1 00:00:13,119 --> 00:00:16,520 Speaker 1: The show goes on. This is the official show on 2 00:00:16,600 --> 00:00:20,040 Speaker 1: the fish on First podcast channel with me Eli Sussman, 3 00:00:20,360 --> 00:00:23,320 Speaker 1: the founder of fish on First. I am joined by 4 00:00:23,720 --> 00:00:26,800 Speaker 1: Kevin Barrall co hosting this episode along with me. You're 5 00:00:26,840 --> 00:00:28,680 Speaker 1: very familiar with what he does for us here on 6 00:00:28,760 --> 00:00:32,400 Speaker 1: fish on First. Rapidly approaching the midpoint of the twenty 7 00:00:32,440 --> 00:00:34,800 Speaker 1: twenty three Minor League Baseball season, I wanted to check 8 00:00:34,800 --> 00:00:38,720 Speaker 1: in with the Miami Marlins affiliate that consistently provides us 9 00:00:38,760 --> 00:00:43,080 Speaker 1: with a lot of positive player development stories, high quality entertainment, 10 00:00:43,200 --> 00:00:45,279 Speaker 1: and a lot of on field success as well. That's 11 00:00:45,320 --> 00:00:46,960 Speaker 1: not always part of the deal, but it is with 12 00:00:47,040 --> 00:00:50,880 Speaker 1: the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. So that's why our special guest, 13 00:00:51,080 --> 00:00:53,720 Speaker 1: Eric Bramer, this is his second season as the team's 14 00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:56,360 Speaker 1: played by play voice. We are picking him up at 15 00:00:56,400 --> 00:00:59,360 Speaker 1: a perfect time, or you could kind of spend that 16 00:00:59,360 --> 00:01:03,480 Speaker 1: both ways. Probably just got finished washing the champagne flavored 17 00:01:03,480 --> 00:01:06,760 Speaker 1: beer out of his hair from Wednesday's celebration as the 18 00:01:06,800 --> 00:01:09,920 Speaker 1: team just clinched a playoff spot for later in the year. 19 00:01:09,959 --> 00:01:12,480 Speaker 1: Thanks a lot for joining us, Eric, gentlemen. 20 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:14,720 Speaker 2: Thanks for having me. Yeah, I had more beer poured 21 00:01:14,760 --> 00:01:16,960 Speaker 2: on me than in me last night, so I'm doing fine, 22 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:19,119 Speaker 2: but my clothes smell like beer. 23 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:22,280 Speaker 1: And for anybody that wasn't watching that game level, let's 24 00:01:22,280 --> 00:01:25,120 Speaker 1: just treat them to the very final out of that 25 00:01:25,360 --> 00:01:26,360 Speaker 1: signature victory. 26 00:01:26,440 --> 00:01:31,840 Speaker 3: Here's the pitch swaging on best strike three three one final, 27 00:01:32,280 --> 00:01:35,640 Speaker 3: the Blue Wall Who's come back late to beat the Smokies, 28 00:01:36,319 --> 00:01:39,200 Speaker 3: and for the second year in a row, the first 29 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:44,120 Speaker 3: City will celebrate our first half South Division championship. 30 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:48,600 Speaker 1: So, Eric, for any of our listeners that are confused 31 00:01:48,640 --> 00:01:51,600 Speaker 1: about how this works, could you just enlighten them quickly 32 00:01:51,640 --> 00:01:54,200 Speaker 1: about how the Blue While Who's have clinched a postseason 33 00:01:54,280 --> 00:01:57,120 Speaker 1: birth when there's about three months left in the regular season, 34 00:01:57,360 --> 00:01:59,680 Speaker 1: and then just take us just inside the clubhouse and 35 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:01,240 Speaker 1: on the for that celebration. 36 00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:04,480 Speaker 2: Yeah, the minor league season is split into two halves, 37 00:02:04,480 --> 00:02:06,560 Speaker 2: and for the second straight year, the bluejeng Who's won 38 00:02:06,640 --> 00:02:09,840 Speaker 2: the first half title. It structured that way to reward 39 00:02:09,880 --> 00:02:12,400 Speaker 2: the teams like the Blue wa Who's who have been 40 00:02:12,440 --> 00:02:15,359 Speaker 2: really good in the first half, and if all goes well, 41 00:02:15,360 --> 00:02:17,680 Speaker 2: of course we want the best for all these individual players. 42 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:19,800 Speaker 2: They may be a triple A and beyond by the 43 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:23,080 Speaker 2: time the season ends. So you know it gives an 44 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:25,520 Speaker 2: opportunity to the teams who had a bad first half 45 00:02:25,680 --> 00:02:28,880 Speaker 2: to have a chance in the second half. The blueja 46 00:02:28,919 --> 00:02:32,760 Speaker 2: Who's will play the second half South Division champion in September. 47 00:02:33,200 --> 00:02:35,720 Speaker 2: It'll be two best of three series in the playoffs. 48 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:38,560 Speaker 2: Last year, the blueje Who's lost game one both rounds 49 00:02:38,560 --> 00:02:41,519 Speaker 2: but ended up winning and to claim the Southern League championship, 50 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:44,440 Speaker 2: and of course we hope for that again comes September 51 00:02:44,480 --> 00:02:45,200 Speaker 2: twenty twenty three. 52 00:02:46,960 --> 00:02:49,680 Speaker 4: Go ahead, Eric, Yeah, I was gonna say. I mean, 53 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:52,000 Speaker 4: that's you know, someone who was with you guys at 54 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 4: the start of the season, Eerie Perez. Just what you know, 55 00:02:56,720 --> 00:02:59,040 Speaker 4: what you see from him last year? That kind of 56 00:02:59,320 --> 00:03:01,600 Speaker 4: you were like, damn, you know this guy is. He's 57 00:03:01,720 --> 00:03:04,720 Speaker 4: legit and obviously now back in big leagues he has 58 00:03:04,760 --> 00:03:07,560 Speaker 4: a one point i think one point five four era. 59 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:11,680 Speaker 4: He is absolutely dominating and obviously you had the chance 60 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:13,160 Speaker 4: to see him at the start of this year and 61 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:15,880 Speaker 4: see him get promoted all the way to the big league, 62 00:03:15,919 --> 00:03:17,800 Speaker 4: skipping triple A. What have you seen? What did you 63 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:20,160 Speaker 4: see from him back then? And just what have you 64 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,959 Speaker 4: seen from him now that you just love watching? 65 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:26,520 Speaker 2: Well, it's funny that we're talking as I'm in Tennessee 66 00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:28,520 Speaker 2: because this is the site of the Blue One Who's 67 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:32,040 Speaker 2: championship last September, and year he got the start in 68 00:03:32,080 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 2: Game three, wasn't fully stretched out, working his way back 69 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:40,160 Speaker 2: from a minor injury. But you know, in that championship game, 70 00:03:40,480 --> 00:03:43,200 Speaker 2: when the spotlight was brightest, he struck out the first 71 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:46,200 Speaker 2: eight batters in the ballgame, so we all knew that 72 00:03:46,280 --> 00:03:49,400 Speaker 2: he had that within him. I think he's the type 73 00:03:49,440 --> 00:03:54,360 Speaker 2: of person who thrives in the spotlight, enjoys really showing off. 74 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:59,080 Speaker 2: And obviously he's he's made the most of his opportunities 75 00:03:59,120 --> 00:04:01,839 Speaker 2: so far with the mar He's a great young man. 76 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:06,160 Speaker 2: Sky's the limit, and provided he can stay healthy, you know, 77 00:04:06,320 --> 00:04:09,000 Speaker 2: I think the Marlins fans are really going to appreciate 78 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:11,640 Speaker 2: having him in a Marlins uniform for the next several years. 79 00:04:12,400 --> 00:04:14,160 Speaker 2: One thing that I know you guys have touched on 80 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:18,240 Speaker 2: is that we're using an experimental baseball in the first 81 00:04:18,240 --> 00:04:20,760 Speaker 2: half in the Southern League here until the All Star break, 82 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:25,520 Speaker 2: and Yuri, I think had grown accustomed to using that baseball, 83 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:27,440 Speaker 2: and it took him a little while in the big 84 00:04:27,480 --> 00:04:29,400 Speaker 2: leagues to adjust to the major league ball. But now 85 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:32,480 Speaker 2: that he's gotten that adjustment out of the way. To 86 00:04:32,480 --> 00:04:35,320 Speaker 2: see that change up. I maintained that it was the 87 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:38,280 Speaker 2: most fun pitch to watch him throw. He will say 88 00:04:38,279 --> 00:04:41,320 Speaker 2: that it's the most fun pitch for him to throw himself. 