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MARLINS LOSE THEIR DOG TO FREE AGENCY..........
“It wasn’t the money” said Rosenberg. “My client wanted to be in the starting rotation, and the Marlins could not guarantee us anything.”
Team officials however, denied locking Burnham out of the rotation. “In actuality, our staff is banged up right now, and we could use every arm we could get” said pitching coach Leo Mazzone. “He had a realistic shot at a starting games here.”
“Jimmy’s (Groves) shoulder isn’t 100% and Joe’s (Del Valle) ankle is pretty bad. I’m not going to lie, losing Bernie really hurts us. If the season started today, we’d be in trouble.”
The loss of the versatile 38 year old doesn’t only hurt the pitching staff, but the depth of this team as well.
“It hurts” said GM/Manager Rich Musumeci. “He was with this organization for a decade. He excelled in every position he was asked to play. He will be sorely missed, but we must move on. We’ll be scouring the waiver wire to shore up the staff if Del Valle or Groves remain out for an extended period.
I guess I got caught up in babying his arm. I tend to take caution in guys who have experienced pain after throwing in the past. He was just so valuable to this team that I didn't want to lose him to injury. Hopefully he'll be fine and have a great career as a starting pitcher."
Burnham's busiest season as a pitcher was in 2005 when he went 3-1 2.70 ERA and a save in 11 appearances (3 starts). He was second in innings pitched that year with 43 1/3.
Marlin’s brass have left the door open for Burnham to return, if he ever chooses to do so. “Hopefully we’ll see Marlin’s #5 in the club house again someday.”
Scheduled to pick up more work on the mound regardless, will be Mickey Bono, Perry Teague, Steven Tolbert and Casey Newman.
Bono, who is as nasty as they come, will be starting and working out of the pen along with proven veteran reliever, Perry Teague.
The Fish plan on stepping up Tolbert’s progress in order to get him game ready. T-Bert, the team’s only LHP, has some great stuff. He just needs to get confidence in using it.
As for Newman, the Marlin’s plan to bring him along slowly, as not to damage his arm.
Newman hasn’t pitched in awhile, but was a force while with the team in the 18+ NABF, sporting a 0.00 ERA for two straight seasons as the team’s closer.
IN OTHER NEWS…….
………When hearing the news of his former teammate leaving the squad, P/2B Robb Cymerman contacted the team’s front office offering his services.
“I heard our pitching staff is a bit banged up” said Cym. “I couldn’t leave them hanging, so I re-signed.”
Cymerman, the father of 3 boys, told the media and the team after last spring’s season that he’d be taking an indefinite hiatus from the game in order to simplify his busy life a bit. “It’s going to be great to have him back out there” said Musumeci. “He really gives hitters a different look from the rest of the staff.”
Cymerman is 4-10 4.26 ERA lifetime with the Marlins, but the numbers don’t include his great ERA of 2.35 from his NABF Cardinal days, however, they do include some rough outings last season from lack of work and conditioning.
Cymerman has vowed to work closely with team trainers to return to his All-Star form of 2005 when he served as the #1 starter during the Marlin’s inaugural season. That year he posted a 2.50 ERA with 2 complete games in 8 starts (his 1-7 record was a result of the bumps in the road normally associated with a fledgling team).
“I’m committed to this return. I will be ready for the start of the season.”
NATICK KNIGHTS FEATURING SOME ORLANDO MARLINS, JUST MISS PLAYOFFS IN DISNEY CLASSIC
January 19, 2008
The Knights, led by former NFL great Doug Flutie, went down 0-2 the first day of play Friday before crushing the Birmingham A's 16-6 early Saturday, but were officially eliminated Saturday afternoon when the Atlanta Reds defeated the Long Island Mets by a score of 3-2. The Knights needed the Reds to score at least 7 runs for a tie breaker.
Some photos from tourney posted now in photo album. More photos, stats and post game wrap-ups Sunday!
FALL CHAMPS FORCED TO MAKE CHANGES......
First, Marlin’s long time utility man, Tony Burnham left the team via free agency. Then P/Utility Miguel Rodriguez and 1B/OF Glenn Reichle were lost due to off the field commitments (Jobs, family etc..), now it looks as if Utility Nelson Rodriguez and 1B Rob Hancock may be the next to follow for the same reasons.
“N-Rod may be forced to relocate back to New York and Hancock took on the huge responsibility of managing his sons AAU team, which plays double headers on Sundays, almost completely conflicting with our schedule” explained team spokesperson Francesca Bartolomeo.
“We should know something soon, hopefully”, but with the Marlins just over a week from opening day, there’s a little pressure to round out this roster in time.
The Marlins did however, re-sign P/2B Robb Cymerman and the ultimate utility man Marlyn Kelch. Marlyn was cleared to play by the team's medical staff and is in the best shape of his adult life" claimed Kelch's agent Ed Greenberg. "We're confident the rust he exhibited at Saturday's practice will be gone by opening day."
“Glenn and Miguel will be sorely missed, and the hope is they will be back soon.
Until then, the Marlins must assess some new ball players this coming Sunday and may have to utilize their draft pick this Sunday morning to get to the 14 man minimum.
Stay tuned………..
SCHEDULE POSTED!!...........
Guys, check your emails! The first 15 games of the season are posted. We play everyone once, then the league is re-shuffled and the balance is played against teams with similar records.
It should be a very exciting season! Expanded playoffs, stronger teams and our very own home field!
Lake Mary Prep will be home to the Orlando Marlins!
A HUGE thanks goes out to Josh Montero for orchestrating that one!
He put a lot of work into obtaining the use of that field.
We will all be responsible for helping him make sure we leave it as we found it and it will cost us a little more $$ as well, but it's all worth it!
You can feel safe bringing your family down to watch the games (not that Jones complex is exactly menacing during day games), the thrill of playing on a well manicured field and its closer for a lot of us to boot!(sorry Jimmy and Marlyn).
Our quest for a spring championship begins Sunday night! Let's start off on a positive!
Let me know if you can't make it!
GO FISH!!!!
It should be a very exciting season! Expanded playoffs, stronger teams and our very own home field!
Lake Mary Prep will be home to the Orlando Marlins!
A HUGE thanks goes out to Josh Montero for orchestrating that one!
He put a lot of work into obtaining the use of that field.
We will all be responsible for helping him make sure we leave it as we found it and it will cost us a little more $$ as well, but it's all worth it!
You can feel safe bringing your family down to watch the games (not that Jones complex is exactly menacing during day games), the thrill of playing on a well manicured field and its closer for a lot of us to boot!(sorry Jimmy and Marlyn).
Our quest for a spring championship begins Sunday night! Let's start off on a positive!
Let me know if you can't make it!
GO FISH!!!!
MARLINS OPEN UGLY, LOSE GAME AND GROVES....
February 14, 2008
The fish jumped out early to a 2-0 lead in the top half of the 1st inning but the Jays responded quickly with 2 of their own in their half of the first. The fish squeaked one more across in the 3rd off the bat of C Johito Arguelles, which was his 2nd hit and RBI of the night, driving in 1B Josh Montero who doubled earlier.
Marlin’s starter Darrin Reichle cruised through to the 6th which was his last inning, but not before surrendering his 3rd unearned run of the night. Reichle pitched well, striking out 7 and walking 1 while scattering 7 hits.
Mickey Bono came on in relief in the 7th and retired 3 of the 4 batters he faced, before giving way to returning resident junk baller, Robb Cymerman.
Cym had a bit of a rough inning, but should have been out of it before surrendering 2 un earned runs of his own, giving him a loss in his first outing of the season.
The Marlins were able to sneak their 4th and last run across the plate in the 8th, after a line drive by Montero moved 2B Sem Cuevas to 3rd. An aggressive and risky decision by Montero to get hung up between 1st and second allowed Cuevas to score the go ahead run.
“I didn’t agree with the decision at the time, but it worked so there’s not much to complain about” said manager Rich Musumeci.
The Fish couldn’t hold on to the lead and found themselves on the losing end of that one.
“The feeling in the air was flat” said one Marlin. “We looked awful. We couldn’t hit, we couldn’t field. We need to regroup and realize the season has begun!”
The Fish will do just that this Sunday morning at 11am at Bennett Rd. in Volusia County.
“Our next game isn’t until Tuesday the 19th. I think we need to work on some things” said Musumeci.
The Marlins had a 5 error showing which led to 5 Blue Jay runs. Offensively, the bottom half of the lineup was a combined 1 for 20 with 2 BB’s. “All that, and we STILL almost pulled it off!” said Cymerman.
A couple of bright spots were the bats of Montero and Arguelles, who had 2 hits a piece and rookie free agent OF Carlos Colon who had a nice line drive single on his first at bat, and a great catch he had to charge hard for in the 8th.
The J&J Builders player of the game belongs to Arguelles for his 2 for 4, 3B, 2 RBI night.
GROVES GOES DOWN AS MARLIN’S PITCHING STAFF GETS THINNER....
Marlins SP/3B Jimmy Groves injured his knee in the season opener, reaching back to tag out a runner advancing to 3B.
The 2 time All-Star and 07 Co-MVP could be lost for at least a month and possibly the remainder of the season.
Groves is expected to under go an MRI next week, which will reveal the extent of the damage.
……In an unrelated story, Marlins manager Rich Musumeci ordered a case of Smooth Dissolve Tums to be delivered to his office at team headquarters.
More on this story as it develops.
STAFFORD RETURNING?.......
February 21, 2008
BREAKING NEWS!!!!…….
…….The agent for former Marlin’s catcher and slugger Drew Stafford, has contacted Marlin’s management about a return to the ball club.
Stafford could not be reached for comment, but his publicist and coincidentally his wife Vicky Stafford had this to say, “Drew has been working out and is ready to re-join the team. His new job has him home, home meaning back in our beloved country!
Once his schedule is set, he will be ready to go.”
The Marlins would love nothing more than to have “Big Cat” back in the lineup. Team officials are down playing the reports, but behind closed doors they are partying!
Stafford could be back in a Marlin uniform as soon as early March, but it could be delayed a couple of weeks.
In 39 games with the Marlins, Stafford batted .417 with 9 doubles, 2 triples and 26 RBI. If you factor in his NABF Cardinal days, those numbers skyrocket.
More on this story as it develops……….
DEL VALLE DOMINATES AS MARLINS WIN BIG.....
February 20, 2008
With the injury to Jimmy Groves, Del Valle was thrown into the # 2 spot in the rotation and looked like a # 1.
With a fresh arm and gallons of adrenaline pumping through his body, Del Valle took the hill Tuesday night against the Pirates and proceeded to have his way with them.
“He was whipping it!” exclaimed a teammate. Del Valle had some serious velocity, and used it to his advantage.
Through the first 3 innings, he threw 35 pitches, 27 of them for strikes, while collecting 6 strikeouts and walking one.
The Marlin’s hurler would go 7 innings, striking out 7 walking 3 and surrendering 1 ER on 3 hits before giving way to Jose Arguelles, who looked sharp as well.
“That was huge” said manager Rich Musumeci. “We needed that performance and the win.”
The Fish ended up with 13 runs en route to a 13-2 victory, but the game was much closer through the first 7 innings.
Pirates starter Michael Krise, kept his team within striking distance with some pretty nasty stuff, but the Fish stayed persistent and waited him out, and scored their final 8 runs against the Buc’s bullpen.
Leading the charge for the guys in black, were C Mickey Bono (2-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI) Josh Montero (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 SB) and Nelson Rodriguez (1-3, 2 RBI).
Defensively it seemed the emergency practice on Sunday paid dividends, as the Fish were charged with just 1 error, vs. last Sunday’s 5.
Marlin’s management learned some things Tuesday night;
Josh Montero is a force to be reckoned with at SS, Rodriguez, it seems, can handle 3B oh, quite nicely (to say the least), Arguelles has taken the team’s closer position and Mickey Bono is a bonafied stud behind the dish.
Bono caught and called a fantastic game in the place of Jose Arguelles, who was given the night off from catching, and along with his battery mate Joe Del Valle, will share the J&J Builder’s player of the game honors.
It was a nice win after a disappointing loss to open the season, but the Marlins have their work cut out for them the next 2 weeks, as they will face the Orlando Reds at home this Sunday, followed by a date with the Dr. Phillips Red Crew Sox and showdown with the O-Town Indians just days later.
The Reds, led by manager Brian Blevins, will be ready to play and will try to spoil the home opening day festivities for the Marlins.
The Sox, well, they are the Sox, and now even more potent with some ex-Crew players on the roster and the Indians will be looking to make it 2 in a row against the Fish (Tribe won the first meeting 1-0 last fall).
