MLB: The Florida Marlins Blog

2008-11-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

No new stadium for the Marlins until 2012 due to an ongoing lawsuit. Here's the full story.

2008-10-30T11:24:00.001-07:00

This election is going to be a major game changer! Get out and vote on Tuesday, November 4th.

2008-10-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here's one guy's take on Willingham's future with the team...thoughts?

What is the status of Josh Willingham for next year?
-- Ralph F., Tuscumbia, Ala.

Willingham had a frustrating season, largely because of his back injury. The left fielder, and native of Florence, Ala., is headed to arbitration for the first time. When healthy, he is a productive middle-of-the-lineup hitter. I get the sense the Marlins will look to sign him for 2009.

Poor Little Giants

2008-08-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I almost feel bad when we outscore the other team so easily. Almost.

To Replay or Not To Replay?

2008-08-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this article about umps and MLB trying to come to an agreement on instant replay. I always knew the obvious arguments for and against replay calls, but they sure get detailed. Just the discussion of the technology seems so much more complicated than it should be.

I mean, why would the replay equipment be away from the field? Isn't it supposed to be tracking the game that's, um, on the field? And yeah, if I had to stop the game to walk minutes away, leaving the audience confused and annoyed...I'd hate the idea too.

How is it that in this modern age we can't find something simpler to use? We can highlight the hockey puck and put flags/names over the swim lanes in the Olympics. Can't we just videotape a freaking ball and rewind?

Must Have Mustache

2008-04-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this story? Pure silliness. I know baseball players are typically pretty superstitious, but creating your own superstition doesn't seem to make any sense. What's next, fancy wigs and makeup? I didn't buy broadway theater tickets. I'm here to see baseball.

How 'bout you guys spend more time practicing swings and pitches and less time in front of the mirror?

Marlins take out VandenHurk

2007-09-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not a coach or anything, but I don't think it was the best idea to take Rick VandenHurk out of rotation so that he avoids injury. First of all, isn't getting hurt part of the game? I know they don't want to hurt their rising star, but with him out of the rotation, the Marlins are now in the midst of a losing streak against Atlanta, and they're firmly in last place. That's crap! If the team isn't doing well, do you really want to take out one of it's best players? Maybe it's that kind of logic that's kept them out of the playoffs since their 2003 World Series win.

Do the Florida Marlins need a humidor?

2007-06-01T14:45:00.001-07:00

I was reading earlier about Coors Field and their humidor. (Amazing what you can find on Wikipedia.) If you look into Dolphin Stadium information, on the other hand, no humidor is mentioned. How have we lived this long without? ;)

For anyone who doesn't know, a humidor is a box, basically, created to keep humidity levels constant, often used for storing cigars (we here in Florida know about that!). In this case, though, it's designed to keep the baseballs at the exact same size and weight as they were originally constructed for Major League Baseball. The wikipedia article says that if every team had baseballs that were stored before the game in exactly the same conditions, it might serve as an equalizer for the teams, as well as eliminate the controversy of "tampering" with the baseballs.

A neat thought, but if we didn't have controversy to talk about... what would we talk about?

2007-01-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Recognition for Dontrelle Willis! He and the Marlins just agreed to a a one-year, $6.45 million contract to avoid arbitration.

Marlins Find New Pitching

2006-12-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Florida Marlins have brought in three new pitchers with 2 trades last week, Adam Bostick, Jason Vargas, and Henry Owens. Please forgive me but I haven't heard anything about any of these pitchers. I've seen so many trades this offseason with so many players that I've never heard of. It just seems that teams are making trades just because they feel like they need to.

Taking a Moment for Ramirez

2006-12-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

I would like to talk about Hanley Ramirez, shortstop for the Florida Marlins, for a moment. Last season was his first season with the Marlins and his first real season in the majors. He really did make an impression on me with his 51 stolen bases and .292 batting average. I know the batting average isn't great, but it'll improve almost certainly. But with lightening like that on the bases how can you not love him.

GABY SANCHEZ HAS TURNED THINGS AROUND

2006-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

So Gaby Sanchez has turned things around with his recent five-game stretch, raising his average back over .280. The previous week saw him suffering through his worst stretch of this season. Keep it up, Gaby. The Florida Marlins need you!

FLORIDA MARLINS WILL LIKELY KEEP STAR PLAYERS

2006-10-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Fredi Gonzalez is still talking about keeping Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. It is an arbitration year for the guys, and to keep them it will take $13 million. Since they are not eligible for free agency until after the 2009 season, it pretty likely that the Florida Marlins will keep signing both players year-to-year. Tickets sales are up this year, so it's in their best interest to keep signing their star players.

Florida Marlins Still Miss Jim Leyland

2006-10-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Remember back when the Marlins knew how to get to the World Series? A lot of us do, and we remember one of the guys who made it happen back in 1997. Now Jim Leyland is managing the Detroit Tigers, for years pitiful cellar dwellers, but in 2006 -- ready to go after another World Series win.

Good luck, Jim!

NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON

2006-10-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's good to have Fredi Gonzalez back as a manager. It's been nearly 15 years since he was first hired to be the Florida Marlin's manager. So I guess after such a disappointing season, it was time to dismiss Joe Girardi. Maybe the Marlins will have a shot the playoffs next season after all.

