach the game. Who you play for. Why you play. And how you reach your goal of getting there all falls in line with the young UD. Although different styles we not that different at all kid. Been looking for someone to take this shit and run wit it and from where I'm sitting it's you! You have the mold of a lifer!! It was never more evident then watching you finish the season the way you did last year… Never complained. Just lead by example no matter the circumstances mentally or physically. This bout all the good shit you gonna hear from me til next year so enjoy it kid. Lol. We gon have a lil fun for ya bday then it's back to verbally abusing you. Lol. HBD young fella!!! Idk how old yo ass really is but it's still a blessing to see another year!! Lol. Love ya lil bro/son!!! #og

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“Been looking for someone to take this s— and run wit and from where I’m sitting it’s you!”

And of course, the skills do matter.

He showed off some in the Miami Pro League.

Skip to about 1:05.

Yeah, that’s a 7-foot man.

And that’s why I’m saying this:

 

Le Batard Shows World Wide Leader is Just a Follower

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On Thursday ESPN radio host and outspoken personality Dan Le Batard took a stand.

Le Batard said what was on his mind.

And in a lot of our hearts.

The Miami based Le Batard lashed into his employer ESPN and their “no politics” policy, calling it “weak and cowardly”.

 

It all began after a Donald Trump rally where the embattled president’s supporters chanted “send her back” when Trump was speaking about Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somalian refugee.

Omar and her family, like thousands before them, escaped a war torn country in hopes of finding a better future in America.

You know, that American Dream thing.

Whether you agree with Omar and her political view is an issue for another time.

Le Batard is the son of Cuban immigrants and has throughout his career made waves covering the uncomfortable subjects.

Taking a stand isn’t easy in Bristol, Connecticut – the home of ESPN.

Just ask Jemele Hill.

Some might say the role of a journalist is to be impartial, to not take stances.

Isn’t it a job of a journalist to uncover the truth?

To cite injustice, call out rhetoric.

Sports and politics have found ways throughout history to intersect and force change.

From Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, to John Carlos and Tommie Smith in the 1968 Olympics.

Sometimes a worldwide stage is needed to get attention on what really matters.

ESPN uses their “no politics” policy to distance themselves.

Which is exactly what they are doing to their audience.

“Stick to sports” is a popular position to take when things aren’t so black and white.

But it shouldn’t be when things are.

 

Chris Paddack reminds Marlins fans of what they gave away

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Chris Paddack broke into the scene this season and instantly became the San Diego Padres’ best starting pitcher. On a team that has a young, exciting, growing core, that added star infielder Manny Machado, Paddack steals the show whenever he starts.

Simply put, there’s a new sheriff in town.

The Austin, Tex. native walks into the ballpark dressed in cowboy regalia with a mullet and an attitude that suggests he’s the one behind the song, “Old Town Road”. He’s his own remix, and his outing against the Marlins proves it.

In his first start at Miami, Paddack took a no-hitter to the eighth inning until it was broken up by a Starlin Castro home run. He gave up one walk and struck out eight batters.

“After we saw a lot of fastballs, we were ready,” Castro said. “He threw me a first-pitch changeup, and then threw me a fastball, middle-in, and I drove it pretty good.”

Before the home run, the no-hit bid almost ended by a centimeter when first baseman Eric Hosmer tagged out a sliding Miguel Rojas to end the sixth inning.

“After the sixth inning, I was starting to count the outs,” Paddack said. “One mistake, against a good hitter.”

Prior to coming oh so close from San Diego’s first ever no-hitter, Paddack entered the game leading all qualified rookies in WHIP (0.92) and second in strikeouts (87) and opponent batting average (.194).

“He’s the easiest guy in the world to catch,” said catcher Austin Hedges. “You put your glove there, and he throws it. … He’s shown no-hit, perfect-game stuff.”