Come out and join the party Sunday at Lake Mary Prep!
Game time is 12 noon, festivities and warm-ups begin at 10:30am.
Parking and admission is free! (For now).
Making his 2nd start of the season is Darrin Reichle, 0-0 0.00. He’ll be backed up by Marlin’s new addition, Tim “I almost struck out Bo Jackson” Brady, who will be seeing his first action in a Marlins uniform.
GO FISH!!!!
IN OTHER NEWS…….
…….P/OF Steven Tolbert has been coming along nicely in his workouts to join the Marlin’s bullpen.
“I threw 50-60 pitches Tuesday night. I feel real good. My control is there.”
The Fish are looking to get Tolbert, the team’s only lefty, on the hill in the next couple of games.
……With his three swipes Tuesday night, 1B Josh Montero is now tied for the all-time team lead in stolen bases with 21.
“It took him just a little over a year to tie that record” said a team official.
“Now he’s looking to shatter it!”
....The Marlins placed CF Casey Newman on the non-injury inactive list Wednesday, due to work and internship responsibilities. "With the schedule I am going to have, theres just no way to make time for baseball right now."
The good news is, it looks like it may only be temporary. With any luck, Newman can make it back for the home stretch of the season and playoffs, should the Marlins make it.
REDS SPOIL MARLIN'S HOME OPENER.......
February 25, 2008
“I don’t know what it is” said one Marlin player. “We’re flat. Not sharp at all. There’s no fire, no attitude,”
No fire may be right. If there is one, it’s certainly not visible when the Fish take the field.
The Marlins built a 7 run lead through 7 innings against the Orlando Reds Sunday. All of their 10 runs were scored in the first 4 innings on their new home field in front of their biggest crowd in franchise history.
It was a beautiful day, the tunes were crankin, the fans were cheering, and Marlin’s ace Darrin Reichle was cruising along through 5 innings on his 42nd birthday. What could possibly go wrong?
Despite their big lead, the Marlins were not looking sharp at all. Errors, poor decisions and bad base running were littering the well manicured Lake Mary Prep field like confetti littered Broadway after the NY Giants celebratory parade in NYC. (Alright, that maybe a bit dramatic, but it wasn’t pretty.)
Reichle left after 5 with a 10-3 lead, surrendering 1 ER on 4 hits, 2 walks while striking out 5. The Marlins felt they were in good hands with Tim Brady coming out of the pen, and despite not having thrown in a game for the last 7 months, they were.
Brady was able to pitch out of a bases loaded jam in the 6th, and surrendered only one unearned run in the 7th, but in the 8th, the defensive errors and inconsistency of the home plate umpire’s balls and strikes would prove too be much to overcome. Brady was pulled in the 8th for Joe Del Valle who was still a bit sore from Tuesday’s gem, but Del Valle was just to stiff to get anything going. After a HBP and a walk, the Marlins put in their new found closer Johito Arguelles but the Reds momentum was too strong, as they blasted a 3 run homer before calling it a day, winning by a softball-like score of 14-10.
“I think the way we were scoring runs so early, we figured we had the game in hand” said one player. The Marlins WERE hitting it well; Marlyn Kelch was 3 for 3 with an RBI, Nelson Rodriguez ripped a 2 out 2 RBI single, Joe Del Valle was 2 for 3 with a 2B, and the big one, a 2 run blast off the bat of Josh Montero who finished 2 for 4 with 4 RBI’s and a SB, and yes, you guessed it, is the J&J Builders player of the game recipient.
The Fish finished with 16 hits as a team, out hitting their opponent, but its not the hits that win the game, its runs and on this day the Reds had more of them.
The Marlins must re-group fast, with 2 tough ones on the horizon beginning Sunday with the Red Sox.
On the mound before his vacation will be Darrin Reichle (0-0 0.82 ERA) who’s still looking for his first win after 2 no decisions his first two starts.
Let’s focus guys, we are SO MUCH better than this!!!
GO FISH!!!!!!
REICHLE BLANKS SOX......
March 2, 2008
Fast forward to Sunday afternoon, where the battle would begin between these giants. Who’d flinch first?
Reichle came out firing and got hotter as the game went on. D-Man had 5 straight strikeouts at one point and had the Red Sox batters totally off balance. The Sox would never have more than one base runner in an inning and had only one runner reach 3B all game, a 2 out triple by Sox starter Kevin Gallagher.
The final line, 9 inning complete game shut out, 2 hits, 1 BB and 12 K’s. That’s saying a lot when you look at the team he faced.
It was a classic pitchers duel for 8 innings, as Gally pitched a very solid game, surrendering just 2 ER in 8 innings. As a matter of fact, both batteries were tops this day, as the hurler’s mates, Mickey Bono for the Marlins and Cory Huston for the Sox, called awesome games.
Offensively, the Fish benefited from Reichle’s dominance, as only 1 run was necessary, but they scraped across 5 just in case, 3 off the Sox’s bullpen in the 9th.
Utility player Nelson Rodriguez continues to show his slump is behind him as he drove in yet another 2 out RBI (Is there a better 2 out hitter in the league?) in the 2nd and scored in the 8th after slicing a leadoff double down the left field line.
Another weapon the Marlins are noticing they have is rookie free agent Carlos Colon. Colon was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and played an outstanding CF, his position when Casey Newman is not available.
“Los just flat out gets it done” said Marlin’s hitting Coach Howard Johnson.
Colon is batting .556, had some real nice plays in the field, runs the bases well and also has a cannon for an arm the Fish can’t wait to see in action on the mound.
Hats off to the Assistant to the Assistant GM, Mickey Bono for that one!
The team played solid for the most part. They had to against such an explosive team. The Sox may be 0-2-2, and that is shocking. What would not be shocking is to see them finish 20-2-2. They are THAT good.
J&J Builder’s player of the game honors you ask?
None other than Darrin Reichle for his work on the mound and his RBI double in the 9th, and Rodriguez for his clutch RBI in the 2nd which proved to be the difference. Special mention has to go to C Mickey Bono for filling in seamlessly behind the plate for injured Jose Arguelles.
The road doesn’t get any easier as the Fish (2-2) get set to take on their new rivals and ex-teammates in the O-Town Indians (4-1-1), who are red hot.
The original ticket had a possible rematch from the fall between Marlin’s Crazy Joe Del Valle and, quite possibly the best pitcher in the league right now, in Mike McGurk. But Del Valle was a late scratch so the hard throwing righty Mickey Bono will be making his first start in a Marlin’s uniform and sources say the Tribe may counter with ex-Marlin, Tony the Bulldog Burnham, who will undoubtedly be fired up for this one.
Come on down to the showdown, dubbed “The Combat at the Campus” (Orlando Sports Campus).
We’ll sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!
GO FISH!!!!!!
IN OTHER NEWS…….
……..Marlins CF Casey Newman has made some changes and will now be returning to the ball club. However, it will only be in a limited roll until further notice. “I thought about it and I really can’t completely stay away. I love these guys” said Newman. “I will make games I can and try to get in enough as to qualify for the post-season, should we make it.”
That’s good news for the Fish, offensively AND defensively.
……..With his win over the Red Sox, Darrin Reichle became the first pitcher in Marlin's history to reach the 20 win plateau. He also surpassed the 300 strikeout mark in his last start, also a first.
Congrats big man!
FISH BLOW ANOTHER LEAD, LOSE 6-5.....
March 7, 2008
The Tribe sent former long time Marlin Tony Burnham to the mound to do battle against the young righty Mickey Bono, who was making his first career start for the Fish. It had the makings of a true pitchers duel, and it was to a point.
Both teams struggled defensively early and it got worse as the night and rain went on.
In the end, a total of 13 errors were committed. The Marlins had 8 of them, the only category they’d own this night.
To be fair, half of them came in the bottom of the 9th when the rain was at its worst. “It was pure slop” said 2B Robb Cymerman. Very hard to pick up pop ups with the rain hitting you in the eyes, and hard to throw a soaking wet baseball with sticky clay all over it.”
Offensively, the Fish were, simply put, shut down. Burnham’s curveball was absolutely filthy and un-hittable as he racked up 9 K’s in his 3 hit complete game win.
Bono pitched just as well, but the errors were the difference in this game. “Mickey pitched his heart out” said C Joe Del Valle. “He deserved a win.”
Bono scattered 9 hits and surrendered 1 ER while walking just one and striking out 7. He did hit 4 batters due to his having to throw side arm to conserve his arm.
It’s hard to pick the J&J Builders player of the game honors in a loss, but this one must go to P Mickey Bono who gave it everything he had and certainly pitched well enough to win. Nice job Mick, Thanks!!
The Marlins know this game was not the breaking point of their season. They know there’s plenty of baseball left, but they must re-group and re-focus and start playing well consistently.
The latest roster changes and injuries won’t help matters, but management is confident the team will gel quickly.
Our heroes will try to get back to .500 this Sunday when they host the Diamondbacks at beautiful Lake Mary Prep. On the hill for the Fish will be Robb Cymerman (0-1, 0.00) who’ll be making his first start of the season.
Let’s get back on track guys! And don’t forget the time change Saturday night!!! Spring ahead 1 hour.
GO FISH!!!!
MARLINS GET THEIR FIRST HOME WIN, 10-0 OVER D'BACKS....
March 9, 2008
The Marlin’s Sunday afternoon match up at Lake Mary Prep against the Orlando Diamondbacks (2-5) was a good proving ground to see how far along Cymerman has come in his return to the mound.
Cym was given the nod for the start and proceeded to slice and dice the D’Back’s lineup. By the time he was through after six, he fanned 8, surrendered just 2 hits, no runs and walked no one.
“He’s typically a ground ball type of a pitcher” said Pitching Coach Leo Mazzone. “He’s really been working hard on his arsenal and his pitch selection. We are very encouraged in his progress.”
P/OF Steven Tolbert saw some action on the hill in the 7th and final inning, as the Fish continue to groom him to be the set up man. T-Bert walked 1 and struck out 2 of the 4 batters he faced.
Give some credit to C Mickey Bono, who called yet another great game, and after throwing 9 innings himself just 3 days earlier.
“DJ Jazzy Mick (Bono) is becoming worthy of a new team award, we’ll call it, the Iron Fish award” said Manager Rich Musumeci. “He was originally brought in as bullpen insurance and to back up the infielders, but he has quickly become a major cog in this Fishy machine! If he plays an inning of outfield, I’m slappin’ the “Utility” tag on him!”
The Marlin’s Jeckle and Hyde defense put in a good one, recording just 1 harmless error in the 5th and turning a sweet double play in the same inning to get Cymerman out of the only jam he’d see.
Lot’s of candidates for the coveted J&J Builders player of the game award for this beauty, but Cymerman’s dominance Sunday is too much to overlook. Congrats Roberto! Nice job!
Also worthy of mention aside from Bono is Utility man Nelson Rodriguez, who took the team RBI lead with his 2-4 3 RBI day, and RF/Manager Rich Musumeci going 3 for 3 with a ribbie and a run scored (WHAT!?...Yeah that’s right! You wanna fight about it?).
The Marlins finally got to get a good look at IF Paul Lavoie as he started at 3B. “He looked sharp!” exclaimed Musumeci.”Lavoie made a couple of nice plays at the corner and showed quick reflexes and a solid arm. A nice pick up!”
It is games like this that have you scratching your head as a Marlin’s fan/player. “It’s been every other game” said 1B Josh Montero. “We either look tight, or we kick it around. I still don’t see the intensity though. I hope we can get that mojo back soon.”
Soon better come this next week, as the Marlins (3-3) are headed for a collision course with the Orlando Astros (5-2) next Sunday afternoon at Jones H.S. It won’t matter who the Astros put on the mound, Warren Hanson, Chris Holt or the red hot Jay Laub (5-0, 0.35), it will be quite a job to get over .500 for the first time this season.
Expect the Marlins to counter with Joe Del Valle 1-1, 3.86, who will be well rested and ready to go!
Thanks to the D'Backs for coming up to our new park, hope you enjoyed playing there!
Rest up little fishies, I know a lot of you are hurting.
I leave you with some words of wisdom from our mascot, Billy Marlin;
“Hey boys and girls, his is Billy Marlin! I am stoked to be your mascot and I am behind you 110%! Let’s come out hot next week, and from now on! Have a good week off and heal up. And Remember, errors lose games. Don’t make an error.”
GO FISH!!!!
MARLINS HOLD ON TO EDGE 'STROS, 3-2....