Marlins Finish “Overachieving” Season with Win

2006-10-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Florida Marlins ended their season on a high note with a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies in 11 innings. It is likely that this will be Joe Girardi’s first and only year as the Marlins’ manager. Due to a rocky relationship with owner Jeffrey Loria, Girardi is likely to be fired on Tuesday. This is supposedly a surprising season for the Marlins, but I have a hard time being happy for a season where you end up 6 games under .500.

Uggla, Kensing and Messenger. Little rays of hope.

2006-06-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

The young Florida Marlins are showing signs of improving. They swept the Colorado Rockies to start off the month of June and took the series against the San Diego Padres this weekend. This next series with the Atlanta Braves should be fun to watch, with the way things are going in our bullpen. Danny Uggla is my personal favorite these days and is a big part of the Marlins obvious shift in competitive spirit.

In May it looked like this team was falling apart and while I never expected us to win the World Series in a rebuilding year, I was disappointed to see us incapable of at least putting up a good fight. Now it looks like these young players are learning and finding out they have the ability to compete on the same level as other MLB teams even if they don’t win. I think it is important for them to put forth their best effort whether they have a chance of winning or not. What is vital is that they learn to play together and utilize their depth during these hard times. Go Marlins! Dig deep and fight!

Marlins pitcher has the edge on NL East rival.

2006-05-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Josh Johnson will be starting tonight against the Braves whom he bested once before in the Florida Marlins’ 11-3 win over the Atlanta Braves at Dolphin Stadium on May 10^th. We need this game and this series to get out of our slump.

Comeback Time for the Marlins

2006-04-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

It’s my Florida Marlins versus the Chicago Cubs this week and we definitely have a chance at winning some games. Chicago’s Derek Lee is injured and out for at least two months but that alone isn’t going to win it for us. We have a connection in our pitching coach Rick Kranitz. He coached the Cubs bullpen for over 20 years and I bet he knows some secrets. We really need a comeback after what happened in Philadelphia over the weekend and this may be our chance.

One in the Jaw and Two in the Gut

2006-03-27T18:07:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while a player will let his temper flare during a game and make me wonder why I let my kids watch professional sports. Julian Tavarez started a brawl at home plate over a close play in the eighth inning of the Boston Red Sox versus Tampa Bay Devil Rays game today. Tavarez struck Joey Gathright in the jaw and both players were ejected for the fist-fight that followed the punch. Why can’t these guys keep their cool? If I hit someone at my job and brawled around on the ground until the whole thing got broken up, I would be fired. No job, no pension. Nothing.

Closer Position Still Open

2006-03-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Reliever Joe Borowski is looking to land the Florida Marlins closer position. It looks we are going to have a strong year with the bullpen we have developed over the off-season. Who do you think should be our closer?

Athletes falling from grace

2006-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

The sports world has been plagued of late with tales of players attacking fans, coaches involved in gambling rings and athletes being jailed for burglary and other illegal offenses. The Florida Marlins have stayed out of the news but these acts harm the reputation of professional players everywhere.

Marlins Fan Needs Super Bowl Day off from Work Please!

2006-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

This Florida Marlins fan is very excited about the upcoming Super Bowl. I want Super Bowl tickets so bad but can’t go because I have to work. I’ll be cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger!

Steelers and Seahawks Make Super Bowl

2006-01-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I was totally wrong with my Super Bowl picks. The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers came out the stronger teams and are going to the Super Bowl. I’m still going to go because the Rolling Stones are playing the halftime show this year and I’ve just seen them in concert a few weeks ago.

Basketball Battle of the Titans

2006-01-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

In sports news the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets went head to head in a frenzied marathon of a basketball game on January 10, 2006. The triple overtime match was one of the highest scoring games in history. Anthony Henry of the Nuggets scored 43 points including the game winning field goal made with 2.9 seconds left. Both teams played with amazing intensity and never backed down going goal for goal throughout the extra minutes. If you are a basketball fan at all you know that this qualifies as one of the greatest games in history. My hat is off to these two great teams for the fine skill and concentration displayed in their titanic battle.

Baseball Doesn’t End in Winter

2006-01-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

It’s funny that we still have to take a break from baseball in this country when the winter comes. There are so many winter leagues like the Venezuelan in which Harvey Garcia plays. With Caracas, Garcia has only allowed four runs in 17 innings and has a great ERA. He is young yet but he will make a great relief pitcher soon enough. We may be a young team and we no longer have stars like Josh Beckett but we do have good leadership in Dontrelle Willis. He was runner up for the Cy Young award in 2005 and the Marlins have high hopes for him in 2006.

Marlins Bring Veteran Players into Lineup

2005-12-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

The Florida Marlins had a mediocre season in 2005 and at the when the stadium deal flopped they traded some key players like Josh Beckett and Charles Delgado in an attempt to save some money. The Marlins just signed some players that will increase their depth in the bullpen and at the infield. We signed one year contracts with infielder Pokey Reese and reliever Joe Borowski.

We are moving into the 2006 season with our financial belt pulled tight and it looks like we are going to be relying on veteran acquisitions and not young superstars to lead us to the playoffs.

