Mar 9, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Greg Dobbs (29) puts the ball in play against the Detroit Tigers at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins finally cut dead weight from their roster on Tuesday afternoon, as they designated pinch hitter Greg Dobbs for assignment to make room for Ed Lucas. The move was especially surprising because owner Jeffery Loria went over the backs of his baseball people to sign Dobbs to an extension last season.

The best news for the Marlins in 2014 continues to be that Loria has seemed to decide to stop meddling in the Marlins everyday baseball affairs. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald points out that Loria didn’t even give the Marlins front office a hard time about letting one of his personal favorite players go:

Last September, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria was the one who wanted his front office to give a one-year, $1.7 million contract this season to Greg Dobbs (who was designated for assignment Tuesday after a 1-for-13 start) and he also told his front office to give a three-year, not a two-year, contract to Heath Bell a few years ago (which explains why the Marlins are paying the reliever – now with Tampa – $7 million this season not to pitch for them). Loria liked Dobbs personally and valued his opinion about the team. Bottom line: The Marlins are paying $9 million of their $48 million payroll to Bell and Dobbs because Loria intervened (yes, his right as an owner) and miscalculated. But give Loria credit for no longer meddling in baseball decisions. He didn’t give the front office a hard time about designating Dobbs this week.

Hopefully Loria continues to stay out of the Marlins important decision making for the foreseeable future, as that is the team’s best chance of becoming a contender anytime soon.

Ed Lucas returns to Miami Marlins; Greg Dobbs gets walking papers | Miami Herald

Ed Lucas healed quickly — so quickly that it cost Greg Dobbs his job. Lucas, who began the season on the disabled list with a broken hand, was reinstated to the roster Tuesday. To make room for the versatile utility player, the Marlins gave Dobbs his walking papers by designating him for assignment.

The difference between Jose Fernandez and Nathan Eovaldi in the strike zone | Fishstripes

Miami Marlins hurlers Jose Fernandez and Nathan Eovaldi are both working in the strike zone to a large extent and finding success. But what differentiates the overwhelming success of Fernandez and the still-questionable future of Eovaldi?

Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Starting Pitcher Pickups-April 30, 2014 | Fansided

As the curtain closes on the first month of the MLB season, the schedule has every team in action with a couple of divisional matinees setting us up for a packed 13-game evening slate. If you’re in the market for starting pitchers, that means that there are plenty of options with 30 starters slated to toe the rubber Wednesday.

Fantasy Baseball Video: Inside The Miami Marlins | Sports Grid

Mike Damergis and Scott Engel report on the Miami Marlins from Fantasy Baseball perspectives. Hear their insider reports on top performers such as Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich, and watch as key players such as Steve Cishek and Jarrod Saltalamacchia talk about their outlooks. It’s an all-access Fantasy-style peek into the Miami clubhouse.

Here at Marlin Maniac:

Miami Marlins: Unsigned Draft Pick Matt Krook Has Tommy John Surgery | Ehsan Kassim

What seemed to be a major gain for the Oregon Ducks baseball program seemed to be a major loss for the Miami Marlins after they failed to sign the 35th overall pick from the 2013 MLB draft.

Series Preview: Atlanta Braves (17-7) @ Miami Marlins (11-14) (April 29-May 1) | Ehsan Kassim

The Miami Marlins are an embarrassing 3-12 against the National League during the 2014 season. Their record is a bit better against their division foes at home, as they went 1-2 against the Washington Nationals last home stand.

Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins Series Preview: Jose Fernandez, Alex Wood Rematch | Ehsan Kassim

As part of our series preview content, we want to offer Marlins fans with some insight into the team that they will be facing. We carry out this in many ways, and one of them is to interview editor’s of other Fansided team pages so we can get the in-depth information that you need heading into the series.

Miami Marlins Offense Has Struggled Against Lefties | Placido Estevez

The Marlins have been very good offensively overall this season ranking 4th in runs scored in the National League with 108 and second in On Base Percentage with a .325 mark. However, they have struggled against left handed pitching where they rank 9th in the league in runs scored (23) and 10th in batting average (.237) and OPS (.654).