March 16, 2008
Who doesn’t enjoy a fully charged battery? They power the things we need and love. They are used in flashlights, smoke detectors, cars, cell phones and hand held games and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Marlins (4-3) are no exception. However, they benefited from a different sort of battery Sunday when they took on the red hot Orlando Astros (6-3).
The Marlins squeezed yet another great start out of Mickey Bono behind the plate and Joe Del Valle on the hill. And when it seemed the Astros were getting a little used to Del Valle’s pitches after 7 innings, the battery flipped and it was Del Valle who was on the receiving end for the final two.
Del Valle was aces, surrendering just 2 runs on 6 hits and one walk while striking out 5 in his 7 innings. “Crazy Joe had 4 pitches working for him Sunday, keeping the Astros big sticks fairly quiet” said teammate and long time “friend”, Jose Rosado. “I was so proud of him. I love him, I really love him!”
Broke back Baseball aside, Del Valle was in complete control of his game as he was in his first start this season. “He has really come through with a big start every time we needed one” said manager Rich Musumeci. “Joe is beginning to show signs of being the 2008 version of Jimmy Groves” (Marlins 2007 MVP). All on a bad ankle, which is clearly still hurting.
But the other part of this equation that can’t be overlooked is the play of Mickey Bono. Bono makes a great pitcher even better. He knows the game, knows his pitchers and knows what pitch to call when. “We brought in some help to give him a breather, in Drew Stafford and Jason Taddie, but he enjoys it back there too much to not catch at all. Three stud catchers. I guess it’s a good problem to have.” said Musumeci.
Bono looked solid on the bump as well, surrendering just 1 hit and striking out 2 in 2 innings for his first save.
Just having Stafford and Taddie back on the field seemed to inject the Marlins with some life. “We finally had some noise out there. We looked and sounded like a team!” exclaimed 1B/SS/Asst GM, Josh Montero. “It was the first time I had met Drew, and I was thoroughly impressed. He is a great guy and I can see why he means so much to this team. J.T. also seems like a nice guy and a solid ballplayer and I am glad they are back to help us win.”
Stafford was 1 for 3 and reached on an error in his first game back since the 2006 spring playoffs. He filled in at first before having to depart early for an autograph signing in Palm Bay.
Taddie also saw some action after missing the same length of time as Stafford. Taddie looked sharp at third, gunning down a runner at first, and sealing the victory with his catch of a line drive in the bottom of the 9th with 2 on to end the game.
“I didn’t even see it” said Taddie as teammates laughed. “No, I really didn’t. I had my eyes closed….. Really!”
Also having solid days were 2B Sem Cuevas, 2-4, run scored and OF Jose Rosado, 2-3, RBI (which ended up being the game winner) and the defense which turned in its 2nd straight 1 error game. (Maybe the Marlin’s mascot Billy Marlin’s words sunk in last week).
A great team win, but the J&J Builders player of the game honors go to the battery of Crazy Joe Del Valle and DJ Jazzy Mick Bono.
Another great effort guys! Let’s stay hot!! As you can see, although we are struggling offensively, we can still win with our pitching if we can keep our mistakes at a minimum. This is a very talented league, this season especially, but we are not lacking in the talent department either!
Up next for the Fish, weather permitting, is a showdown with the Outlaws at sun down, Thursday night! The Marlins will be led by their big gun, Marshall Darrin Reichle 1-0, 0.45 ERA. (This has the making of a classic Gunsmoke episode!)
See y’all out there!
Yeeehawwww, GO FISH!!!!
The Marlins (4-3) are no exception. However, they benefited from a different sort of battery Sunday when they took on the red hot Orlando Astros (6-3).
The Marlins squeezed yet another great start out of Mickey Bono behind the plate and Joe Del Valle on the hill. And when it seemed the Astros were getting a little used to Del Valle’s pitches after 7 innings, the battery flipped and it was Del Valle who was on the receiving end for the final two.
Del Valle was aces, surrendering just 2 runs on 6 hits and one walk while striking out 5 in his 7 innings. “Crazy Joe had 4 pitches working for him Sunday, keeping the Astros big sticks fairly quiet” said teammate and long time “friend”, Jose Rosado. “I was so proud of him. I love him, I really love him!”
Broke back Baseball aside, Del Valle was in complete control of his game as he was in his first start this season. “He has really come through with a big start every time we needed one” said manager Rich Musumeci. “Joe is beginning to show signs of being the 2008 version of Jimmy Groves” (Marlins 2007 MVP). All on a bad ankle, which is clearly still hurting.
But the other part of this equation that can’t be overlooked is the play of Mickey Bono. Bono makes a great pitcher even better. He knows the game, knows his pitchers and knows what pitch to call when. “We brought in some help to give him a breather, in Drew Stafford and Jason Taddie, but he enjoys it back there too much to not catch at all. Three stud catchers. I guess it’s a good problem to have.” said Musumeci.
Bono looked solid on the bump as well, surrendering just 1 hit and striking out 2 in 2 innings for his first save.
Just having Stafford and Taddie back on the field seemed to inject the Marlins with some life. “We finally had some noise out there. We looked and sounded like a team!” exclaimed 1B/SS/Asst GM, Josh Montero. “It was the first time I had met Drew, and I was thoroughly impressed. He is a great guy and I can see why he means so much to this team. J.T. also seems like a nice guy and a solid ballplayer and I am glad they are back to help us win.”
Stafford was 1 for 3 and reached on an error in his first game back since the 2006 spring playoffs. He filled in at first before having to depart early for an autograph signing in Palm Bay.
Taddie also saw some action after missing the same length of time as Stafford. Taddie looked sharp at third, gunning down a runner at first, and sealing the victory with his catch of a line drive in the bottom of the 9th with 2 on to end the game.
“I didn’t even see it” said Taddie as teammates laughed. “No, I really didn’t. I had my eyes closed….. Really!”
Also having solid days were 2B Sem Cuevas, 2-4, run scored and OF Jose Rosado, 2-3, RBI (which ended up being the game winner) and the defense which turned in its 2nd straight 1 error game. (Maybe the Marlin’s mascot Billy Marlin’s words sunk in last week).
A great team win, but the J&J Builders player of the game honors go to the battery of Crazy Joe Del Valle and DJ Jazzy Mick Bono.
Another great effort guys! Let’s stay hot!! As you can see, although we are struggling offensively, we can still win with our pitching if we can keep our mistakes at a minimum. This is a very talented league, this season especially, but we are not lacking in the talent department either!
Up next for the Fish, weather permitting, is a showdown with the Outlaws at sun down, Thursday night! The Marlins will be led by their big gun, Marshall Darrin Reichle 1-0, 0.45 ERA. (This has the making of a classic Gunsmoke episode!)
See y’all out there!
Yeeehawwww, GO FISH!!!!
MARSHALL REICHLE APPREHENDS OUTLAWS......
March 22, 2008
The veteran right-hander seems to be getting better, not slowing down at the tender age of 42. “His curveball is devastating, and he is still bringin the heat with the best of them” said assistant pitching coach and father, Ted Reichle.
“There’s been a lot of positives written about this guy, but what he means to this ball club can never be overstated. He IS the ball club” said team spokesperson Louis DeGregorio. “We legitimately have a shot at a title every year with him in house.”
The supporting cast ain’t too shabby either. Defensively, the team is putting it together. “We’re seeing fewer errors as we move on, which keeps us in games and gives the offense, which is also slowly coming out of a slump, opportunities to put the games away” said Manager Rich Musumeci.
Leading the way this week was Reichle (2-3, RBI, BB), SS Josh Montero (3-4, 3B, RBI, BB, SB), 2B Sem Cuevas (2-3, 2 2B, SB) and Jose Rosado and Nelson Rodriguez who both finished 2 for 3.
The Fish didn’t exactly dominate offensively, as most of the runs scored were due to errors, but Reichle’s pitching kept the Outlaws from mounting any threats.
With his effort, Reichle earns the J&J Builders player of the game honors, his 2nd this season.
The Marlins and the league get a weekend off to enjoy the Easter holiday, but the Fish get back at it Tuesday night at 7pm when they take on the Orlando Angels (3-2-1) at Jones H.S. and then face off in a tough doubleheader Sunday at home at beautiful Lake Mary Prep against the league leading Yankees (6-1) at noon and resurgent Dodgers (5-1-1) at 3:30pm.
On the hill for the Fish Tuesday will be the league’s best pitcher right now, Robb Cymerman 1-1, 0.00 ERA (don’t get too excited Robb, it’s a numbers thing).
The team cookout which was supposed to be next Sunday during the double header has been postponed due to time constraints at the field. We will have it in the next couple of weeks, but there will be snacks and light fare available for the long day.
HAPPY EASTER!!!!!
GO FISH!!!!!
BY THE NUMBERS……..
8-0……The Marlin’s combined record (fall 07, spring 08) after a loss to the Indians.
2…..Number of earned runs surrendered by Marlin pitching over the last 24 innings.
182……Joe Del Valle’s current automobile collection total. (as of Saturday night 3/22/08. He could have purchased more by the time this posts, we’re not sure).
OY VAY! CYM SHINES AGAIN AS FISH WIN 4th STRAIGHT......
March 26, 2008
Cymerman tossed another great game Tuesday night against the Orlando Angels (3-3-1), giving his team their 4th straight win. His line; 5 innings (abbreviated complete game), 1 unearned run, 3 hits, no walks and 4 K’s. “It would have been another shut out if it weren’t for J.T. not getting that guy at the plate coming from 3rd base!” said Cymerman, forgetting the fact that it was his errant throw to first that put him at third to begin with. “If that happens again, I’ll have the JDL TP J.T.’s crib!”…… (WHAT!??).
Threats aside, it was a smooth ride for Cym, the J&J Builders Player of the game and the Marlins, who now sit at 6-3 and are back in the post-season chase.
Cym was backed by a solid defense with only 2 errors, one of them his! Nelson Rodriguez was perfect at 3B and SS, Montero looked solid at SS as well before auditioning for OF, where he could have taken a nap. Jason Taddie moved from 1B to 3B and was solid there as well. Taking his place at first was Joe Del Valle who the Marlins are liking more and more there. Del Valle had a very good night at first, save a Bill Buckner type ball through the legs on the last play of the game. 2B Sem Cuevas came over and tossed to Cym for the final out, so no damage done.
Offensively, Rodriguez led the way going 2 for 3 with another two out 2 RBI single (pressure, what pressure?) and Del Valle had a double in his 1 for 4 evening, driving in 3 on the night. Darrin Reichle also had a good night going 1 for 2 with 2 RBI and 2 BB’s.
Despite 4 straight wins and 5 of the last 6, the Marlins offense is still not right. The team average is down, as well as the Marlin’s “Big four”, Del Valle, Bono, Montero and Colon. “We’ll get it going” said Montero. “I don’t know what the problem is, but we’ll come around.”
Hopefully it will be by this weekend’s home field doubleheader, as the league leading Yankees (6-1) and Dodgers (5-1-1) come to town.
The starting duo for the Marlins will be Darrin Reichle (2-0, 0.33 ERA) and Crazy Joe Del Valle (2-1, 3.22 ERA).
To get an idea on how the Fish are winning, all you need to do is check out the league stats, where you’ll find one Marlin in the top 50 batters, and three Marlins in the top 5 in pitching. Nuff said!
(The Marlins pitching staff has surrendered only 2 earned runs over the past 29 innings!)
GO FISH!!!!!!!!!
MARLIN'S PITCHING CONTINUES TO DOMINATE AS FISH SWEEP.......
March 30, 2008
The Fish sent their # 1 and 2 starting pitchers into battle and received 2 more outstanding performances as the staff continues to lead the way.
We can’t say it’s exactly carrying a struggling offense because the bats are starting to come alive at the right times, and the team is scoring plenty of runs. Defensively the Fish have really improved and guys are stepping up in positions they may not have readily volunteered to play.
Example A;
Staff ace Darrin Reichle, not close to 100%, took the mound against a solid Yankees squad ready to spoil the Marlin’s day. “He wasn’t himself” said assistant pitching coach, Ted Reichle. “He was down 5-6 MPH on his fastball and his shoulder was bothering him a bit.” Thankfully D-Man is THAT good, where at 85-90%, he is still dominant.
Reichle went the distance in a 114 pitch effort, surrendering 1 unearned run, scattering 4 hits, walking 2 and fanning 12, leading his squad to a 4-1 win.
The offense produced 4 runs off the hard throwing Yankee Joe Wieleba, via the bats of Reichle (1 for 3, sac fly, RBI), Nelson Rodriguez (1 for 3, RBI), Jason Taddie (1 for 2, BB, RBI) and Josh Montero ( 1 for 4, RBI).