All-Star Coaching Changes

2005-12-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

Mike Jacobs will be the Florida Marlins starting first baseman. Joe Girardi has chosen his coaching staff members based on their ability to coach and teach in a balanced fashion. It took over two months for Girardi to make his selections and he explains:

“The reason it took so long is I really focused on coaches who have been in the mode of teaching young players,"

Perry Hill will return as well as Pierre Arsenault. Jim Presley will be coming onboard as hitting coach and Gary Tuck will be the new bench coach. As Catching instructor on the Yankees squad, Tuck brought up the All-Star Pasado and there are hopes that he will have the same effect on Marlins catcher Josh Harrington.

Winter Meetings Trades Over

2005-12-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

Well the Winter Meetings are over and there have been a lot of changes to our favorite teams. The Florida Marlins left the winter meetings with two big trades and laid the groundwork for more player acquisition in the future. Paul Lo Duca was dealt to the Mets and Juan Pierre was traded to the Cubs. The players are getting worried because they are seeing all of the guys with higher salaries being traded to other teams and no indication of what we will be focusing on besides salary size when looking for more players at second base and at catcher for example.

Marlins Trim their Waistline

2005-12-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Since we didn’t get the stadium deal it looks like the Florida Marlins are going to seriously cut payroll. It’s no wonder with some of the big contracts we are under right now. We have dealt a few players like Carlos Delgado, Lo Duca, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota. We won’t even be seeing Josh Beckett next season. In the off season the Marlins are going to slim down and hopefully get some fresh new talent that can be molded into a winning team in 2006.

Castillo goes to Twins

2005-12-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

The Florida Marlins have dealt Luis Castillo to the Minnesota Twins for two Minor League pitching prospects. Scott Tyler and Travis Bowyer are the two players who could be used as starters or relief. It is a shame that we have to cut our payroll due to the death of the stadium deal because Castillo was an All-Star and a part of our World Series team of 1997 and 2003. Even a producer like Castillo, though, is not immune to injury and he was stricken by hip and quad issues all year. Letting go of your heroes isn’t easy and Castillo’s bat will be missed.

Minor League Deals, Some High Dollar Trades

2005-11-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Florida Marlins made a lot of changes in the last week. Carlos Delgado was supposed to take us to the postseason in 2005. We signed him to a four year 52 million dollar contract with that hope. Now he has been traded to the Mets for Mike Jacobs and two Minor Leaguers. We still have to pay part of the remainder of his contract but don’t have to shell out near the 48 million that was left. Getting out from under the financial burden comes after the death of the new stadium deal and a shaky 2005 season. It looks like Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell will be going over to the Red Sox in trade for three Minor League players.

Golden Gloves and Tight Pockets

2005-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Florida Marlins third basemen Mike Lowell is up for a Golden Glove award after making only six errors for the season. Luis Castillo is walking away with another Golden Glove as well having a .988 fielding percentage. With payroll about to decrease and the free agency period approaching general manager Larry Beinfest is under pressure to go young and in-expensive with this years picks. With the stadium deal looming and money tight it’s going to be up to Larry Beinfest to maximize talent on the team while keeping salary limitations in mind. In 2003 he put together a winner under the same constraints. Can he do it again?

Pay Back

2005-06-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Some things do come back to haunt you. In this case in was Dontrelle Willis coming back to haunt the Cubs. Last night the Florida Marlins victimized the Cubs 9-1, handing the Cubs their second strait loss. Willis is now the first pitcher in the league to gain 11 wins and he did it against the team that drafted him. Willis held his former team to just 1 run and pushed the Marlins a game ahead of the Braves in the NL East standings.

And Isn't Ironic

2005-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here is something ironic for everyone’s amusement. The Florida Marlins are ranked 7th in the league with on base percentage and ranked 5th in the league in team batting average, so one would expect it to be easy to produce runs.

Well last night in a 5-4 loss the Marlins had three solo homeruns from three different players Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Delgado, and Juan Encarnacion, but had trouble putting people on base (which is something they are good at). When usually the have trouble hitting homeruns since they are ranked 26th in the league with homers.

Slumping Season

2005-05-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Juan Pierre this time last season worked wonders for his team, but now the speedy and athletic Pierre is being benched. Pierre is only batting an appalling .185 in his last 16 games this month and to my knowledge I can not remember the last time he stole a base. Hopefully he can pull himself out of this slump or he will be pulled out of the line-up.

Good News

2005-05-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Good news for the Marlins.

Right-handed-pitcher Ismael Valdez was cleared to start a conditioning and a weight training program to get back in shape after he suffered a hairline fracture in his right fibula. He just recently had an X-ray yesterday.

There was a scare earlier when the club was told his injury was not calcifying right, but according to team reports now, the hairline facture is healing up just fine now. Only time will tell.

The Slumps

2005-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

In an attempt to pull 3B Mike Lowell out of his seasonlong slump, manager Jack McKeon last weekend replaced Lowell at third with LF Miguel Cabrera, who hasn't played the position since 2003, and put Jeff Conine in left. McKeon says he doesn't know how long he'll leave Cabrera at third and Lowell on the bench. . . .

Until Lowell snaps out of it and becomes the steady run producer he has been in the past, expect 1B Carlos Delgado to bat third and Cabrera to hit cleanup. Heading into the season, the Marlins envisioned Cabrera, Delgado and Lowell hitting 3-4-5.

The Number Game

2005-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Six is the magic number. Ok, it really isn't magic, In the first five weeks, the starters logged six complete games, which matches their entire 2004 total. When pitchers complete what they started, the issue of pitch counts come into play. But the highest total in any of those complete games was 114 by LHP Dontrelle Willis, who has three complete games.

Question?

2005-05-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

I feel some what left in the dark. I had no idea that Pro player stadium was changed to Dolphin Stadium. No this is just probable my fault for lack of resources. All I know is that is was changed some time around January. Does anyone know if it was bought by the owner of the Dolphins?

Burnett named NL Player of the Week

2005-04-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

In 2001, A.J. Burnett was named National League Player of the Week in early May for tossing the 203rd no-hitter in modern baseball history.

And in 2002, after tossing a three-hit shutout against the Giants, Burnett was tabbed a weekly award winner in August.

On Monday, the Marlins flame-throwing right-hander collected his third career NL Player of the Week honor for compiling back-to-back complete-game victories.

Burnett is the first Marlin to claim the honor, presented by Bank of America, since Ugueth Urbina on Sept. 22, 2003.

"He was happy, and I'm delighted to see him get it," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said.

For years, the Marlins have waited for their young starting pitchers to emerge in the national spotlight. Thus far this season, they are. Burnett, Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis have racked up five complete games, and are showing signs of having their breakout years.

"Build on it," McKeon said. "Build on it. Win two out of every three."

Burnett on Sunday went the distance in beating the Mets, 5-2, at Shea Stadium. Armed with a 98-mph fastball, the Arkansas native limited the Mets to four hits while striking out five, ending New York's six-game winning streak.

And on April 12, at Dolphins Stadium, Burnett logged a complete game in an 8-2 victory over the Phillies.

In all, he gave up four runs on 12 hits with eight strikeouts.

"I think it is an honor," Burnett said. "I got one [award] in '02. This shows people out there know what you can do, and you've got the respect for what you've done."

While Burnett, who had a 2.00 ERA in 18 innings for the week, is excited about the honor, he points out others on the staff are worthy of consideration.

"There are a couple of other guys on the staff deserving," Burnett said.

Willis was one of the others mentioned for his performance during the week. Actually, the lefty has opened the season with two complete-game shutouts. It just so happened that they didn't fall in the April 11-17 timetable.

Beckett also has been brilliant this season, allowing one earned run in 20 innings, including a complete-game shutout against the Nationals on April 10.

Burnett getting the honor marks the 20th time the NL Player of the Week has been awarded to a Marlin.

Your Mr. April

2005-04-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Three-time All-Star 3B Mike Lowell is a notoriously fast starter. In fact, his best career monthly batting average is April, where he has hit a .320 clip. A year ago, Lowell hit .314 with seven homers and 19 RBIs (his highest RBI total of the season) in the first month.

St. Louis 10, Florida 5

2005-03-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

(AP), from ESPN.com

Albert Pujols went 3-for-3 with four RBI Tuesday in the St. Louis Cardinals' 10-5 rout of the Florida Marlins.

"It's probably been the best spring of my career," Pujols said after raising his average to .434, "but that doesn't mean anything. You have to carry it into the season."

Pujols has six home runs and 19 RBI, and has not struck out this spring.

"Don't talk about strike outs, he said. "That's a bad word."

Mark Mulder allowed two earned run on eight hits over six innings.

"I don't know where my changeup has come from, but it's helped me out so much," he said. "I've never got so many swings and misses on a changeup in my life. It's helped my sinker. they're late on it. I got a couple groundballs to second for double plays. It just came out of nowhere."

The Marlins committed three errors, including a throwing error by starter Dontrelle Willis, a dropped ball by left-fielder Miguel Cabrera and a misplayed grounder by third baseman Mike Lowell.

"This is not us," said manager Jack McKeon, who held a team meeting before the game.

"It all comes back to, if you get good pitching, you play a good game. Unfortunately we didn't get the pitching and we didn't get the kind of defense we usually have."

Willis allowed six earned runs and eight hits over 4 1-3 innings. First baseman Carlos Delgado went 3-for-4 for Florida.

Delgado provides a Presence

2005-02-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest off-season signings for Major League Baseball had to have been the singing of Carlos Delgado, who will now play first base for the Florida Marlins. This is by far an upgrade for the Marlins line up. Delgado is a powerful left-handed presence at plate, and especially as cleanup.

The Marlins ball club was in desperate need of a left handed bat for several years now, and they found their man in Carlos Delgado.

Infielder Analysis

2005-01-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Barring a major signing or trade, the infield will be the same as it was at the end of last season. The club believes all four starters - 1B Jeff Conine, 2B Luis Castillo, SS Alex Gonzalez and 3B Mike Lowell -- are Gold Glove-caliber fielders. Conine has great instincts and a quick first step. Health is an issue with him, however, as he's coming off two shoulder surgeries. Lowell is a steady leader and a productive hitter. Gonzalez is inconsistent at the plate but has power. Castillo is a .300 hitter and a basestealing threat. Castillo and Gonzalez are the longest-running double-play combination in the majors, having played 625 games together.