89 00:04:42,279 --> 00:04:46,240 Speaker 2: That's the special stuff, because not too many guys have 90 00:04:46,320 --> 00:04:48,720 Speaker 2: a ninety mile per hour changeup, much less one that 91 00:04:48,800 --> 00:04:50,279 Speaker 2: has the movement that his does. 92 00:04:52,160 --> 00:04:55,720 Speaker 1: I'd have to say, you may not be complaining about yourself, 93 00:04:55,760 --> 00:04:58,479 Speaker 1: but feels like the Marlins have been inconsiderate with their 94 00:04:58,480 --> 00:05:00,599 Speaker 1: schedule with him. I don't. I think he has started 95 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:02,880 Speaker 1: a single time on a Monday during an off time. 96 00:05:02,920 --> 00:05:05,640 Speaker 1: I think almost all of his starts have conflicted almost 97 00:05:05,640 --> 00:05:08,159 Speaker 1: directly with lu Wafu's games. Have you actually been able 98 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:10,960 Speaker 1: to watch any of his starts in real time or 99 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:12,840 Speaker 1: have you just had to settle for the highlights and 100 00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:14,760 Speaker 1: all the outrageous stats. 101 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:18,320 Speaker 2: Kept an eye on it. Pensacola, believe it or not, 102 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:22,040 Speaker 2: is in the Marlins blackout zone, so I can't really 103 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:24,760 Speaker 2: watch the Marlins games unless I'm in the clubhouse, which 104 00:05:24,800 --> 00:05:26,880 Speaker 2: I do spend a lot of time in there, or 105 00:05:27,120 --> 00:05:29,320 Speaker 2: if we're on the road, so like now, when I'm 106 00:05:29,320 --> 00:05:32,240 Speaker 2: in Tennessee. I can watch the Marlins and keep an 107 00:05:32,279 --> 00:05:34,400 Speaker 2: eye or an ear on their games, so I was 108 00:05:34,440 --> 00:05:37,640 Speaker 2: watching his last start. And we definitely do try and 109 00:05:37,720 --> 00:05:41,920 Speaker 2: keep tabs on Uri, because you know, we still claim him, 110 00:05:41,920 --> 00:05:43,920 Speaker 2: and I think to some degree he still claims us. 111 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:47,400 Speaker 2: He's very proud of the time, his development time in Pensacola, 112 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:48,960 Speaker 2: and he's still friends with a lot of the people 113 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:49,279 Speaker 2: in here. 114 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:52,080 Speaker 1: Right, I want to go to the other ends of 115 00:05:52,120 --> 00:05:55,440 Speaker 1: the age spectrum. What made URI's so extraordinary is how young. 116 00:05:55,480 --> 00:05:57,400 Speaker 1: He is still the youngest player in the big leagues, 117 00:05:57,400 --> 00:06:01,159 Speaker 1: and he was one of the very youngest players in 118 00:06:01,200 --> 00:06:03,760 Speaker 1: the Southern League when he was there. A player that 119 00:06:03,800 --> 00:06:05,839 Speaker 1: went under the radar entering this year who has since 120 00:06:05,880 --> 00:06:08,920 Speaker 1: been promoted to Triple A is Dane Myers. One reason 121 00:06:08,960 --> 00:06:10,599 Speaker 1: why he was under the radar he was a Minor 122 00:06:10,680 --> 00:06:14,520 Speaker 1: League Rule five draft pick twenty seven years old, So 123 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:18,760 Speaker 1: he was somebody that frankly, we were curious about, but 124 00:06:18,920 --> 00:06:22,960 Speaker 1: not all that. Our expectations weren't especially high, just given 125 00:06:23,279 --> 00:06:26,880 Speaker 1: the fact that he had this experience advantage as a player, 126 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:29,320 Speaker 1: But he is a fascinating story. He was a former 127 00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:31,520 Speaker 1: pitcher converted to a hitter. He was coming off a 128 00:06:31,560 --> 00:06:34,600 Speaker 1: good year last year with the Tiger system, and then 129 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:37,719 Speaker 1: he just kept on breaking upon coming over to the 130 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:40,600 Speaker 1: Blue Wajoos. He did it while also playing about five 131 00:06:40,680 --> 00:06:44,320 Speaker 1: different defensive positions, including center field. He it was a 132 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:46,520 Speaker 1: very brief time that you had with him. Because he's 133 00:06:46,560 --> 00:06:48,919 Speaker 1: since gone up to Triple A, he's continuing to perform. 134 00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:51,240 Speaker 1: Might not be very long until he's knocking on the 135 00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:53,919 Speaker 1: door of the majors. Just take us through what you 136 00:06:54,360 --> 00:06:57,440 Speaker 1: saw from Dane Myers when he was down there. Anything 137 00:06:57,440 --> 00:06:59,640 Speaker 1: that stood out on or off the field about him. 138 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:02,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, No, He's an easy guy to root for, very 139 00:07:02,800 --> 00:07:08,400 Speaker 2: toolsy athlete, someone who can competently play in center field, 140 00:07:08,520 --> 00:07:12,680 Speaker 2: corner outfield, or you know, potentially at third base. I 141 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:15,920 Speaker 2: think there's value to having someone like that in your organization, 142 00:07:16,040 --> 00:07:18,520 Speaker 2: maybe even on the major league club. As the Marlins 143 00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:20,600 Speaker 2: try and figure out, Okay, who can fill this gap? 144 00:07:20,640 --> 00:07:24,040 Speaker 2: Who can fill that gap? The consensus seems to be 145 00:07:24,120 --> 00:07:26,800 Speaker 2: that the Detroit Tigers knew what they had in him, 146 00:07:26,840 --> 00:07:29,520 Speaker 2: They just ran out of development time with exclusive rights 147 00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:31,760 Speaker 2: to him as a player. So credit to the Marlins 148 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:35,520 Speaker 2: pro scouting department. They've had a couple wins these last 149 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:38,240 Speaker 2: couple of years, finding guys who are not only good 150 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:40,480 Speaker 2: minor league depth to raise the bar of their minor 151 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:43,239 Speaker 2: league affiliates, but potentially could impact the major league club. 152 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,720 Speaker 2: It looks like Dan Myers has continued to hit, continue 153 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:50,280 Speaker 2: to impact the ballgame with his bat, his speed, his glove, 154 00:07:50,560 --> 00:07:54,120 Speaker 2: and his throwing arm with Triple A Jacksonville. So yeah, 155 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:56,120 Speaker 2: keep an eye on him, not on the forty man, 156 00:07:56,200 --> 00:07:59,440 Speaker 2: but the type of player there that if he continues 157 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:03,080 Speaker 2: to play well well and provide valuable offense, there's a 158 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:04,840 Speaker 2: spot for him on the major league rounds year. 159 00:08:05,800 --> 00:08:08,000 Speaker 4: And then I wanted to ask you, Southern League All 160 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:10,400 Speaker 4: Star last year made his way to Triple A. Unfortunately, 161 00:08:10,440 --> 00:08:12,240 Speaker 4: just with how things worked out at that level, he's 162 00:08:12,280 --> 00:08:14,560 Speaker 4: back in double but he's a huge part of your 163 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:18,280 Speaker 4: of the Wahoo's this season. Troy Johnston plays first base, 164 00:08:18,400 --> 00:08:21,920 Speaker 4: little bit of outfield. He shedded some some weight before 165 00:08:21,960 --> 