It was just about exactly a year ago when this city was booming with excitement over the Marlins and their new look and players. It was the beginning of a new era. That is what team owner, Jeffrey Loria, said back then. The unveiling of the new team uniforms and logo was a major event. (No season ticket holders were invited, but at least Pitbull was there!) Loria tossed an old Marlins hat as if it was a piece of trash right before showing off the new look of the team. He said something like, “Out with the old, in with the new”.

After the big party, fans were invited to go to the new ballpark to buy new merchandise. I remember standing there, watching the crowd of people lining up to get first dibs on t-shirts and hats. Loria was standing in front of me, watching, with a huge smile on his face. I immediately thought of Mr. Burns of The Simpsons putting his hands together while saying, “Excellent.” No lie. We even joked about it afterwards.

» Continue reading “Marlins Fans Not Happy With Team Owners”

Last week on The Franchise, we saw Jose Reyes back in New York with the Marlins to play against his former team, the Mets. They had a day off, so Jose went to get a new tattoo. This was when he still had his hit streak.

» Continue reading “The Franchise: Jose Reyes Channels His Inner Ricky Ricardo”

Last night, Giancarlo Stanton was able to do something not many have. He has hit five home runs in five straight games at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.

No, they weren’t little home runs. I heard both home runs finally landed somewhere in Wyoming (ok, I am exaggerating quite a bit).

MLB.com has highlights for you to enjoy. Can Giancarlo be any more amazing?

This week’s episode of The Franchise was pretty sad, yet happy in a few ways. This Marlins team has quite a few characters as we know it, starting with manager, Ozzie Guillen and outfielder, Logan Morrison.

The episode opened with top Marlins front office members, including owner Jeffrey Loria and general manager, Larry Beinfest, in a round table meeting discussing the progress of the team so far, as well as the future. It is really interesting to see what these guys have to say about the current state of the team. However, that is not what stood out to me this episode.

» Continue reading “The Franchise: No Lo Viste, Marlins!”

Bad news for us Marlins fans. Giancarlo Stanton felt some discomfort on his right knee during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. Poor Stanton needs surgery on Sunday at 7:00 am.

So, no Home Run Derby and no All Star Game for Stanton and us to enjoy. To make things worse, he should be out for 4-6 weeks. In the words of Aerys’ own, Julie DiCaro, rat farts. Big rat farts.

Oh, and hold on, that’s not it though. No other Marlin is going to represent us in Kansas City. Stanton is still considered to be our representative even if he is not able to attend the All Star game. Yep. We will have no one there to show off our new logo. (Because we all love it now, right?)

It is bad enough that Stanton is hurt and will be away for such a long time, but I am so disappointed he is not able to attend the All Star game. For me, the All Star game is a tradition where I look forward to seeing our guys show off their skills. (Unless you’re Dan Uggla. Let’s forget that ever happened. I still love the guy though.) This year, I don’t even feel excited about it. Sure, I may watch a little bit if I have the chance, but it’s not the same without a Marlin.

Let’s hope that Giancarlo has a speedy recovery and that he comes back kicking ass again. In the end, that is all that matters.

El Caballo Is Here!

The Marlins traded Matt Dominguez and Rob Rasmussen for Carlos “El Caballo” Lee from the Houston Astros on a sunny Fourth of July. Regardless of hitting a home run on Wednesday, Gaby Sanchez was sent to AAA in New Orleans.

» Continue reading “El Caballo Is Now A Miami Marlin”

The Marlins started July off right by sweeping the much hated, Philadelphia Phillies. More good news came with the announcement that Giancarlo Stanton is headed to Kansas City for the All-Star game!

Not only is Stanton participating in the home run derby on July 10th, but he is also representing the Marlins as an all-star reserve. The Marlins announced the news at the game on Sunday, where Stanton thanked the crowd giving him a nice ovation with a tip of the cap.

Stanton has started practicing for the derby at batting practice on Monday at Milwaukee. He sure showed that he is ready to hit some bombs out there in Kansas City!

How many home runs do you predict Stanton will hit this season?

Giancarlo Stanton has a hat.

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

The Miami Marlins finally win again in this dreadful month of June. The Fish beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3. John Buck actually hit another homer, followed by Logan Morrison who homered as well.

Heath Bell saved the game, thankfully. He allowed a couple of hits, but the point is he sealed the win for us. He may have earned his Blue Bell ice cream tonight.

The Home Run Derby!

Giancarlo Stanton is going to light up your TV screens during the Home Run Derby. He has confirmed that he is indeed participating.

Stanton will become the fifth Marlin to be in the home run derby. Get ready, because it is going to be crazy! Stanton has 17 home runs this season, so far.

» Continue reading “Fish Sticks: Marlins Victorious, Home Run Derby News”

Celebrate!

The Marlins finally break that dreadful six-game losing streak against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Now we can get away from our worst interleague play ever (5-13) and focus on the St. Louis Cardinals.

But, for now, we can celebrate. I mean, even John Buck, homered on Sunday.

The Marlins winning make me want to dance. In honor of Pride 2012, here is Madonna performing “Get Into The Groove” during her Sticky & Sweet Tour. (Watch for some language, it is Madonna, after all. )

» Continue reading “Fish Sticks: Marlins Finally Win,Silly Giancarlo Is Silly”

If I was to compare Giancarlo Stanton to a superhero, it would be an Avenger. That Avenger would be the mean green giant, the Incredible Hulk.

Did you see what Stanton did to Colorado Rockies’ Jamie Moyer? He hit a grand slam to make the score 6-4 Marlins. The Fish were down 4-2 before the home run.

When Stanton came up with bases loaded, I knew something magical like this would happen.

Yup. Stanton is the Incredible Hulk. He even broke the small jumbotron with that grand salami (which has been fixed since).

» Continue reading “Marlins: Stanton Smash!”