Fish Eye On: Matt Lindstrom

This is going to be a series of articles that I am going to write as a guide for you Spring Training dogs out there - someone to learn more about while you are out at the games. Yes, a "fish eye". Gives a wider picture.

Matt Lindstrom

What to watch for: Closer or relief.

Why: 100mph "Swedish" fastball. Nuff said.

Basics: Swedish descent, grew up in Idaho. Mormon, completed two year service in Sweden, going door to door preaching and teaching for The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. In Swedish.

Today, we are focusing on Matt Lindstrom, acquired from the Mets (along with Henry Owens) in a trade (for Adam Bostick and Jason Vargas). He has some hype coming along with him. As one Marlins official remarked, he could throw a marshmallow through a battleship.

He has topped the 100 mph speed limit several times, most notably in Puerto Rico in winter ball where he was clocked at 102. He throws several pitches, a two seam fastball, a four seam fastball, a slider which tops out around 85-88 mph and is now working on a slurve which moves like a sinker.

What is more compelling is that he is refining his game, he is not just a fireballer who has no control. "Last year, I maintained my velocity every time I went out," he said. "I was throwing 97-100 every time out. Now I can drive the ball down in the zone." That last part, keeping the ball down, is a key thing for his success in the bigs, not just a key component for him to grab a job on this pitching staff. Rich Kranitz, the Marlins pitching coach, lists arguably as priority #1 for his pitchers to keep the ball down in the zone.

As for his priorities, he has them right. "I'm concerned about making the team first," he said. "I think slowly but surely I could develop into a closer."

Mike Jacobs, who played with Lindstrom in their Mets farm days, likes Lindstrom's stuff. "The biggest thing for him is if he can get his mind right as far as being that bulldog kind of guy you need to be as a closer," Jacobs said. "If he can get that mentality, he has a real good shot."

Dan Uggla faced Lindstrom and gives a ringing endorsement, "His fastball explodes," Uggla said. "It's one of those things you can't teach. If you aren't cheating or ready for it, you aren't going to hit it."

And it seems this is the perfect place for Lindstrom with the brash, young talent that is on this roster. When asked if he was going to go back to Sweden, he said, "I'm going to go after we make the playoffs and the World Series."

So, here's to the Swedish meatball, and if Lindstrom is tossing it, at least it will be clocked at 100mph. Hopefully, he doesn't toss any meatballs up to the plate.

In my opinion: Put down the talking Chihuahua

No one threatens the future of the Florida Marlins more than this man. No, I’m not talking about the state Legislature, Manny Diaz, Wayne Huizenga, or even team owner Jeffrey Loria. I am referring to the talking chihuahua named David Samson, who just so happens to be team president. The loudest and most obnoxious (Don’t forget the shortest!) team president in professional sports is at the helm of our beloved baseball team.

At one time or another he has said something to alienate segments of the population -- the fans, media, city officials, county officials, state officials, and now possibly the greatest player to ever wear a Marlins jersey, Miguel Cabrera. Oh, and by the way, that’s just in Florida; this doesn’t include those in the national media and in Montreal where he earned the moniker “Little Napoleon” amongst those in the Expos’ front office.

This past weekend he publicly criticized Cabrera after he was a no-show at Fan Fest, further showing what a flawed, cancerous, hateable, and inept individual and team president he can be. Souring the relationship with the best player on the team and the biggest marketing tool in the Hispanic community is completely asinine. When/if a ballpark deal is secured, signing Cabrera and Willis to long-term deals will be the first step in showing the fans that star players and their contracts will be handled differently. Because of Samson’s mouth, those possible deals may be in jeopardy.

The impact of losing Miguel Cabrera can be equaled to that of a firesale. He is that important to the team’s future, on and off the field. He has the potential to be South Florida’s Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, or (insert other baseball legends here).

But wait! This isn’t the first time Mr. Samson has threatened the future of the franchise. Samson's and former Miami city manager Joe Arriola's unique negotiating skills deserve credit for killing the Ballpark at the Orange Bowl plan. As a result of that plan falling apart, the team underwent the “market correction” and Samson took his show on the road, looking for someone to build the team a ballpark. The "correction" and relocation talks once again soured the team’s relationship with the fans, an area where the team had made serious strides over the prior two seasons.

See, there is a reason why Major League Baseball is keeping Samson and his unique people skills out of the current ballpark negotiations.

The Florida Marlins are entering a second renaissance. A cancerous individual like Samson (Hell, Loria too, but that’s for another time.) should in no way be a part of that renaissance.

Cabrera Wins Arbitration Case

Miguel Cabrera and the Marlins went to court to settle the arbitration case over what amount Cabrera would be paid for the 2007 season.

Would it be $6.7M, the figure the Marlins were pushing for or would it be for $7.4M, the amount Cabrera's representatives felt was fair?

The hearing settled on the latter, and the Marlins are out an extra 700K for another years service from Cabrera.

Some would say that this negotiation was a failure for the Marlins, as they did not budge from their figures and instead ran their young, promising player through the arbitration process. Could this hurt the relationship between the team and its best player? That will remain to be seen. It certainly wouldn't help create a feeling of amicability.

Still, recently Miguel has shown a professional, mature attitude in this whole process. That doesn't say things will be smooth from here on out, but it does at least give hope.

Of course, everything could change if the Marlins could just nail down that stadium deal.

As it is, that is where everything is heading towards. With a new stadium and the promising revenue from that, the Marlins could afford to keep Miguel on board for even longer. The problem is now that they have been pushing aside any long-term deal for their young players, they will start to lose out on savings. They could have signed Miguel after 2004 to a more generous offer then, say 30M, and they could have locked up the young stud for more years and more savings. Instead, the secret is out, and the Marlins are going to have to compete for top dollar to keep him.

