Mike, Cory and Vinny have posted messages on the leading off blog http://leadingoff.mlblogs.com/
and are encouraging others to do the same.
From today’s Philly Daily News:
“Donations in Marzano’s memory can be made to the Jayden Brady and Ariana Marzano College Fund, c/o PNC Bank, 1544 Packer Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19145.”
I’m at a loss for what to say other than our prayers go out to the family and he will be missed.
Former Major Leaguer John Marzano dies at 45 in Philadelphia
NEW YORK — Former Major League catcher John Marzano, 45, a first-round draft pick in 1984, died this weekend at his home in Philadelphia, where he suffered a fall down a flight of stairs reportedly after a possible heart attack.
Marzano, who played for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners, was in his second season as an on-air personality at MLB.com.
“John was a beloved member of our team, a personable, terrific friend to all with whom he worked,” said Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advanced Media. “He was an engaging, informed interviewer. His energy, knowledge of the game and comedic touch produced admirable results. We miss him dearly already.”
MLB.com will immediately establish an internship program in memory of Marzano, who in addition to being drafted 14th overall in 1984 earned a spot on Team USA for the Olympics.
“Words cannot describe how sorry we are to have lost John’s inspiring presence, but rest assured, his spirit and legacy will always influence us,” said Dinn Mann, MLB.com’s EVP of Content. “Our prayers go out to his family, his friends and his fans. John simply gave his all every time he went about doing his job and living his life, always grateful, always striving.”
A native of South Philadelphia and born on Valentine’s Day in 1963, Marzano, a member of the Temple University Hall of Fame, showed tremendous work ethic and determination as a ballplayer and broadcaster.
Marzano played 10 seasons as a catcher in the Majors. The Red Sox weren’t the first team to draft him. The Twins picked him in the third round in 1981 out of high school, but Marzano elected to go to college. Marzano reached the big leagues within three years after starring at Temple, playing for Boston from 1987-1992. He was in the Cleveland and Philadelphia farm systems for two years, then, in 1995, appeared in two games for the Texas Rangers. In 1996, he earned a spot on Lou Piniella’s Seattle roster and spent three years with the Mariners.
After retiring as a player, Marzano worked for WIP radio in Philadelphia and at Comcast SportsNet as a post-game analyst for Phillies games before catching on full time with MLB.com in 2007.
Marzano was co-host with Vinny Micucci of “Leading Off” on MLB.com”s Baseball Channel every weekday at 9 a.m. Marzano impressed those around him until the day he died, regularly delivering instructive insight and humor in his role.
“(Ken Griffey Jr.) lifts and separates better than any hitter I have ever seen,” Marzano said during a recent show, breaking down a highlight. “Having an opportunity to watch this man play for three years, I was so fortunate — even though I was sitting on the bench watching him. To watch him and the plays he made in center field, crashing into walls, sometimes getting hurt, not worrying about himself but worrying about his team, it was amazing for me to watch that.”
Marzano is survived by his wife Terri, daughters Dominique and Danielle, and two grandchildren.
On Sunday we will host our 3rd Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft with the guys from the Fantasy 411 on MLB.com. The Draft will take place at Mock Draft Central on Sunday at 10pm EST.
We will again be doing a live Fantasy Baseball Wire Tap show where you can participate in the live chat room, call in and follow the draft.
To hear the show you can go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Wire-Tap at 10pm est
To view the draft go to: http://www.mockdraftcentral.com/draft.jsp?id=61764&view=all
Here are the results of tonights second “expert” fantasy baseball mock draft held on MDC. Thanks to all the participants, which included Mike Siano and Cory Schwartz of MLB,com’s Fantasy 411.
Results by Round with team:
Tongiths the night! To listen to the show go to http://www.blogtalk
Fantasy Baseball Mafia brings you our second “expert mock draft” held at www.mockdraftcentra
To be exact, the url is http://www.mockdraf
and to view the draft grid in progress it is http://www.mockdraf
23 rounds:
|
Pos |
Starters |
Max |
|
|
C |
2 |
2 |
|
|
1B |
1 |
1 |
|
|
2B |
1 |
1 |
|
|
SS |
1 |
1 |
|
|
3B |
1 |
1 |
|
|
OF |
5 |
5 |
|
|
CI |
1 |
1 |
(1B, 3B) |
|
MI |
1 |
1 |
(2B, SS) |
|
U/DH |
1 |
1 |
(1B, 2B, 3B, C, DH, OF, SS, U) |
|
P |
9 |
9 |
(RP, SP) |
Participants include:
Teams
- Sianimals
- Goin Yard
- Geoffrey Stein
- fantasybaseballcafe
.com - Hombre X
- The Fantasy Man
- TheInsidePitch
- Deacons of Dynasty
- FantasyBaseballMafi
a Chris - Sportsprospectminer
.com - Fantasy Baseball UK
- TonyinJacksonville
See you there, GP
02.07.08 Fantasy 411 notes:
Like most of you, I listen or now days, watch the 411 on MLB.com. I don’t know if your like me but I often get distracted and or zone out and miss much of what is being discussed. For this reason, I started taking notes during the show. It occurred to me that they might be of benefit to all of you as well so here goes.
Here are the results of tonights Expert Fantasy Baseball Podcasters mock draft.
We want to hear what you think? Who had the best draft? who made the worst pick? the best pick, If you hav e an oppinion, we want to hear it. Leave us a comment and or send us an e-mail Wiretap @fantasybaseballmafia .com
Participants included:Mike Siano - Fantasy 411 MLB.com,Fantasy Baseball Express, RotoJunkie, Mock Draft Central, Fantasy Baseball UK, Fantasy Baseball Cafe, College Baeball Blog, Fantasy Baseball Empire, Sports Prospect Miner, and of course, Evan and Tony.
Former MLB.com Host Jim Leyritz has been charged in connection with a DUI homicide occurring in Fort Lauderdale, Fla over the weekend. I’ve never made it a secret that I’m not a big fan of Mr Leyritz or his voice, but I would never wish this on anyone, not even you Jim. I ask those of you who pray to do so for Jim and the family of this young woman who was killed in the accident. They will need all the help they can get through this troubling time.
The vibrantly painted Chevy Major League Baseball Silverado is a flashy street truck designed to fit like a glove. Look closely and you’ll see that all MLB team logos have been included in the truck’s paint. Inside, the wood trim is made from the same material used in baseball bats, while the leather seats have glove-like stitching. A ground effects kit, a wide-screen TV with a Wii console, and 22-inch wheels complete the package, which may be the best GM truck at SEMA this year.
Chevrolet Major League Baseball Silverado highlights:
*6.0L V-8
*Multi-color, MLB-inspired paint scheme incorporating all team logos
*Power-lift tonneau
*Wide-screen TV with Wii gaming console
*Bose Surround Sound system
*Leather-trimmed interior with baseball stitching, color and feel
*Ash wood (baseball bat material) trim
GM Accessories features (production and concept):
*Chrome mesh grcille
*Twenty-two-inch chrome wheels
*Hard shell tonneau cover
*DVD headrest system
*Ground effects kit