Marlins Acquire Armando Benitez

An old familiar face returns to the Marlins. This time, it isn't a veteran outfielder or a starting pitcher, but a reliever that had arguably one of the most successful seasons as a reliever for the Marlins franchise. Back in 2004, Armando Benitez was practically unstoppable - he will try to do the same this season, three years later, upon his return.

The deal? Right now the details are not confirmed but it is reported to cost the Marlins Randy Messenger - a long time relief prospect for the Marlins that have left many in the Marlins braintrust wondering if he was going to ever pan out. Messenger's best chance of doing so seems to be this season, as his 2.44 ERA and 1.43 WHIP indicate he could be turning a corner.

Is this the right move for the Marlins?

First of all, it won't cost them much. The Giants are handcuffed and forced to deal Benitez mostly due to his alienating acts in the clubhouse, and are willing to eat up most of his $5M salary. And this is Benitez's last season - he is a free agent after 2007. Kind of like 2004, where he put together 47 saves in 51 appearances, and earned a big pay day as a result.

So, it is a walk year for the closer, and he will be looking to perform in order to get another big deal this offseason.

Also, Benitez, should he take over the closer's role again, will solidify the Marlins bullpen and as a result, their starting rotation. Owens is coming back, and Gregg is doing a nice job as the closer. Add Lindstrom to the mix as well as a rebounding Taylor Tankersley, and the Marlins have the makings of a tough bullpen that could be among the league's toughest coming down the stretch.

Consider also that the starting pitching should be getting Josh Johnson back in the near future, and could also be looking to add Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez as well. That means three starters - Byung Hyun Kim, Wes Obermueller and possibly Sergio Mitre - could all be bumped. This just adds even more depth to the Marlins pitching staff.

If the pitching can become more consistent, and catch up with the explosive offense, we could see the Marlins not only challenge for a wildcard spot, but possibly even the NL East crown. It will depend on how Benitez performs for the Marlins, but regardless, this move solidifies the Marlins bullpen and will help shorten the game for the starters.

Nolesmarlins' Power Rankings

I assume you guys figured out by now that I'm going to be doing these things pretty sporadically. However, I promise to try to update at least once every two weeks. They say the standings start to become significant after Memorial Day... so those teams that find themselves several games back should start to get worried.

1. NY Mets: Just barely over Boston. That sweep of the streaking Marlins really showed the rest of the NL East who is boss. They get the nod over the Saahks because their division is far more talented.

2. Boston: Winners of two straight over the second toughest team in the AL and owners of the best record in baseball. Josh Beckett is back from the DL and still undefeated. Still, I just can't see them beating the Mets in a best of 7 series.

3. Cleveland: I don't care who you are, it's darn near impossible to win a series right now against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park. That sweep of the Tigers in Detroit was huge. Casey Blake won the AL player of the week for his efforts.

4. LA Angels: Personally, I think this team has only just begun.

5. Arizona: Led by rookie 3b Mark Reynolds, this team has won 6 straight to propel themselves to the top of the NL West. If they consistently play like they have this team may actually make the playoffs despite being in a very tough division.

6. San Diego: Kevin Kouzmanoff has been just what the doctor ordered for this team. Right now, this is my pick to win the NL West.

7. Detroit: That sweep by the Indians had to sting.

8. LA Dodgers: Once Jason Schmidt returns their rotation will be complete. Maybe he will be back in time for the Padres series.

9. Milwaukee: Very lucky to be playing in the NL Central. If they don't wake up the Marlins will slap them silly this weekend.

10. Atlanta: This team is on life support.

11. Minnesota: Well look who's back... Maurer isn't ready to come off the DL yet, but right now they don't really need him.

12. Seattle: Still finding ways to win. Adrian Beltre has become relevant again.

13. Florida: Looked exhausted and out classed this weekend by the Mets. However, that series against the Phillies was very entertaining. Forget the division, but if absolutely everything goes right and they catch on fire for an extended period of time the fish might be able to swipe the wild card.

14. Chicago White Sox: Probably would be in first place if they played in the NL Central. Ken Williams would be out of his mind to trade Mark Buehrle.

15. Oakland: Dan Johnson is for real.

16. The team that everyone hates: Swept the Braves, but lost two out of three against the Marlins and two straight against the DBacks. Scotty O would kick the snot out of Chase Ugly.

17. Colorado: Unlikely to sneak away with the Wild Card, but right now they are playing better than any Rockies team has in about a decade.

18. San Francisco: Best last place team in the majors.

19. Pittsburgh: Why is Milwaukee safe no matter how poorly they play? Pittsburgh is the second best team in this division.

20. Baltimore: Their offense has the capability to be halfway decent. I think this team is only a couple of elite starters away from competing.

21. Chicago Cubs: Sloppiest team in baseball.

22. Toronto: It's obvious they aren't going to compete this year. They should shop A.J. Burnett and Troy Glaus at the deadline for some young talent. Glaus would look good in a Dodger uniform while A.J. could help the Mets.

23. NY Yankees: It's official, the Yankees genuinely suck. I doubt Brian Cashman gets another GM job after Steinbrenner finally cans him... then again, there are some stupid teams out there.

24. Tampa Bay: Elijah Dukes needs a change of scenery. Maybe the Marlins should make a move, they need a lead off hitter and a center fielder.

25. Washington: They have been playing above their heads lately, now they appear that they will finish with less than 100 losses. Good for Manny Acta, he has done a pretty good job over there despite the glaring need for more talent.

26. St. Louis: I have a feeling that Rick Ankiel is about to get called up. That should be fun to watch...

27. Kansas City: Finally Alex Gordon decides to hit.

28. Cincinnati: That bad luck excuse only goes so far. Whatever, nothing left to do this year except trade Griffey for prospects.

29. Houston: This bunch of curmudgeons have lost 10 games in a row now.

30. Texas: Say bye bye to Texiera... The state of Texas is home to the two worst teams in baseball.

The Phillies-Marlins rivalry is nothing new

I became a Marlins fan in 2001. I had followed the team prior to that, but just here and there, nothing really serious. But then something happened, the Marlins had just fired John Boles and replaced him with Tony Perez and had a little run going. It looked like the Marlins were going to come out of the mediocrity that had surrounded the team for the last 3 seasons. I can’t remember exactly when, but shortly after the May 11th-13th series in San Diego, in which A.J. Burnett pitched a no hitter, I became hooked. Soon I was glued to my television on a nightly basis watching the young and talented Marlins making a run at first place in the National League East.

Things were going great until June 28th, 2001. The Marlins went into Philadelphia for a five game set against the Phillies. The Phillies, coming off their 26th last place finish in franchise history, were half a game behind the Braves for first place in the NL East standings. The Marlins at 41-36 were 2 games back of Atlanta, the week prior they had taken two of three from the Phillies at Dolphin Stadium.

It was a series that would make or break the season.

On Friday the 28th, the series began with a double header. The Marlins quickly lost both games by scores of 6-5 and 8-7 respectively. On Saturday, Scott Rolen started things with a three run homer off of Chuck Smith in the bottom of the first- the Marlins would lose 5-0. On Sunday, the Phillies scored 5 runs in the bottom of the fourth enroute to a 6-4 victory. The Phillies would cap off the sweep the next day with an 8-1 victory.

It was the series from hell.

The Marlins left Philadelphia 6 and a half games behind the then first place Phillies. They would never fully recover, finishing the year 10 games below .500. Philly took 14 of 19 from the Marlins that season. Bobby Abreu and Jimmy Rollins proving to be the biggest Marlin killers, and thus becoming the biggest villains for any Marlins fan.

In 2002, the Marlins would go 10-9 against the Phillies but still finish behind them in the standings.

2003 was payback time for the Marlins. The Fish lost to Philly 8-5 on Opening Day. Infact they would lose 4 of the first 6 against the Phillies that year. It was more of the same between the Marlins and the Phillies. Bobby Abreu and Jimmy Rollins continued to be the villains leading the Phillie charge, but now they had assistance from Jim Thome.

Everything changed July 4th, 2003. The Marlins went into Philadelphia once again making a little run up the standings. The Fish went ahead 2-1 in the top of the ninth thanks to a single by Derek Lee that drove in Mike Lowell.

The Marlins went on to sweep the series in Philly; they did it again at home two weeks later. The tide had turned. It was the Marlins turn.

Back and forth both teams battled that summer for the Wild Card lead. It all came down to three games the last week of the season. Nothing has more exhilarating than watching that core of players finally down the nemesis that had haunted them for so long. Not only was it a clean sweep, but all three victories were late inning back breaking victories. The fact that Jeff Conine had such a huge part in that series made it even sweeter. The final game of the series did two things, it brought the Marlins to within one win of a Wild Card berth and it eliminated the Phillies from contention. One of the greatest feelings I had as a fan was the sense of relief that came over me when the Marlins ended that series.

We all know what happened later on in that postseason.

That year the Marlins went 13-6 against the Phightins that year. Somehow the Marlins pitching staff found a way to stifle the three menaces known as Rollins, Abreu and Thome.

During the early part of the 2004 season we saw more Marlin domination. Mike Lowell had a three homer game in Philly, the third of which tied the game and sent it into extras innings where the Marlins would win.

On April 25th, the rivalry escalated even further with a bench clearing brawl in Philadelphia. The brawl started after Brett Myers threw a pitch high and inside to Alex Gonzalez. Todd Pratt then set-off Alex Gonzalez by bumping him after he stared down Myers. Both were ejected and the Marlins would eventually win the game 9-7.

Later on in the season, Hee Seop Choi hit a massive go-ahead home run at Dolphin Stadium. The ball almost went into the club level seats down the right field line. Just when you thought the Marlins couldn’t own the Phillies anymore than they already had, they would do something else. The reactions from Philadelphia ranged from disbelief to awe.

The Marlins took the 2005 season series 12-7.

Two-thousand and five was a fairly quiet year in the rivalry. For most of the year both teams played .500 against each other. Once again both teams were fighting for the Wild Card spot. On Saturday, September 17th the two teams faced off on national television. Philadelphia was 1 game out of the Wild Card spot; the Marlins 2 games out. The Marlins had Cy Young candidate Dontrelle Willis on the mound. Going into the top of the 9th, the Marlins and Willis were cruising 2-0.

Then the inning from hell.

Bloop hits, errors, bad hops -- you name it! -- it happened and it led to a 10 run Philadelphia inning. The Marlins proceeded to fall out of the Wild Card race over the last week of the season losing 6 out their next 8.

The young 2006 Marlins struggled against the Phillies going 6-13 over the season. The Phillies line-up battered the Marlins pitching staff, especially at Citizens Bank Park, the alleged major league park with short fences. New villains in Chase Utley, Jaimie Moyer and Ryan Howard joined old villains Jimmy Rollins and for half a season Bobby Abreu to plague the Fish.

Then in September Scott Olsen made the now infamous comments saying how much he hated the Phillies. Not disliked the Phillies, but hated the Phillies. He wanted to end their season. On September 24th, Olsen took the mound in Philly and was promptly lit up for 7 runs in 2 and two-thirds. He was ejected for throwing a pitch that hit Abraham Nunez.

Now, on to 2007 and this week’s three game series.

On Tuesday, Scott Olsen finally defeated his arch nemesis but not before exchanging a few words with Chase Utley after he repeatedly called time while Olsen was mid wind-up.

Thursday night, we saw Jon Lieber throw a pitch behind Dontrelle Willis. Willis responded by doing the same. After Lieber was retired, he went back to the dugout and got into a shouting match with Willis that eventually led to the benches clearly.

Understandably the first guy out of the Marlins dugout backing Willis was none other than Scott Olsen.

The Marlins would win the game 5-4 in 11 innings thanks in part to a long double from Miguel Cabrera off the Teal Tower that drove in Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins celebrated as if they had won the World Series. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel refused to have a press conference after the game.

This series had everything. Bean balls, ejected managers, rain, wind, eerie conditions, extra innings, a game past midnight, sparse crowds, energy, passion and yes, hatred. Most importantly it escalated a rivalry between both teams that had died down in recent years.

I have always seen the Phillies as our greatest rival in the division. I have always hated them. Yes, not disliked them, but hated them. I can’t stand Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Citizens Bank Park or the fans that go to that alleged major league park.

The only other team the term hate can be applied to is the Mets; even then most of the “hate” is directed at their obnoxious drunken fans that take over Dolphin Stadium every time they are in town.

I don’t “hate” the Braves. They are just programmed to win. They have always had better teams than the Marlins, their fans aren’t obnoxious and players like Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, and John Smoltz have never come across to me as “villains” like Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.

Even though the Expos/Nationals are in our division, I have never seen them as a division rival. The Marlins have had their number for the last several years and the club, except for a 2002, has never been as good as the Marlins.

Nolesmarlins' Power Rankings

1. Boston: Lose Beckett to the DL and they don't even miss a beat. Mikey Lowell is playing like the Lowell of 2003.

2. Queens: Big series win against the Yankees, especially for David Wright. He is back in a big way, but it would still be totally bogus if he, or any other NL 3rd basemen for that matter, are voted to start over Miguel Cabrera for the All Star Game.

3. Halos: The hottest team in baseball right now. Sweeping the real LA team sends a major statement to all of baseball that the Angels must be considered as a serious championship contender.

4. Cleveland: Fausto Carmona is looking like this year's Francisco Liriano. He and C.C. Sabathia form one of the the best 1-2 starting pitching combos anywhere. The AL Central is going to be loaded with pitching for many years to come.

5. Detroit: I don't care how good ARod has been, Magglio is the real AL MVP so far this year. Remember: it's not an award for the best player, it's an award for the most valuable player. How valuable can a player really be if his team is four games under .500?

6. ATLiens: There is a very good chance that this team might fall apart very soon, maybe even fatally. They have played relatively crappy recently, losing a few games to the Pirates, Red Sox, and Nationals. Now the schedule gets tougher including a series against the Mets this week. Andruw Jones is playing like his agent forgot to tell him that it's his free agent year. It gets worse... Mike Gonzalez is now on the DL. That is a lot to overcome.

7. SD: Things are looking pretty good in San Diego right now... Jake Peavy is simply incredible, so is Adrian Gonzalez, and Justin Germano has proven to be a shrewd pickup. All they need is some more hitting.

8. Milwaukee: It's not time to panic or anything but this team needs to start playing better baseball if they want to make the playoffs.

9. LA Dodgers: They need a bat even worse than San Diego does. That sweep by the Angels was embarrassing.

10. Pale Hosers: How could you not love Ozzie Guillen?

11. AZ: Welcome back Randy Johnson. You were never supposed to be a Yankee... now you're home where you belong. He may also be important to the Mariners, but he should wear a Dbacks hat when he is inducted in the HOF.

12. Oakland: Jack Cust has been the best find since Dan Uggla. Still hanging in there...

13. San Fran: Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Barry Zito will ensure that the Giants will have one of the best rotations in the NL for many years.

14. FL: Led by Dan Uggla's breakout, the Fightin' Fish have won four straight and 6 out of the last 7 games. Remember, last year's turnaround started with a sweep of the Devil Rays... but this time they are one game under .500 instead of 20. Yet more bad news for the Braves...

15. Philly: I can't be partial here... I really hate this team. I would love to see Scotty O give Chase Ugly some chin music the next time they face each other.

16. Cubbies: Lou Pinella needs to make up his mind about Ryan Dempster... my vote: starter. With the Brewers reeling now would be an excellent time for a nice hot streak.

17. Seattle: Still around .500, but they shouldn't drop anytime soon if Ichiro keeps it up.

18. Toronto: Have become pretty hot lately, but probably too little too late with Boston being so far out of reach and the talent in the AL Central.

19. H Town: Hunter Pence will be the next great Astros hitter.

20. Minnesota: It really shows how much this team misses Liriano.

21. South Bronx: Clemens isn't looking too great down in AA... without him pitching lights out this team is absolutely done. If they were smart, they would trade ARod and Giambi for boatloads of prospects at the deadline, but there is no way that would ever happen... not in New York. It's too logical.

22. DRays: 9,000 a game and the Orlando adventure was a success?

23. KC: I'll be nice and rank them up here this week... they have had some good games. Those renovations to Kaufman Stadium look great.

24. Pittsburgh: Well, at least they are still ahead of the champs in the standings...

25. St. Louis: They would lose 100 games if it wasn't for Pujols.

26. Colorado: Matt Holiday is one of the most underrated players in the game today.

27. Baltimore: Something has to change with this organization... starting with the owner.

28. Cincy: On top of everything else that has gone wrong for this team, Josh Hamilton can't even have any medicine to cure his stomach ailments because of his past.

29. Texas: Losing Hank Blalock really hurts. Texas deserves a winner, this is just a shame.

30. DC: How can they expect to build a fan base if they keep cutting payroll?

Hanley Ramirez, MVP Candidate?

He is easily one of the most impressive young hitters in baseball. His resume so far this season looks like this:

• 4th in the NL in average hitting .335
• 4th in the NL with 15 stolent bases
• 1st in the NL with 39 runs scored
• 6th in the NL with OBP at .411
• 9th in NL with OPS (.953)
• 10th in SLG in NL with .541

Hanley Ramirez has arrived. He's getting plenty of praise from his peers, Ken Griffey Jr. saying that HanRam would be the guy he would start a franchise with. John Smoltz has said that both Ramirez and NY Met's SS Jose Reyes are going to redefine the prototypical SS position - which is saying a lot considering that position was previously re-defined by guys like Cal Ripken and Alex Rodriguez. Long gone are the Ozzie Smith's at the position.

All this praise and Hanley Ramirez is arguably not even the best hitter on his team - that would belong to wunderkind Miguel Cabrera. Yet right now, it would be hard to pick against Ramirez and what he is doing for the one of the NL's top offenses.

The 2006 NL Rookie of the Year is being asked, once again, to set the table for the Marlins and he is doing it in a big way. His high OBP is proving him to be an effective lead off man while his runs scored is showing that his teammates are making the most of his ability to get on base.

In fact, 18% of the Marlins runs scored (217), which the team is currently ranked tied for 4th place in the NL, are scored by Hanley Ramirez. That means almost 2 out of every 5 runs the Marlins score will see Ramirez cross the plate.

All of this production begs the question - is Hanley Ramirez a real MVP candidate? And if so, do the Red Sox regret making that trade?

It is too early to tell, much like the Marlins' season. At 21-23, the Marlins have a lot to prove as this team showed so much promise last season whereas in this current season they have suffered an enormous amount of injuries. Despite the adversity, Hanley Ramirez continues to improve and lead the team out of the gate. If he can keep up his production all season long, it will be very hard to deny MVP talk for Ramirez.

Julio Traded for Kim

Proof there is a God, and He's a Marlin fan

On Sunday, the Marlins somehow convinced the Rockies that Jorge Julio was more valuable than Byung Hyun Kim. Kim has been injured all season; Julio would have been better off on the DL.

Now, Julio will take his 12.54 ERA to Colorado where he figures to turn things around. "I'm fine. I stayed in focus all the time," said Julio. "I know this game. I know baseball here. It's work, and this is my job. Wherever I go, I want to do my job."

Good luck with that, Julio. And now the Marlins will turn to another arm they have long been interested in, Kim.

His versatility figures to help the Marlins and make an immediate impact. The plan is to use him as a starter to solidify the beaten-up rotation. When Josh Johnson comes back, Kim could slide into the bullpen, but the Marlins caution they do not envision him as a closer. (Good thing because Kim doesn't have much success in the clutch moments as a closer - as we all know.)

This is a good move for the Marlins simply because they trade Julio's contract for Kim's, which is basically the same contract (both getting $2.5M and are free agents at season's end). And anything would be better than Julio.

Further Reading:
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com

Nolesmarlins' Power Rankings Week 5

This has been an exciting first month of the season to say the least. Surprises: the Brewers with the best record in baseball, Josh Hamilton's comeback, the return of the Braves led by Tim Hudson, ARod is absolutely killing the ball, Josh Beckett's rediscovered poise, John Maine, and the Marlins' offense. Disappointments include: Philly's start, the Yankees' rotation, the Marlins' rotation, Jorge Julio, Ryan Howard, Carlos Delgado, the Cardinals, and Bud Selig's handling of the Barry Bonds situation. It will be interesting to see if Roger Clemens has a significant impact, he should be back by June.

1. Boston: Probably couldn't afford Clemens, but would have been stupid to sign him. Curt Schilling needs to shut his pie hole for once and stop being a distraction to the team. Who asked him for his opinion?

2. Cleveland: Too bad I will be in Europe when the Indians come to South Florida. I really wanted to see Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner.

3. Detroit: 8 game winning streak says it all.

4. Milwaukee: Is their MLB leading record a product of the weak NL Central or are they just really that good? Time will tell.

5. NY Mets: John Maine's emergence has been a pleasant surprise for this pitching thin team. They might actually have a decent rotation for the playoffs if Pedro is effective when he comes back.

6. Atlanta: Jarrod Saltalamaccia could be the next great player out of the Braves' farm system.

7. LA Dodgers: Brad Penny is holding the fort down in a big way. Schmidt and Penny are one of the best 1-2 pitching combos in baseball.

8. SD: Jake Peavy's performance against the Marlins on Sunday was incredible.

9. LA Angels: A 70 win team without Guerrero. A 75 win team with a balanced schedule.

10. NY Yankees: Roger Clemens gives them hope after an abysmal start, but will only make the playoffs if Boston, Detroit, or Cleveland absolutely collapse... not very likely.

11. Arizona: Shouldn't be in fourth place for long, SF is bound to fall soon.

12. Minnesota: Maurer going to the DL probably killed their chances.

13. SF: An ancient lineup, a tough division, and distractions from Barry's home run chase should soon all add up to overwhelm this overachieving team. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Barry Zito is a solid foundation to build upon in the coming seasons.

14. FL: Despite striking out more often than any other team Florida's offense is keeping the team alive in the NL East. This team could potentially become this year's Twins if the rotation issues work out.

15. Cubbies: One of the most unexpected turnarounds of the decade. Probably just an anomaly, remember who we are talking about.

16. The Other Team in Chicago: They just play in the wrong division.

17. A's: Nick Swisher is back, but Chavez needs to step it up.

18. Phoneys: Freddy Garcia looks exactly like the Rock.

19. Mariners: How this team is above .500 with King Felix on the DL and Jeff Weaver's vomitous stats is beyond me.

20. Pittsburgh: This team would certainly be a competitor if it can manage to sign an ace and a star bat or two this off season.

21. TB: Signing B.J. Upton to my fantasy team turned out to be a very smart move.

22. Houston: That was one painful weekend for Houston sports.

23. Cincy: Adam Dunn is a home run hitting machine.

24. Toronto: 6 game losing streak was pathetic.

25. Colorado: Could be above .500 if they were in the NL Central.

26. Texas: What happened to Texiera's power?

27. Baltimore: the AL East should change its name to Missed Opportunities and the Red Sox.

28. St. Louis: Could become only the second team in history to win the World Series than lose 100 games.

29. KC: Probably would have a better record if they played in a weaker division, but make no mistake, they truly suck.

30. DC: That new ballpark couldn't come soon enough.

Future Fish Report I

The following is brought to you by none other than our own Southern Illinois Marlins Fan. His opinionated opinions will be opined here about Marlins prospects and the futures market for our Fish. Keep your fish eyes on these guys.

C-Torre Langley: hasnt played yet

1B-Brad McCann
Jupiter Hammerheads(High A), R/R.
298/.310/.5126 2B, 4 HR, 15 RBI
Second consecutive year with Jupiter in the FSL, but he is rebounding from a horrible year last year(.231/.288/.360). Whether he keeps it up remains to be seen, but he is a McCann, and we see several times a year how good they can be.