Others having solid days at the plate were 2B leadoff man, Sem Cuevas (2 for 3) and C Drew Stafford (2 for 4). Stafford has picked up where he left off, the 2006 post season. “That was the last time a held a bat in my hands” said Stafford.
“That dude doesn’t need to prepare, practice, warm-up, or nothing” said Marlin’s assistant hitting coach, Hubie Brooks. “He be a bad-ass!”
The Marlins committed 4 errors in game 1, two of them in the first, leading to said unearned run. “We had some guys playing in different positions than what they’re used to but it worked out real well for us” said Musumeci. “Sometimes guys tend to shy away from playing a different position, others relish it.” Musumeci was undoubtedly referring to the likes of Josh Montero and utility men, Marlyn Kelch and Nelson Rodriguez.
Montero shagged some fly’s in CF in pre-game warm-ups and gave management the nod he was ready.
Rodriguez played short most of the day and is looking better and better at the position. “Man, I told you I could play ni—er!” It’s about &%$# time I get some *#@$% respect around here! Said N-Rod. “S—t, no ones better than me baby, no one!”
Rodriguez, it seems, has no lack of confidence in his abilities and is showing it on the diamond.
“It’s getting to the point where we can put him just about anywhere, and he excels” said Manager Rich Musumeci. “We really don’t lose a thing wherever we put him.”
(Was that a paragraph, Nello?)
Fellow utility player Marlyn Kelch also had a great day in the OF, with a highlight of a play at the plate. “I just got it and let it fly” said Kelch of his throw from LF to C Drew Stafford attempting to gun down a runner advancing from 2nd on a base hit. 4 hops later, it reached Stafford who tagged the runner with time to spare.
What Kelch may lack in arm strength, he makes up for with heart as he makes play after play wherever he is on the field.
Example B;
Crazy Joe Del Valle, who is having an MSBL career year thus far, started game 2 against the resurgent Dodgers. “Del Valle has changed some things around in his pitch selection and the result has been a more controlled and better managed game. His walks are way down and his control is much better which keeps his pitch count low and in turn keeps him in games longer” said pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
“Me siento fabuloso. Estoy contento ayuda el equipo” said Del Valle. “Tal vez yo voy a celebrar y comprare un auto nuevo.” (something about feeling good and buying a new car).
Del Valle kept his team in the game surrendering just 1 ER in 7 innings on 7 hits, 1 BB while striking out 4, before giving way to reliever Mickey Bono who gave up 1 more before the Fish called it a day with a 10-2 victory.
Helping to drive in those runs were Montero (3 for 3, RBI), Bono (2 for 4, 2 RBI) N-Rod (3 for 4, 2 RBI), Taddie (1 for 4, 2 RBI) and Reichle (1 for 4, 2B, RBI).
No errors in that one!
J&J Builders player of the game-
Game 1- Darrin Reichle
Game 2- Joe Del Valle, Nelson Rodriguez
The upcoming games are a real test, as the Fish get set to take on the Lugnuts (6-2-1) whom they have yet to beat, next Sunday night and the Titans (8-2-1) with former MLB standout P Chris Brock the following week. Throw in a game against the hungry Braves and the Marlins will have their hands full.
The Rotation as of this writing has not been set, but the Fish are leaning towards Robb Cymerman (2-1, 0.00 ERA) for the start on Sunday, but it will most likely be pitch by committee to keep everyone loose.
GO FISH!!!!
IN OTHER NEWS……
………..Marlin’s LF on hiatus Glenn Reichle, has contacted the club to announce he’ll likely be returning to the team within the next couple of weeks. Marlin’s management and players were excited about the news and are looking forward to having him back in uniform.
Reichle has been busy touring the world in his 007 attire and now has time to put on his cleats and get back to it.
It’s just another great weapon the Marlins could use.
Reichle, in a phone interview from his vacation villa in Greece, had this to say; “I am looking forward to rejoining my teammates in our quest for a spring championship. I miss being out there and contributing.”
……….The Marlins have surrendered just 4 ER in the last 47 innings, while outscoring their opponents 46-6 in that six game span.
MARLINS GEAR UP FOR BIG WEEKEND....
April 10, 2008
With a huge game against the Titans immediately following, players may get to just thinking about the "big game", but every game is big in a short 24 game season. "We'll have them ready to go and focused" said Manager/GM Rich Musumeci. "At least I hope so."
The Titans have a bonafied stud at their disposal in Chris Brock (3-0, 1.15 ERA) and will no doubt be unleashing him against our heroes in a sort of pay-back game.
The Marlins beat the Titans in the fall playoffs 20-5, and rumors around the league have it that Titans manager Jim Matoska, has been seeing mental health specialists at the state of the art medical facility in Celebration Florida ever since.
"Jim has come a long way since he arrived here" said Dr. Harvey Weinstein, Chief Psychologist at the facility. "Barring another Titan meltdown and another 20-5 drubbing, I think he'll be just fine."
Dr. Weinstein holds a degree in Sports Psychology from the University of South Bithlo and specializes in post tramatic stress disorders, brought on by competitive baseball ass whippings.
It will be a great day for baseball (provided the rain holds up), so come on out and fill the stands at beautiful Lake Mary Prep!...(Marlin fans only please)
Braves game at 12 noon, Titans at 3pm.
MARLINS SQUEAK BY BRAVES, FALL TO TITANS...
GAME 1-
The Marlins struggled against the Braves starting pitcher, who threw a lot of off speed stuff, working slowly and methodically, taking his time between pitches and throwing repeatedly to first base when a runner was on. If it was a planned tactic, it worked. Marlin batters could not get into a groove against this guy. “This dude made (Robb) Cymerman look like he was quick-pitching” said C Jason Taddie. “We were being lulled to sleep."
By the time the Marlins woke up, it was the bottom of the 7th and they were trailing 2-1.
Marlin’s starter Josh Montero, who was making his debut on the mound, the first since his days at Coxakie Junior High, was a bit rusty in his 2 2/3 innings. Montero surrendered 2 runs on 1 hit and 8 walks, while striking out three, before giving way to Robb “The Raging Rabbi” Cymerman. Cym shut down the Braves as he’s been doing all year to opposing teams, striking out 8, giving up 1 hit and walking 4 in 5 1/3.
“I felt good out there” said Montero. “I just couldn’t get the fastball over for a strike. I hope to get another opportunity at some point.”
While some MSBL analysts say he’s just too wild, the Marlins plan on grooming him some more to see what they can get from that powerful arm.
The Marlins could only manage 5 hits against the Braves and oddly enough, not one hit was recorded in the 4 run 7th inning that gave the Fish the game. The Braves starter seemed to run out of gas after pitching a doozy through 6. Three walks, 3 hit batters and a catcher’s interference call would keep the Marlin’s winning steak alive for at least 1 more game as they won 5-2
No real standouts in this one aside from Cymerman, who continued his 2008 dominating campaign, earning him his 3rd J&J Builders player of the game.
GAME 2
Up next were the Titans, who have been tearing the league up despite their self-admitted offensive “slump”, who came up to Lake Mary to show they are a team to be reckoned with.
Naturally, the Marlins sent their ace into battle as any other team would. The Titans countered with former MLB great, Chris Brock. Reichle, Brock. Two undefeated pitchers, arguably the best of the best, locked up in a battle for 1st place in the CFMSBL National league.
The Titans struck first, scoring a run in the first on a leadoff error and a single by Brock, but the Fish tied it up in the bottom half of the 3rd on a 2 out RBI single into right off the bat of cleanup hitter Mick Bono, scoring Jose Rosado who singled himself and advanced on a Casey Newman single.
But that would be the only run they’d score on the MSBL rookie, who finished with 13 K’s in 7 innings. The Marlins were able to get on base several times, but Brock was able to bear down and squash any rallies before they could happen.
The immortal Frank Shaw closed out the final two frames to preserve the win for the Titans, but not before 1B Josh Montero blasted his 2nd home run of the season over the right field wall to get the Marlins to within 3. The Titans added 3 more in the 9th for an 8-2 victory.
Understandably, the Fish had some problems scoring on Brock, but still seem to be in a bit of a draught offensively.
Some Marlins having solid days against some stellar pitching were, Mickey Bono with his pressure laden 2 out single in the 4th, Casey Newman, who has been struggling at the plate this season, hit the ball very well, going 2 for 4 with a stolen base and a blast to left that was caught, although we still don’t know how (what a play!). So it looks like Newman is starting to come on. Then there’s N-Rod, Nelson Rodriguez, who is really starting to bloom, both defensively and offensively. Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a SB, and has yet to strike out this season after 44 at bats against some tough pitching.
All three earn the J&J Builders player of the game for game 2.
As for the Marlin’s starter, rumors have surfaced that he threw 200 pitches in batting practice just 2 days before for his son’s little league team, which could have something to do with him running out of gas by the 4th inning.
Team officials denied commenting, except that they are investigating the matter in house and that if Reichle is found guilty of violating his contract by throwing a baseball for anyone else but the Marlins, he will be fined an undisclosed amount.
The squeaky clean Reichle has denied talking to the media regarding the “BP” matter, but Marlin’s assistant pitching coach and father of Darrin, Ted Reichle, is confident he won’t be fined.
The Fish must travel to Lakeland Sunday to take on the winless Barons of Mulberry (0-11-1), but don’t think it will be a walk in the park, as the Barons are MUCH better than their record indicates. They may not be a playoff team just yet, but they have lost some close games this season and are pretty much in most of them til the end.
The Marlins don’t expect them to lie down and they definitely don’t want to be the ones to give the Barons their first win.
On the bump for the Black and Teal will be the league leading Robb “The Raging Rabbi Cymerman 3-1, 0.00 ERA.
I will be in touch the next couple of days to verify directions and to see who needs rides. Game is at 2:30pm, so plan on getting out there at least by 1:45pm.
IN OTHER NEWS……
2006 ALL-STARS TO RETURN!!...
The Marlin’s 2006 all star representatives, Glenn Reichle and Jimmy Groves will be returning to the team this Sunday. Reichle announced his return 2 weeks ago and is ready to go, while Groves, who has been nursing a sprained knee, is finally ready to take the field. “I’m about 90% right now” said Groves. “I’ll take it slow and see how it goes.”
The Marlins have been anticipating Groves’ return and hope he can regain some of his form from his 2007 MVP season.
“We’re heading into a brutal schedule and we need that arm in the rotation or at least out of the penn” said Manager/GM Rich Musumeci. “Even just having him back in the dugout is going to be a huge lift.”
“I love that kid” said Josh Montero. “Watch how this team responds with him back in uniform!”
Groves was 5-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 2007, not including his dismantling of the undefeated Patriots in the semi-finals of the fall playoffs, while Glenn Reichle finished with a .355 average and tied for 2nd on the team in RBI’s with 8 in the fall season.
It will be great to have them both back!
WELCOME HOME BOYS!!!
GO FISH!!!!!
MARLINS TOP BARONS, FALL TO LUGNUTS. ALL STARS SET......
April 23, 2008
Offensive highlights included Jimmy groves 2 for 3, 2B, 2 RBI in his return to the team, Crazy Joe's 2 for 3, 2B, RBI, Perry Teague's 2 for 3, 3 RBI's and Josh Montero's 3 run blast (3) that hit the scoreboard in right (no word yet if Mulberry H.S. will be charging Montero for any damages)
Lorne Wheatcraft and the Barons were great hosts and have a great set up out in Mulberry. If you get a chance to play there, you'll enjoy it (once you find it, haha).
Thanks Lorne!
The Marlin's (10-5) Tuesday night matchup with the Lugnuts (11-4-1) was not as pretty. Marlin's starter Joe Del Valle pitched well through 5, but got into a little trouble in the 6th. Jimmy Groves, in his first appearance on the mound since early December's showdown with the Patriots in the semi-finals, relieved Del Valle in the 6th with a bases loaded, no out situation. In hind-sight, probably not the best thing to do to a pitcher who hasn't thrown in 4 months, but Groves didn't look bad. The Nutters would score all three baserunners on an error and a 2 RBI single before Groves retired the next 3. But the top of the Lugnuts order was ready for Groves in the 7th, scoring 4 runs on 5 hits to put the game out of reach, 10-3.
Marlin's management was pleased with Del Valle's outing, as he kept a very powerful lineup from doing any real damage.
Reichle came on to start the 8th to get some work in, but the game was called mid-at bat due to time constraints.
J&J BUILDERS PLAYER OF THE GAME;
vs. Barons- Josh Montero, Perry Teague, Jimmy Groves
vs. Lugnuts- Joe Del Valle
The Marlins have a tough schedule the remainder of the season and there will be no breaks, as every team has a legitimate shot at the 2008 championship. The bats on this team had better come out of hibernation soon, before the Fish find themselves on the outside looking in.