00:08:24,240 Speaker 4: this season. He's he wanted to get more extra bases, 166 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,800 Speaker 4: wanted to get those triples, and he's definitely been doing that. 167 00:08:26,880 --> 00:08:28,880 Speaker 4: I mean, you look at it and I think he's 168 00:08:28,880 --> 00:08:31,520 Speaker 4: already has more doubles and triples than he did last season. Eric, 169 00:08:31,640 --> 00:08:34,000 Speaker 4: So just your thoughts on Troy and just what you've 170 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:36,160 Speaker 4: seen from him, because he's been a Wahoo for a 171 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:36,680 Speaker 4: while now. 172 00:08:37,320 --> 00:08:40,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, Troy had the biggest hit last night to ten 173 00:08:40,679 --> 00:08:43,240 Speaker 2: of the ninth inning, and I was on top of 174 00:08:43,240 --> 00:08:45,079 Speaker 2: it at the time because we've remarked how many more 175 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:47,679 Speaker 2: triples the blue Wall Who's as a team have hit 176 00:08:47,720 --> 00:08:50,120 Speaker 2: this year. They they're now up to sixteen triples. They 177 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:53,720 Speaker 2: hit only fifteen as a club last season. So you know, 178 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:55,960 Speaker 2: Troy Johnson a big part of that. Believe it or not, 179 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:58,440 Speaker 2: Troy Johnson right now is tied for the league lead 180 00:08:58,520 --> 00:09:02,120 Speaker 2: in the Southern League in triples with four. A couple 181 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:05,280 Speaker 2: of them kind of fluky, but you know he'll take him. 182 00:09:05,320 --> 00:09:08,520 Speaker 2: They still count Troy, whether he would tell you this 183 00:09:08,679 --> 00:09:11,080 Speaker 2: or not, I think has made the decision to sacrifice 184 00:09:11,120 --> 00:09:13,000 Speaker 2: a little bit of batting average for a little bit 185 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:15,520 Speaker 2: more power, because that was kind of the knock on him. Hey, 186 00:09:15,520 --> 00:09:18,400 Speaker 2: this guy can hit, but where the home runs, especially 187 00:09:18,400 --> 00:09:20,880 Speaker 2: as someone who was an outfielder but now is trying 188 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:23,920 Speaker 2: to make it as a first baseman. And last year 189 00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:26,000 Speaker 2: he finished just a percentage point shy of winning the 190 00:09:26,040 --> 00:09:28,800 Speaker 2: Southern League batting title. This year, the batting average is 191 00:09:28,800 --> 00:09:31,439 Speaker 2: about thirty points lower from two ninety to two sixty, 192 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:35,160 Speaker 2: but eleven home runs leading the league in RBI. He 193 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,920 Speaker 2: continues to put together professional at bats. He's just trying 194 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:40,880 Speaker 2: to drive the ball more. And you know, don't give 195 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:43,959 Speaker 2: up on Troy Johnston because he's a hard worker. He 196 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:47,760 Speaker 2: definitely has a great swing, very resilient swing that has 197 00:09:47,800 --> 00:09:51,520 Speaker 2: good play coverage, and as we've seen this year, he 198 00:09:51,559 --> 00:09:55,920 Speaker 2: can adapt his approach to sacrifice average for power. If 199 00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:57,760 Speaker 2: there comes a point in his career where he needs 200 00:09:57,800 --> 00:09:59,920 Speaker 2: to flip the switch and go back in the other direction, 201 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:01,880 Speaker 2: I'm sure that he can do that as well. So 202 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:03,880 Speaker 2: he's been a big part of our team. I think 203 00:10:03,880 --> 00:10:06,480 Speaker 2: the only reason that he's not in Triple A right 204 00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:08,760 Speaker 2: now is that there wouldn't be a path to regular 205 00:10:08,800 --> 00:10:11,560 Speaker 2: playing time for him. And if that opens up, either 206 00:10:11,640 --> 00:10:15,080 Speaker 2: through trade or through promotion with Jacksonville, I would not 207 00:10:15,200 --> 00:10:18,240 Speaker 2: expect Troy Johnston to be here in Double A much longer. 208 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:22,000 Speaker 4: Yeah, he's already surpassed his home run total from last season. 209 00:10:22,120 --> 00:10:24,520 Speaker 4: I mean, you just can't complain with what the player 210 00:10:24,559 --> 00:10:26,960 Speaker 4: you're getting in Johnson at twenty six years old. And yeah, 211 00:10:27,040 --> 00:10:29,040 Speaker 4: you said it right, Eric I mean, the only reason 212 00:10:29,120 --> 00:10:30,480 Speaker 4: he's not on a triple A right now is because 213 00:10:30,480 --> 00:10:32,640 Speaker 4: it's just how things lined up at that level and 214 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:35,160 Speaker 4: how they've kind of kind of lined up the whole 215 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:37,240 Speaker 4: minor league system. But yeah, Troy is a great guy 216 00:10:37,320 --> 00:10:40,880 Speaker 4: and great player. And yeah, as you said, he did 217 00:10:40,920 --> 00:10:44,680 Speaker 4: sacrifice a lot of batting average. Actually, but he mentioned this, 218 00:10:44,800 --> 00:10:47,400 Speaker 4: I think it was the depressers you guys held at 219 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:49,160 Speaker 4: the start of the year where he didn't, you know, 220 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:52,560 Speaker 4: despite shutting some pounds, he still believes he had the power, 221 00:10:52,640 --> 00:10:54,480 Speaker 4: and I mean, obviously he's shown it this year. So 222 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:57,040 Speaker 4: it's nice to see Troy having the success he's having 223 00:10:57,040 --> 00:10:59,360 Speaker 4: this year, especially after I think it was a little 224 00:10:59,360 --> 00:11:00,960 Speaker 4: bit of a slow start of the year from too. 225 00:11:01,559 --> 00:11:03,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, it took him a while to get going. Then 226 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:06,640 Speaker 2: he had an outstanding forty eight hours in Montgomery in 227 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:10,640 Speaker 2: late April where he had back to back two homer games. Troy, 228 00:11:10,679 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 2: more than anyone that I've seen in my time in Pensacola, 229 00:11:13,160 --> 00:11:17,679 Speaker 2: is able to just lock in for a stretch. Last year, 230 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:20,199 Speaker 2: it came in late May early June, he won Player 231 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:23,679 Speaker 2: of the Week and he was just outstanding. So anytime 232 00:11:23,720 --> 00:11:26,120 Speaker 2: that you know a player is capable of that. It's 233 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:30,720 Speaker 2: very tantalizing to just wade through the dry spots and 234 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:34,920 Speaker 2: have confidence that he's going to finally figure it out. 235 00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:36,560 Speaker 2: And he's done that a couple times this year. 236 00:11:37,360 --> 00:11:39,720 Speaker 1: I remember him entering the year emphasizing with Kevin about 237 00:11:39,760 --> 00:11:42,760 Speaker 1: that weight loss and how he won the more athletic 238 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:46,600 Speaker 1: and that has translated to on the bass pass as well, 239 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:49,040 Speaker 1: at ten for ten, stealing bases almost as many this 240 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:52,080 Speaker 1: year as he had his entire year combines entering this year. 241 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:54,760 Speaker 1: So happy birthday to Troy. We're recording this all on 242 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:56,839 Speaker 1: his birthday and this coming out probably the day after. 