Before we get into the review, I want to review game 2 of the NLCS and Game 3 of the ALCS before reviewing the Marlins year.
Game 2 of the NLCS brought up some surprises, no Kershaw, for this game due to a back spasm, which often happens for Kershaw. I have had many lingering back spasms and are not fun and kind of happen. Kershaw is predicted to make his NLCS start in game 4, which could be a clinching game. The Braves are at it strong and fast, which I knew they would have to be to beat this great Dodgers team. Let's recap the Braves side first; we saw 4 solid innings from Ian Anderson that did include no runs, 1 hit, 5 walks, and 5 K's. The walks are what pushed this game to the pen in the 5th. We then saw the 7th coming when the Dodgers were leading 7-0, and we saw the Dodgers get to O'Day, Minter, Tomlin, and Melancon during those final 3 frames. The Braves' difference coming out of this one with the win was Albies HR in the 9th. We saw just how good this offense could be if you start to make mistakes, the Dodgers will take advantage of you. Seager really got the Dodgers back into this one with the 3 run HR in the 7th. The Dodgers did leave 9 on base and 2-9 with RISP. The pitching had its ups and downs during this one, and they had gone deep into the pen to get out of this one as we saw 6 relievers pitch in this one for the Dodgers. The Dodgers' pen may be in trouble after having to throw 205 pitches in this one as a unit, same for the Braves as their 6 relievers threw 177 pitches. Game 3 will be hurt for these bullpens and starters as we expect to see Julio Urias take on Kyle Wright of the Braves. Let's see how the young guys hold up. I am changing my predictions here. I think the Braves take this one in 6.
SWEEP ALERT PENDING! The Rays are taking full advantage of Jose Altuve's case of the yips. The main story for Ray's winning was the EXCELLENT defense we saw on display as it was a clinic out there for them. It seems like they were locked in on another level out there, and it was awesome! The Ray's starter Ryan Yarbrough went 5 strong frames, giving up 2 runs, 2 walks, and striking 5 on 82 pitches. After this, the pen came in and locked it down, as usual, throwing four scoreless frames capped off by a shakey but solid 9th by Castillo. Monitor Castillo's usage as he threw 23 pitches to get out of this one while giving up 2 walks. Over on Houston side of the diamond, it was another decent start for the starter with Jose Urquidy going 5 giving up 1 ER, 1 walk, and getting 4K on 75 pitches. The team should have let him go a little longer because Enolt Paredes came in and gave up 3ER on 12 pitches and could only go 1/3 of an inning. After that, the pen was to finish it off. Throwing only 144 pitches as a unit. The Astros offense went 1-8 with RISP and left a total of 10 on base in this one. The offense can't get it done against this Ray's pitching staff, and they are in danger of a sweep. One final takeaway from the game is Ray's OF Kevin Kiermaier is day-to-day with a hand contusion; x-rays were negative after the HBP on the hand. Game 4 will be a good one as we will see Tyler Glasnow V. future HOF Zack Greinke coming off the arm injury trying to keep his team in it. Final prediction Ray's sweep it!
It's time to look back at every team from around the MLB and what they each showed us during the 60 game sprint! We are going to explore a few things for each team: Review in-season transactions, what we learned, what we loved, what we didn't love, the most significant need(s), and lastly, the biggest takeaways. Let's jump over the NL with the Miami Marlins today. We talked about the Padres and A's; both those posts can be found below on the homepage.
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What did we learn from the 2020 Marlins? We learned a lot from the Miami Marlins this year. We learned that Sixto Sanchez is the next Pedro Martinez. We knew that Derek Jeter really might be onto something in Miami with his mix of youth and veteran talent. We learned that COVID couldn't even stop the Marlins from playing at a high level with all those doubleheaders they had. We learned how big of an impact that Brian Anderson is on the team. Before the injury, we knew who Miguel Rojas is a potential 20/20+ kind of player with good defense. Lastly, we learned of a three-headed monster of rotation in Lopez, Alcantara, and Sanchez.
What did we love about the 2020 Marlins? We loved that they broke the longest active NL playoff drought of 17 years. We love how they overcame COVID and took this year's playoff exit on the chin and are calling it a "stepping stone." We love how they finished the season above .500 at 31-29. We love Sixto, Rojas, Anderson, and Cooper are the core and future of the team. There was a lot to love this season about these Miami Marlins; here is seeing how good this team will be in 162 games. We love that the Marlins just made the NL East that much harder for the other four teams.
What did we not love about the 2020 Marlins? We did not love the COVID outbreak, almost ruining baseball for everyone. That was not cool. We did not like the exit from the playoffs, of course. Mariner fans did not appreciate the added gap between them and the next team regarding the playoff drought. Overall, there was a lot to love about Miami this season.
What do I personally not love? I don't love that you aren't using the extra storage space you have in the garage, the shed, the attic, or basement. You could be making money off of it. You could buy 1 $20 storage rack at Lowes and then rent that space out. Do I need to say no more, great! My friends over at Stash-It Self Storage has you covered; use the promo code "YOUNG" when you're done posting to let them know I sent you.
What does Miami to make another playoff push? The Marlins need to establish legit talent on the roster. I know Jeter will open up the checkbook for a George Springer, Trevor Bauer, or other top tier star talent. The club has the pieces now to keep getting barely over .500, but they need those couple star players who can win them just a few more games. Go and get some stars, Miami.
What was the biggest takeaway of 2020 for the Marlins? The biggest takeaway was even though you lost 100+ games in the last couple of seasons; you can quickly rebound and become a contender overnight. We are also coming away because you never count anyone out in baseball, no matter how bad they may look on paper. Everyone plays the same amount of games and has the same amount of chances to win. Jeter, you are unto something there in Miami; fans stay tuned for what should be a great offseason.
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