Next up for the Marlins are the controversial Dr. Phillips Red Sox (Crew Sox, Black Sox, Ankle Sox or whatever they're calling themselves these days) (8-4-3) at beautiful Lake Mary Prep.
On the hill will be none other than Darrin Reichle 3-1, 0.83 trying to get his team their 11th win of the season.
CONGRATS TO OUR ALL STAR REPRESENTATIVES!!!....
The Marlins team vote for the 2008 All-stars are in, and the winners are.............
P-Darrin Reichle
1B/IF- Josh Montero
and Utility Nelson Rodriguez.
Reichle is a veteran to this mid season classic but Montero and N-Rod will be enjoying their first.
Congratulations guys! Make us proud!
GO FISH!!!
MARLINS LOSE TO SOX, BOUNCE BACK WITH WIN OVER ASTROS...
The Fish sent their ace to do battle against one of the top hitting teams in the league, again, but the Sox were ready to play as they belted 2 homers and hit the ball hard all day, despite striking out 12 times against the big man.
“D-Man threw the ball well today” said catcher Mickey Bono. “He just made two mistakes and we were down 3-0 just like that.”
The Marlins battled back a few times against Sox pitchers Kevin Gallaher and Cory Huston and had many chances to score, but poor base running would kill any rallies the Fish started. 3-2 would be as close as the Marlins would get, and ultimately lost 7-3.
Crazy Joe Del Valle was the offense for the Teal and Black, driving in all 3 Marlin’s runs on a single, walk and a fielder’s choice.
Others having good days at the plate included 1B Josh Montero (2 for 3, 2B, HBP), 3B Jimmy Groves (2 for 3, HBP) and CF Casey Newman (2 for 3), who continues to swing a hot bat against the more dominating pitchers in the league.
The errors defensively led to some runs, but not the big reason for the loss.
Joe Del Valle gets the J&J for this one. Way to be clutch Crazy Joe.
Monday night the team returned to crime laden Jones H.S.*, where they battered and bruised a depleted Astros (8-8-1) squad trying to stay above .500.
Mickey Bono took the emergency start over a slightly injured Jimmy Groves and a missing in action Robb Cymerman (on assignment in Maine) and pitched the Marlins to a 12-1 victory.
Bono went 6 shut out innings, surrendering just 3 hits, 1 BB while striking out 4.
“DJ was supposed to get the night off to rest, but had to take the hill” said Manager Rich Musumeci. “We’ve been abusing the hell out of him behind the plate, but he stepped up as usual and carried the club.” Well, helped carry the club.
While he was busy mowing down the Astros lineup, the Marlins were driving in plenty of run support.
Leading the way was 1B Josh Montero with his 4th homer of the season, this one of the inside the park variety. The Marlin’s resident Freak finished the night 2 for 4 with 3 ribbies. Adding 3 ribbies of his own was OF Darrin Reichle (2 for 4), who hit the ball hard all night, despite using a cracked bat that may or may not be missing some pieces of wood.
All Star bound Nelson Rodriguez was 3 for 4 with an RBI and leadoff man Sem Cuevas seemed to be on base all night, with 2 singles, a BB and a ROE.
Finally, rookie and avid Ben Gay user, Paul Lavoie impressed at the plate hitting the ball with authority going 2 for 3 and defensively at 3B and behind the plate for the final 3 innings.
(Paul will be M.I.A. for the next month or so, so please keep him in your prayers and hope for a speedy return to the club. Best of luck Paul!)
J&J Builder’s player of the game goes to Mickey Bono for his outstanding work on the mound and the two big lefty bats of Josh Montero and Darrin Reichle.
Keep those bats going boys!!
Next up for the Fish (11-6) are the NABF 18+ Royals (10-3), led by veteran manager and NABF commissioner, Bill Ball.
Bill will have his hard hitting squad ready to go as they try to even the score against the elderly MSBL. The Royals lost a tough one to the Lugnuts and will be looking for revenge.
The Marlins return to Cypress Creek will be a homecoming of sorts. It will be the first time they step on the field since 2002 when they were the NABF Cardinals, whom the Royals owned a 9-1 advantage in the series. But that Cardinal team had no where near the talent as this Marlins team.
Only Casey Newman, Drew Stafford, Robb Cymerman and Musumeci remain from the 2002 version.
On the hill making his first start of the season will be Jimmy Groves 0-0, 9.00 ERA, but the Fish won’t push him. Look to see a pitch-by-committee day.
*There has been some criminal activity at the not-so-desirable Jones H.S. facility, much to everyone’s surprise I’m sure.
This time, Carlos’s girlfriend's car was busted into early in the game Monday night (while still daylight!). Her purse was gone and she was left with a broken passenger window.
When parking at this fine Orlando neighborhood, make sure you don’t leave any valuables in your cars.
These brazen punks have b-lls of steel, busting car windows with 40-50 guys with bats just 100 feet away.
On a side note, "Orlando's finest" couldn't even be bothered coming out.
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT O.P.D.!!
MARLINS GET SHUT DOWN IN TWIN BILL......
May 12, 2008
The Orlando Marlins (12-9) ran into two of the best pitchers in the league and a very hot forecast Saturday and the results were not favorable. They now find themselves in a bit of a hole, as they try to hold on to a spot in the top 8 and a playoff berth.
The Indians (13-5-1) came up to Lake Mary Prep for the first time and the Fish thought a change of scenery would help their inept attempts to defeat some of their former mates, but the results were the same; an Indians victory.
Marlin’s starter Jimmy Groves pitched a good one in his second start of the season after coming back from a knee injury. 1 ER, 6 hits, 3 walks, 2 HBP’s and 7 K’s through 7 innings of work should have been good enough for a win, but the Marlins could not get anything going against tough Indians hurler, Mike McGurk.
The Fish loaded the bases on Tribe starter Jason Dunaway in the first, but he was able to pitch out of it. McGurk took over in the 2nd, and the Tribe never looked back. 1 run and 3 hits was all the Fish could muster as they lost, 4-1.
Game 2 of the doubleheader wasn’t any easier as the Marlins entertained the Titans (17-2-2) for the second time this season. This one wasn’t even close, as the bruisers in orange roughed up Marlins starter Darrin Reichle for 10 runs (9 earned) on 16 hits in 5 2/3rds, clearly the big man’s toughest outing of his amateur career.
Titan’s ace Chris Brock, mowed down 15 Fish in his 7 innings of work, but they were able to scrape up 10 hits, one of them a bases loaded blast over the centerfield wall in the 3rd off the bat of Crazy Joe Del Valle, which cut the Titans lead to 5-4.
That would be as close as the Fish would get, as the Titans continued their assault on Reichle, Bono and new staff ace Rich Musumeci for a final of 15-4.
Not a lot of bright spots on this day save the grand slam by Joe Del Valle in game 2 and the solid start by Jimmy Groves in game 1.
Those are your J&J Builder players of the game.
(Del Valle also received the J&J for his dominance over the Dodgers earlier in the week)
The Teal and Black have 3 weeks to think about and work on how they can get better offensively if there is to be another shot at a title.
Next up for the Fish are the NABF 18+ Yankees (14-2) and our own MSBL Yankee squad (14-6) in yet another freakin rough doubleheader on June 1st.
Starters for these games will be announced in a couple of weeks, but team sources say they are leaning towards Robb Cymerman 4-1, 0.40 and Joe Del Valle 4-2, 2.65.
Enjoy the week off, we’ll get back out there Memorial Day weekend for a practice/scrimmage.
MARLINS PERSUING ONE LEGGED PITCHER?......
May 22, 2008
Rumors have surfaced that the veteran pitcher soured after hearing his name mentioned in trade talks between the Titans and Red Sox.
“I can’t believe they’d do this to me” said an angered Shaw. “Has this organization no loyalty?”
Shaw, a free agent after the 2008 season, is having a career year. He has been courted by many teams in the past, and can write his own ticket, but sources close to the situation and Rosenberg’s office have said the Marlins had made a “substantial” offer, and are willing to agree to any terms.
The Marlin’s front office personnel have been unavailable for comment due to their 3 week hiatus, but these pictures (shown above) had surfaced early Thursday morning to A.P. news reporter Rodney Ewbanks office.
Ewbanks ran with it.
“I don’t know who sent them to me, but it makes for a great story” said Ewbanks.
CFMSBL officials say they will begin investigation after the long holiday weekend, to see if there was any wrong doing on the Marlins part.
Titan’s owner/manager, Jim Matoska is reportedly livid about the situation, calling it a “total distraction to the team and the task at hand.”
More on this story as it develops………………..
CUCARACHAS SQUEAK IN AGAIN, CAN THEY REPEAT?........
TITANS END MARLIN'S SEASON.....
June 10, 2008
The Orlando Titans, led by masher Jim Matoska and flame throwing Chris Brock, defeated our beloved Marlins, 4-3 in the first round of the 2008 spring playoffs.
The Marlins took an early 2-0 lead on a Joe Del valle double in the first and a perfectly executed squeeze play by Mickey Bono in the second, but the Titans came back with 1 in the bottom of the 2nd.
The Fish would pick up another in the top half of the 4th, but the orange men quickly tied it up in the bottom of the same inning.
It remained 3-3 until the bottom of the ninth, when a ball that was lost in the bright mid day sun fell for an infield hit scoring the game winning run from 3rd with 2 out.
It was a disappointing loss, but the Fish had a few chances the previous couple of innings, but couldn't deliver.
Defensively the Fish were up to the task, as was their ace Darrin Reichle, who pitched solidly in relief of starter Joe Del Valle, who was on a cruise when the game resumed five days after being called due to rain.
Reichle had his share of problems with the Titans this season, but really dug down deep to keep his team in the game.
"You can't be pissed about this one" said the Marlins skipper. "We played our butts off against the best team in the league at the time."
The Fish will re-group after a much needed rest this summer and try to do some damage in the fall.
Well boys, we didn’t quite do what we set out to, but we did play tough in our 1 playoff game, especially against the best pitcher in the league and a very strong Titans squad.
Offense was our biggest thorn that haunted us all season, so I hope you all keep working on your hitting. We‘ll bounce back in the fall and try to take another autumn title.
Until then, enjoy your summer, vote for our team awards and we’ll see you all in a few weeks at the team BBQ!!
Thanks for another great year!!
GO FISH!!
SPRING 2008 TEAM LEADERS (based on 25 AB minimum)
BATTING
AVG.- Nelson Rodriguez- …………..368
RUNS- Sem Cuevas-….………………25 (team record)
2B- Del Valle/Montero-……………...…6
3B- Montero/Arguelles-………………...1
HR- Montero-…………………………...4 (team record)
RBI- Montero-………………………….19 (team record)
BB- Bono-………………………………17 (team record)
HBP- Montero-………………………….3
SB- Montero-…………………………..15 (team record)
SLG %Montero-………………….……587
OB %Reichle-……………………….…437
(Montero, Montero, Montero, Montero……Not bad for an OFF year!)
PITCHING
IP- Reichle-…………………………….64.2
WINS- Reichle/ Del Valle/ Cymerman-…4
SAVES- Bono/ Arguelles-……………….1
CG- Cymerman/ Reichle-………………..2
K’s- Reichle-…………………………….85 (team record)
ERA-Cymerman-……………………….0.62
Lost in the numbers, but acknowledged team and league wide, was the season Robb Cymerman and Joe Del Valle put together;
Cymerman was a last minute addition, after hearing his mates were shorthanded in the pitching department with the injuries to Del Valle and Jimmy Groves and the departure of long time Marlin, Tony Burnham. All Cym did was enjoy the best season of his career, posting a 4-1 record in four starts and two relief appearances with a 0.62 ERA. His strikeout per innings pitched was way up (25 in 29 IP), and his walks allowed was way down.
Great job Cym!!
After injuring his ankle (severe sprain, cracked bone), Del Valle refused to sit. He played through the pain, much to his doctor’s disapproval, and put up some nice numbers;
4-2, 2.65 ERA in 5 starts.
Del Valle was 2nd on the staff in starts and innings pitched and every start was quality. His two starts against the playoff bound Dodgers were lights out as he frustrated hitters to the tune of 1ER and 14 K’s in 15 innings.
A huge part of the Marlin’s success, offensively, defensively and on the mound.
MVP candidate Mickey Bono also had a solid season on the mound….and everywhere else!
“This guy can and will play anywhere he’s asked” said one team official.
Bono sacrificed his body and his offensive numbers, by catching the majority of the innings this season (those mid day doubleheaders in searing temps were rough), until Drew Stafford and Jason Taddie re-joined the club to help out in that dept.
