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Mike Phillips has been writing for The Herald for more than 15 years, covering everything from the Florida Marlins, the Super Bowl, the Florida Gators to the NCAA men's basketball Final Four.
Submitted by Jim from No location specified
Q: So Mike, how did you enjoy Fanfest? I thought the organization did a pretty good job of making players available. BTW the field looks god awful, do you think they'll have it ready for the series against the Yankees?
Answered 02/12/08 19:30:04 by Mike Phillips
A: The field will be ready. I have said for years the Marlins may not field the best team in baseball, but they field one of the best grounds crews. This field takes more rain than any in baseball, and yet we almost never have a game wiped out because of rain. We're at the ball park past midnight a lot, but we don't get games called off. More fans showed up this year than last year, which means losing Cabrera and Willis probably didn't hurt as much as most thought it would.Submitted by Kristofer from New York, NY
Q: As a Yankees fan I would like to say "Thank you very much" to Mr. Loria and the powers that be in Marlin Organization for giving up on Joe Girardi. He inpsired and lead a team that was the laughing stock of the NL East and got them into September with a shot at the Playoffs. For his accomplishments, albeit only one year, he deserves an oppurtunity to show what an inspirational leader he can be and that the Manger of the Year Award was no fluke. How do you think the Marlins fans, Loria and Company will feel watching #27, Joe Girardi, manage on the biggest stage in baseball leading the Yankees back to World Series while Freddie and the gang play "loosey goosey", making error after error while considering a .500 finish an accomplishment? Certainly many of the fans and players were sad to see Joe go but I think it will really "kick in" once he continues his accomplishments elsewhere. What are your thoughts?
Answered 02/12/08 19:26:08 by Mike Phillips
A: The Manager of the Year Award was well deserved, but the Marlins made plenty of errors under Girardi. They finished 28th (of 30 teams) in fielding in 2006. They won because of some unpredictable pitching from Sanchez, Johnson, Nolasco and others. Girardi's team scored more runs and hit more home runs than any Marlins team in history, but Gonzalez's 2007 team scored even more runs and hit more home runs than Girardi's 2006 team. The difference in Girardi and Gonzalez was that Sanchez, Johnson, Nolasco and others spent almost the entire season on the DL in '07 and Gonzalez had to try to win without 3/5's of his rotation. Had girardi managed the 2007 Marlins I'm sure his team would have finished in last place in the NL East. You can't win without pitching. I'm sure Marlins fans will watch Girardi's success in New York, and many will feel bitter about losing him. But Marlins fans are used to losing their best players to bigger markets so most will endure losing a winning manager. Girardi should be a big ovation from Marlins fans when the Yankees play the Marlins at dolphin Stadium at the end of spring training. I wish Joe all the luck in the world. His problems with Mr. Loria are well documented and it turned out the best for Girardi, who wanted the Cubs job a year ago but was passed over for Lou Piniella.Submitted by Matt J from Boynton Bch.
Q: Part II: The Marlins have enough outfield players that they could have used if the corner- outfield duo was injured (the team makes it look like they are expecting an injury with this signing). Jai Miller, Brett Carroll, Amazin' Amezega, and others could have filled the voids. I know that two million dollars is not a large sum of money (for a ball- player), but was it worth it on a supposed back- up? Especially one that is aging and whose production is declining every year? What if Gonzalez, who is more fragile at age forty, gets injured? It makes little sense. And thanks for the McPherson note, by the way. I had no clue he was signed (sarcasm). You were a little late, pal. I asked a day before the announcement of the signing.