The arbitration hearing is only the first indication of that fact.

Marlins Win Arbitration Case Against Gregg

Newly acquired reliever Kevin Gregg went up against the Marlins in arbitration on Monday, but lost. Not a bad way to start your career with your new employer - in court.

Gregg will now earn $575,000 this season instead of the $700,000 he was seeking in arbitration.

The Marlins acquired Gregg from the Angels for Chris Resop, and will look to land a spot in the bullpen. He could pitch in a set up role, long relief or even compete for the team's vacant closer role.

Pitchers and catchers will report this Saturday, to Roger Dean Stadium to begin Spring Training.

Cabrera Explains His Absence

And so the drama continues...

It seems that the Marlins front office, more specifically David Samson, was trying to smear Miguel Cabrera. In a statement, trying to preserve his image to the fans, he stated, "I'd already [set aside] that date for an appointment related to my father's health. The Marlins informed me just a week before the festival and I couldn't cancel my meeting, and that's what I told my agents."

Whether or not the Marlins front office had prior knowledge of this remains to be seen, but there isn't any reason for Miguel or his people to lie about this.

Still, with arbitration set for tomorrow, Cabrera does not seem to be taking this badly. "My absence had nothing to do with the pending arbitration, because neither the Marlins nor me believe in the process. It's purely a business issue and I understand it perfectly," he said.

He seems to be geniunely concerned with his image, "I'm not mad with the administration, although I'm a little worried that Miami fans could now have a distorted image of myself. I'm committed to doing the best for the team."

Whatever disappointment fans or even Beinfest and Samson could have felt, they should definetly feel better about the things Cabrera has said. Was there a smear attempt in place? It's probable, and if that is the case it is exhibit Z as to why Samson needs to be fired. Miguel Cabrera, whether the brass likes it or not, is the future of this franchise. If anyone crosses him, they need to be dealt with - seriously. This kid is the best young prospect in baseball and is putting up yearly MVP numbers. It is in the Marlins best interest to keep him happy and in Miami for as long as they can.

It's Arbitration for Cabrera

"You say neither, I say neither, let's call the whole thing off..."

Ok, not as poignant if you can't actually hear the words being said, but neither (or neither!) is this whole arbitration process. I have to admit, as a fan, this is a look-the-other-way situation. Especially when it comes down to one of your favorite players and the management of your favorite team. It's like a big fight between your parents, it leaves no one as the winner.

Yet, here it is, Miguel wants $7.4M and the Marlins are only willing to offer $6.7M at this point. The difference is only 700K, and when you are talking about figures this high, that is only (at most) a 9% difference. And that is what seperates the two sides and why arbitration is being called for.

The real question is, is it worth it for the Marlins to get cheap with their best player and arguably, one of the best talents in all of Major League Baseball?

I mean, imagine the Yankees in this situation - they lock up Miguel for at least another three years and don't scoff at another 700K. Neither would the Mets, the Red Sox, the Angels, White Sox, Cubs, Cardinals, or practically anyone else not named Pittsburgh or Kansas City.

Yes, 700K is important to the Marlins who don't have deep pockets because of bad revenue as well as limited revenue streams. Not to mention, the owners don't have deep pockets to begin with. This is also the same ownership who has been willing to shell out money before for high risk situations. Like signing Pudge Rodriguez or Al Leiter to deals. The former worked out amazingly, winning a World Series title, the latter - not so much.

This 700K would have shown Miguel immense gratitude. Heck, don't go all the way and offer 7.1M instead at least.

What is even more perplexing is what if the Marlins lose the arbitration case? They will have to pay the 700K they were trying to negotiate out of in the first place. Some might say the reason the Marlins didn't land a CFer, say Shannon Stewart for example, is because of the hold up with this case. The Marlins are really pinching pennies here, trying to make a final push for a stadium.

In the past, I have been very supportive of this ownership group and denying the claims by other cynics of this group. Yet, there is some validity to the shallow pockets the Marlins are being forced to work with. Miguel Cabrera is one of the premier talents in MLB and one of the brightest young talents in all of sports. Here in Miami, we get the privilege to watch Dwyane Wade, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera develop into superstars and champions. To let any of them go because of a small percentage of money would be foolish.

Of course, the Marlins do control Miguel's contract for another three years.

The feathers have been ruffled already. For the Marlins Fan Fest, there was one noticeable person missing - Miguel. Perhaps it is because he is currently not under contract with the Marlins.

"[Owner] Jeffrey [Loria] and the organization are very disappointed Miguel isn't here," Samson said. "He should have been here with his teammates, there is no question about that. It's a shame for all the fans who wanted to see him."

David Samson should have kept his mouth shut. If anything, the Marlins brass seems schizophrenic at times, straddling the line of goodwill and class and that of brashness. Beinfest seems to have the proper perspective citing this as part of the business and showing no ill-will towards Miguel.

And that is where the criticism will fall for the Marlins: not towards the product on the field, but those who watch over it off the field. The Loria/Girardi situation did not leave a good taste in anyone's mouth. They better not dare make that mistake here with Miguel - he is far too important for this still young franchise.

MarlinsNation.com improved!

Well, we have been active, despite the blog side of things. Our forums continue to bustle with activity.

But we are making a few improvements, one of which is hosting the blog on our URL. This will allow for future upgrades for the site, but also make it more accessible to search engines.

Stay tuned...