Signings...

2004-11-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:
Larry Bowa has been offered the bench coach position on the Marlins:

Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Larry Bowa has been offered a job as bench coach for the Florida Marlins.

Bowa was fired Oct. 2 after four seasons with the Phillies. He has worked before with Marlins manager Jack McKeon, who gave Bowa his first major league managing job with the San Diego Padres in 1987.

``Larry's a good guy,'' McKeon said Wednesday. ``He's an outstanding baseball man, and he has been an outstanding coach every place he has been. He'd be an asset.''

Bowa and McKeon discussed the Marlins' bench-coaching job when Florida was in Philadelphia for the final series of the regular season. Bowa led the Phillies to two second-place finishes, including this year, and went 337-308 in Philadelphia.

Bowa was replaced midway through his second season in San Diego by McKeon. The decision to fire Bowa came from team president Chub Feeney, McKeon said.

Mike Lowell, the homerun king of our Marlins, will have his contract amended so that he will get a extension on his contract through 2007:

With Armando Benitez and Carl Pavano poised to test the free agent market, the Florida Marlins solidified the hot corner by signing their all-time home run leader.

The Marlins and Mike Lowell on Friday agreed to amend the final three years of his contract, keeping the star in Florida through the 2007 season.

Under terms of a four-year $34 million contract signed last winter, Lowell had the option to declare for free agency next month if the Marlins failed to secure financing for a new stadium.

The two sides agreed to the amendment despite the Marlins being $30 million short on the financing.

Lowell, who has 135 home runs with the team, joined Derrek Lee and Preston Wilson this season as the only three Marlins in franchise history to hit 20 homers in three consecutive seasons.

The 30-year-old Lowell set career highs this season with a .293 average, .365 on-base percentage, 175 hits and 44 doubles. He hit 27 homers and drove in 85 runs.

During the Marlins' 2003 championship run, the seven-year veteran hit .276 with 32 homers and 105 RBI.

Bye, George! Ichiro Sets New Mark

2004-10-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

By Jim Street / MLB.com

SEATTLE -- The last thing Ichiro Suzuki wanted to do was interfere with Edgar Martinez's retirement party this weekend at Safeco Field.

So the Mariners right fielder took care of the record he has been chasing with two swings Friday night, and left the rest of this season-ending series against the Rangers to his 41-year-old teammate, who is calling it quits after 16 years in the Major Leagues.

Ichiro has a few more years and a lot more hits in his black bats before hanging it up.

With five members of the George Sisler family watching from the Commissioner's box near the first-base dugout at a sold-out Safeco Field, Ichiro tied the Major League record for most hits in a season with a single in the first inning and broke the record in the third with another single -- his 258th hit of the season.

That is one more than Sisler had in 1920 when he played first base for the St. Louis Browns.

It's a record that has lasted for 84 years and hasn't been seriously challenged since 1930, when Bill Terry of the New York Giants had 254 hits. The closest anyone came to the record since then was in 2001, when Ichiro had 242 hits in his rookie MLB season.

"This is the most hits I've gotten in my life," Ichiro said after the game. "It's the highlight of my career."

Even better than the 210 hits he had with the Orix Blue Wave in 1994, when he set the Japanese record for most hits in a season.

He now has the single-season hit record in two countries.

Just four pitches into his first at-bat of Friday night's game against the Rangers, Ichiro tied Sisler's record with a high chopper over third baseman Hank Blalock's outstretched glove. Ichiro came to bat again in the third inning and hit a hard grounder up the middle, past shortstop Michael Young and into center field for the record-breaker.

The historical baseball was taken out of play, fireworks above the left-field bleachers went off and Ichiro was congratulated by all of the Mariners and Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira.

"I tell you, goose bumps aren't even the words to describe it," manager Bob Melvin said. "The second one almost brought a tear to my eye. I asked him later if he was glad this was over with and he said, 'Yeah, yeah.'

"I told him, 'You have done something no one else has ever done in this game.' "

Ichiro admitted in a postgame press conference that as recently as two weeks ago he didn't believe the record would fall.

He had just gone 12-for-52 during the just-completed homestand and was going on a 10-game road trip through the AL West.

But after five- and four-hit games in Anaheim, thoughts of breaking Sisler's record returned. And there was no stopping him.

The trip ended in Oakland on Thursday and he was one hit shy of the record.

"I look back at today," he said, "and I'm glad that I didn't get [the record] in Oakland."

There were at least 45,573 fans that would agree with him. Safeco Field was simply electric for the start of the final three games of a disappointing season and it seemed like just about everyone brought a camera with flashes.

Asked if he ever had experienced so many flashes going off at the same time, Ichiro said, "Yes, in Japan."

Melvin was astonished that his leadoff hitter could keep such a keen focus.

"People kept saying that he's going to break the record because he had three games left, but it's not that easy," he said. "Especially with flashbulbs going off on every pitch. It's not that easy to do, but he did it in dramatic fashion."

And it happened so darn fast.

Bang, bang and the record belonged to him.

The Mariners went onto the field to congratulate him and he went over to the Commissioner's box to meet members of the Sisler family that were brought here by the organization to watch history.

"I thanked them for coming all the way to Seattle," he said.