But the future is bright for the young DJ-by-night, as he’ll see most of his time at 3B, 1B and SS this fall. (Watch those power numbers shoot up!)
Speaking of numbers, in just 3 seasons (2 springs and a fall), Josh Montero is quickly closing in on team records. “The Freak” has already claimed the home run and stolen base categories this season and is already 3rd in runs scored, 4th in hits, tied for 4th in doubles, 3rd in triples, RBI’s and is currently 2nd for all time team average title, trailing only Todd Teeter!
A Quick look at the Marlins all time team batting leaders;
(check out the whole list of career stats on link to the left)
AB- Reichle- 351
RUNS- Reichle- 65
HITS- Reichle- 119
2B- Reichle- 37
(this just in- the big man can HIT too!)
3B- Teeter- 7
HR- Montero- 4
RBI- Reichle- 84
AVG. Teeter- .421
SB- Montero- 34
SOME MARLINS NOT SUITING UP THIS FALL include, Darrin Reichle and Robb Cymerman. Still undecided, are utility Marlyn Kelch and CF Casey Newman, while Jose Arguelles was released following the playoff game against the Titans for failure to report and Nelson Rodriguez’s future with the team remains in question.
Possible returning vets include OF Will “Power” Bodie and 1B Rob Hancock.
It will be a busy offseason for Marlins management, beginning this coming week when top team executives will be heading up to Raleigh/Durham N.C. to try and work out a deal that would bring 1B/LF Todd Teeter back to Orlando and the Marlins.
Have a great summer fishies! Keep in touch!!!
MARLINS GET A STEAL IN FALL DRAFT.....
The Orlando Marlins have been scrambling this off season, trying to replace some players taking the fall season off.
Although the team may not resemble last fall’s champion squad, it is still strong enough to compete, and today it got a little stronger.
With the 8th overall pick, the Marlins snagged former Crew 3B, Curtis Lugo. Lugo, who took a year off after his Lakeland squad broke up, entered the draft and looked solid.
“I can’t believe he fell to us” said Assistant GM, Josh Montero. “There were about 25 guys trying out and of those there were about 9 or 10 guys that were difference makers. Lugo was one of the better ones.”
Owner.GM and manager Rich Musumeci wasn’t as happy about the pick up; “He looked great out there, great arm and a hell of a stick. But he’s a friggin NY Yankee fan! VERY disappointing!”
Despite Musumeci’s feelings over the Yankee business, Lugo is a steal.
In 19 games last year, the 40 year old Long Islander hit .407 with 3 doubles, 5 RBI and an OB% of .500. Definitely a shot in the arm this offense needs, after the N-Rod trade and losing Casey Newman, Drew Stafford, and Darrin Reichle to the non-injury inactive list for the fall.
The newest Marlin can also handle the OF and catching duties, which makes him that much more valuable.
Lugo is excited for the new start and looking forward to getting on the field with his new mates next Sunday vs. the Yankees.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field and compete” said an enthusiastic Lugo. “The Marlins are winners, and I am excited about helping my new squad as best I can.”
The Marlins are scheduled to face off against the Yankees at Hankins Park, Sunday 8/24/08 at 9:30am.
They will then take on the fledgling Cubs Labor day weekend (date and location to be announced).
Directions to Hankins below and in your emails in the coming days.
WELCOME ABOARD CURTIS!
GO FISH!!
HANKINS PARK
From Downtown Orlando:
-Take I-4 to John Young Pkwy. GO NORTH towards 408 and away from the Jail!
-Take John Young Parkway North to Columbia
-Make a Left, field is down on left.
From 408:
-Exit at John Young Parkway, and go South towards I-4.
-Turn right on Columbia, park is on left.
MARLINS TOP YANKS 5-2 IN SHORTENED SCRIMMAGE......
September 7, 2008
The Orlando Marlins and Yankees squared off this morning in the early blazing sun, struggling and sweating, but knowing both teams needed the work before next weeks opener.
It was a sloppy game, which could be blamed on both the heat and the rust of an off season.
Yankee pitching held down the Fish until the 5th, when ex-Marlin Nelson Rodriguez took the mound against his former mates.
N-Rod was throwing pretty well but was victim of a couple of mis-played balls.
Del Valle started the 4th inning with a double, his second on the day, but non-roster invitee Jaime Colon, who was running for Del Valle, got nailed at the plate trying to score on a passed ball.
The 4 run, one out rally was sparked by walks of Mickey Bono and the returning Joehito Arguelles.
Fall 2008 1st round draft choice Curtis Lugo added an infield single to load the bases, before utility man Paul Lavoie ripped a single into left to drive in 2 runs.
Outfielders Jose Rosado and Louis Caracci reached on back to back errors, adding 2 more runs in the inning.
The Fish added one more in the 6th, before time ran out on the Hankins Park field rental.
"We looked a little sloppy defensively" said manager Rich Musumeci. "But we were missing some starters and man was it hot out there.
I'm not concerned. We'll be fine."
The additions of Lugo, hard hitting-dart throwing catchers Robert Michel and Craig Howell the re signing of Joehito Arguelles, make this offense command a little more respect.
"Arguelles has re-committed to the ball club and wants another championship. He is really going to help us on the mound this fall" said assistant pitching coach Leo Mazzone. "He was throwing pretty hard out there today. We're very encouraged."
Del Valle, who started the game, could only throw 2 pitches, before having to be relieved by Arguelles. "That makes me concerned" added Mazzone.
"Joey is our horse this fall and we are going to need him. I'm hoping he'll be OK."
Del Valle left the field in a rush without even signing a single autograph, which is unlike him. Marlin's medical staff could not be reached for comment.
Also throwing for the Marlins today was lefty Steven Tolbert, who was a bit wild his first inning, but settled down in his second after adjusting his delivery, and Lou Caracci who closed out the final inning for the save.
Opening day for our heroes is next Sunday, Sept. 14th at 8:45am.
The rest of the schedule should be released shortly.
Del Valle was slated to start opening day, but if he can't go, Sweet Lou will take the honors.
GO FISH!!
MARLINS TAKE OPENER WITH COME FROM BEHIND VICTORY.....
September 14, 2008
Opening day, fall 2008. The O-Town Marlins were set to face off against a steadily improving Reds squad. A team that broke their hearts this spring when they pulled off an unbelievable come back victory, 14-10 after being down 10-3.
The Fish had revenge on their minds, but their scheduled starting pitcher Joe Del Valle was a last minute scratch due to some lingering shoulder stiffness.
Enter the 48 year old phenom, Louis “The Godfather” Caracci.
Sweet Lou, making his first start for the Marlins, was brilliant.
After surrendering a run on two hits in the first, Caracci settled in and cruised through 7 innings while giving up just 1 more hit and 2 walks while collecting 5 K’s in his workman like effort.
“Sweet Lou was mixing his pitches incredibly well” said catcher Jason Taddie. “He kept the Reds off balance all day with his slurve, change up and various speed fastballs.”
“He did an awesome job today. We are extremely happy to have him aboard” said manager Rich Musumeci.
When Caracci left the game in the 7th, he was ahead 3-1. The Fish called on the flame throwing, but rusty, Jason Taddie for middle relief. “I was hesitant about throwing J.T. in there after catching 6 innings. I should have went with my instincts and not put him in that situation” said Musumeci.
Taddie walked all 3 batters he faced, who eventually all scored off a sac fly, error and a single.
The new version of Jimmy Groves came on after Taddie and shut the door in the 9th.
“I barely recognized him” said OF Jose Rosado. Rosado kept staring at Groves’s rear end, or what used to be his rear end. The 45 lb lighter version showed he still can throw and hit a deep ball.
Defensively, the Marlins were a little sloppy, recording 4 errors, with one leading to a run. But there were a few gems as well, from 2B Sem Cuevas, 1B Rob Hancock and third basemen Paul Lavoie and Jimmy Groves.
The Marlin bats were silent through the first 6 innings, as 2 Reds pitchers combined for a 1 hit shut out, but it was the 7th where things got interesting.
The Fish got creative and lucky, after a walk, a failed FC, a sac bunt and a HBP loaded the bases with 1 out. LF Josh Montero grounded out to 2nd, scoring the runner from 3rd and Del Valle loaded them up again after he was walked intentionally. Cleanup hitter Mickey Bono came through with a 2 run single up the middle, putting his team up 3-1.
The Reds responded with 3 in the top of the 8th to take back their 1 run lead, but the Marlins weren’t done.
With one out in the bottom of the 9th, Steven Tolbert, batting for Caracci after pinch running for him in the 7th, hit a line drive just over the third baseman’s head. The Marlins were fired up after the hit and a visit from former teammate Nelson Rodriguez, who stopped by to give his old manager some more trash talk!
Cuevas then followed with a bunt single, before leadoff man Carlos Colon singled in Tolbert from second to tie the game. Cuevas was then tagged out trying to advance to 3rd on the play. With Colon at first, Montero drew a walk, bringing up the always dangerous Joe Del Valle. The Reds decided to pitch to Del Valle this time, but he hit a hard shot to right which was amazingly caught, but then rolled out of the RF’s mitt as he landed after his dive. “That friggin guy had a several nice plays out there today” said bench coach Howard Johnson. If he came up with that one, it would have been a web gem for sure!
Del Valle, a former Red, gets credit for the walk-off single, giving his team the 5-4 win.
Now, the J&J Builders player of the game award you ask?
This time it literally goes to the whole team. That was a complete team victory today!
From the great defensive plays, to the clutch hitting, to the outstanding efforts of the pitching staff, the Marlins overcame some tough pitching and a gritty solid ball club in the Reds.
Great job boys!
Next up for our heroes, are the Orlando Indians, whom they still have yet to beat!
Game time, 7pm, Tuesday September 23rd at Jones H.S.
Probable starter for the Marlins will be the 85lb, cranberry pickin, boiled chicken eatin, country boy, Jimmy Groves 1-0, 0.00.
Hit the cages boys, it will be another battle I’m sure!
GO FISH!
FISH MOUNT RALLY IN THE 9TH, BUT COME UP SHORT, TIE 7-7....
September 23, 2008
Great team effort, but J&J Builders player of the game honors go to C Jason Taddie who had 3 clutch RBI's and finished 2 for 3 with a 2B, and P Lou Caracci who was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles.
BANGED UP MARLINS FALL TO A's, 8-3......
October 3, 2008
With two starting pitchers unable to go Thursday night (Del Valle/ Caracci), the Fish turned to CF/Relief pitcher Carlos Colon to make his first career start in black.
It wasn't exactly the easiest team to take on, as the former Fury, rebadged as the Athletics, were looking for revenge after the Marlins came from behind in last fall's championship game to win 3-2 and take the title.
Colon got into a little trouble early on, which was attributed to the incredible rust from not pitching much the last year. Colon settled in a bit before fatigue caught up with him and his defense showed some weakness.
The Marlins offense was barely existent, managing only 6 hits through 8 innings. Two of those hits coming off the bat of OF Stephen Tolbert. T-Bert who's strength isn't normally his offense, self addmitedly, has been stroking the ball as of late and will remain in the lineup so the Fish can take advantage of his hot streak.
Tolbert finished 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored, earning him his first J&J Builders player of the game award.
Stay hot T-Bert!
Next up for the Fish are the red hot Dodgers Sunday morning at 8:45am, who completely dismantled the Lugnuts Thursday evening, 17-1.
The Marlins will send Cranberry Jim to the hill, but they'll also need their sticks to keep up with the run happy Dodgers.
Plenty of tickets still available for this one. We'll sell ya the whole seat, but you'll only need the edge!
GO FISH!!!
FISH REBOUND AGAINST DODGERS, 9-3....
October 5, 2008
GROVES DOMINANT AGAIN, AS FISH WIN......
October 12, 2008
Jimmy Groves, the only healthy starting pitcher on the Marlin’s roster right now, has been carrying the team in said department so far this season.
Groves, who’s coming off a knee injury which had him sidelined for most of the spring half of the 2008 season, has picked up where he left off last fall. Sitting at 3-0, 2.77 ERA, Groves has been “takin' the rock” and getting it done.
His most recent victims, the Orlando Astros, have been playing solid ball and look to be in the mix for a post season bid, but Sunday night was Groves’ night.
7 IP (abbreviated CG), 1 run, 6 hits and 8 K’s was the line, and his offense made it stand up, as they went on to win 11-1.