Paddack’s performance was frustrating for Marlins fans to watch because had it not been for a short-sighted trade in 2016, he would be doing this for the Marlins. Miami drafted him in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft, same class as Josh Naylor, who was also traded to San Diego. He was a low-A pitcher in 2016 when the Marlins traded him for veteran closer Fernando Rodney, who at the time was an All-Star with a 0.32 ERA in 28 appearances.

Rodney posted a 5.89 ERA in 39 appearances and the Marlins missed their one chance at the playoffs and now that Paddack has emerged as a Rookie of the Year frontrunner, fans are feeling the remorse from the trade.

This game felt like revenge for the trade. Paddack hinted as much by telling reporters before the game that, “there will definitely be a little more adrenaline just with the mindset that this is the team that drafted me and then got rid of me.” He recalled being in a befuddled state when a member of the Marlins’ front office informed him he’d been traded while in Greensboro.

“It happened so quick,” Paddack said. “But it was the longest day of my life, too.”

The ownership group that made the trade three years ago is no longer in the building but are still reminded of their failures to recognize the potential of prospects with every quality start by Paddack and Luis Castillo, who was traded to San Diego, returned after three innings and an injury of Colin Rea, and then later traded to Cincinnati for Dan Straily, who was released before the start of the season.

It’s sometime hard not to envision a world where the Marlins didn’t make a single trade since 2016. No Rodney, no Straily, no Andrew Cashner. The 2017 lineup (Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto, Marcell Ozuna and Dee Gordon) stays. Josh Naylor emerges possibly to replace Justin Bour, Rojas reaches this same point at shortstop, and Paddack and Castillo anchors the starting rotation of a potential playoff team.

“If you really break down what the Marlins had and where everyone’s at now, it’d be a super-team, man,” Paddack said. “It’s crazy to think. But that’s this game, man. Baseball changes.”

Elieser Hernandez proves he is better off in the Marlins bullpen

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Elieser Hernandez has proven that he can be a starter and a reliever.

In his second year with the Miami Marlins, Hernandez came in place of Caleb Smith during his time on the injured list and posted a 4.05 ERA and a 5.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio (32 strikeouts, six walks) in five starts.

With Smith back in the rotation, Hernandez returned to the bullpen where he has spent most of his rookie year in and notched five strikeouts in five innings.

The timing may not be ideal considering he gave up a home run to Mets second baseman Robinson Cano in his most recent appearance but his ability to get at least one strikeout per inning is important for a reliever and is something that the Marlins need in their bullpen.

Hernandez said that his method has remained the same despite the role being different and the addition of the slider has helped him improve compared to last year, when he posted a 5.21 ERA in 32 appearances including six started after being a Rule 5 Draft pick from the Houston Astros.

“[Hernandez] throws some that don’t do anything and then throws the one that actually takes off a little bit, like the [Sergio] Romo slider that kind of parachutes on you,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.

Because Hernandez has spent most of this season starting in Triple-A and last month with the Marlins, he is getting close to eclipsing last year’s combined mark of 83.1. He’s currently at 78.2 innings and has only hit triple digits once in his career, throwing 107 2/3 during the 2016 season in the Astros organization. The Marlins will likely keep him in the bullpen the rest of the season as a way to monitor his innings.

The Marlins bullpen as a whole has 320 total strikeouts in 305 innings. Pretty much every team in the National League but the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies has more strikeouts than innings pitched. Only three NL bullpens have a sub-4 ERA but that stat for relievers can be misleading.

Adam Conley has had a similar situation as Hernandez, being a starter turned reliever. He currently has a 7.43 ERA but 35 strikeouts in 36.1 innings. Wei-Yin Chen, with an 8.21 ERA, has 31 strikeouts in 34 innings. Both relievers are used in lower leverage situations where things that go south only go further south. Nick Anderson leads Marlins relievers with 56 strikeouts in only 38.1 innings and is trusted in more high leverage situations like Hernandez.

Simply put, so long as a relief pitcher can get strikeouts, he has a plan in the bullpen.