243 00:11:57,280 --> 00:11:59,120 Speaker 1: But he's been a favorite of ours for a while, 244 00:11:59,160 --> 00:12:04,400 Speaker 1: and extraordinary performance throughout his entire minor league career. Pretty 245 00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:09,120 Speaker 1: much somebody that has had a very fascinating path who 246 00:12:09,520 --> 00:12:12,120 Speaker 1: this year I would say is your most improved player 247 00:12:12,120 --> 00:12:15,160 Speaker 1: among the guys returning from twenty twenty two is Jose Devers. 248 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:17,560 Speaker 1: He was rushed to the big leagues in twenty twenty 249 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:20,559 Speaker 1: one from High A because it was coming off the 250 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:24,160 Speaker 1: canceled minor league season. They really twisted his development around 251 00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:27,840 Speaker 1: to fill a need. He hurt his shoulder that year 252 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:30,000 Speaker 1: and he just was not the same player for the 253 00:12:30,040 --> 00:12:32,480 Speaker 1: rest of twenty twenty one and throughout twenty twenty two. 254 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:36,760 Speaker 1: I mean, it's a pretty jarring He fell off the 255 00:12:36,800 --> 00:12:39,000 Speaker 1: prospect map, even for somebody that was still in his 256 00:12:39,040 --> 00:12:41,720 Speaker 1: early twenties. Right now, believe it or not, he is 257 00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:44,400 Speaker 1: twenty three years old, so he's younger than a lot 258 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:46,280 Speaker 1: of the competition that he's facing now, even though he's 259 00:12:46,280 --> 00:12:49,559 Speaker 1: been around a while. But his numbers have just shot 260 00:12:49,640 --> 00:12:52,120 Speaker 1: up all across the board, his ops by about two 261 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:54,960 Speaker 1: hundred points, hitting for a little more power, doing just 262 00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:58,559 Speaker 1: everything a little bit better than he did last year. 263 00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:01,559 Speaker 1: What are your thoughts on that? What are the differences 264 00:13:01,559 --> 00:13:04,640 Speaker 1: that you notice endeavors compared to twenty twenty two. 265 00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:07,120 Speaker 2: Yeah, there was a period in the last homestand where 266 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:09,520 Speaker 2: he had four home runs in the span of I 267 00:13:09,520 --> 00:13:12,840 Speaker 2: think five games, and this after hitting three home runs 268 00:13:12,880 --> 00:13:16,760 Speaker 2: as a professional in his first three hundred games. Jose 269 00:13:16,880 --> 00:13:19,720 Speaker 2: Devers has dealt with a lot of nagging injuries upper 270 00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:22,280 Speaker 2: body and lower body that I think have just sapped 271 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:24,800 Speaker 2: his strength on the margins. Last year, I want to 272 00:13:24,840 --> 00:13:27,839 Speaker 2: say he was outright robbed, like reaching over the fence, 273 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:31,160 Speaker 2: robbed of a couple home runs very unlucky in that regard, 274 00:13:31,320 --> 00:13:33,760 Speaker 2: and now with just a little bit better health, a 275 00:13:33,760 --> 00:13:37,600 Speaker 2: little bit more core strength and arm strength as well, 276 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:41,280 Speaker 2: those outs are turning into home runs. He's a great 277 00:13:41,360 --> 00:13:44,120 Speaker 2: pure hitter. He can hit the ball with authority on 278 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:47,320 Speaker 2: a line to left and to right. And you know 279 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:49,000 Speaker 2: the fact that they're playing him a couple of days 280 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:51,080 Speaker 2: a week at shortstop means that they haven't given up 281 00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:53,760 Speaker 2: on his ability to play a good defense as well. 282 00:13:53,880 --> 00:13:56,800 Speaker 2: That's something that I think has been impacted by injuries 283 00:13:56,840 --> 00:13:59,800 Speaker 2: in the last couple of seasons too. So great to 284 00:13:59,800 --> 00:14:02,160 Speaker 2: have this guy in the heart of the order. As 285 00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:05,760 Speaker 2: you said, he's still very young, but there's potential there. 286 00:14:06,280 --> 00:14:08,520 Speaker 2: There's a reason that they brought him up to the 287 00:14:08,520 --> 00:14:11,600 Speaker 2: big league so quickly, because he's got the tools. It's 288 00:14:11,640 --> 00:14:13,880 Speaker 2: just a matter of putting it all together and most importantly, 289 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:15,680 Speaker 2: staying on the field, staying healthy. 290 00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:19,400 Speaker 4: Yeah, and just looking at the month of June, I mean, 291 00:14:19,440 --> 00:14:22,880 Speaker 4: this guy is raking Man three fifty six, four thirty one, 292 00:14:23,280 --> 00:14:26,280 Speaker 4: six sixty seven with a one zero nine to eight ops, 293 00:14:26,280 --> 00:14:29,280 Speaker 4: has four homers, and he's playing shortstop. As he said, Eric, 294 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:31,680 Speaker 4: So I mean, you cannot be disappointed with what you're 295 00:14:31,680 --> 00:14:36,000 Speaker 4: getting from baby Devers here, I mean cousins of Raphael Devers. 296 00:14:36,040 --> 00:14:40,120 Speaker 4: So just you know, finally getting back on the prospect map, 297 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:41,880 Speaker 4: I think is the right way to put it. I 298 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:45,280 Speaker 4: want to ask about another shortstop in the system. Nasim Nunez, 299 00:14:45,320 --> 00:14:48,360 Speaker 4: who was arguably one of the most improved players in 300 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:51,040 Speaker 4: the system last year. Started at hie, made it all 301 00:14:51,040 --> 00:14:53,000 Speaker 4: the way to double A and found it very early 302 00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:54,960 Speaker 4: on success. He hit a home in the playoffs at 303 00:14:54,960 --> 00:14:56,880 Speaker 4: a home I think that was his first career homer 304 00:14:56,920 --> 00:14:59,880 Speaker 4: in double A two. So in this year I think 305 00:14:59,880 --> 00:15:01,640 Speaker 4: he he has four or five and almost all of 306 00:15:01,680 --> 00:15:04,280 Speaker 4: them are opposite field homers. So what have you see 307 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:06,440 Speaker 4: from Nasium Nuniaz? And you know, not even just the 308 00:15:06,520 --> 00:15:09,400 Speaker 4: offense to defense. He's arguably the best defensive shortstop in 309 00:15:09,440 --> 00:15:09,880 Speaker 4: the system. 310 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:14,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, fun to watch him play defense day in day out. 311 00:15:13,840 --> 00:15:17,400 Speaker 2: He can get to balls that many people don't and 312 00:15:17,480 --> 00:15:20,520 Speaker 2: he's got a great arm. Because he gets to more balls, 313 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:23,160 Speaker 2: you'll sometimes see more errors charged to him, but that's 314 00:15:23,240 --> 00:15:25,160 Speaker 2: just part of the deal when you've got a really, 315 00:15:25,160 --> 00:15:30,440 Speaker 2: really good defensive shortstop. Offensively, he's another guy who's tried 316 00:15:30,480 --> 00:15:32,400 Speaker 2: to add some power into his game, and that has 317 00:15:32,600 --> 00:15:35,200 Speaker 2: sapped the batting average a touch. But that's why you're 318 00:15:35,240 --> 00:15:37,520 Speaker 2: in Double A, right. You make those adjustments. You figure 319 00:15:37,560 --> 00:15:40,600 Speaker 2: out what works for you what doesn't. He continues to 320 00:15:40,640 --> 00:15:43,160 Speaker 2: get on base at a really great rate. He's a 321 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:45,080 Speaker 2: great guy to have batting one or two in your 322 00:15:45,120 --> 00:15:49,680 Speaker 2: lineup because he puts together professional played appearances. He does 323 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,040 Speaker 2: chase a little bit, does swing and miss in the 324 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,080 Speaker 2: zone a little bit, but you look at the on 325 00:15:55,160 --> 00:15:58,360 Speaker 2: base percentage and the tools are there to be a really, 326 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:02,400 Speaker 2: really valuable player, even if he is mostly a singles hitter, 327 00:16:02,440 --> 00:16:04,320 Speaker 2: which I think there's still some hope that he can 328 00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:07,200 Speaker 2: be more of an extra base gap to gap guy. 329 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:09,040 Speaker 2: But even if he is a singles hitter, if you 330 00:16:09,080 --> 00:16:11,680 Speaker 2: steal thirty basses and thirty three tries, you're going to 331 00:16:11,760 --> 00:16:14,520 Speaker 2: end up at second base a lot anyway. So having 332 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:17,280 Speaker 2: someone with his speed, his ability to get on base, 333 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:20,479 Speaker 2: there's a major league future I think for Nasis. 334 00:16:21,160 --> 00:16:23,560 Speaker 4: Yeah, and hopefully soon Triple I. Just the way he's 335 00:16:23,560 --> 00:16:25,080 Speaker 4: been playing in a Maya already up in the big 336 00:16:25,120 --> 00:16:27,840 Speaker 4: leagues opens the spot up for him. I think he's 337 00:16:27,880 --> 00:16:30,040 Speaker 4: proven that he could play Triple A ball. 338 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:34,400 Speaker 1: Absolutely talking here with Eric Bramer here on Fish on 339 00:16:34,480 --> 00:16:38,080 Speaker 1: First Podcast, the official show with Eli and Kevin throwing 340 00:16:38,160 --> 00:16:40,040 Speaker 1: up this from people watching on YouTube. If you are 341 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:42,360 Speaker 1: to give this a like and subscribe to your channel, 342 00:16:42,360 --> 00:16:45,640 Speaker 1: we're just giving you a glimpse of statistical leaders on 343 00:16:45,680 --> 00:16:47,880 Speaker 1: both the hitting side and on the pitching side, including 344 00:16:47,880 --> 00:16:49,400 Speaker 1: guys that are still with the team and those that 345 00:16:49,440 --> 00:16:53,200 Speaker 1: have been promoted as well. One other pitcher I wanted 346 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:55,640 Speaker 1: to get to one who's at the top of almost 347 00:16:55,680 --> 00:16:58,560 Speaker 1: every pitching stat you want to look at. Patrick Monteverde. 348 00:16:59,320 --> 00:17:02,560 Speaker 1: Just drafted less than two full years ago, and he's 349 00:17:02,560 --> 00:17:05,159 Speaker 1: already had so much success at Double A for a 350 00:17:05,160 --> 00:17:07,680 Speaker 1: team in the Marlins that has had some questions about 351 00:17:07,720 --> 00:17:12,159 Speaker 1: their rotation health at this particular moment, it's not too 352 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:13,720 Speaker 1: much of a stretch to think that he might be 353 00:17:13,840 --> 00:17:16,840 Speaker 1: joining Perez in the big leagues in the Nazi distant future. 354 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:19,920 Speaker 1: An extraordinary first half of his season with a two 355 00:17:19,880 --> 00:17:23,199 Speaker 1: to eighteen ERA, a whole lot more strikeouts than I 356 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:26,000 Speaker 1: think anybody could have expected from him, almost a third 357 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:28,959 Speaker 1: of the batters he faces. Eric, For a guy that 358 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:32,760 Speaker 1: doesn't have a whole lot of fastball velocity, how is 359 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:35,520 Speaker 1: it that he is missing all the bats that he 360 00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:37,440 Speaker 1: is and having such good success overall. 361 00:17:38,080 --> 00:17:41,000 Speaker 2: He makes his pitches, he locates all of his pitch 362 00:17:41,040 --> 00:17:44,000 Speaker 2: as well. You know, he's another guy who has a 363 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:46,600 Speaker 2: really good change up, especially the right handed hitters that 364 00:17:46,960 --> 00:17:51,760 Speaker 2: tend to chase it because you know not to pigeonhole 365 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:54,679 Speaker 2: all soft tossing guys is the same type of picture. 366 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:57,360 Speaker 2: But I think if you dig in the box and 367 00:17:57,400 --> 00:17:59,720 Speaker 2: you've got someone throwing ninety ninety one, you're used to 368 00:17:59,760 --> 00:18:02,480 Speaker 2: seeing ninety five ninety six, your eyes can get a 369 00:18:02,520 --> 00:18:04,640 Speaker 2: little too big for your stomach sometimes and you get 370 00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:06,680 Speaker 2: a little too eager. So he knows how to play 371 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:10,840 Speaker 2: against the hitter's weaknesses and over aggressiveness. You know, he's 372 00:18:10,840 --> 00:18:14,160 Speaker 2: been dependable. Every fifth, every sixth day, he goes out 373 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:16,240 Speaker 2: and gives his team a chance to win. In the 374 00:18:16,240 --> 00:18:18,639 Speaker 2: month of April, he allowed one earned run and that 375 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:21,760 Speaker 2: was on a fluky double steal at home, so it 376 00:18:21,880 --> 00:18:24,000 Speaker 2: definitely got off to a great start. The numbers have 377 00:18:24,040 --> 00:18:26,080 Speaker 2: come back to earth just to touch since then, but 378 00:18:26,560 --> 00:18:29,080 Speaker 2: can't stay a zero point three to five e ra 379 00:18:29,119 --> 00:18:33,119 Speaker 2: a forever. You know, people come in Pensacola is a 380 00:18:33,160 --> 00:18:35,199 Speaker 2: very popular place, believe it or not for scouts to 381 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:37,800 Speaker 2: come because who doesn't want to, you know, work in 382 00:18:37,880 --> 00:18:42,200 Speaker 2: Pensacola for a couple of days, and other organizations are 383 00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:46,800 Speaker 2: very high on Patrick Montaverty. You know, it's illuminating to 384 00:18:46,800 --> 00:18:52,760 Speaker 2: see which organizations value which type of pitcher tools. And 385 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:55,200 Speaker 2: there are a couple organizations that I won't name who. 386 00:18:55,359 --> 00:18:58,240 Speaker 2: You know, multiple scouts have come in to see Patrick Montaverty. 387 00:18:58,280 --> 00:19:02,159 Speaker 2: And you know, obviously we hope that Patrick makes it 388 00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:05,600 Speaker 2: to the major leagues with the Marlins, but he's auditioning 389 00:19:05,640 --> 00:19:08,159 Speaker 2: for all thirty teams as he tries to get to 390 00:19:08,200 --> 00:19:12,080 Speaker 2: that next level. So the Marlins, I know, recognize what 391 00:19:12,119 --> 00:19:15,000 Speaker 2: they have in him. Other teams are definitely taking notice 392 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:19,240 Speaker 2: as well, especially as we get towards the deadline. You know, again, 393 00:19:19,359 --> 00:19:21,359 Speaker 2: I hope Patrick makes it to the major leagues with 394 00:19:21,359 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 2: the Marlins, but we're talking about an organization that has 395 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:28,560 Speaker 2: had trouble finding justification to keep uri up at the 396 00:19:28,600 --> 00:19:30,879 Speaker 2: big leagues until the last couple turns through the rotation. 397 00:19:31,119 --> 00:19:36,119 Speaker 2: So you know, it's a good situation to have to 398 00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:39,800 Speaker 2: have so much talented starting pitching in the organization. But 399 00:19:40,640 --> 00:19:43,480 Speaker 2: you know, definitely we're very high on Patrick, and I 400 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,359 Speaker 2: know a lot of other people who have come through. 401 00:19:46,960 --> 00:19:49,399 Speaker 2: You sometimes get rose colored glasses seeing your own guys 402 00:19:49,440 --> 00:19:52,199 Speaker 2: every single day. But I guess the main message not 403 00:19:52,280 --> 00:19:55,000 Speaker 2: to intimate that there are any trade talks or anything. 