“I was a little concerned when Jimmy got hit on the hand” said the assistant to the assistant pitching coach, Ahmed Hussein Akmajinadad, referring to Groves’ 3rd inning scare after being hit on his thumb of his pitching hand. “I couldn’t feel it” said Groves. “It was numb”
Apparently, there’s no need for feeling in his thumb when he pitches. Groves stayed in the game and continued his dominance.
But Groves wasn’t the only reason for the win. His defense was practically flawless, as the Fish committed zero errors and made some nice plays throughout the night.
11 runs was more than Groves needed, as his offense woke up mid game and pounded out 12 hits, 11 of them from the 5th inning on.
“It took us a while to get it going” said 1B Joe Del Valle. “He (Astros starter Jay Laub) was cruising through the first 4 innings. I think he just got tired early.”
Laub also fell victim to some crucial errors that kept the Marlins in business.
Del Valle was one of the hot bats Sunday night, driving in 4 runs on 2 doubles, along with Lou Caracci, who drove in four himself on two singles and a fielder’s choice.
Also having a good night at the plate was SS Mickey Bono who went 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 runs scored and a ribbie and 3B Paul Lavoie who had a 2 RBI single in the 6th.
J&J Builders player(s) of the game- Groves, Del Valle, Caracci.
(The J&J for the Dodger’s game- Groves, Del Valle, Bono)
A much needed victory for the good guys, which keeps them in the hunt for the National League division title and a playoff berth.
This game becomes a memory now, as the Fish look a head to Thursday night when they take on the returning Orlando Mets. The Mets took a year off, but are now back and ready to play ball.
Former Mets, 2B Sem Cuevas and Utility man Josh Montero, look to take on their former squad and put their new team closer to their goal.
Sweet Lou Caracci is slated to take the hill Thursday, but will most likely be a game time decision due to his sore arm.
Looking to take the rock if he can’t is the hard throwing Carlos Colon.
Should be a good game regardless!
GO FISH!!!
MARLINS TOP METS BEHIND CARACCI AND DEL VALLE, 11-3.......
October 23, 2008
The Marlins improved to 4-1-1 after beating their former rivals, the Orlando Mets (1-7).
The Mets, who are in a rebuilding stage and seem to have a good core of players to work with, were kept quiet by the arms of Lou Caracci and Joe Del Valle.
Caracci went six innings, surrendering 3 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 1 BB while striking out 6.
"I felt good out there tonight" said Sweet Lou. "I think my arm is ok."
Del Valle, making his first appearance on the hill this season, came on in relief and threw 3 scoreless innings picking up the save. Del Valle and the organization can breath a sigh of relief, for it seems Del Valle's arm is not as bad as first thought.
Both promising performances from 2 key arms the Marlins will need if they hope to keep pace with the league's elite.
The Marlins were a bit sloppy defensively, but the run production was good, with Cuevas, Montero and Howell having mutli-hit days at the plate.
Groves, Lavoie and Caracci chimed in with 2 RBI's a piece.
Cuevas and Montero get the J&J for this one, combining for 4 for 9, 2 runs scored and 2 SB's.
Next up for the Fish is the Orlando Yankees (3-5) Sunday morning at 8:45am.
Re-joining the Marlins will be the original, all-time favorite Marlin, Marlyn Kelch. Kelch, who will be taking a 3 year hiatus from the game, was re-signed for 1 day so the team can send him off in style.
Kelch's agent, Michael O'Donnell, said his client has not ruled out a full blown retirement, but will see how he feels in 3 years, the amount of time he will be away from the states as he has taken a job in beautiful Bermuda. (yeah, we feel reeeeal bad for him)
Come on out and catch a great game and some fireworks, followed by a team get together/farewell party afterward!
GO FISH!!
YANKS BRING "A" GAME, UPSET FISH, 9-4...
October 27, 2008
Fish lose, Kelch retires, Colon heads to D.L...More tomorrow...
MARLINS, GROVES TOO MUCH FOR OUTLAWS....
October 30, 2008
Fish improve to 5-2-1 with 10-0 win. Wrap-up Friday night (Wow, I'm behind!)
MARLINS RUN OUT OF PITCHING, LOSE 9-6......
November 2, 2008
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY......
November 7, 2008
“We had them! Damn it, we had them” said a Marlin player after Sunday night’s game against the Crew.
Indeed they did have them, or so it seemed.
The Marlins knew they were looking at an up hill battle heading into the game. When you have to play such a talent laden team with not a lot of arms to depend on, you know your heading into a rough night. The Marlins were missing some healthy players, so much so, Carlos Colon had to come off the DL for a game and roam the outfield (more later).
But the Marlins played tough, clinging to a 6-3 lead heading into the 7th, harassing Crew starter Kevin Gallaher for 5 runs on 7 hits through five.
Marlins starter Mickey Bono surrendered 3 runs in the first 2 frames before Joe Del Valle took over in the 3rd and kept the Crew in check for 4 innings. But asking Del Valle to carry the load the rest of the game was asking a bit too much, considering the week prior was the first action he’s seen since the spring. A sore pitching shoulder kept him from the mound since the start of the campaign.
“I ran out of gas, I don’t know what else to say” said Del Valle.
Del Valle was brilliant through his first 4 innings, holding the hard hitting Crew scoreless with only 2 hits, until the rust started to take its toll.
The Crew managed 6 runs in the final 2 innings, to escape with the win.
Del Valle had a good day at the plate, going 2 for 4 with a 2B, as he continues his assault on opposing pitchers. Bono also picked up a couple of hits and RBI’s in the cleanup spot, followed by rookie C Craig Howell, who knocked in a pair himself.
The Fish played very well defensively, with Colon playing the OF despite not being able to lift his left arm higher than his shoulder. His highlight of the night; gunning down a runner at 3rd trying to advance from 1st on a single to right. “Carlos had to bare hand it and throw it instantly due to his injured left shoulder” said fellow outfielder, Josh Montero. “What a play!”
Thanks CC! Good luck with the surgery and get back quickly!
The long awaited debut of Craig Howell behind the plate finally arrived and he didn’t disappoint. “Craig looked so comfortable back there” said friend and teammate Carlos Colon. “He is such a #@&% though” he added jokingly.
“Knowing we have 2 stud catchers (Howell/Taddie) on the roster is a good thing!” said Del Valle.
The J&J goes to Colon for playing hurt and STILL making an impact! Thanks again!
The Fish are still in the hunt, sitting in 3rd place in the National League with some tough games coming up, but they need to finish solid to assure themselves a shot in the post season.
Next up are the Lugnuts who, after dropping their first 4 games, have bounced back and have taken 4 straight, and 5 of their last 6. The Nutters have always given the Marlins fits and have never lost to the teal and black since their inception.
Look for Joe Del Valle, 0-2 4.40 ERA to get the start against some of his former mates.
FISH SURE UP PITCHING STAFF...
With injuries to pitchers Carlos Colon, Lou Caracci and most recently, Mickey Bono, the Marlins went out shopping and came up with a couple of familiar faces when they resigned P/Utility Tony “Bulldog” Burnham and activated P Robb “The Slinging Jew” Cymerman, CFMSBL 2008 spring season ERA leader, to the active roster.
Burnham and Cymerman were enjoying the fall season off, when the Marlins came knocking.
Burnham had a little fire left in his belly and agreed to finish out the season with his former team. Burnham spent the 2008 spring season with the Indians, after testing the free agent market and finished 5-2, 3.45 ERA in 9 appearances (7 starts), while Cymerman turned in a career year with a 4-1 record in 4 starts and 2 relief appearances and sported a league best 0.62 ERA.
“I’m ready to go” said Cym. “I’ve been doing some serious 12oz. curls and I feel like a new man!”
“What a lift these guys give us!” exclaimed GM Rich Musumeci. “The team is psyched to see them back out on the field.”
Both players are expected to be in uniform this Sunday vs. the Lugnuts.
SUPER FISH HEADS OUT TO SEA...
Long time Marlin, Marlyn Kelch, played what could be his final game of baseball last week, as he heads to Bermuda for a 3 year stint.
"It was great to see him in uniform one more time" said a teammate.
Marlyn, a fan favorite, signed a one day contract with his former squad to say good bye and get his last bit of hardball in before heading to the island of Cricket.
He is a great guy and an awesome club house presence. He will be missed!
Best of luck Marlyn! Keep in touch!!
MARLINS DROP TWO STRAIGHT, AS PLAYOFF CHANCES DWINDLE......
November 10, 2008
Lugnuts 6, Marlins 5.
As another CFMSBL season winds down, the Marlins (5-4-1) find themselves in a familiar situation; wondering if they can pull it together enough to make it to the postseason.
The Marlins lost their 2nd straight game Sunday night against a hard hitting Lugnut squad that has gotten hot at the right time. Both teams, it seems, are heading in different directions. The Marlins at one point were 4-1-1 and sitting atop their division, but have since dropped 3 of their last 4, as the Lugnuts have seem to overcome an 0-4 start to improve to 6-5, winning 5 straight.
Can the Marlins pull off wins in their final two games this week and squeak into the post season again? Sure, if they can play as a team and get it together. It won’t be easy however. With injuries continuing to mount and some players losing that “baseball fever” a little bit, it may prove to be a tough battle.
The good news is, the Fish brought back pitchers Tony Burnham and Robb Cymerman which helps out tremendously, and the services of P Lou Caracci should be available for the post season, which gives a hurting Joe Del Valle a much needed break.
The Fish will also have a well rested and red hot Jimmy Groves, 4-0 2.65 available Thursday night against a very competitive Cub squad (5-5).
Lose that one and it’s pretty much over, regardless what happens Sunday vs. the Pirates (3-6).
This team has in no way “quit”. Both games were there for the taking, but each one had some unfortunate circumstances that prevented the win.
“These guys have played hard and a lot are playing through pain” said team trainer Aaron Schwarzenegger, cousin of Arnold. “I may have pushed the girly men a little too haaard. Sorry pansies!”
J&J Builders player of the game awards go to returning star Tony Burnham, who hit the ball hard going 2 for 3 with a run scored, BB and a SB and 1B Rob Hancock who played a stellar first base without “The Mitt”, which is still in the process of its makeover.
The Fish will try and regroup this Thursday vs. the Cubs. Come on out and support your defending fall champion Marlins!
Just a few tickets remain for this one, so get ‘em early! We’ll sell ya the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!
GO FISH!!!
GROVES KEEPS MARLIN'S HOPES ALIVE, FISH WIN 6-3 !!...
November 15, 2008
With their playoff chances on the line, the Orlando Marlins (6-4-1) needed a big game from their stopper Jimmy Groves. Did they get it? You bet!
Groves did what he’s done all fall season, dominate.
The Cubs are not a pushover by any means and they got their share of hits this day, but Groves and his defense manned up when they had to and killed most rally attempts.
The team’s fall MVP front runner turned in his 4th complete game in 5 starts to finish the regular season 5-0, 2.51, clearly carrying his squad to a possible post season bid.
“If we don’t make it (playoffs), it’s not because of what Dr Sparkles didn’t do. This guy had been our season!” said pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
Groves line; 3 runs (2 earned), 11 hits, 2 walks and 11 K’s in 9 innings.
Once again, the Marlins were outstanding defensively, save 1 fielding error in the 7th and a harmless throwing error in the ninth.
“That’s the key” said Groves. “If we can stabilize on defense and limit the errors, our pitching can carry us on a few runs.”
The offense was led by the Marlins not-so-secret-weapon-anymore, Steven Tolbert. T-Bert collected 2 more RBI’s going 3 for 4 with a 2B and a SB, earning him the J&J Builders player of the game honors, his second this fall. Sharing the accolades is Groves, whose gritty performance keeps the Marlins playoff hopes alive.
GREAT job boys!!
It will be an exciting finish this last weekend of regular season play, as many games have playoff implications. Several teams are vying for the last 3 spots.
Up next for the Marlins are the Orlando Pirates (3-6) who usually play the Fish pretty tough. They are definitely better than their record indicates and are in no way to be taken lightly, especially given the circumstances.
The Marlins will send Tony Burnham to the mound who will make his first start for the Black and Teal since September 30th, 2007.
Let’s go Fish! Finish strong!!
IN OTHER NEWS……
……...OF Carlos Colon, who underwent successful rotator cuff surgery last Wednesday, is recovering nicely. Doctors say the tear in his non-throwing arm wasn’t nearly as bad as they had suspected, and that his rehab time should only be 6 weeks, not the 3 months plus they initially thought.
Colon was at the game Sunday, in full uniform supporting his teammates and getting a light workout in.
“This guy is the epitome of “team player”” said owner/GM Rich Musumeci. “He’s been to more games on the DL than most guys who are healthy!”