Answered 02/05/08 06:28:05 by Mike Phillips
A: CONTINUED Gonzalez knows he is coming here as the fourth outfielder. He knows what his role is. He can be a great help to this team, but only if the young Marlins listen and learn. Veterans can be a tremendous addition to young teams. Ask anyone in Arizona what Tony Clark meant to the D-Backs and they'll tell you they never would have reached the NLCS without his presencse in that clubhouse. The Rockies feel the same way about Todd Helton. Mike Lowell and others use to take care of things like that in the Marlins clubhouse. I'm not saying Gonzalez is the panacea for the Marlins, but last season I had a conversation with Fredi Gonzalez about Cabrera's attitude and about the episode when Cabrera showed up late. Fredi admitted that one difference with the Marlins was that there were no veterans to take Cabrera to the side and chastise him. Most good clubs have a strong -- or several strong -- veteran voices in the clubhouse to take care of in house matters. I'm not saying Gonzalez is that strong voice. But at least he is a voice. And that's a lot more than the Marlins have right now. He will be the first one there and the last to leave. He will run out every grounder and he will bust his butt to help this team win -- and if the young guys pay attention they will have a chance to become better players, on and off the field.Submitted by Matt J. from Boynton Bch
Q: Part I: I do have an idea that the Marlins need a veteran presence. However, I was questioning the signing of Gonzalez. The guy whined last year about not getting plate appearances and for giving the young players a chance. That doesn't seem like much of a "great club- house" leader to me. There is also the fact that he has the steroid stygma hanging over his head. Is that a guy you want "mentoring" young players? Back to the plate appearance issue-- his bonuses are for plate appearances and the team has not told him what his role will be. Is the guy thinking that the (left- field/ first base)job is his? Is he going to complain when he doesn't get "enough" playing time?
Answered 02/05/08 06:26:28 by Mike Phillips
A: I have heard a couple of versions about Gonzo and the Dodgers. He was ripped by an LA columnist about wanting more playing time, but the problem in LA was deeper than that. Gonzo and Jeff Kent, another veteran, thought some of the young guys like Matt Kemp were pimadonnas. Gonzo didn't like the lack of hustle and the attitude of Kemp and others. He was critical of the way the young guys didn't hustle and the way the hung out in the trainer's room. Kemp and Loney ripped Gonzo in the papers. Gonzo said some things about the Dodgers. Here's what you need to know about Gonzalez. He is one of the most respected players in the game. He's old school. He runs out every ground ball and will let a guy know if he's not hustling. He has the opposite attitude of the young Marlins in the fact that Gonzalez is the kind of guy who is the first one to the ball park and the last to leave. Anyone who covers the Marlins knows that is 180 degrees from this club, where Cabrera made it fashionable to be the last to show up and the first to leave. Gonzo went out of his way in LA to help the younger players. He took them to lunch, spent time with them and tried to help their careers. On one trip from LA to Arizona, Gonzo got a chartered plane and took all the young Dodgers who lived in the Phoenix area so they could spend more time with their families. We all know about his one monster year and the steroid tag that hangs over the fact that he never hit like that again. Gonzalez has denied any steroid use, and no one is sure if he did or didn't take steroids when he had his big year in Arizona. I know he has addressed the issue, and I know his name did not appear in the Mitchell Report. Only he knows if he did steroids.Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida
Q: Mike, I think the Marlins have made some solid free agent signings with Cantu, Castillo, Hendrickson, and most recently Gonzales. I think Hendrickson and Gonzalez give the Marlins the veteran presence that they really didnt have last season, at least not after Aaron Boone had to call it a season. Would you agree these guys will be of great help if healthy on and off the field? Also, whats the word on Armando Benitez and BK Kim, what are the teams plans for them, are they coming back or not?
Answered 02/05/08 05:41:20 by Mike Phillips
A: The Marlins want nothing to do with Benitez, and have severed ties with both pitchers. They feel they have enough arms to look at this spring and would much rather have a young player from their farm system than either Benitez or Kim. The veterans (Hendrickson and Gonzo) should help this team tremendously off the field, and hopefully they can bring something to the team on the field. Hendrickson needs to give this team innings (just like every starter). The starters were so spotty and so inconsistent last season that they wore out the bullpen. This could be an exceptional bullpen this season, but the starters have to give Fredi a chance to use his bullpen effectively. I would have liked to have seen the Marlins sign Feliz, who went to the Phillies, but hopefully one of the three third baseman the Marlins signed will emerge and have a solid season.Submitted by 'witz from Miami FL
Q: "If you think $2 million is a lot for a player, it's because you follow the Marlins." Your best line in a long time, Mike. Curious to know if Matt Treanor's apparent emergence as a hitter late last season is for real or anomalous. Only explanation I can recall is that he got tired of being an automatic out. Another mystery is why I even care about the Marlins, but never mind that one. 'witz
Answered 02/05/08 05:28:09 by Mike Phillips
A: Matt worked hard at becoming a better hitter, and everyone who covers this team was happy for him because Treanor is such a standup guy. He is one of the best men in that clubhouse. The pitchers like working with him and his emergence last season helped the staff at a time when it needed all the help it could get. I honestly believe Treanor will hit again this season, and the platoon system with Rabelo could help both at the plate -- especially if Fredi picks his spots and puts Rabelo and Treanor in situations that will benefit them against certain pitchers. Sorry, I have no answer for why you care for the Marlins. There are shrinks in Chicago who make a good living just giving therapy to Cubs fans. Maybe you can call one of them.Submitted by Eddie from Highland Beach, Fl
Q: What could be more exciting than on March 31st at 415PM the Marlins playing opening day against Santana(lefties hit 197) and the Mets? It's a little premature but I think this year the Marlins should specialize in the platoon system since their strikeout ratio to at bats was dreadful.Do we know if McPherson is really healthy?If McPherson could ever regain his minor league power and cut down on his strikeouts (30 per cent to at bats) and Maybin rise to his potential status , maybe we could try to forget Cabrera's offensive accomplishments.Also don't you enjoy the fact that no one thinks the Marlins are going to go anywhere in the standings ? The public maybe right but all it takes is 2 new starting pitchers to shine while Sanchez gets stronger and either Cantu,Castillo or Mcpherson have a terrific year at 3rd and Rabelo and Treanor play admirably at the plate and hopefully Andy Fox can help them defensively? What's wrong with dreaming ?