404 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:57,800 Speaker 2: I don't know about that, but just I think the 405 00:19:57,840 --> 00:20:01,040 Speaker 2: main takeaway should be other organizations very high on Patrick 406 00:20:01,080 --> 00:20:03,439 Speaker 2: Montaverty as well, which I think validates the way we 407 00:20:03,520 --> 00:20:04,080 Speaker 2: feel about it. 408 00:20:04,240 --> 00:20:06,320 Speaker 1: Yeah, and it validates a little bit I guess what 409 00:20:06,720 --> 00:20:08,680 Speaker 1: we do at fish On first, Both Kevin and I 410 00:20:08,720 --> 00:20:11,879 Speaker 1: have pinpointed him as a potential trade candidate in the 411 00:20:11,920 --> 00:20:15,080 Speaker 1: near term future for like all those reasons where he 412 00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:18,520 Speaker 1: is developing probably better than they could have expected, and 413 00:20:18,560 --> 00:20:22,720 Speaker 1: that the Marlins and probably are having a great year 414 00:20:22,720 --> 00:20:24,480 Speaker 1: at the major league level where they need to think 415 00:20:24,520 --> 00:20:26,720 Speaker 1: creatively about how they want to fail out their roster 416 00:20:26,880 --> 00:20:30,639 Speaker 1: down the stretch. And yeah, so I kind of just 417 00:20:30,680 --> 00:20:34,119 Speaker 1: echo those sentiments as well, where ideally you want to 418 00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 1: keep him around. But this is a great problem to have. 419 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:39,520 Speaker 2: And again I don't want to intimate anything that there 420 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:43,840 Speaker 2: are trade talks going because I'm just the double a broadcaster, 421 00:20:44,400 --> 00:20:46,840 Speaker 2: But you know, I do get a lot of my 422 00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:51,560 Speaker 2: information from other scouts just to see what other organizations 423 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:55,119 Speaker 2: think about our players, and Patrick Montaverti is very highly 424 00:20:55,119 --> 00:20:58,480 Speaker 2: thought of inside and outside the Marlins organization. 425 00:20:58,440 --> 00:21:00,119 Speaker 4: And they should come to no surprise. I mean, this 426 00:21:00,160 --> 00:21:03,080 Speaker 4: team has been able to develop pitching for years now, 427 00:21:03,160 --> 00:21:06,200 Speaker 4: since I guess the new regime came in. You've seen 428 00:21:06,440 --> 00:21:08,439 Speaker 4: a lot of guys come up. Trevor May and had 429 00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:11,280 Speaker 4: success in twenty twenty one, and you just keep going 430 00:21:11,320 --> 00:21:13,879 Speaker 4: down the line on top prospects. Uri either now with 431 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:16,359 Speaker 4: you guys again in Double A, So I wanted to 432 00:21:16,359 --> 00:21:18,960 Speaker 4: ask you though you look two spots down from Monteverdi 433 00:21:19,160 --> 00:21:22,160 Speaker 4: Evan Fitter, who was promoted I believe just a month 434 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:24,399 Speaker 4: ago too Double A hed he got off three an 435 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:27,680 Speaker 4: amazing start in Hya Beloit. Just what have you seen 436 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:30,879 Speaker 4: from Fitter that makes you believe this guy is, you know, 437 00:21:31,640 --> 00:21:32,280 Speaker 4: the real deal. 438 00:21:32,800 --> 00:21:35,520 Speaker 2: He started his Double A career with the thirteen consecutive 439 00:21:35,520 --> 00:21:40,040 Speaker 2: scoreless innings, and no one's really hit him hard's that's 440 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:42,760 Speaker 2: been the most impressive thing. He's been his own worst enemy, 441 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:46,040 Speaker 2: just walking too many guys at times. But last night 442 00:21:46,280 --> 00:21:48,359 Speaker 2: he gave his team a chance to win eight strikeouts 443 00:21:48,400 --> 00:21:51,320 Speaker 2: over five good innings. He's another guy who you know 444 00:21:51,520 --> 00:21:53,879 Speaker 2: They're very careful with his arm. Health has been a 445 00:21:53,880 --> 00:21:58,120 Speaker 2: concerned durability, so they're not stretching him out too much. 446 00:21:58,200 --> 00:22:00,360 Speaker 2: I think he reached one hundred pitches one a couple 447 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:05,880 Speaker 2: starts ago. But you know, I think the wildness can 448 00:22:05,960 --> 00:22:09,879 Speaker 2: sometimes play up for him where people don't know hitters 449 00:22:09,880 --> 00:22:12,000 Speaker 2: don't know where that ball is going to go. But 450 00:22:12,480 --> 00:22:15,119 Speaker 2: if he can dial in the command just to touch, 451 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:19,600 Speaker 2: he's got plenty of movement on his pigeons, and someone 452 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:22,639 Speaker 2: with his stuff who can throw strikes just at a 453 00:22:22,640 --> 00:22:25,119 Speaker 2: little higher clip than he currently is, that's a pretty 454 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:28,240 Speaker 2: dangerous pitcher. He's a really fun pitcher to watch, and 455 00:22:29,800 --> 00:22:32,760 Speaker 2: every time except one his memory serves, the Blue Wahoo's 456 00:22:32,800 --> 00:22:34,800 Speaker 2: have felt pretty good about him on the mound, giving 457 00:22:34,880 --> 00:22:36,040 Speaker 2: him a chance to win. 458 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:40,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, the final blew up whose player I wanted to 459 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:42,520 Speaker 1: get your insight on, Eric is one that you haven't 460 00:22:42,800 --> 00:22:45,760 Speaker 1: yet seen play at this very moment, but you're about to. 461 00:22:46,320 --> 00:22:50,840 Speaker 1: Jake Eaeder, as Kevin referenced, he was extraordinary in twenty 462 00:22:50,840 --> 00:22:52,879 Speaker 1: twenty one, his very first pro year, they sent him 463 00:22:52,880 --> 00:22:55,439 Speaker 1: straight to double A and he showed exactly why he 464 00:22:55,520 --> 00:22:58,920 Speaker 1: made the futures game and then shortly after that hurt, 465 00:22:58,920 --> 00:23:01,720 Speaker 1: his elbow was out all last year, then this year 466 00:23:01,760 --> 00:23:04,399 Speaker 1: slid by an additional injury coming out of spring training. 467 00:23:04,440 --> 00:23:07,720 Speaker 1: So he's just been returned from his from the injury 468 00:23:07,760 --> 00:23:12,639 Speaker 1: list and now rejoining Blue Wahu's. I am you. It 469 00:23:12,680 --> 00:23:14,960 Speaker 1: was so long ago that you weren't actually with the 470 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,119 Speaker 1: team the last time that he pitched at that level, 471 00:23:17,359 --> 00:23:19,800 Speaker 1: but he's finally made it back. He was widely regarded 472 00:23:19,840 --> 00:23:22,439 Speaker 1: as one of the very best prospects in this organization 473 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:26,320 Speaker 1: before the injury from anybody with the team that did 474 00:23:26,359 --> 00:23:29,119 Speaker 1: see him pitch before. But what sort of things have 475 00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:32,280 Speaker 1: they told you about him? What are your expectations for 476 00:23:32,480 --> 00:23:35,400 Speaker 1: Eater finally coming back from this very long injury absence. 477 00:23:36,080 --> 00:23:37,960 Speaker 2: Yeah, you're right. In twenty one, I wasn't with the 478 00:23:37,960 --> 00:23:41,560 Speaker 2: Blue Wong Who's but the people here who were, you know, 479 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:44,280 Speaker 2: did they talk more about Eater than they did Max Meyer, 480 00:23:44,359 --> 00:23:46,679 Speaker 2: who I think generated more of the headlines at the 481 00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:49,920 Speaker 2: time as someone who was quickly rising through the ranks. Eater, 482 00:23:50,040 --> 00:23:52,399 Speaker 2: coming from the left side, had the polish that you 483 00:23:52,480 --> 00:23:56,399 Speaker 2: don't typically see from double A pitching, and that's the 484 00:23:56,440 --> 00:23:58,640 Speaker 2: one thing that I think might take a little bit 485 00:23:58,760 --> 00:24:01,000 Speaker 2: of work to get back on the side of surgery, 486 00:24:01,119 --> 00:24:04,400 Speaker 2: just to polish the finesse the precision of the pitches. 