Teammates hugged him. Fans cheered him.

"I think he was really touched when everybody came out there," Melvin said. "When he came into the dugout, it was the first time in my two years here I have seen him a little bit flustered. He is stoic, but you knew he was proud of what he had just accomplished."

His teammates were equally excited watching history being made.

"What a huge accomplishment, what an amazing feat," veteran catcher Dan Wilson said. "It's a record that stood for 84 years and now it is broken. That's a long time, and he was able to do it and he's going to be able to stretch it out the next couple days here as well."

Hitting coach Paul Molitor, inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, marveled at what he has watched Ichiro do this season and said, "We may not have seen the best from Ichiro."

"It has bee a remarkable journey for him and I just hope people realize the monumental achievement it is to pass a record that has lasted as long as it has," he added. "He expects a lot of himself, but when you sit back and look at the longstanding record of Mr. Sisler, it is an incredible accomplishment."

Molitor said he talked to Ichiro about the hit record the first day of this month.

"I told him that very few players in the past decades can say they are heading into the last month of the season with a legitimate chance to break this record and I hoped that he could enjoy that. As he got closer, I encouraged him to keep on rolling."

Molitor said he really never gave Ichiro any advice.

"You stay out of the way of a moving train," he said, "and he was moving pretty good."

All the way to the top of the Major League single-season hit parade.

And now it's Edgar's show.

"I'm glad I got the two hits tonight," Ichiro said. "The next days are Edgar's."

Lowell off Into the Sunset?

2004-10-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

MIAMI -- It crossed Mike Lowell's mind on Sunday that he may be suiting up as a Marlin for the final time.

The three-time All-Star third baseman was given the final game of the season off, and there is a chance he may not be back.

Essentially, Lowell's future is attached to a stadium clause that has a Nov. 1 trigger date. Simply, if the Marlins have a plan for a new park in place by the first of next month, the final three years of the contract Lowell signed last fall kicks in.

If not, Lowell has a player option where he can stay for 2005, earning $7.5 million. Or he could elect to test the market as a free agent.

General manager Larry Beinfest said the organization faces tough decisions on a number of players. The budget for next year hasn't been set, but some parameters by owner Jeffrey Loria should be given in a week or so.
Beinfest said he plans on talking with Lowell soon regarding next season.

As for the stadium, Loria said: "I'm extremely hopeful we will get this thing done. We need to get it done, sooner, rather than later."

In the three seasons since Loria assumed ownership, the Marlins have boasted their first back-to-back winning seasons, including the World Series title in 2003.
Loria said the team deserves a new facility.

Thirty games in 27 days: As it turned out, the grind of playing 30 games in 27 days with three doubleheaders over an 11-day stretch proved too exhausting a task for the Marlins to overcome.

The Marlins closed out that stretch with a 10-4 loss on Sunday at Philadelphia. Florida was 13-17 in those games.

"It was as tough as it sounded," Lowell said. "I think we'd have liked to have all our guys healthy to have a shot at it. The doubleheaders hurt. You had to find an extra starter. Pitching is at a premium in September. It was a tough grind."
There was a toll the grinding final weeks had on the body.

"I think it's very demanding, but if you are winning, you kind of put that in stride," Lowell said. "Three doubleheaders in 11 days is not the same as three doubleheaders in 30 days. That stretch of doubleheader, doubleheader, doubleheader really hurt, in a grinding sense.

Marlins Unable to Avoid Sweep

2004-09-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- Any hopes of the Marlins repeating as World Series champs are over.
Any miraculous chance at reaching the postseason as a Wild Card representative was erased Sunday by the Braves.

Chipper Jones and Julio Franco each had two-run hits in a five-run third inning to help catapult the Braves to a 6-3 victory on Sunday afternoon before a gathering of 31,351 at Turner Field.

The Braves completed their sweep behind a strong pitching performance from John Thomson (14-8), who gave up one run on four hits in seven innings.

The Marlins have dropped six straight, a season high, and ended up 4-15 against the Braves this season.

Since improving to 76-65 on Sept. 14, when they were two games out in the Wild Card race, the Marlins have gone 3-11. Now, with six games remaining, the Marlins have to go at least 3-3 to finish above .500 for the third time in club history.

Both times the Marlins posted winning records (1997 and 2003), they went on to win the World Series.

GO Fish!

They Call Me Ismael...

2004-09-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

His name is Ismael Valdez(13-8), and on his arm the Marlins prevented being swept by the Braves. Valdez threw 6 complete innings and only allowed 2 hits and gave up 4 walks in a shut out win against their division leading rivals Atlanta 3-0.

It was a duel of sorts as opposing pitcher Russ Ortiz(14-9) was 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA this season facing the Marlins. Despite the 2 run homer over the left field wall in the bottom of 6th by Seattle's Jeff Conine, Ortiz gave the Marlins line up problems as well in the beginning of the game but failed short as his team didn't put up the points needed.

Next game(s) is a double header against the Cubs tomorrow 9/20.

Go Marlins!

Hunt for October

2004-09-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

From ESPN.com,By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine

Current standing: The Marlins are 1½ games behind the leaders, but arguably the most dangerous team among the contenders, because of their pitching and postseason experience.

