Miami Marlins end first half flat getting swept by Aaron Nola, Phillies

Miami, Florida – The Miami Marlins continue to be anemic at the plate losing 4-0 to Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies completing the series sweep.  The hitting was a mess as the Fish were shut out twice this weekend getting outscored 16-1. Putting this into a sharper perspective, the Marlins have gone 25 consecutive innings without scoring a run falling to 43-48 to end the first half of the season.

Trevor Rogers lasted six frames giving up four runs on seven hits including Yairo Muñoz’s third home run of the season back in the fourth to double up Miami. The Phils did all their damage during the inning, more than enough to put away their NL East division rivals. Alec Bohm and Matt Vierling hit back-to-back doubles giving Philadelphia the initial 2-0 lead. Aaron Nola nearly pitched a complete game frying the Marlins’ hitting and punching out 10.

Now that's a Muñ-shot#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/NTDE8JB2Fl

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 17, 2022

Missed Opportunities

This has been a painful theme all season. Between the one-run losses and the blown saves, the Fish are limping into the all-star break winning just four of their last 11 games. Miami missed out on the Mets and Pirates series settling for a split. A consolation prize worth taking had they done well hosting the Phillies. The offense failed to support Sandy Alcantara Friday night and the team was utterly embarrassed Saturday losing 10-0. The only bright spot was the MLB debut of Max Meyer. With such a favorable schedule the Marlins needed to take advantage and they haven’t. While it’s true the team has been without its most electric player Jazz Chisholm Jr., someone had to step up.

Jeff McNeil will start at second base for the National League in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, MLB announced.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., who won the fan vote, won’t play.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 16, 2022

There’s still time to turn it out around but it will require seeing a level of consistent baseball rarely seen from the Fish. If they fail at either Pittsburgh or Cincinnati, they’ll be sellers at the trade deadline.

With that out of the way, I’m going to end this piece on another note.

The Soto Sweepstakes

Since the Juan Soto news is currently the biggest topic in baseball, I definitely know what I’d give up for him. Pushing aside the fact that we can’t afford him and the Nationals would never send such high-caliber talent to a division rival, I’d send four players in the impossible scenario including three valuable prospects. Washington’s asking price is astronomical so let’s get the painful part over with.

Breaking: The Nationals are open to hearing trade offers for Juan Soto after the star turned down a 15-year, $440 million offer that would have been the largest contract in baseball history, according to a report in The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/AaIXBZ1rjG

— ESPN (@espn) July 16, 2022

Choosing between Chisholm and Alcantara, I’d ship out the latter. Can you imagine the tandem between the Bahamian Prince and Soto? The amount of offense generated? We’d be all right on pitching. The prospects included in the package would be Kahlil Watson, JJ Bleday, and yes Max Meyer. Just writing this hurt. Good thing it’s all theoretical, right?

Photo | JC Ruiz