487 00:24:04,760 --> 00:24:07,359 Speaker 2: So that'll be I think the main concern, just to 488 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:10,120 Speaker 2: shaking off the rust concerns not the right word. They're 489 00:24:10,160 --> 00:24:12,960 Speaker 2: still very high on Jake Eater, and I think they're 490 00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:15,520 Speaker 2: willing to be patient because again, they're in such an 491 00:24:15,720 --> 00:24:19,200 Speaker 2: enviable spot at the major league level, they don't need 492 00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:22,320 Speaker 2: to hurry Jake Eater. If he needs to take his 493 00:24:22,400 --> 00:24:25,359 Speaker 2: lumps here and get back fully to where he was 494 00:24:25,400 --> 00:24:27,680 Speaker 2: in twenty twenty one, that takes a couple of weeks, 495 00:24:27,720 --> 00:24:32,200 Speaker 2: a couple months, that's fine because the Marlins feel pretty 496 00:24:32,200 --> 00:24:34,399 Speaker 2: good about where they're at the major league level, and 497 00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:36,920 Speaker 2: if Jake Eater can impact the major league club later 498 00:24:36,960 --> 00:24:40,159 Speaker 2: this year, especially if the Marlins is still contending, I 499 00:24:40,200 --> 00:24:42,920 Speaker 2: have full confidence that they'll make that decision. But for now, 500 00:24:43,119 --> 00:24:46,480 Speaker 2: they can be patient and I'm just looking forward to 501 00:24:46,520 --> 00:24:48,480 Speaker 2: seeing him pitch in a Blue while Who's uniform for 502 00:24:48,560 --> 00:24:49,800 Speaker 2: the first time in almost two years. 503 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:52,639 Speaker 4: Yeah, and the last guy I want to ask you 504 00:24:52,680 --> 00:24:55,720 Speaker 4: about eric is Will Banfield. I mean, came up to 505 00:24:55,760 --> 00:24:58,439 Speaker 4: the Wall Who's in twenty and last season got through 506 00:24:58,440 --> 00:25:01,600 Speaker 4: a good start with Pensacol kind of was a little 507 00:25:01,640 --> 00:25:03,359 Speaker 4: slow to get it go in this season, but you 508 00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:05,879 Speaker 4: look at the past couple of weeks and you know, 509 00:25:06,040 --> 00:25:08,879 Speaker 4: last few months, he's finally kind of found a good rhythm. 510 00:25:09,440 --> 00:25:10,960 Speaker 4: And I think the big issue with him since the 511 00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:13,840 Speaker 4: start has been finding a consistent offensive game, and he's 512 00:25:13,880 --> 00:25:16,280 Speaker 4: finally been able to do that. So what have you 513 00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:18,840 Speaker 4: seen with Banfield? Someone who not only has the power, 514 00:25:18,880 --> 00:25:20,520 Speaker 4: but when you need him, I mean, he could give 515 00:25:20,560 --> 00:25:21,480 Speaker 4: you some nice beats the ball. 516 00:25:22,200 --> 00:25:24,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, the blue while who started the year with two 517 00:25:24,880 --> 00:25:28,600 Speaker 2: starting caliber catchers, Paul McIntosh and Will Banfield, And it 518 00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:30,880 Speaker 2: simplifies the case for both of them to say that 519 00:25:31,280 --> 00:25:34,560 Speaker 2: McIntosh was the bat and Banfield was a glove. But 520 00:25:34,680 --> 00:25:38,119 Speaker 2: I think those are their carrying tools, at least in 521 00:25:36,880 --> 00:25:45,080 Speaker 2: the thumbnail sketch scouting report. McIntosh got hurt and it's 522 00:25:45,200 --> 00:25:47,680 Speaker 2: incredible the way it worked out. On the very day 523 00:25:47,800 --> 00:25:51,119 Speaker 2: that McIntosh went on the injured list, that's when Banfield 524 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:54,080 Speaker 2: really started to click at the plate. And you mentioned 525 00:25:54,119 --> 00:25:57,400 Speaker 2: the word consistency. I don't know if there was any 526 00:25:57,440 --> 00:26:00,560 Speaker 2: way around it, but playing on a regular basis for 527 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:03,840 Speaker 2: Banfield has really helped him. I think refine his swing, 528 00:26:04,320 --> 00:26:07,560 Speaker 2: find consistency in that swing. Last night, he didn't catch, 529 00:26:07,560 --> 00:26:09,040 Speaker 2: but he was the d h and he was the 530 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:11,960 Speaker 2: one who finally tied the game with a solo homer 531 00:26:11,960 --> 00:26:16,520 Speaker 2: in the eighth inning. He's got great defensive reputation. He's 532 00:26:16,600 --> 00:26:20,639 Speaker 2: improving as a pitch caller. You know, the opponents have 533 00:26:20,720 --> 00:26:23,399 Speaker 2: had success stealing against him this year, but in the 534 00:26:23,400 --> 00:26:27,800 Speaker 2: Southern League, I think most opponents are having success stealing 535 00:26:27,840 --> 00:26:30,480 Speaker 2: against everyone. It's just kind of the nature of the beast. 536 00:26:30,520 --> 00:26:33,480 Speaker 2: And I think that's more a fault of the Pensacola 537 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:37,920 Speaker 2: pitching staff right now than any deficiencies on Banfield's part. 538 00:26:37,920 --> 00:26:40,440 Speaker 2: Controlling the running game, that's just something that you work 539 00:26:40,480 --> 00:26:43,320 Speaker 2: on at Double A to try and get your pitchers 540 00:26:43,320 --> 00:26:47,639 Speaker 2: to tighten up holding on runners. But Banfield, if he 541 00:26:47,720 --> 00:26:51,119 Speaker 2: continues to play every day, the defense is there, and 542 00:26:51,200 --> 00:26:54,200 Speaker 2: the offense, if it is at all what we've seen 543 00:26:54,240 --> 00:26:56,800 Speaker 2: these last couple of weeks, there's something there for sure. 544 00:26:57,560 --> 00:27:01,840 Speaker 1: Yeah, even though he's not a current Blue While whose player, 545 00:27:01,880 --> 00:27:04,480 Speaker 1: I'd be remiss to not bring up Louisa Rise to 546 00:27:04,520 --> 00:27:07,440 Speaker 1: you and get your thoughts on him. Played his entire 547 00:27:07,480 --> 00:27:09,600 Speaker 1: major league career, his whole pro career with the Twins 548 00:27:09,720 --> 00:27:12,520 Speaker 1: organization prior to this offseason trade, and he has been 549 00:27:12,600 --> 00:27:15,040 Speaker 1: everything the Marlins could have dreamed of and more well 550 00:27:15,080 --> 00:27:17,400 Speaker 1: on his way to winning another batting title, but doing 551 00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:21,160 Speaker 1: so with content he's not really he doesn't have any 552 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:24,480 Speaker 1: competition in twenty twenty three. He's just fighting ghosts at 553 00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:26,720 Speaker 1: this point, trying to hit for four hundred in a 554 00:27:26,720 --> 00:27:28,960 Speaker 1: way that we haven't seen in recent years. As I said, 555 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:32,800 Speaker 1: coming from the Twins, whose games are broadcasted by your dad, 556 00:27:33,000 --> 00:27:37,720 Speaker 1: Dick Bramer, I'm sure that the name Louisa Rise came up. 557 00:27:37,800 --> 00:27:40,520 Speaker 1: You probably more tuned to his performance than a lot 558 00:27:40,520 --> 00:27:42,680 Speaker 1: of other people just because of that connection. In fact, 559 00:27:42,720 --> 00:27:45,199 Speaker 1: when I go listen to Twins broadcast even this season, 560 00:27:45,880 --> 00:27:48,840 Speaker 1: your dad sometimes brings him up, kind of unsolicited, just 561 00:27:48,880 --> 00:27:51,840 Speaker 1: how impressed that he is with how Arise continues to do. 562 00:27:53,280 --> 00:27:55,880 Speaker 1: The fact that there is a player that is at 563 00:27:55,880 --> 00:27:59,159 Speaker 1: this moment hitting three ninety eight almost halfway through a 564 00:27:59,320 --> 00:28:04,520 Speaker 1: major league's in how how do you just brought her 565 00:28:04,520 --> 00:28:06,280 Speaker 1: mind around what he is doing to this point in 566 00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:06,600 Speaker 1: the year. 567 00:28:07,119 --> 00:28:11,000 Speaker 2: It's incredible, you know, And as you said, someone who's 568 00:28:11,040 --> 00:28:14,720 Speaker 2: followed the Twins organization to some degree these last couple 569 00:28:14,720 --> 00:28:17,520 Speaker 2: of years. I don't think I'm shocked. I am surprised 570 00:28:17,520 --> 00:28:20,320 Speaker 2: that anyone could be hitting close to four hundred this 571 00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:22,280 Speaker 2: late in the season, but I'm not shocked because if 572 00:28:22,280 --> 00:28:25,280 Speaker 2: there's anyone who has the talent and the skill set 573 00:28:25,320 --> 00:28:28,960 Speaker 2: to do it, it's Louise a Rise. Now, Twins fans 574 00:28:29,000 --> 00:28:31,240 Speaker 2: are still hopeful that this could still be a win 575 00:28:31,359 --> 00:28:36,080 Speaker 2: win trade for both organizations. Pablo Lopez had a great start, 576 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:38,240 Speaker 2: then I was