Why they could make the playoffs: Nobody among the NL wild-card teams can match the quality or depth of their pitching right now. Carl Pavano is a Cy Young Award contender, Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett have started pitching like Cy Youngs, and the back end of the bullpen is daunting with Guillermo Mota and Armando Benitez. And it doesn't hurt that Juan Pierre and Miguel Cabrera are hitting .364 and .339 since the All-Star break, and Paul Lo Duca has a .311 average and .376 on-base percentage since becoming a Marlin.

Why they might not make the playoffs: Hurricane Frances already complicated the Marlins' schedule, and now Hurricane Ivan could approach Florida as the team prepares to play five games at home against Montreal next week. The Marlins already have 28 games to play in 25 days, so their advantage in starting pitching is already compromised. A suggestion for Major League Baseball: Prepare to move the five games to Montreal. Right now. Don't wait and create another debacle like that of the Tampa Bay-Yankees. And let's face it -- games in Olympic Stadium are like playing in a neutral site, anyway.

Telltale number: The Marlins' staff ERA in August was 3.22, about a run lower than in July -- and their ERA is 3.25 in September.

Checking the schedule: The Marlins have seven games left with Philly, a team they routinely trounce, and eight with Montreal, along with two series against the Braves.

Difference makers: The youngsters who get the chance to pitch in the upcoming doubleheaders, like Logan Kensing, who is scheduled to throw against the Cubs Friday.

Their gift from the baseball gods: They are young, so while they must play a lot of games, they've got the juice and the adrenalin to deal with it.

Their burden from the baseball gods: Hurricane season in south Florida.

Go Marlins!

Beckett blanks Mets

2004-09-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

All the traits that pushed the Marlins into the 2003 postseason are returning.
Tuesday's game was no different, as the defending champions received timely hitting from Juan Pierre and Paul Lo Duca, and some spotless defense to fend off the Mets, 5-0, at Shea Stadium.

But the brightest point in the team's crisp performance was the complete-game shutout by Josh Beckett, who resembled the starter who was so instrumental in last year's title.

For the first time since he blanked the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series, Beckett went the distance and logged a shutout.

The hard-throwing Beckett, who has been bothered by injuries all season, was able to get the job done without his strikeout pitch working. He fanned just two but still stymied the Mets, allowing just six hits.

Marlins help Charley victims

2004-08-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Hurricane Charley may have struck on the West Coast of Florida, but its impact has hit home with the Florida Marlins.
In an effort to support the victims of the devastating Category 4 storm that has claimed at least 21 lives, the Marlins have set up a relief effort for their Aug. 24-29 homestand at Pro Player Stadium.

Beginning on Tuesday and running through Sunday, fans are encouraged to bring supplies to the park that will help those impacted by the hurricane get their lives in order.

With hurricane season running through November, these devastating storms potentially impact the entire state of Florida.

In 1992, Marlins All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell was then an 18-year-old living through Hurricane Andrew.

"I was about two days away from starting college," Lowell said, recounting the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Andrew, which killed 25 in Miami-Dade County and caused $25 billion in damages. "I remember my sister, myself and my parents were in my parent's closet. And my older brother and younger brother were in the hallway leading to the closet.

"It's the scariest thing I've ever witnessed. You peeked out the windows and saw telephone poles moving like twigs. We couldn't even get out of the front door of our house because all the branches had piled up against it. It was just scary. You couldn't recognize your own streets. There were a lot of things all over the place."

Fortunately, Lowell's house was a bit older and was more solidly built than a number of other people. His home was about 10 miles from Homestead, which took the brunt of the storm.

Hurricane Charley has caused as much as $11 billion in damages to Punta Gorda and the western part of the state.

In an effort to help, starting Tuesday, fans can bring their donations to Pro Player Stadium. Players' wives, the Mermaids, and volunteers from the American Red Cross will be on hand to collect items. Fans can also aid the hurricane victims while bidding on Marlins memorabilia at www.floridamarlins.com. From Tuesday through Sunday, the Marlins will feature a single auction item for each of the six games.

The Marlins play the Giants on Tuesday-Thursday and open a three-game set with the Rockies on Friday.

For more information on how to get involved with the relief efforts, call 1.800.FLHELP1 or visit www.VolunteerFlorida.org.

Pavano pitches against Redbirds

2004-08-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Once again the Marlins turn to Carl Pavano in hopes of stopping a slide.
After dropping a 2-1 decision in 10 innings to the Cardinals on Tuesday night, the Marlins have lost two straight and once again fallen a game under .500.

Since the All-Star break, Pavano is 3-0, with two of those victories coming after Marlins defeats.

Riding his three-game winning streak, Pavano has equaled his season-high win total of 12, previously turned in last year. In 10 home starts, Pavano is 5-3 with a 2.97 ERA.

Traditionally, the right-hander hasn't fared well against the Cardinals, but he hasn't had many opportunities, appearing in just three games. His lone start was on April 26, 2002, a no-decision in which he gave up four runs in six innings.

A year ago, Pavano suffered a tough loss to the Cardinals, pitching two innings of relief in a game that lasted 20 innings, a franchise record.

Including that marathon, the last two times the Marlins have played host to the Cardinals, the games went into extra innings.

In extra-inning affairs, the Marlins are 4-8.