2B-Drew Saylor
Jamestown Jammers(Short Season A), R/R
No stats yet

3B-Lee Mitchell
Carolina Mudcats(AA), R/R.
265/.348/.4696 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 18 RBI
2nd year with Carolina, he is still young(25) and is a decent prospect. Never be at the top or even in mosts top 10s, but he could be very useful one day off the bench with the big club as a spot starter/pinch hitter.

OF-Kris Harvey
Jupiter Hammerheads(High A) R/R.
213/.280/.3072 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI
Fastly falling off as a prospect. Part of me wants to see him maybe get a promotion to Carolina despite his overall struggles 2 years running in Jupiter. Maybe a change of scenery, even at a higher level, is what he needs? But he is too talented to play like he has.

OF-John Raynor
Greensboro Grasshoppers(A), R/R.
371/.486/.562 6 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 16 SB
Simply put, anyone not excited about John Raynor needs to have their heads checked(he hit .286/.356/.427 with 8 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, and 21 SB/only 2 CS in his debut season last year). While many would argue that Thomas Hickman has the most upside of any CF in our system, he is 3-4 years away. As it stands right now, though, Raynor is implanting himself as the CF of the future for the Florida Marlins. He should be in line for a promotion very soon, and since it seems like Jupiter tends to be a blackhole for promising hitters in our organiztion, maybe they should send him straight to Carolina Granted, he has yet to play above A ball, and my homerism could be misplaced in the future, but as of right now he looks like the real deal.

OF-Matt Kutler, L/L: No stats yet

SP-Kyle Winters, RHP, Greensboro
5 GS, 1-0, 5.46 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 5.14 K/9, .248 BAA
A promising SP that gets overlooked since he went later in the same draft as the fab 5. His 16/6 K/BB ratio is very promising. Just growing pains from a jump in leagues(last year with Jamestown he was 6-6 in 15 GS, with a 2.45 ERA, .99 WHIP, 6.13 K/9, and a .194 BAA). He doesnt give alot of free passes, as he showed an equally promising K/BB ration with Jamestown(60/15). His control, highlighted by the low amount of walks and respectible to very good BAA, makes me believe he just needs to settle down and could very well end up being one of our better SP prospects.

RP-Don Czyz, RHP, Greensboro
12 G, 0-0, 0 SV, 4.61 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 11.59 K/9, .278 BAA
His 17 K in 13.2 IP compared to just 3 walks is certainly nice to see. So is the fact that he hasnt given up any long balls. Just needs to surrender fewer hits. He gets his hits down, with his control and ability to get the K, he could end up fast tracking to the majors.

Do Marlins Have to Cut Down on K's?

The Marlins set a franchise record last season with strikeouts from their hitters - 1,249 to be exact. With 235 on the season, they are well on pace to exceed that mark.

Yet, the offense is still producing. Kind of like a Rob Deer wet dream.

The Marlins are #1 in the NL with runs scored (151) and tied for first with team batting average (.274). They are #2 in home runs (33, Braves have 38) and are fourth in on base percentage (.349).

So, as much as it easy as it can be to dwell on the strikeout numbers (ala the lazy journalism of the Miami Herald), if you take a look at the whole picture things look a bit differently.

The Marlins as a team strike out a lot. They did last season but also set the franchise record for runs scored. It is aggravating as a fan to watch guys swing through pitches a lot and not put the ball in play, but it is hard to argue with the trade off of having one of the top offenses in all of baseball, let alone the National League.

That said, the Marlins could use more contact in order to keep them fighting in games. Right now, the way the starters are struggling and the bullpen is just starting to find itself, it is the offense that will have to carry things. Of course, if Fredi played the right guys this may not be as much of an issue.

Olivo has 27 K's in 96 ABs and Borchard has 29 K's in 90 ABs. As for Olivo, there is little alternative although Treanor should play more. As for Borchard, he contributes less more often than not (you figure that one out!) but Cody Ross is hardly going to make more contact. Ross, however has a higher average and is displaying more power.

Once the Marlins get Hermida and De Aza back, things may change for the better in terms of cutting down on strikeouts. Yet, it is obvious that the Marlins have very little to quibble over at this point of the season given the production of the offense.