dealing with a blister problem that I 577 00:28:38,280 --> 00:28:43,000 Speaker 2: think impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of the new sweeper 578 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:45,880 Speaker 2: that he's added. But Lopez is going to be with 579 00:28:45,920 --> 00:28:48,680 Speaker 2: the Twins for the long haul. I'm not sure if 580 00:28:48,880 --> 00:28:51,400 Speaker 2: the Twins had any designs on extending a Rise or 581 00:28:51,400 --> 00:28:53,240 Speaker 2: if the Marlins are going to be able to extend 582 00:28:53,280 --> 00:28:55,120 Speaker 2: a Rise. So this is going to be one of 583 00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:58,200 Speaker 2: those trades with a long tail. Lopez will be pitching 584 00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:01,240 Speaker 2: or the Twins for many years to come, and however 585 00:29:01,320 --> 00:29:04,200 Speaker 2: long Luisa Rise is in a Marlins uniform, they're going 586 00:29:04,240 --> 00:29:07,480 Speaker 2: to enjoy him. One of the reasons the Twins felt 587 00:29:07,480 --> 00:29:11,840 Speaker 2: comfortable trading him is because they've got a long term 588 00:29:11,880 --> 00:29:14,160 Speaker 2: answer they think at first base. In another form of 589 00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:17,000 Speaker 2: blue One who Alex Kirolof, and they did not feel 590 00:29:17,040 --> 00:29:21,240 Speaker 2: that Arise physically could withstand the rigors of playing second 591 00:29:21,320 --> 00:29:25,520 Speaker 2: base for an entire season. He's had knee issues throughout 592 00:29:25,520 --> 00:29:29,840 Speaker 2: his career, and as someone who follows the Marlins and 593 00:29:30,120 --> 00:29:32,080 Speaker 2: wants the best for Luisa Rise, I hope he can 594 00:29:32,120 --> 00:29:34,320 Speaker 2: hold up at second base. But that'll be something to 595 00:29:34,400 --> 00:29:36,520 Speaker 2: keep an eye on. You know, it's tough for anyone, 596 00:29:37,480 --> 00:29:42,520 Speaker 2: even without prior injury concerns, to withstand a full season 597 00:29:42,560 --> 00:29:45,640 Speaker 2: of production at the level that Louise has one hundred 598 00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:48,479 Speaker 2: and sixty two games as a grind and there's nowhere 599 00:29:48,520 --> 00:29:51,200 Speaker 2: to go but down off the plateau for a Rise. 600 00:29:51,320 --> 00:29:52,880 Speaker 2: So that'll be something to keep an eye on in 601 00:29:52,920 --> 00:29:55,920 Speaker 2: the second half, how he physically holds up continuing to 602 00:29:55,920 --> 00:29:58,840 Speaker 2: play second base, assuming he does continue to play second base. 603 00:29:59,320 --> 00:30:02,080 Speaker 2: And you know, you look at his last couple of 604 00:30:02,120 --> 00:30:04,320 Speaker 2: years with the Twins and he's he didn't quite get 605 00:30:04,360 --> 00:30:06,560 Speaker 2: to four hundred, but he had some really, really hot 606 00:30:06,800 --> 00:30:09,360 Speaker 2: first halves last year. He was an All Star, and 607 00:30:09,400 --> 00:30:12,160 Speaker 2: then you look the second half numbers and he fell 608 00:30:12,160 --> 00:30:14,520 Speaker 2: off a little bit. So hope that doesn't happen. Hope 609 00:30:14,560 --> 00:30:16,560 Speaker 2: Louis can keep it going because there are gonna be 610 00:30:16,560 --> 00:30:20,040 Speaker 2: a lot of people in Pensacola and Minneapolis, Saint Paul 611 00:30:20,480 --> 00:30:23,120 Speaker 2: and Miami cheering him on. Just a great guy and 612 00:30:23,160 --> 00:30:25,240 Speaker 2: great to see him have success in a new uniform. 613 00:30:25,560 --> 00:30:26,880 Speaker 4: He's a former Blue Wahoo too. 614 00:30:26,960 --> 00:30:30,920 Speaker 2: Yeah yeah, no, he came up. He was only in 615 00:30:30,960 --> 00:30:34,360 Speaker 2: Pensacola for a couple of months, but he did participate 616 00:30:34,600 --> 00:30:38,080 Speaker 2: in the Twins winter caravan. We now have fish best 617 00:30:38,280 --> 00:30:43,200 Speaker 2: the off season fan experience the Twins. Volunteered to Rise 618 00:30:43,440 --> 00:30:46,400 Speaker 2: to be one of those guys, and he definitely endeared 619 00:30:46,480 --> 00:30:49,200 Speaker 2: himself to Blue Wahu's fans in the short time that 620 00:30:49,720 --> 00:30:50,680 Speaker 2: he was in Pensacola. 621 00:30:51,320 --> 00:30:58,400 Speaker 1: Yeah yeah, As Eric brings up, the only word of 622 00:30:58,600 --> 00:31:01,600 Speaker 1: reasonably cautious about this trade at the moment is the uncertainty. 623 00:31:01,680 --> 00:31:05,000 Speaker 1: But rises long term status. Marlins could fix that by 624 00:31:05,040 --> 00:31:08,440 Speaker 1: extending a Rise. There's a possibility they're allowed to do that. 625 00:31:08,640 --> 00:31:12,760 Speaker 1: Just like that is a very popular sentiment among fans, 626 00:31:12,800 --> 00:31:15,200 Speaker 1: So it's not just you, Eric that brings it up. 627 00:31:15,600 --> 00:31:17,440 Speaker 2: I'm not going to spend someone else's money, but I 628 00:31:17,440 --> 00:31:20,120 Speaker 2: would love to see Louisa Rise become one of the 629 00:31:20,120 --> 00:31:22,400 Speaker 2: cornerstones of the next great Marlins team. 630 00:31:23,240 --> 00:31:26,000 Speaker 1: This has been an amazing episode with Eric Bramer, the 631 00:31:26,000 --> 00:31:28,200 Speaker 1: pensacle of Blue Wahoo, as you can catch him calling 632 00:31:28,280 --> 00:31:32,240 Speaker 1: games for them in ILBTV listen on the radio call 633 00:31:32,240 --> 00:31:35,520 Speaker 1: in the first Pitch app He's he's terrific the way 634 00:31:35,520 --> 00:31:37,760 Speaker 1: that he calls these games, and thankfully he's had a 635 00:31:37,800 --> 00:31:40,320 Speaker 1: good product to cover over this year and a half. 636 00:31:40,680 --> 00:31:42,240 Speaker 1: So yeah, thank you so much. 637 00:31:42,400 --> 00:31:42,600 Speaker 2: Eric. 638 00:31:42,880 --> 00:31:45,680 Speaker 1: Well, I guess we'll take this opportunity to remind people 639 00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:49,360 Speaker 1: that we're recording this the night after our official announcement 640 00:31:49,480 --> 00:31:52,600 Speaker 1: that US and Fish on the Farm, led by Alex Carver, 641 00:31:52,680 --> 00:31:55,960 Speaker 1: we're in a formal partnership now, we've been in essentially 642 00:31:55,960 --> 00:31:59,160 Speaker 1: a partnership for years now, but now making an official 643 00:31:59,200 --> 00:32:02,160 Speaker 1: kind of absorbing it all under the same roof. And 644 00:32:02,680 --> 00:32:05,360 Speaker 1: so you've talked with Alex before, I'm sure you're gonna 645 00:32:05,360 --> 00:32:07,840 Speaker 1: talk with him in the future. That's where you're gonna 646 00:32:07,840 --> 00:32:10,240 Speaker 1: get a whole lot more of our minor league coverage 647 00:32:10,280 --> 00:32:13,440 Speaker 1: directly from Fish on the Farm now part of Fish 648 00:32:13,440 --> 00:32:16,880 Speaker 1: on First for anybody that missed that announcement. Moving forward, Yeah, 649 00:32:16,880 --> 00:32:18,959 Speaker 1: there's so many great stories and great players in this 650 00:32:19,040 --> 00:32:21,719 Speaker 1: organization and We're going to keep covering them as closely 651 00:32:21,760 --> 00:32:22,320 Speaker 1: as possible. 652 00:32:22,920 --> 00:32:25,880 Speaker 2: I was excited to see the initial announcement and excited 653 00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:30,280 Speaker 2: to see that subsequent announcement. If the content and the 654 00:32:30,320 --> 00:32:33,960 Speaker 2: coverage is there, people will follow, and I have full 655 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:35,760 Speaker 2: confidence that this is going to be a great move 656 00:32:35,840 --> 00:32:37,960 Speaker 2: for both of your organizations. 657 00:32:38,760 --> 00:32:42,600 Speaker 1: Awesome, appreciate it a lot. Eric with Kevin Barrall with 658 00:32:42,640 --> 00:32:44,840 Speaker 1: Eli Susman here on the Fish on the first podcast. 659 00:32:45,080 --> 00:32:47,560 Speaker 1: You're listening to it and not watching listening to it, 660 00:32:47,680 --> 00:32:50,120 Speaker 1: just be sure subscribe to the channel, leave a rating 661 00:32:50,160 --> 00:32:53,960 Speaker 1: and review. All that greatly appreciated as we go right 662 00:32:54,000 --> 00:32:57,760 Speaker 1: in the middle of an amazing, entertaining Marvelin season that 663 00:32:57,840 --> 00:33:00,760 Speaker 1: now has high expectations for this team up to the 664 00:33:00,760 --> 00:33:03,000 Speaker 1: rest of the way, and we haven't covered right here. 665 00:33:03,160 --> 00:33:05,240 Speaker 1: So thanks again for all your support at this point 666 00:33:05,720 --> 00:33:07,960 Speaker 1: I have been Eli Suspan here on Fish on First, 667 00:33:08,280 --> 00:33:19,040 Speaker 1: Go Fish