Marlins set for 3 games against Brewers

2004-08-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Marlins will host the Brewers for a 3-game series beginning tonight. A.J. Burnett will face Ben Sheets on the mound. Keep an eye on Lo Duca, Cabrera, and Lowell at bat - Lo Duca has been working out great so far in his Florida uniform - not that he needs to prove himself, but let's hope he adds more reassurance tonight!

GO MARLINS!!!

Dontrelle Willis takes mound tonight

2004-08-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

A day off came at the right time for the Marlins.
After dropping two straight to the Expos, the Marlins hit the road for a short trip -- three games at Arizona -- beginning on Tuesday night.

Dontrelle Willis / P
Born: 01/12/82
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240 lbs
Bats: L / Throws: L

More info:
Player page
Stats | Splits
Team Site

The Marlins come off a hectic weekend, completing three team-changing trades. And while the club feels they've upgraded with the additions of Paul Lo Duca, Juan Encarnacion, Guillermo Mota, Ismael Valdez and Rudy Seanez, the team still is riding a two-game losing streak to the Expos.

Sunday's game was delayed due to rain in the top of the fourth inning with the Expos ahead 2-0. The game was eventually postponed.

So getting away for a few days, coupled with Monday's day off, allows the revamped squad to settle for the final 58 games.

Dontrelle Willis will make his 22nd start on Tuesday, and he seeks revenge on the Diamondbacks.

Willis has faced Arizona twice before. As a rookie last year, he was on the winning end against Randy Johnson. But Johnson and the Diamondbacks beat Willis on May 23 at Pro Player Stadium.

Willis is 4-1 with a 3.57 ERA on the road this season. The Marlins will likely not have closer Armando Benitez available for the series. The team is expected to place him on the disabled list, retroactive to July 23, because of right elbow inflammation, meaning he can pitch as early as Saturday.

Marlins at even .500

2004-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

Now at the .500 mark, the Marlins strive for their first three-game winning streak since late May.
The Marlins have won 12 straight over the Phillies at Pro Player Stadium, and try for No. 13 on Wednesday night, with Brad Penny going for his ninth victory.
Penny hopes to resume his winning ways. After getting off to a 6-2 start, with a 2.12 ERA, the right-hander from Broken Arrow, Okla., has gone 2-6 with a 4.32 ERA.
The Marlins are 9-11 in Penny's starts. When he is on, he is dominant. In the team's nine wins with Penny on the mound, the right-hander is 8-0 with a 1.63 ERA. But when he's struggling, he is 0-7 with a 4.52 ERA in 11 Marlins losses.
The Marlins haven't won three straight since they strung together five in a row from May 26-30.
The Marlins are in a pivotal stretch, now 3 1/2 games behind the Braves in the National League East. And on Tuesday it was revealed that closer Armando Benitez is day-to-day with inflammation in his right elbow.

Hmm...

Let's hope Penny is on! The Phillies will start with Brett Myers, whose numbers are worse than Penny's all around. Can't put TOO much weight on numbers though. Hope you all can catch the game!

GO MARLINS!!!

Look for Marlins sweep tonight

2004-07-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Nate Bump will take the mound tonight for his first career start. We'll be looking to close out a 2-game series at Shea Stadium vs. the Mets.

Last night's game was nothing short of amazing - Miguel Cabrera alone was responsible for 3 runs in 2 hits and 5 at bats. Then there was Alex Gonzalez at short stop - what a performance!!! It's truly inspiring to see your team come together like they did yesterday - you always hear about teamwork, teamwork, teamwork in everything you do - sometimes it's true.

Look for another great performance from the Marlins tonight at Shea!!!

GO MARLINS!!!

2-1 Over Mets

2004-07-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Marlins took the Mets 2-1 in last weekend's series. Good job, Florida! That brings our avg to .511...gettin there. Starting Thursday we'll be facing the Pirates in Pittsburgh for a 3-game series. Good Luck, Marlins!

A few Marlins deserve some special recognition:

Carl Pavano, Armando Benitez, Mike Lowell, and Miguel Cabrera will all be graciously representing the Marlins and the National League tonight in Houston. Thanks for your dedication, guys! Play well tonight!

Everyone be sure and catch the All-Star game - it will undoubtedly be a good game.

Excited about this weekend's series

2004-07-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

We're hosting the Mets this weekend down in sunny FL (must be like a vacation for them :-) and I've got tickets for tomorrow's game!!! It should be a good series, since our teams are pretty evenly matched. I love to see us win, but I'd almost rather see us fight and lose a good game than see us whup the other team in a game that's not even interesting to watch. I want to be on the edge of my seat!!!

Since it's such a close match-up, hopefully Saturday's game will be exciting and the Marlins will take it home! I'm at work right now (almost the weekend!!) so I should get back to the grind, but I will be updating the site soon.

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND MARLINS!!!!

Thanks for visiting!!!

2004-07-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!

I'm a big Marlins fan from Miami, and I'm starting this blog to give my thoughts on baseball and the Marlins (in addition to news, etc.) I'm not too into stats and numbers (I let my husband deal with those ;) but I love baseball and the Marlins, and I hope you do too!

Come back soon for more updates and my incessant ramblings!

GO MARLINS!!!