Answered 02/05/08 05:21:02 by Mike Phillips
A: I do enjoy the fact the Marlins begin the season with no expectations and no pressure. Everyone will pick them to finish last, and that's fine with me. Even without Cabrera, they should score enough runs to compete. The question is what will their starters do? As far as third base goes, they have three candidates to replace Cabreras and hopefully one of those guys will emerge and have a decent season. If a few things fall into pace the Marlins could make a run at .500 and maybe be in the wild card discussion. But a lot of things have to fall into place for that to happen. The idea of opening against Santana probably means an 0-1 start and a loss for Olsen.Submitted by ea from miami
Q: Maybe I'm just wishfull thinking but the signing of miguel cabrera with the tigers for only a one year contract? does that tell you something? hope you know what I'm trying to say. I don't know maybe with a new stadium in place we could offer something next year.
Answered 02/05/08 05:13:20 by Mike Phillips
A: Cabrera will become a free-agent after the 2009 season. The Tigers will probably offer him a long-term deal next season. Don't get any hopes up about Cabrera returning to the Marlins. If he does become a free agent after 2009 Cabrera will be wanting a contract worth about $20 million a year and even with a new ball park the Marlins won't pay him that kind of money.Submitted by Matt J from Boynton Bch.
Q: I don't really understand the "Gonzo" signing (if it becomes official). It gives the Marlins two left- handed bats at first base, when Amezaga or Jason Wood (if he makes the team)could have spelled Jacobs if needed. Willingham should be the primary left- fielder and Hermida the regular right- fielder. This signing seems like it would take at- bats away from both. Is it worth 2 million (possibly 3 million) dollars for a mentor; especially when that mentor had a "hissy fit" when his playing time was reduced with the Dodgers? The only way I see this signing as useful is if the Marlins trade him at the deadline as a "left- handed power bat" for some prospects. You have advocated this signing in your forum before. Why?
Answered 02/01/08 14:12:08 by Mike Phillips
A: You have no idea how badly the Marlins need a veteran in their clubhouse. Wood could still make the team as the sixth (second backup)infielder. That's up in the air. Gonzalez fills the slot of the fourth or fifth outfielder and could also be used at first. The Marlins carry two catchers, which means they carry two extra infielders and two extra outfielders. There is nothing in any equation that's negative about having another left-handed bat (and one with some pop) on the bench. Willingham will be the primary left fielder, but his back problems last season have sent up a red flag. You're worried about Gonzo taking away at-bats from Hermida, Willingham and Jacobs. All three missed considerable time last season, and the fourth outfielder Cody Ross was also out for an extended time with a nagging hamstring injury. The Marlins aren't worried about taking away at-bats. They're worried about fielding a team for 162 games. If you think $2 million is a lot for a player, it's because you follow the Marlins. The AVERAGE salary in MLB is $2.3 million. For most teams $2 million is dirt cheap.Submitted by Matt J from Boynton Bch.
Q: Do the Marlins still have interest in Dallas McPherson? He still has potential from the left side of the plate.