“It kills me to be at the game and not play” said Colon. “But I have to be here to support my boys!”
………Another warrior the Marlins employ is OF Jose Rosado. Rosado has played all season with a torn calf muscle and strained hamstring.
Despite doctors’ recommendations to shut it down for the season, Rosado refuses to sit out.
“His leg changes color daily” said friend and “life partner” Joe Del Valle.
“You should see his leg when he gets out of the shower and heads into bed. I usually have to help him out of the shower, but it’s no big deal. I’m usually there anyway. It just gets a little cold when I don’t have a towel to…….err….never mind.”
Weird relationships aside, the Marlins are glad this guy stays in the lineup.
WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT......
WHO'S HOT......
OF Steven Tolbert, normally known for his defense, has been RED hot. With a career batting average of .229 (to be fair, that was only 35 at bats), T-Bert was seldom thought of as an every game hitter by management….until this season.
All he’s done is keep his team, which has struggled offensively at times, in ball games with his clutch hitting and RBI’s (7) where he sits 4th on the team, while batting .448, currently tops for the Marlins.
“It’s a hell of a battle at the top” said Manager Rich Musumeci. “T-Bert’s up there with some good company, Mickey Bono (.437) and Del Valle (.432).”
Tolbert has hit safely in all but 3 games this fall, and has had 4 multiple hit games, including his most recent vs. the Cubs; 3 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI’s and a SB.
But the bat hasn’t been the only positive with this kid. His defense has been stellar, to say the least.
With outfielder Casey Newman taking the fall off and injuries to Carlos Colon and Jose Rosado, Tolbert has seen more action than usual and is making the best of it, roaming in all three spots.
“Has he made an error out there?” asked teammate Josh Montero. “I don’t recall any. The way he’s playing, you’d think he was in a contract year!”
Great Job T-Bert! Keep it up!!
WHO'S NOT......
MARLINS SQUEAK ONE OUT, LUGO'S BAT AWAKENS, PLAYOFFS AWAIT!....
November 16, 2008
DODGERS MANHANDLE DEFENDING CHAMPS......
December 2, 2008
For the second straight season, the Marlins exited the post season in the first round.
The spring playoffs saw a gritty Marlin’s squad go toe to toe with the best pitcher in the league in Chris Brock and his hard hitting Titan teammates, losing 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th.
Unfortunately, the Fish weren’t nearly as competitive this fall vs. the Dodgers.
As a matter of fact, if you saw the game and weren’t familiar with the league, you might have wondered what the hell the Marlins were doing there.
3 hits and nine errors in 8 innings is not the making of a competitive team.
The lack of hustle and desire made it an impossible feat to upend the hungry Dodgers.
This is in no way a shot at the Dodgers. They were ready to play and win. They out played the Marlins in every facet of the game. Starter Heath Dean was dominant and pitched himself out of a couple of jams and seemed to get more confident as the game wore on. Their offense was opportunistic and battered Marlins ace Jimmy Groves who was pitching on 4 days rest.
An excuse could have been made regarding the weather, with a game time temperature of low 40’s that crept into the high 30’s by games end, except the Dodgers had to play in the same conditions. “The cold didn’t appear to bother them at all” said one Marlin.
“That had to be the best I’ve ever seen them play” said marlins skipper Rich Musumeci.
“They made play after play, left field, centerfield, first base. It was like the rest of the defense finally caught up to Butch’s (SS Lawrence Butcher) level of play!”
Ironically, it was Butcher’s one error that gave the Marlins their only 2 runs!
In fairness to the Fish, it was tough just getting through the season with all the injuries they had to endure, especially the pitching staff which was hit the hardest.
Towards the final few games of the season, the Marlins staff had been so decimated, that the late editions of pitchers Robb Cymerman and Tony Burnham weren’t enough to carry them through the post season, but thanks to them they did make it.
Defensively the club struggled all year. There were a couple of great games put together, but definitely not the success they’ve been used to.
So the Marlins tip their caps to the Dodgers and get ready for the off season and holidays so they can heal up and make another run for a spring title.
The 2009 season will be a challenge however, as P Darrin Reichle will be extending his hiatus until next fall due to school commitments, travels and his appending nuptuals. (Congrats big man!)
Also, health questions have to be a concern. First, P Joe Del Valle, who pitched with pain in his shoulder all season, has seen his velocity down and had not thrown without pain all year. Thankfully his swing did not seem to be affected as he turned in his best season average-wise since joining the ball club.
Second, Lou Caracci. Sweet Lou has also battled arm pain, mostly in his elbow, since his first start with the Marlins. And of course there’s Mickey Bono, who has made it clear he’d like to limit his pitching due to his sore elbow.
Hopefully a good off-season rest will be enough to get these guys back to their potential, but the Marlins will be shopping hard for another dominant arm to compliment Groves and Cymerman just in case.
All in all, it was a damn good season considering what we had to go through, guys! We made it to 4th seed but just couldn’t close the deal.
Rest up and be ready in January!
Thanks again to Robb and Tony for coming out to help us!
And a special thanks to Jose Rosado for sticking the season out with a torn calf muscle.
Just having your bat in the lineup was a boost for us!
Rest up kid, and STOP RUNNING!!!
Enjoy the holidays!
Congrats again to our all-star reps, Steven Tolbert and Joe Del Valle.
Del Valle did not participate (injury) and T-Bert went 1 for 2 with a ribbie and 2 BB’s as his National League squad defeated the American League.
Good job T-Bert! Way to put an exclamation point at the end of your great season!
2008 FALL LEADERS-
AVG. - Mickey Bono, .444 (no more catching for you, my friend! I see what you mean!)
Runs - Sem Cuevas/ Joe Del Valle, 11
2B - Joe Del Valle, 4
3B - Craig Howell, 1 (way to go rookie!)
RBI’s – Mickey Bono, 12 (see average)
BB’s - Mickey Bono, 11
HBP - Josh Montero, 4 (one would think not to pick on the BIG guy)
SB’s - Josh Montero, 7 (all that with a bad knee, back and pulled calf muscle)
Starts - Jimmy Groves, 5
IP - Jimmy Groves, 43
K’s- Jimmy Groves, 41
Wins - Jimmy Groves, 5 (is this the new Darrin Reichle?)
Saves – Joe Del Valle, Robb Cymerman, 1 (ha! no Jimmy here!)
CG - Jimmy Groves, 4 (oyyy, there he is again)
ERA- Lou Caracci, 1.38 (not bad old timer!)
The Fall MVP hands down, goes to P Jimmy Groves for carrying this team all season with a 5-0 record and 2.51 ERA, while teammate OF Steven Tolbert walks away with the most improved player award, raising his career avg. from .229 to .304.
(sorry boys, no hardware for fall seasons)
Spring awards, which the hardware has yet to be given out (we WILL have that party damnit!), go to:
MVP-
# 22 Joe Del Valle and # 24 Mickey Bono-
Del Valle refused to sit all year, despite incredible pain. Playing on a broken ankle, Del Valle managed to still hit .282 with 6 doubles, a home run and 17 RBI’s, second only to Montero.
On the mound, Joey was 4-2, 2.65 ERA while handling the 2nd most innings pitched for the club. Way to sacrifice yourself for the team Crazy Joe! Thanks!
Speaking of sacrifice; with the departing Utility Tony Burnham and early season-ending injury to C Jose Arguelles, the Marlins were left with a huge hole at the catching position. In steps Bono who took a beating back there during the mid-day summer games, most of which were double headers!
His offensive numbers took a beating as well, as he wore down carrying the load. With a paltry .210 avg., he still managed to drive in 12 ribbies while smacking 3 doubles.
He did do a great job on the hill when called upon in his 22 innings of work, finishing 1-1 with a complete game, a save and a 1.64 ERA.
TEAL GLOVE AWARD-
# 6 Casey Newman-
It was a dead heat between CF Casey Newman and Utility Nelson Rodriguez, but the trade request by N-Rod proved too much for peers to overlook.
Newman was the epitome of the phrase “can of corn”. He’s owned the position since his early days with the organization in the 1999 Sanford league, and hasn’t missed a beat since returning to the club.
Newman is practically automatic when a ball is hit anywhere in his vicinity and has proven his gold…errr…Teal Glove status long before the award came to be.
With a healthy Carlos Colon returning in the spring, it gives the Fish two legitimate centerfielders in the same OF!
TEAL SLUGGER AWARD- (looking for a new name for this one- help me out!)
# 34 Josh Montero-
For the second straight season, Montero will be bringing home the coveted slugger trophy. With batting average and triples the only numbers lower than the previous season, Montero’s record breaking campaign was definitely what the Marlins were expecting when they signed him last year. Montero finished with a .337 average, 6 doubles, a triple, a league leading 4 HR’s and 19 RBI while swiping 15 bases.
“I’ll trade a .424 average for a .337 average any day of the week, if it means those RBI and power numbers go up!” said manager Rich Musumeci.
MARLINS PITCHER OF THE YEAR-
# 3 Robb Cymerman
The Slinging Jew returned for his usual spring season and took the league by storm.
Cym finished with a career best 0.62 ERA in 4 starts and 2 relief appearances, compiling a 4-1 record, good enough for his second all-star nod. The team and league ERA leader has reluctantly embraced his “junk-ball” title, and is looking forward to another successful season in 2009.
You go bOYYYYY!
Once again, enjoy the off-season and holidays! We need the rest more this year than any other!
Keep in touch and please inform me of your status for the spring season.
Happy Trails!
GO FISH!!!
CHANGE OF HEART?....
December 2, 2008
It maybe the off season for the Marlins players, but the team’s front office is hard at work trying to piece together some missing pieces that may help improve the team.
In what may be a CFMSBL first, the Marlins have traded for a player they had just traded away not 4 months prior. ESPN reports the Marlins will return the Yankees 2009 first round pick to them in exchange for the rights to Utility player Nelson Rodriguez.
N-Rod, who has been contemplating retirement, was dealt back to the Marlins after team officials and Rodriguez’s agent, Juanito Hector Felipe Concetta Rivera Moncado Lipschitz, talked at length about the future and direction of the team.
“If he comes back to the diamond, it would have to be with the Marlins” said Lipschitz.
The deal was reportedly made at season’s end, but sources close to the club said this thing went down mid-season, which may violate some CFMSBL tampering rules. A league investigation is ongoing.
N-Rod’s agent said although his client said he wants to wear black again, he may want assurances his contract will be reviewed and improved before he sets foot on the field.
…more on this story as it develops.
OFFSEASON UPDATES
December 20, 2008
*****BREAKING NEWS*****
Orlando, FL…. Orlando Marlins pitcher Robb Cymerman has reportedly been arrested on drunk and disorderly conduct.
Late last night at Orlando International Airport, authorities were called out to the Jet Blue terminal on a report of an unruly passenger.
When they arrived, they found the Marlins all-star pitcher, intoxicated and subdued by airport security.
Sources say Mr. Cymerman, irate at spending 12 straight hours at OIA with his wife and 3 children, threatened the life of a Jet Blue employee for not giving him the proper information about his constantly delayed flight.
The flight, which was originally scheduled to depart OIA for New York’s JFK airport at 1:15pm, had been delayed steadily throughout the day due to bad weather conditions. At around 5pm, Cymerman claims he was told his flight would leave no earlier than 8:10pm.
Cymerman then took his family to the Chili’s restaurant where he allegedly consumed his share of alcohol.
The family then returned to the gate at 7pm where their plane was supposed to be, only to find no passengers and no plane.
Cymerman then approached the counter to ask what was going on.
The unidentified Jet Blue employee informed Mr. Cymerman that his flight had left.
Cymerman then became extremely agitated and screamed at the seasoned Jet Blue customer service agent.
The Slinging Jew demanded money for his suffering and inept service he had received from the budget carrier, and space for his family on the next flight.
The next flight was scheduled for 10:30pm, but by 11:40pm, the plane had not been ready to board.
Cymerman approached the counter one last time to find out what the problem was. After being told to sit down and wait, Cymerman then allegedly told the Jet Blue agent he was “going to kill him.”
Security and law enforcement were immediately called out and within minutes, the 2008 CFMSBL ERA leader was seen being escorted off airport property in handcuffs.
The Marlins PR department was notified immediately and team representatives hurried to the 33rd street jail to bail out the 36 year old right hander.
Avoiding a media circus outside the jail, Cymerman was whisked away in an unmarked 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser to Orlando Executive airport where the Marlin’s team jet was waiting to take him to his ultimate destination to rejoin his family, who were able to get on the flight that night.
Cymerman has not been available for comment and team officials are downplaying the incident, but this story could get interesting as league officials investigate…Stay Tuned….
