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Baseball is FINALLY back, and the Marlins news cycle is churning once again. A lot has happened in just the last couple days, so let’s get you caught up.
- The Marlins have finalized their 60-man pool with 2020 first-round pick Max Meyer, utility infielder and Miami native Sean Rodriguez, and RHP Nick Vincent, whom they signed to a minor-league deal just days after he was released by the Giants.
- Speaking of Meyer, he took his physical and got paid:
Max Meyer, U. of Minnesota RHP, is in for Marlins physical today. Expected bonus: About $6.7M. No. 3 overall pick.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 30, 2020
- MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro highlighted several storylines for the Marlins season, including how the rotation and DH pictures are shaping up as well as prospect and injury impact.
CBS also previewed the team. They expect improvement, but it still likely won’t be pretty.
Our own Hector Rodriguez, however, found plenty to get excited about. We’ve also resumed our player preview series, while also giving you the heads up on our opponents this season, starting in the ATL.
Rival Season Preview: Atlanta Braves
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) June 30, 2020
NL East opponents always account for a huge portion of the Marlins schedule, but that's being taken to an extreme in 2020. We'll have articles on each of 'em, beginning with the reigning division champs. https://t.co/359V8k5cLp
- Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted that the Marlins have the second-most difficult schedule in the majors, per FanGraphs. Only the Orioles have it worse. He also joined Craig Mish in questioning why Peyton Burdick was left off the 60-man after the impressive season the 23-year-old had in the minors last year.
I would have liked to see Peyton Burdick make the Marlins 60 man if I am being picky. Could be a special player eventually. Don’t forget about him.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) June 28, 2020
- As had long been expected, the minor-league season was canceled.
Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in an interview posted on the team’s YouTube channel that even though the MiLB season was canceled, he hopes minor-league guys will get their reps as the Marlins continue to rebuild (see 8:35).
Jeter has a unique perspective as both a former player and a current owner. So I was glad to hear him say (around 10:35) he thought the negotiations were embarrassing at times, especially given the coronavirus situation. I would love know what specific things he thought should have gone on behind the scenes in those negotiations, however.
Walk-off links:
There’s a new FishBites pod!
Former GM David Samson something ridiculous.
Miguel Rojas also cannot wait to get back on the field.
And after all that news, who couldn’t use one of these right now to celebrate the return of Marlins baseball?
Miami. This season has been different for us all, so we brewed something special for you. Say hello to the latest addition to our draft: Marlins Lager by Biscayne Bay Brewing. How ready are you to try it? Pick up a pack at Publix, Total Wine & More, and many more. ⚾ pic.twitter.com/qN8Uek3CKL
— Biscayne Bay Brewing (@BiscayneBayBrew) June 29, 2020