Submitted by Stan M from Hendersonville, NC

Q: How do you like the idea of putting Cantu at 3B if Bonificio continues his sojurn to AA ball. Gloud (sic) looks great at 1B and actually knows how to take a pitch. I'd hit him at #2; love Baker but he hits too much to LF to stay at #2. Or Hermeda there if he keeps up his production.

Answered 04/30/09 01:59:25 by Manny Navarro

A: The numbers said Bonifacio couldn't hit big league pitching when the Marlins made the trade for him. But their scouts -- and Fredi -- believe he will hit. That's one reason they will give him every chance. They don't have a lot of options. They are better defensivley with Bonny at third and Cantu at first, and once you start Gload every day, you lose your left-handed bat off the bench. I predicted in the spring Hermida would have a big year, and you can hit him anywhere in the lineup, but Fredi is Bobby Cox disciple, and Cox loves the idea of have a steady lineup (he has always had the advantage of a much higher payroll) and Fredi likes that idea, too. I like Baker in the No. 2 spot for all the obvious reasons. I don't mind gambling with Bonifacio a little longer, hoping he will hit. It's still very, very early.

Submitted by Noah Riegel from port orange, fl

Q: I have always been in the mind that a baseball manager made very little impact on his team. However, after following the marlins very closely the last couple years, I think very differently. It seems to me that a lot of moves and decisions Freddie makes are as if he doesn't know this team or doesn't bother to look at the numbers. Tommy Hutton tells us every time a batter doesn't do well against a particular starter and yet Freddie still goes with the terrible match up. Also, do you think with Bonificio struggling, he may move cantu back to third and have Gload start a little more. Gload seems to give pretty decent at bats. One last thing, Handley needs to go back to leadoff, Baker is one of our best hitters and there is never a soul on base when he gets up. Thanks

Answered 04/30/09 01:50:08 by Manny Navarro

A: I know for a fact Fredi knows the stats for every player against every pitcher. The writers know them, too. I also know he will go with his gut feeling at times. When LaRussa does that he's a genius, but when Fredi does it fans are going to criticize him. I'm glad to hear fans being critical of the Marlins, because it means they care, and not enough people care about this team. What everyone forgets is that this is the cheapest team in baseball, and Fredi doesn't have the options other managers have. He has a bullpen full of holes, a closer who is being forced to learn on the job while he comes back form a rotator cuff injury, and players with lots of questions. And yet, he is probably going to have this team in the playoff hunt all year.

Submitted by Eddie S from Highlanfd Beach, Fla

Q: Hi Mike, I know most managers go to the closer in the 9th inning no matter how the 8th inning set up man does, but once in awhile you can make an exception. Nunez was not only overpowering, he threw almost all strikes. Don't you think if the 8th inning set up guy is exceptional and throws less than 10 pitches, he could at least start the 9th inning? Also, last year when Rollins dogged it on the bases, Manuel either fined Rollins or did not let him play for a game.Don't you think Fredi should do something for Ramirez poor base running mental blunders?

Answered 04/30/09 01:40:23 by Manny Navarro

A: It's tough to leave your setup guy in for more than one inning, even if he has thrown only 10 pitches, and in a way it's not fair to the closer, because if Nunez pitches the ninth and gets into trouble then Lindstrom has to come in with runners on base. It's a tough time for Lindstrom right now, and he should be able to start the ninth clean with nobody on base. It's no secret that Hanley is treated a little differently, because he is the franchise player, and I'm sure Fredi has spoken to him about his base running. Should he be fined? Tough question, because you have to know the player and know how he will react. I think Hanley needs a little more discipline.

Submitted by Stan M from Hendersonville, NC

Q: Mike, no answer required. Last week I mentioned how Marlin batters often don't leave the box at full speed. Hanley was a perfect example yesterday and it isn't the first time with him. Again I say that the mgr. is way over his head. He alone cost last nite's game leaving Lindstrom in when a child of six could see that he was about to blow up. The unfortunate thing is, he'll do it 3/4 more times before he deciding the guy can't close.

Answered 04/30/09 01:34:24 by Manny Navarro

A: He will.

Submitted by chuck colyer from bradenton fl

Q: what is wcgb?

Answered 04/30/09 01:32:37 by Manny Navarro

A: wild card games back -- it tells you how many games back the team is in the wild card race

Submitted by Eddie S from Kew Gardens, NY

Q: Hi Mike, I am extatic about the total performance of the Marlins. However the only problem I see is Andrew Miller. With all those wonderful arms in the minors why are they so patient with Miller since each year his ERA is over 5? They are bringing up Badenhop who had a good spring.How many quality starts did Miller have in the spring.? WORK IN PROGRESS SHOULD BE OVER. What are your thoughts?

Answered 04/23/09 16:42:16 by Manny Navarro

A: My guess is they will call up Sean West and give him a chance, and my guess is if he pitches well he could replace Miller

Submitted by Mark from Plantation

Q: What does WCGB stand for in that new column in the baseball standings?

Answered 04/20/09 00:52:06 by Manny Navarro

A: Wild Card Games Back

Submitted by Stan M from Hendersonville, NC

Q: Two years ago Owens won the closer's role then blew out his arm. I saw his name in Spring games. Is he better? Might make an excellent addition to pen. I don't think Marlins can win with Pinto. Rather see Tucker or anyone else, the heck with lefty/righty mix. It doesn't matter when Pinto will walk the batter anyway. They are one/two effective relievers away from winning it all as I see it.

Answered 04/13/09 02:45:10 by Manny Navarro

A: Owens isn't ready, but you are rght about this bullpen. It's horrible. I think Lindstrom will be fine as the closer. He isn't 100 percent, simply doesn't have his arm strength back yet. He basically went 3 weeks withut pitching and is trying to bounce back from an injury that will take a little longer. My guess by mid May he will be at full strength. Pinto is one of the worst relief pitchers in the game. He has no business in the big leagues. Any other organization would have sent him down. Beinfest better be on the phone every day looking for help in the pen, and hopefully Tucker can get his act together and help. It's a shame. This is a nice ball club with a gigantic hole in the pen. It doesn't look like Proctor will be ready until June. How much better would this team be today if they would have brought back Joe Nelson and Arthur Rhodes??? They are paying dearly for blowing it last winter.

Submitted by Paolo from Miami, FL

Q: Mike, the Dolphins did it. The Heat are doing it. Can the Marlins exceed expectations based on what the "experts" have predicted them to finish, which for the most part is last place in the division. What are your thoughts on this team and how they will do? I wouldn't and I am sure you wouldn't go as far as saying these guys will go to the playoffs after exceeding expectations as the Heat and Dolphins have, but do you think they will once again prove the haters wrong and finish the season strong whether or not they make it to the post-season? By the way, I don't know if you can confirm this to me right away or if it will take some research, but were the Marlins the team that was represented the most in the WBC as far as the amount of players they had on each team.

Answered 04/06/09 20:40:35 by Manny Navarro

A: They will contend. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make the playoffs -- if they add some arms to the pen. ut

Submitted by Anil from Miami, FL

Q: What is our line-up and depth chart looking like for Opening Day? Obviously changes are going to come through but a rotation of Nolasco, JJ, Volstad, Sanchez and Miller is definitely the best in the NL East bar none. Mets and Phillies and maybe even Braves may have bigger names, but we definitely have the best rotation. Agree?

Answered 04/06/09 20:39:35 by Manny Navarro

A: The problem is the bullpen. The Marlins should have kept Arthur Rhodes and Joe Nelson. If they had kept those two pitchers, this team would be as tough as any in the NL East. Rhodes was invaluable against the Phillies and their left-handed bats late in the game, and Nelson was the most consistent and reliable releiver.

Submitted by Paolo Torres from Miami Florida

Q: It is a historic and emotional time to be a Marlins fan right now -- Mike. What are your overall thoughts now that the stadium deal has been approved finally.

Answered 04/06/09 20:36:48 by Manny Navarro

A: In many ways it's the biggest day since the franchise was awarded to Miami. The ballpark changes everything about the franchise, but they have to spend money and keep good players here, and add players when they need to in order to contend every year. If they don't spend money and keep players and don't add players to be competitive then there is no point in having the new ballpark. But the ballpark means the Marlins will be able to contend every year. They are already the best pro franchise in South Florida. Hopefully, this community will finally show up and support this team the way it should have supported it all these years.

Submitted by ron from palm bay florida

Q: i do not think sanchez is ready for everyday in the majors....he needs to be in triple AAA for some more seasoning...I would like to see cantu at first and mcpherson at third providing good power at the coners and a badly needed left handed especially if hermida continues his funk....bring andino or the kid from washington to play defense in the latter innings at third.

Answered 04/06/09 20:32:58 by Manny Navarro

A: Cantu is at first and Bonifacio at third. The Marlins gave McPherson every chance to make this club and he just didn't perform. Everyone is down on Sanchez. If he doesn't start who would you replace him with? That's the question. I honestly believe he will get better as the season wears on, and win 12 to 15 games.

Submitted by E Strauss from Highland Beach, FLA

Q: Hi Mike, I keep hoping that Sanchez and Miller pitch at least one start for four or five innings and shutout the opposition. It seems that they are both a work in progress. I watched Sanchez on Monday give up 4 hits to 4 Washingon batters. Each last year hit in the low 200's. How long do we have to wait before the Marlin Management runs out of patience? If they do not perform well who would be the 4th and 5th starters?

Answered 04/06/09 20:29:56 by Manny Navarro

A: They are works in progress, but I think by midseason both will be pitching well. It's a long, long season. Don't get too caught up in the baby-steps of spring training. I like the starting 5 a lot. Remember Sanchez and Miller are No. 4 and No. 5. Look around and compare their upside to other 4 and 5 pitchers.

Submitted by bob from Miami FL

Q: Do you believe that the Marlins have a real chance to make the playoffs this year?

Answered 04/06/09 20:27:11 by Manny Navarro

A: Yes, but they will have to do something to improve the bullpen. The starters can line up with anyone in the NL East, and I like this lineup. Maybin and Bonifacio change the dynamic because of their speed, and Hanley might win the MVP award hitting third, because he will drive in more than 100 runs, score 100 runs and hit 30 to 40 homers. And I think Hermida will have a breakout season.

Submitted by George from New Yor, NY

Q: Mike:Are you as excited as I am looking forward to the new Miami Marlins stadium wihich will open in 2012, Even though I live in New York, I visit Miami quite often and usually go to many games with my extensive family living there

Answered 04/06/09 20:24:14 by Manny Navarro

A: The new ballpark should change everything about this franchise. It is long overdue. Imagine how competitive this franchise would have been over the years had there been a ballpark in place years ago.

Submitted by Charles from Winter Haven, Fl

Q: OK, what's the latest on Lindstrom? Is he the closer, or are we facing a committee? How do you see the bullpen rotation as of right this second?

Answered 04/06/09 20:22:22 by Manny Navarro

A: he is the closer.

Submitted by Eddie S from Kew Gardens, NY

Q: Hi Mike, I know Leo Nunez has a good track record. During the spring he has blown two saves. Even the game that he closed, (Nolasco's no-hitter) A. Gonzalez made a fantastic pick up , the next batter hit a foul homerun. I must admit I know very little about Nunez, but don't you think he should start to show a little more dominance? What about until Lindstrom is completely healthy- a closer by committee?

Answered 03/23/09 00:14:56 by Manny Navarro

A: Ue, and yes. I'n not impressed with Nunez and wasn't impressed with the trade that brought him here. Proctor is hurt, Nunez isn't dominant and Lindstrom may or may not be ready for Opening Day. What a shame they didn't do more to help this bullpen, because the first 3 starters Nolasco, JJ and Volstad and very, very, very good. Yes, probably a closer by committee, although Lindstrom insists he will be ready.

Submitted by juan from enfield ct

Q: hi mike how come the marlins don't take a shot at i-rod after last wbc game he is going to earn atleast 2. mill why not sign him cheap he said he was willing to tke any role and a platoon of pudge and baker make excellent sense since both can bat over 300 and we saw what he did with a young rotation in 2003 bring him back loria

Answered 03/20/09 23:03:01 by Manny Navarro

A: The biggest reason the Marlins didn't sign Pudge (his new nickname should be Flako) is becuase Pudge wanted to play every day. Houston gave him that chance, and that's why he is an Astro and not a Marlin.

Submitted by Eddie S from Highland Beach, Fl

Q: Hi Mike, I understand that Andrew Miller is a work in progress. However, don't you think that Mr Miller needs to show some good outings before he can earn a starting slot in the Marlin rotation.? The other pitchers in the famous trade (Trahern and Badenhop) are doing very well.maybe give one of them a chance. Three years in a row with an ERA over 5 shows little promise. What are your thoughts?

Answered 03/20/09 23:01:23 by Manny Navarro

A: I agree. I'm a big Andrew Miller fan and want to see him succeed (and believe he will), but if he doesn't show some major improvement between now and Opening Day there's no reason to carry him. He does have the benefit of the open dates, which means the Marlins will begin the season with a four-man rotation.

Submitted by Dan Stroud from Kansas City, MO

Q: How do the Cubbies overcome an angry Redbird lot bent on revenge this season? Incidently, hasn't it been more like 20 years covering Florida Sports. And how old is that photo anyway?

Answered 03/20/09 22:58:46 by Manny Navarro

A: More than two decades (and when you cover the Marlins and everything they have been through it's more like dog years). The Cubbies' biggest problem is overcoming the Cubbies, and I feel a little sorry for your fallen Redbirds, who can be angry and full of revenge all they want. They just can't line up with the Cubs. Now if the Redbirds could face the Cubs in the opening round of the playoffs they (like anyone else who shows up) could beat them. The Dodgers over the Cubs in three??? I still can't believe it. If you have any more burning questions about the Redbirds, just call the Phillips hotline: 786-280-6055. Baseball is always spoken there.