Answered 02/01/08 13:48:43 by Mike Phillips
A: They just signed him. Hope he can help,Submitted by Ware Adams from No location specified
Q: Mike, last June I was the third and series winning game between the Marlins and the White Sox. In the second game of that series Tony Olivo caught a Sox player off base at Second and killed a Sox inning. Later he did the same at First, and killed a Sox rally. Bud Harrelson, Sox TV announcer, described Olivo as the best catcher in baseball, hitting and arm. Olivo got some great hits last year for the Fish.He actually won a game against the White Sox in Chicago with his ARM! Why don't the Marlins have Olivo back? Did someone else offer him more $. I read he did not respect Gonzales, but a lot of us don't respect him. He will be hard to replace!
Answered 01/31/08 13:39:34 by Mike Phillips
A: Olivo had a tremendous series against the Sox and he does have two big weapons: a strong arm and he blocks the plate like a bull. But he was one of the worst (if not the worst) catchers in the majors in passed balls and errors and he threw out just 28 percent of base stealers (20 of 71). He hit 16 home runs, but he strikes out far too much (123 in 452 at-bats). He batted just .237 and only .218 in the second half of the season. The Marlins all but gave up on him at the end of the season and it was clear they did not want him back. Matt Treanor handles pitchers better. He was making $2 million a year, and the Marlins will platoon Treanor ($705,000) and former Tiger Mike Rabelo (about $400,000)for a lot less money. The Marlins simply let Olivo go without offering him a contract.Submitted by Matt J. from Boynton Bch.
Q: If Gaby Sanchez performs well in spring training, what will happen? Will he stay in the minors? Or will he come up and platoon with Jacobs? Or will the team look to trade Jacobs?
Answered 01/31/08 08:33:11 by Mike Phillips
A: It depends how well Sanchez plays and which way the Marlins build the team. What I mean is how many infielders will they carry and what kind of infielders will they carry? They carried Jason Wood last season because he could fill in at both first and third. Amezaga can fill in at third and with the addition of Maybin, Amezaga probably won't have to fill in as an outfielder. Ross will be the fourth outfielder. I would like to see Luis Gonzalez get the other backup outfielder's spot. Now that the Phillies have Feliz Wes Helms is probably available, and the Marlins might pick Helms up to be a backup at third and first. There are a lot of varibles. What if Wood has another impressive spring? The Marlins are not looking to trade Jacobs. Sanchez will be coming to camp knowing he needs to have a good spring.Submitted by Eddie from Kew Gardens
Q: On Jan25th you responded to a fan that you were optimistic that a stadium deal would be done. Do you feel the same way after Braman's presentation of his lawsuits?
Answered 01/31/08 08:23:44 by Mike Phillips
A: I've answered a few questions about Braman, who makes some very good points about the megaplan. The Marlins were hoping to announce something this month, but that's not likely now. I am still optimistic, but this is going to be one more hurdle. The big issue is whether there should be a vote on the megaplan and the question of the redevelopment money that was going to be used for redevelopment going to fund a ballpark. It's going to take a little longer (what else is new?), but I'm still more optimistic than I have been in years. The money is there and the right people are pushing for this to happen. If this does come to a vote, will people support it? That's a huge question that could change everything.Submitted by Matt J. from Boynton Bch.
Q: I read many reports earlier in the offseason saying that Gaby Hernandez is a MLB- ready pitcher. Based on your knowledge of Gaby and the organization, what are your 2008 predictions for him?
Answered 01/31/08 08:16:59 by Mike Phillips
A: Hernandez is going to get a chance to make the club this spring. The Marlins like him, and he will get an honest look this spring. If he doesn't make the club out of spring training, I think he will be Miami at some point this season.Submitted by REXPACKEN from Ft worth, Tx
Q: I can't believe that your a paid major league sports reporter and you think Maybin is the Marlins future centerfielder. You were one of the folks that thought Abercumbie was going to be such a hot shot. Do the Marlins pay you guys to try and justify their stupid trades. You need to start braggen on Ross and maybe something you predict will come true.
