Marlins All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery this morning. Stanton had loose bodies removed from his right knee and is expected to be out four to six weeks. He will miss the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game. As a result, the Marlins will not have a representative in Kansas City for the Midsummer Classic. This was one topic Marlins President David Samson addressed in his meeting with reporters, including Craig Davis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
- "I spoke to MLB. I think there were a lot of different ways that Tony [La Russa] and MLB could have gone. I think it’s unfortunate. I think that every team should be represented on the line in an All-Star Game," Samson said. "Obviously MLB or Tony or whoever makes the decision had their own view of it, and it’s certainly disappointing."
- Samson flashed a sense humor regarding the All-Star snub when asked about Showtime's The Franchise: A Season with the Miami Marlins. "Instead of sending a player to the All-Star Game, I guess we’re going to send the Showtime crew and it’s going be like Where’s Waldo. We’re going to have the Showtime crew just looking for the Marlin."
- On the loss of Stanton, Samson says "it hurt. He is such an imposing force in the lineup. Carlos Lee was brought in to combine him with Stanton in the lineup. Now it’s sort of back to where you are. But Giancarlo will be back in time to help us. We’re not nearly out of it –- the second wild card or even the division.”
- Samson was asked about the team's inconsistent first half, "I think when you talk about all the excitement going into the season, that’s what leads to this level of disappointment because you don’t expect to be below .500 at the break. But the way things went I think we’re pretty happy to be this close to 500. It could have been a lot worse."
- Samson again showed his sense of humor when asked about the issues with the turf at the new Marlins Park. "The grass sort of reflects our season. It’s brown right now but getting greener."
- Manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters, including Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald, that he is looking forward to the return of Juan Carlos Oviedo calling it the "biggest trade of the year." The pitcher formerly known as Leo Nunez finishes his eight-week suspension for age and identity fraud on July 22. Upon his return, Guillen says Oviedo and Heath Bell could be sharing closer duties. "We’ll see how Bell’s throwing and we’ll flip-flop each for whatever reason. It’s going to be a big lift."
Hate to say this but I have lost a ton of respect for LaRussa and the way he has handled things for this national league all star squad. Seems to me he is totally going personal preference and not standards of all stars. I know many will disagree with me but Larussa has shown he can carry a grudge longer than most. For a guy who is retired he should have left that behind instead he acts like he is a God. I use to like the guy a ton, not anymore.
with Stanton out which other Marlin deserved a spot? i can’t think of 1 other guy besides Ruggiano that has played decent ball in Miami all year.
Among hitters, the next 3 guys based on WAR are Omar Infante, Hanley Ramirez, and Jose Reyes. (Ruggiano technically has more WAR but it’d be extraordinary to have someone with so few PAs picked for the team). You’re right, none of those players deserves to be an All-Star in a vacuum, but then again… Infante got picked by Charlie Manuel a few years ago and I doubt he was playing any better than he has this season.
You could make a case for the relief pitcher Steven Cishak. He’s been pretty good. You could also look at Anibal Sanchez who has pitched much better than his record has indicated.
Those picks would be marginal, but still, they are supposed to have a representative from each team.
Not surprised with Larussa, if he had it his way there wouldn’t even be a Reds player on the team.
This is what happens when you change the rules to let every team send a player to the ASG. Inevitably, something was going to happen to prevent one team from sending a player, and then that team will complain.
That’s the rule though-baseball doesn’t even see fit to follow it’s OWN rules! I think the Marlins have a legitimate beef. I would expect the president of the team left off to complain. If he can’t stick up for his own organization, then he should resign!