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.
No more Ozzie Guillen, guys. However, Marlins fans can expect former catcher, Mike Redmond to bring them some laughs. The guy is funny. He actually used to have Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” as his walk-up song. Amazing.
I actually met Mike once. It was right after the Marlins won the 2003 World Series. He was smoking a cigar with other players at a cigar shop on Calle 8. He’s a really cool guy and a hoot to have around. I mean, this is the guy who used to take batting practice indoors naked. (I promise that link has no pictures.)
I don’t know what to tell you about how I think Redmond would be as the Marlins’ manager. At least he has some experience managing, however it is in the single-A level. So….. yea. We shall see.
Some of you may have forgotten about good ole Mike. So, let’s get reacquainted with him, shall we?
Mike’s full name is Michael Patrick Redmond.
Mike has a twin brother named Patrick Michael. (Heh… I see what his parents did there.)
Mike played college baseball with his brother at Gonzaga University.
In 1998, Mike started playing in the MLB with the Marlins. He stayed a Marlin until 2004.
Before retiring in 2010, Mike played with the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians.
He caught for R.A. Dickey, so maybe he can help the Marlins know how to hit against the dang guy.
Sometimes this Marlins team makes certain decisions that make you scratch your head. Today, Manager Ozzie Guillen, along with bench coach Joey Cora, have been fired from the team. They are not done either.
A possible replacement being rumored is former Marlin, Mike Lowell. Honestly, I think Lowell is great, but I am afraid the Marlins would just fire him like they did everyone else.
I think it’s a pretty known fact that HeathBell and Ozzie Guillen do not see eye to eye after the comments the former closer said about his manager. Heath was quoted as saying that “it is hard to respect a guy that doesn’t tell you the truth or doesn’t tell you face to face”. Heath went on to say that the team needs a manager who is a good leader, who is well respected, and “everyone looks up to”.
He said all this on WQAM to Dan Sileo on his weekly radio show.
Apparently, Heath and his teammates donotshare the same sentiments towards Ozzie.
Honestly, Heath needs to realize that Ozzie gave him so many chances to continue being our closer. I agree with the players that if we would’ve had a much better season, this subject wouldn’t have even been brought up. I think they were trying to say the following: Heath, if you wouldn’t have sucked at closing out games, you wouldn’t have this problem with Ozzie in the first place.
Rumors are swirling around that Ozzie Guillen may not be asked to return as Marlins manager next season. Honestly, I think we should give him another chance. I am kind of tired of firing good managers left and right while nothing really changes (See: Fredi Gonzalez and Joe Girardi).
Mike Lowell’s name is being thrown around as a possible replacement if Ozzie does not return.
Thoughts?
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Keep Ozzie. If he goes, I am gonna be a sad Christopher Palu. (Project Runway reference #10000002 and I am not ashamed.)
Can we just get rid of the ownership, though? Seriously.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the coolest part of the Marlins game today. The game was quite uneventful with the Fish losing to the Mets 5-1. Even Jason Bay hit a grand slam for the Mets. Fail.
I has a sad. This was the last episode of this season’s The Franchise. It was way cool to have a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes with the Marlins. Not only did they show what happens with the team in general, but I liked seeing their relationship as teammates and buddies. Of course, I also enjoyed watching Ozzie Guillen rant away, whether it was about coconut water or crappy performance on the field.
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.
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?
Since I am finally back from my vacation to Atlanta and Washington DC (I basically followed the Marlins there), I can get back to you, my fellow obsessed Fish fans. I caught up on The Franchise after I got home and three things stuck to me: Hanley Ramirez, Heath Bell, and Ozzie Guillen.
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