Answered 01/31/08 08:15:26 by Mike Phillips
A: I don't think I ever was on the Abercrombie bandwagon. I did write the Marlins believe he can blossom into a big league center fielder, but I was never high on Abercrombie. I have written a lot of good things about Cody Ross, but Maybin has the tools to grow into a star -- a potential 30-30 player with the speed to cover all that ground in center field at Dolphins Stadium. Most of my comments about Maybin's potential are based on what other people (not the Marlins) in baseball have told me about Maybin. It's a fact the Marlins are in dire need of an outfielder who can cover ground. They have no one. And that's why Maybin is so valuable to them. He strikes out far too much, but Maybin has a chance to be an impact player. Maybe not this season but in a yaer or two. It's funny that you suggest the Marlins are paying me. That would make most of the Marlins laugh. I am probably the most critical writer who covers the team.Submitted by Ware Adams from Chicago, Illinois
Q: Paul Hoover, catcher. A Marlin fan in Chicago (1ºF, 25 mph winds) has to be looney; but happy and still a Marlin rooter. I also compare natal astrology charts of athletes, and Paul Hoover, the Marlin farm system catcher, in my "analysis" has the character of a good athlete, the Power of a good hitter, and needs a chance to show it. Why do they keep bringing him up temporarily and then hiding him again? If the Marlin brass doesn't recognize his potential they should give him a chance with some other team!
Answered 01/30/08 13:02:02 by Mike Phillips
A: Hoover got a late call-up last season and had 3 hits in 8 at-bats after putting up decent numbers (.292 with 21 homers) in Triple A. He will be 32 in April, so he's running out of time to make it in the big leagues. The Marlins have invited Hoover to spring training, but they are pretty set on the Treanor/Rabelo catching tandem. If either Rabelo or Treanor gets injured, Hoover might be the first option, and who knows he might get a chance to prove he belongs in the big leagues. But he would have to really wow the Marlins t make the team this spring. Sorry to hear about the weather in Chicago. I grew up there and spent many a below-zero day in Chicago. It's one of the main reasons I make my home in Miami.Submitted by Andy from Weston, Fl
Q: Can you tell me what you think about my blog on the top? Im a 13 year old aspiring journalist. http://andysportsblog.blogspot.com/
Answered 01/29/08 23:40:31 by Mike Phillips
A: Pretty impressive for 13. My only advice is if you are going to rant in a blog, instead of just being critical, give some solutions. After all, it's your opinion. It's your blog, so instead of just stating the Marlins don't spend money, make some suggestions on where and how they should spend their money. After winning it all in 2003, you would think South Florida would have embraced the Marlins. But the Marlins spent money in '04 and '05 and still couldn't draw anyone to the stadium. Getting a new ballpark issue isn't unique to Loria. It was Wayne Huizenga's problem, and then it was John Henry's problem. Neither could get it done. The question for the Marlins is simple: With the exception of Dolphin Stadium, which was paid for by Joe Robbie, every pro team in the state of Florida from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Bucs, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning all play their games in venues that were built in part with public money -- everyone except the Marlins. Why not the Marlins? The Panthers play in a palace and the Heat has had not one but two arenas built, but the Marlins are still looking for a home.Submitted by Eddie from Highland Beach, Fl
Q: Just when the Marlins look like their going to hit a home-run with the new stadium, a car dealership owner(Braman) attempts to interfer with lawsuits.Is it possible that Mr Braman could disturb the development of the new stadium?
Answered 01/29/08 23:21:25 by Mike Phillips
A: Braman is a powerful man and he has fought the government before on issues that he believes are unfair to taxpayers. His suit asks some legitimate questions about the entire $3 billion mega-plan.Submitted by raul from miami beach
Q: hello mike, one more stadium question. does braman(the selfish one) really have the power to put a wrench in the stadium deal and ruin it for all the kids that want to grow up rooting for the marlins?
Answered 01/29/08 23:19:30 by Mike Phillips
A: Braman is a powerful man and his lawsuit asks some legitimate questions about the entire $3 billion mega-plan. It's not just a stadium deal that is on the table. I'm not sure Braman's suit will be enough to derail the entire plan, but it's just one more hurdle for the Marlins.Submitted by Matt J from Boynton Bch
Q: Will prospect Lee Mitchell be given a shot (along with Cantu and Castillo) to win the third- base vacancy during spring? Looking at his numbers, it looks like he has a lot of "pop". Also, will Gaby Sanchez be given a shot to perhaps platoon with Jacobs... Or even win the job from him?
Answered 01/29/08 23:15:20 by Mike Phillips
A: Mitchell has been invited to spring training, so he will get a look form the Marlins. He oes have some pop (20 homers at Double A Carolina), but he struck out 153 times. The Marlins picked up Castillo and Cantu and they will battle for third base, but at least Mitchell will have a chance this spring.
