Marlins links, 10/16/18: New logo, new first baseman, offseason player updates

New ownership, new logo!

We knew this was coming eventually. Andy Slater of 640 The Hurricane reports that the Marlins will introduce a different logo in November.

The details he’s been able to confirm so far:

• A new font for the “M”
• More blue in the color scheme
• An “adjusted” look to the marlin

Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images

Under Derek Jeter’s watch, there have been changes to virtually every facet of the organization, erasing any connection to the Loria era. He’s taking the logical next step.

The Marlins have used their current logo since the most recent rebrand seven years ago, which coincided with moving into the new ballpark.

Your Opening Day first baseman?

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com explains why Peter O’Brien received a September call-up, using quotes from president of baseball operations Michael Hill and stats from O’Brien’s time with Marlins minor league affiliates.

The Hialeah native made the most of his opportunity. O’Brien batted .273/.338/.530 (135 wRC+) in 22 games and served as Miami’s primary first baseman. He demonstrated an elite ability to barrel the baseball while keeping his strikeout percentage within reason.

While Hill acknowledges that there would be other candidates for playing time at that position entering spring training, gotta think O’Brien has the inside track.

He comes cheaply...and so does everybody else

With arbitration projections recently released, David takes an early look at Miami’s 2019 payroll. Assuming minimal free-agent activity and disposing of several veterans via trade or non-tender, the Fish will challenge for the title of cheapest team.

It’s a calculated decision to stand pat. Once the young core begins to produce at the major league level, then devote resources to address any problem areas.

Marlins shining in fall/winter ball

Photo by @jyamaz21/Twitter

I figured there would be an audience for weekly updates on the Fish participating in offseason leagues. Here’s the first edition.

But I’ve been wrong before! So please check it out and provide some feedback.

Trust the Process?

A brief but interesting interview with top prospect Monte Harrison at the Arizona Fall League. His stock took a significant hit in 2018 due to severe swing-and-miss issues, though the small sample of his AFL work has been very encouraging (as detailed in the fall/winter update).

On Monday afternoon, Harrison added an extra-base hit to his already-impressive stat line.

How not to use the No. 2 overall pick

A few months shy of his 23rd birthday, right-hander Tyler Kolek looks like a total non-prospect, according to Adam McInturff of 2080 Baseball. The 100-plus mph velocity that made the Marlins fall in love with him as a prep star in 2014 is gone. Kolek continues to struggle with control and command, and his results this past season were discouraging, too (15.2 IP, 6.32 ERA, 1.66 WHIP in 10 games).

Fish Stripes will have an in-depth feature on Kolek later this month that cites more of McInturff’s insight.