Marlins Take 2 from Mets, Back at .500

With 2 wins in a row in New York, the Marlins have completed their ascent back to the .500 mark and are now 3 games in back of the Braves for first place.

The Marlins are 3-2 on this current road trip, going up against their division rivals the Phillies and Mets during this stretch. The Marlins have shown that the offense is going to be there, as they have scored over 5 runs in this 5 game stretch 4 times.

As for the pitching, it is coming around. Henry Owens, acquired from the Mets this past offseason, has been stepping in as the closer and even closed out his former team in last night's win.

The Marlins will go for the series sweep today at 1:10pm in NY, and will have a chance to get over .500. Sanchez vs. Perez for the pitching matchup.

Nolesmarlins' Power Rankings Week 4

1. Boston: This looks like the best Red Sox team yet. Their rotation potentially has both of this years AL Cy Young and ROY award winners.

2. Atlanta: Just took over first place in the NL East tonight. If the Braves happen to go on a long winning streak any time soon this division race might be all but over if the Mets and the Marlins can't keep up.

3. Cleveland: Finished out April strong with a 1.5 game lead over Detroit and Minnesota. That's a great position to be in considering the competition in this division.

4. NY Mets: This team would be far below .500 without Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, or John Maine right now. Delgado and Wright better get it in gear if this team is serious. The Braves and Marlins are.

5. Arizona: Turned their season around by pulling a six game winning streak out of their hats. If aces Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb turn it up, they could possibly win the wildcard over the NL East division loser and San Diego.

6. Milwaukee: 8-2 in the last 10 and a healthy division lead. The NL Central is now firmly under their control.

7. LA Dodgers: Have cooled off slightly. They're just one big bat away from greatness.

8. Detroit: That was one entertaining win against the Orioles Monday night. That might just be the spark that awakens Gary Sheffield's bat.

9. LA Angels: What a difference a week makes. Thank God Vlad the Impaler is no longer in the NL East.

10. Minnesota: Sidney Ponson is so washed up it's not even funny.

11. South Side: Hanging in there, but they need to pull off some sort of hot streak if they really want it.

12. SF: WTF?!?!? Probably just a fluke but they have definitely earned their paychecks this week. The pitching staff has been nothing short of amazing.

13. Fish: Finish April right at .500 despite a nightmare start of the season for the rotation. If the pitching staff can come together this team has the offensive talent win every night.

14. SD: We wouldn't have won the World Series without Urbina, but too bad we had to give up Adrian Gonzalez.

15. Oakland: Another team that could really use a superstar hitter.

16. Cheese Steaks: Don't get confused, they already blew their chances.

17. Cincy: Why weren't the Marlins smart enough to pick Josh Hamilton?

18. Toronto: The AL East is turning out to be a real disappointment.

19. Pittsburgh: Have swept Houston twice already this year.

20. NY Yankees: There is no logical reason for Arod to stay here. He would fit perfectly on the Dodgers. There is more pointless drama in the Bronx than on Sex and the City. Not a good time to be a Yankees fan.

21. Seattle: They should probably trade Ichiro before he becomes a free agent. This team could use some young talent to compliment King Felix.

22. St. Louis: This is going to be a long summer in St. Louis. Chris Carpenter won't make much of a difference.

23. TB: I wonder what their new name is going to be.

24. Baltimore: I'd say that little nosedive killed their chances.

25. Chicago Cubs: If I were dumb enough to buy this team I would trade everyone away for prospects and start from scratch. They will never compete with this team. It worked for the Marlins twice in ten years.

26. Colorado: They should fight to get the humidor back. Their pitching staff has the third worst ERA in the NL.

27. Texas: Kinsler has proven to be quite the second baseman for them. Other than that nothing has really gone well for this team this year.

28. Houston: El Caballo and the rest of the Stros just ran into a brick wall. Close the book on them for this year.

29. DC: I wonder how bad the attendance would be for this pathetic team if they were still in Montreal. Dmitri Young should net a decent prospect come trade deadline time.

30. KC: Well at least they will have a legit all star this year in Gil Meche.