More people watched the Fish in person Wednesday than on TV

“Golden age”

Just a reminder: Jeffrey Loria wouldn’t be owning the Marlins if not for the Worst Commissioner in the History of Sports.

In other words, as the Herald reported, 0.8 percent of all TV households in Miami-Dade County and Broward County were watching the Marlins get shutout by the Atlanta Braves. Nielsen, which handles television ratings, lists a total of 1,621,130 TV households in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market.

That means, based on Nielsen’s total available households in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market, roughly 12,969 homes were watching the Marlins game on Wednesday night. For comparison, the Marlins announced attendance at Wednesday night’s game was 13,810.

No team in baseball recorded a rating below 1.0 all last season. It took the Marlins less than two weeks.

Open thread, 4/10, Braves vs. Victoria Jacksons

Barack Obama killed my mother.

I’d remind those few Marlins fans remaining to save some venom for Bud Selig, without whom Jeffrey Loria’s ownership wouldn’t have been possible.

The Fish have nothing to play for this season except maybe avoiding the distinction as the worst team in baseball. The Astros will certainly give them a good fight.

 

Open thread, 4/9, Braves vs. Wilmer Valderramas

One of Miami’s more annoying native sons

There are only so many old Marlins to choose from, and by now we’ve run through virtually all of them. Instead we’ll pick on Miami native Wilmer Valderrama, whose character Fez was the most annoying character on a very annoying show.

The local nine appear poised to improve to 7-1, though they haven’t been as impressive as their record indicates. I expect Meds to improve on his debut, if for no other reason than he’s pitching against a truly feeble line-up.

The Braves are fortunate to be facing the dregs of the league as the bats — outside of Justin Upton, Freddie, the third basemen and catchers — have been anemic. Jay Hey, replaced by Reed Johnson in tonight’s line-up, has just two hits all year. Andrelton has three, while Uggla has twice as many K’s (8) as hits. B.J., meanwhile, has a 3:1 strikeout to hit ratio.

Take away J-Up and how many wins would the Braves have? Three? Four?

At most.

Open thread, 4/8, Braves vs. Tim Spooneybargers

Andrelton is back in the line-up, hitting 8th. B.J. bats first while Evan Gattis gets the start at catcher.

 

Best winter in NL East? Could be the Mets

Sit on it, Philly!

Mets fans should be thrilled by the proposed R.A. Dickey to Toronto trade. New York will reportedly receive two former first round draft picks: catcher Travis d’Arnaud (.286 BA and .816 OPS in the minors) and pitcher Noah Snydergaard (13-8, 2.35 ERA, 1.085 WHIP)  – an impressive haul for a 38-year-old pitcher.

New York also kept its franchise player, David Wright, for $138 million over 8 years. It’s a risky deal, as Wright will be 37 when his contract expires, but considering some of the deals handed out this winter it’s not unreasonable.

They still have a LONG way to go, as evidenced by their projected Opening Day outfield of Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Jordany Valdespin and Lucas Duda.

The Nats imported Denard Span and Dan Haren, discarding Edwin Jackson and either Rochey or Michael Morse. Call it even.

The Bravos hope to draw even before the season starts but as of now they’re on the wrong end of the Chipper and Bourn for B.J. Upton swap.

Philly is the NL version of the Yanks, aging and fading. They were able to snag a player the Braves wanted, Ben Revere, but he didn’t come cheap. Their new third baseman, Michael Young, is a middle class man’s Placido Polanco, which is another way of saying I’ll take my chances on Juan Francisco. They’re reportedly hot for Cody Ross, which is sort of like being hot for Marion Ross.

Then there’s Miami. Unfortunately for the 38 remaining Marlins fans, Jeffrey Loria did not trade himself. They have Giancarlo Stanton — for now, but don’t be surprised if Texas rescues him from south Florida.

This is why you don’t build stadiums for billionaires

UPDATE: It’s official, reports Buster Olney.

How many franchises can I destroy?

The Marlins have surrendered, for next year and beyond.

They have reportedly shipped Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, and John Buck to the Blue Jays for Yesco, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, RHP Henderson Alvarez, LHP Justin Nicolino, OF Jake Marisnick, C Jeff Mathis, and RHP Anthony DeSclafani.

Three of those players rank among Toronto’s Top 10 prospects, but that’s a helluva bounty. Miami now has just $16 million committed to next year’s payroll.

Perhaps FW should inquire about Giancarlo Stanton.

Alright, I’m pissed off!!! Plain & Simple

— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) November 13, 2012