Trevor Richards encabeza posibles piezas de cambio de los Marlins

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Trevor Richards podría ser la pieza de cambio mas jugosa que van a ofrecer los Marlins mientras se acerca la fecha límite de cambios en las Grandes Ligas.

El primer cuarto de temporada de los Marlins fue un desastre. No hay manera de maquillarlo. Ganar 10 de los primeros 31 encuentros te ubica dentro de proyecciones catastróficas para una franquicia, que si bien entiende la actualidad del desarrollo de los jugadores actuales, esa primera experiencia del 2019 no indicaba ninguna mejoría.

Ahora, desde entonces los Marlins son un equipo que juega para .500 (24-26 tras la jornada del domingo), el quinto mejor registro en la Liga Nacional en ese tiempo, igualados con los Gigantes de San Francisco. Varias de las piezas que forman parte del plan del futuro de los Marlins han mostrado un avance significativo y nuevos nombres han llegado a la Gran Carpa cumpliendo con lo esperado.

Sin embargo, la realidad en esta campaña sigue siendo la misma. Hablamos de un equipo ubicado en el sótano de su división sin pretensiones reales de hacer algún tipo de ruido este año, por lo que la fecha límite de cambios presenta un plan similar, pero con nombres diferentes, al de años anteriores. Los Marlins serán vendedores, eso no es un secreto.

Los candidatos primordiales a ser canjeados en esta fecha límite de cambios son los sospechosos habituales.

Caleb Smith, Trevor Richards, Sergio Romo, Curtis Granderson, Starlin Castro, Martín Prado, José Ureña, han estado sonando desde el comienzo de la campaña pero ¿quién verdaderamente pudiera estar cambiado de uniforme en estas próximas dos semanas?

La gerencia ve a Trevor Richards como la pieza principal, según fuentes, y por la cual pudieran recibir más valor. Y aunque Caleb Smith no entra en la categoría de los intocables, el precio será bastante alto. Mientras que con Castro, Walker, Romo y Granderson las exigencias serán mucho más bajas; el equipo está buscando dinero de firmas internacionales por ellos, en vez de cualquier prospecto de segunda categoría, dijo la misma fuente.

Con cambios o no, los Marlins están enfocándose al final de esta temporada en añadir a un bate de categoría, que pueda aportar a la ofensiva en el 2020. Mientras que en el invierno de ese mismo año, cuando el contrato de Wei-Yin Chen expire, Miami estará buscando un segundo bate de peso, que los haga competir en el 2021.

Se acerca el momento de Isán Díaz con los Marlins

Si sucede un canje por Castro en los próximo días, este asunto se resolvería mucho más rápido de lo esperado. Pero la oficina de Miami ha demostrado no estar apresurada con la promesa boricua, por lo que si no sucede un cambio, el segunda base boricua no estará subiendo a las Mayores para ocupar la antesala, y seguro lo hará en septiembre, cuando se expandan los roster, según dijeron fuentes.

“Es solo cuestión de tiempo”, dijo el manager de los Marlins Don Mattingly. “El departamento de desarrollo de jugadores decidirá cuándo es el momento adecuado para que suba, tome su oportunidad y se pueda sentir cómodo en este nivel”.

Es inevitable hablar de Díaz sin mencionar a Castro.

“Starlin parece estar motivado, sé que este año no ha sido tan bueno, pero ha estado bateando mucho mejor últimamente”, dijo Mattingly, quien también admite que la situación del equipo pudiera estar jugando un papel importante en su desempeño. “Para ser honestos, siempre es mejor cuando estás compitiendo por un banderín. Cuando en cada juego, cada turno que consumes es importante, con un estadio lleno de aficionados y ambiente de postemporada”.

Por: Ricardo Montes de Oca, con información de Leandro Soto

 

Ricardo Soto y Ricardo Montes de Oca aman a los Marlins. Pasaron todo el domingo en el Marlins Park disfrutando viendo al equipo, y a los mas de 400 perros que asistieron. Sigan su trabajo escuchando Cinco Razones Podcast haciendo click en este link