I wasn’t able to pick it all up, but Mike Jacobs announced the lineup for FSN today used the following nicknames:

• Hanley “H2R” Ramirez
• Josh “The Hammer” Willingham
• Jorge “Cannot” Cantu
• Mike “Robo” Rabelo
• Alfredo “The Fly Mexican” Amezaga
• Mark “I can dunk on you” Hendrickson

Another win for the first place Marlins, this time riding a strong performance by Mark Hendrickson and surviving another outfield blunder. Great play by Josh Willingham to save a game tying homerun.

In unrelated news, Mike Rabelo was activated off the DL and Paul Hoover was sent down to AAA.

Nice article in the Rock Mount Telegram about the Carolina Mudcats and the impressive line up we have in AA. They played their opener against the Montgomery Biscuits (I kid you not).

Eight of the top 11 prospects in the Florida Marlins organization are with the Double-A team, and it was easy to see why this group is thought of so highly.

Starting pitcher Chris Volstad was efficient, giving up one run in six innings.

Cameron Maybin, the crown jewel of the system, might have struck out twice, but he had a pair of singles and a stolen base.

Shortstop Manuel Mayorson hit a double and scored, stole a base and took several hits away from the Biscuits.

Chris Coghlan, the best hitter for average the Marlins have in the minor leagues, was 3-for-4 and as impressive at second base as Mayorson was at short.

The Mudcats won 7-1.

If you aren’t impressed by the work of Larry Beinfest and Michael Hill, you should reconsider. Apparently the “cash” exchanged with the Phillies is $2.15 Million which happens to be Wes Helms‘ 2008 salary. Now the fish will probably buy out his last year at $750,000 but that’s not a bad price for a quality veteran.

Update: Turns out the Marlins gave Philadelphia $1 as consideration for the deal.

The Marlins activated Jeremy Hermida off the 15-day DL and optioned Brett Carroll to AAA.

Clearly overmatched in his first two starts, Rick VandenHurk will have to work through his problems in AA. After today’s loss, the Fish sent VandenHurk down to Carolina. He’s has talent but he wasn’t ready last year either and clearly needs more seasoning. The Marlins did not announce who will take his roster spot.

Update: Looks like Burke Badenhop is the lucky winner of a major league roster spot.

The first place Florida Marlins have brought back Wes Helms via a trade with Philadelphia. Helms was designated for assignment by the Phillies and the Marlins traded for him plus cash in exchange for an infamous player to be named later. Helms is making $2.15 million this season and has a $750,000 buyout for 2009.

Here is what the experts are saying:

“Wes was unbelievable in the role for us in 2006, filling in at third, and filling in at first, and being a primary bat off the bench,” Marlins president of baseball operation Larry Beinfest said. “He was a guy that we never wanted to lose in the first place. We’re happy to have him back.”

To make room for Helms, the Marlins designated Jason Wood for assignment. No word if the last place winless Detroit Tigers will try to pick up Wood (just a joke).

The injury to Alejandro De Aza has really scrambled the roster just hours before opening day. With De Aza on the DL, the Marlins decided, surprisingly, to bring up Robert Andino and send down Alexis Gomez. Brett Carroll is already here and with Robert Andino around, expect Alfredo Amezaga to see time in CF.

Update:De Aza out 4-6 weeks.

The Marlin placed Mike Rabelo on the disabled list and are likely to keep Paul Hoover around until he returns.

Not yet confirmed but it is likely that Jeremy Hermida will also start the season on DL meaning either Alexis Gomez or Brett Carroll will join the opening day roster.

The 2008 Florida Marlins roster is now set. Our starting rotation is Mark Hendrickson, Rick VandenHurk, Andrew Miller, and Scott Olsen with Ricky Nolasco likely taking in the fifth slot when it comes up.

Update: Sorry, it’s not completely final. We need confirmation that Jason Wood is also on the team.

Update 2: If Jeremy Hermida ends up on the DL, Alexis Gomez will take his spot on the roster.

Our full roster is as follows: