Washington Wanders In

The Nationals, who had their own end-of-game heroics yesterday, come to town.

Ryan Tucker starts for the Fish, who have won 8-of-9 from the Nats so far this year. However, the Nats have won the last nine times Tim Redding has started, and he's starting tonight.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

HAMMERING: Willingham hits 2 homers, including the walk-off game-winner in the 10th, to beat the Nats 6-5.

Half-Way Points

After 81 games, the Marlins are...

"a surprise"... (PalmBeachPost)

"the monsters of the midseason"...(MiamiHerald)

celebrating... (SunSentinel)

"believing more that ever". (MLB)

And, from 2006,...huh? (ArticleOcean.cn)

Sunday Showdown

Scott Olsen looks for his first win in nearly two months, while Dan Haren is going for his 6th straight start without a loss. (SportsNetwork)

The Fish today are in danger of breaking a dubious record - the fewest runs ever scored by the Marlins through the first six games of a home stand.

It seems Danny is feeling better, but probably won't play at least till Tuesday.

Meanwhile, let's relive Treanor's amazing play yesterday.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280629128

Saturday Sloppiness

Craig discovers that the game preview from the Marlins' official site is not error-free. (FishStripes)

For a more legitimate preview, let's go to the handicappers...(SBRforum)(BetUs)(USAToday)

Super Saturday gives us Andrew Miller T-shirts as the Marlins' new union representative starts against Brandon Webb. KC and the Several-Hours-After-Sunshine Band are scheduled.

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OW-NO: Uggla sprains his ankle, X-rays were negative. (AP)

UGH!: Fish lose 6-2. (FOX!)

JJ May be OK to Return

'President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest joined the Marlins' TV broadcast Friday and said it's "possible on this next road trip we'll see Josh Johnson pitching."

'Fellow starters Anibal Sanchez and Sergio Mitre are progressing, too.'

ALSO: The new Braman lawsuit judge 'said Friday she might be too busy to take the case. A decision on what will happen next is expected next Tuesday.' (PalmBeachPost)

I'm Seeing Snakes

The Diamondbacks return for the weekend. "The Diamondbacks are 11-22 since they arrived in Miami in May." (The Fish have gone 16-19 in that same span.) "They're 40-39 but good enough for first place in the NL West." The Fish are now 40-38 and are 2 games behind first in the NL East. (PalmBeachPost)

"The Marlins can still boast the best interleague winning percentage (.547) among National League teams, but this was a rare down year. The Marlins concluded interleague play at 5-10, their third losing record in 11 seasons and worst single-season mark against the American League.

Of greater consequence is that the Marlins' matched their season-high losing streak (four) and after losing six of eight are just two games over .500 for the first time since May 1 (15-13)." (SunSentinel)

Nolasco against Owings tonight. (MLB)

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BACK: Fish win 3-1; and for added pleasure the Phillies lost, putting the Marlins a game behind the lead.

McPherson Struts Stuff

Dallas has Minor-League-leading 27 homers, and has homered in 6 straight games. (MLB)

Recuse Me

The judge in the Braman lawsuit recuses himself after he "discovered he's a distant relative of one of the plaintiff's attorneys." New judge meets attorneys today, trial postponed. (NewsRadio610)

MORE: The discovery of the distant relative was made by Braman's attorney, which Samson called "the desperate musings of a man who knew he couldn't prevail", and, somewhat ironically, "a waste of taxpayers money". (TheBusinessOfSports)

12:10 PM Start

The Fish wish to avoid the sweep but are starting Off-The-Mark Hendrickson against Matt Garza. Garza got the win over Hendrickson in St. Pete, but Garza's in a 3-game losing road rut. (Yahoo)

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RAYS-BEAT-THE-DEVIL-OUT-OF-THE-MARLINS: Garza throws a complete game one-hitter, beating the Fish 6-1. (FOX!)

Bright Spot

Skipworth signs with the Fish. (FishBytes)(PalmBeachPost)

Citrus Series Game 5

Tucker verses Shields tonight.

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YUCK: Rays win the season series by beating the Marlins 4,793-3 (or something like that). (FOX!)

Updates

Rabelo is sent down, Willingham is back in, Luis is sitting down, and Hanley is back on top. (PalmBeachPost)

Craig reveals the lastest blow to the Braman camp and talks with USA Today.

Always Something New at The Ballpark

Last night Rob Reiner threw out the first pitch at the "first carbon-neutral Major League Baseball game in the Southeast", and then Hanley helps water the infield.

Rays the Roof

The Rays are going through a slight momentary letdown, losing their first home series since April. Perhaps staying at the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort will make them feel better - but at least one former Marlin knows how hot and miserable it can get here in roofless Miami.

Sonnestine, for one, is happy to get back to JRS/PPS/DS/DS. Scott Olsen's iffy performance of late, coupled with Amezaga's sore groin, may make it tough-sailing for the Fish in tonight's World Series preview.

Until then, enjoy the story of Jack McKeon's rocky relationship with MC Hammer (yes, That MC Hammer).

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EWWWW: Percival walks four batters in the 9th inning, but the Fish only get one run - Rays win 6-4. (FOX!)

WHEW: Marlins are still one game back, though. (Philly.com)

Another Day Off

Jai was sent back to AAA, to make room for Willingham, and Badenhop's suffering a "tightness" (SportingNews)

Braves, Mets and Nats play tonight.

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GIFTS: All three teams lose.

Financial Notes

While Rays' attendance has risen, Marlins' attendance has dropped so far this year. Why? "Tropicana Field has a roof and air conditioning, allows fans to bring food and drinks and has free parking for cars carrying at least four people", while the Marlins play "in an open-air football stadium in sticky and rainy South Florida." (and maybe avoiding the Manatees may have something to do with it.) (SunSentinel)

The judge hearing the Braman lawsuit threw out as irrelevent questions concerning the Marlins' finances - he doesn't want the trial to interfere with his vacation. (MiamiHerald)

Andrew Miller Vs. Justin Duchscherer in Rubber Game

(Yahoo)

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PUTTY: Duchscherer handles Fish - A's win 7-1. (FOX!)

Badenhop's on DL, Jai Called Up

(PalmBeachPost)

9:05 ET Start Tonight

It's Dana Eveland verses Ricky Nolasco. (MLB)

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ONE-GAME-BEHIND-PHILLY: Dan's double and Cantu's game-saving defense (!) in the 9th beat the A's 6-4. (MiamiHerald)

Stuff From The Internets...

Some people are depressed about the Marlins' loss last night. (MarlinsHomeplate)(SouthFloridaFanBlog)

Gonzo's so distraught over Schilling's future that he drops the ball.

Here's an explanation on why every Marlins telecast is not in HD.

Oh, and Justin Miller was in the A's organization too. (Moneyball, moneyball...) (MLB)

"Entering Friday's contest, the A's bullpen had the fewest losses in the majors and the second-lowest ERA with a 3.04 mark." (MLB)

BREAKING NEWS: Now we know the secret to Dan Uggla's success (but will there be a Congressional investigation?)

On the Other Side of the Bay

The Marlins perform for the first time at Oakland. Rick Harden is scheduled to start for the A's and Mark Hendrickson for the Fish.

Gregg talks about his time with the A's, and Dave Van Horne hits another milestone tonight. (MLB)

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FOOEY: Fish lose 7-6 in 11 innings.

Rumors

Firstly, Peter Gammons is reported to mention a possible Willingham/Ortiz deal. (FishStripes)

Then Jayson Stark reinterates that the Fish are dangling the Hammer. (TealAndBlack)

Stark reportedly also mentions the Marlins eyeing Ryan Freel. (MLBTradeRumors)

Josh Johnson 'Solid' In Rehab Start

'Johnson threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes, and allowed three earned runs in 51/3 innings against the Palm Beach Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. He struck out two and walked two in Jupiter's 8-5 win.' (PalmBeachPost)

Day of Rest

It's a rare day off for the Fish as they travel to Oakland. Washington and Atlanta play this afternoon.

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Knuckle Time!

The Marlins are scheduled tonight to face one of the two knuckleballers pitching in the majors (a third may be waiting in the wings). R. A. Dickey throws a generally faster knuckler than Wakefield, which may give it a tendency to flatten out as it did in his last start. Which Ryan Tucker will show up for the Marlins tonight will be the major question, but he's learning.

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KNUCK-KNUCK-KNUCK: The Fish squeeze to 2 games behind Philly by beating Seattle 8-3. (Yahoo!)

Stuff Happening

Marlins will have Grasshoppers at least until 2010. (BizJournals.com)

McPherson's swatting monster homers into the desert air. (MLBRumors)

Johnson's starting in the FSL on Thursday, Willingham continues in Carolina, De Aza 'is not running for about another week', Sergio threw a bullpen session, Anibal threw a simulated game, and Brett and Henry are still 'strengthening'. (MLB)

Gregg's trying to see the signs; opposing teams are having fun stealing bases on the Marlins; John Gall and Taylor excel in NM; and Fredi muses on Willie. (SunSentinel)

Tonight's Matchup

First, congrats to Ricky for being named NL Co-Player of the Week! (Fish@BaT)

Seattle has lost 8-in-a-row at home but tonight's pitcher Felix Hernandez has won his last 3 starts, "allowing just one unearned run in 21 innings." Scott Olsen has given up one earned run in his last two starts. (Yahoo)

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DRAT: Mariners win 5-4. All NL East teams lose. (FOX!)

Cool Stats

The Marlins win back-to-back games on the road for the first time since May 11; and they are now 26-17 historically when playing their first-ever game in a ballpark (Oakland's coming next). (MiamiHerald)

Stadium Coming Into Focus

'A meeting has been set for June 24, when representatives from the city of Miami, Miami-Dade County and the team will hammer out what the baseball-only facility will look like.

'"We hope to make the final decision on the conceptual design of the stadium," Marlins president David Samson said. "Once you have the conceptual design, that's what enables us to go forward with the release of the renderings."

'For months, ideas have been tossed around. Soon a definitive look of the state-of-the-art park will be drawn up.' (MLB)

Bienvenidos a Safeco

The Marlins will play for the first time in the town where hitting coach Jim Presley played from '84-'89, and where Cantu almost played this year.

Andrew Miller battles against Carlos Silva in the wee-East-coast-hours tonight. (MLB)

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JOLT: Even Seattle firing their GM couldn't keep Andrew from shutting the Mariners down - Marlins win 6-1. (Yahoo!)

Cruz Consideration

Wax Heaven wants Jose Cruz Jr. to become a Marlin.

Slow Junkball Pitchers Messing With Fish's Heads?

Mike Berardino sees evidence of a 'post-Moyer-syndrome' afflicting the Marlins, which makes him wonder about their scheduled game against a dreaded knuckleballer on Wednesday. (SunSentinelBlog)

Stopping the St. Pete Sweep

Granted the old musty dome probably needs a sweeping, but not today. The ballpark with the funkiest-looking 'grass' in the majors host Game 3 of the first round of the 'Citrus Series' this afternoon. Ricky Nolasco starts for the Fish, and Edwin Jackson for the Rays.

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SWEEPLESS-GOING-INTO-SEATTLE: Ricky threw the most pitches by a MLB starter this year and still didn't get the complete game, but he did get the win - Fish beat the Rays 9-3. (Yahoo!)

Not So Nifty After Fifty

At game number 50 of this season the Marlins had a win/loss record of 30-20 and were 2.5 games in the lead of the NL East. Since game No. 50 they have dropped to 4 games behind the leader Philadelphia, and have the lowest win percentage in the NL East during that span.

Team - Record After Game 50 - Win %
-----------------------------------
Philadelphia -- 14-6 -------- .700
New York ------- 8-8 -------- .500
Atlanta ------- 7-12 -------- .368
Washington ---- 7-13 -------- .350
Florida ------- 6-12 -------- .333

Mark Hendrickson Vs. Matt Garza Tonight

Fill up that dome, make it seem like home. (MLB)

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BOO!: Marlins beat 4-1.

Yesterday's Former Marlin/Current Rays Player of the Game: Cliff Floyd

'Batting seventh for the first time this year, the left-handed hitter opened the bottom of the second inning with a walk in a 2-2 game.

'On the first pitch to Gabe Gross, Floyd broke for second and beat the weak throw from Matt Treanor. The 35-year-old continued to third, when the ball skipped into center field.

'"I was just trying to get something going," Floyd said. "My legs were feeling pretty good, because I haven't played in a few of days. Trying to take advantage of a situation you don't get too often."

'It was Floyd's first stolen base since July 14, 2006. Even more astounding, it was his 19th straight without being caught. He had six in 2006 and was successful on 12 straight attempts, after being gunned down April 8, 2005, at Atlanta while with the Mets.

'"I pick my spots," said Floyd...' (HeraldTribune)

Second Slate of Super-Saturday Shows Scheduled

"For you Super Saturday fans, the Marlins announced their concert series for the second half of the season. Think the Bangles might be a decent show. Anywho: July 19 -- Jerry Rivera; August 2 -- The Bangles; August 16 -- Jaci Velasquez; August 30 -- Olga Tanon; September 13 -- Victor Manuelle and Albita; September 20 -- Lou Gramm of Foreigner (with a few decent solo hits) fame." (FishBytes)

Marlins Fans Invade The Trop!

'A healthy contingent of Marlins fans made their way across the state and even started a few "Let's go, Marlins" chants that forced Rays fans to drown them out...."It's good to see we have some fans," said Rays outfielder Jonny Gomes, who has played in Tampa for parts of six seasons. "And I've never seen that many Marlins fans drive up here. This is good for both teams."' (PalmBeachPost)

Interleague Play Begins Again

There's no excuse not to go to the Trop to see the Marlins play the De-Deviled Rays. First, with the traffic down here it's probably, if not easier, then more relaxing to drive to St. Pete than anywhere in South Florida. And then it's always 70-something degrees in that abused comfort zone called Tropicana Field, so no sweating allowed. And a side trip over to the Dali Museum will make you see the high gas prices you paid to get there as just another level of surreality. Besides, Saturday's game won't be on TV anyway, so your viewing options will be limited to either channeling the spirits or showing up.

The Marlins' Interleague record? "106-83 overall, 1-2 in 2008

"Record vs. Rays: 34-21, 4-2 in 2007"

But this year is different - Tampa Bay's 2008 record is 2 games ahead of the Marlins, and their home record this year is 24-10.

"Perhaps the most interesting thing about this series is how different these two teams are.

"The Marlins are a run-scoring juggernaut -- leading the league in home runs -- and the Rays have had success with their pitching, standing eighth in the Major Leagues in ERA at 3.87 heading into Friday." (MLB)

Ryan Tucker makes his 2nd MLB start, this time against Andy Sonnanstine. Here's your Friday the 13th scoreboards...

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BLAH: Fish lose 7-3. (FOX!)

Game 3

Scott Olsen, who says he's hasn't changed at all this year, faces off against Jamie Moyer tonight. (Philly.com)

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MOYER-HASN'T-CHANGED-EITHER: Jamie now has a 9-0 record against the Marlins. Fish get shut out for the first time since April 17, losing to the Phils 3-0. The Marlins gain a game in the standings on the Phillies for the series. (The Marlins have had 3 shutouts this year, all of them at home - oddly the Marlins haven't had a game this year when they have scored just one run. Tonight was the fewest runs scored by the Marlins in a game since the 2 runs scored on May 23 against the Giants.) (FOX!)

CORRECTION: Double-checking showed I was wrong on almost everything - The Marlins scored only one run in 2 games this year, on April 13 and 30. And the Fish have been shut out 4 times, not 3. Sorry, I'll use my glasses next time.

Can Not, Cantu

Thank goodness for Jorge's bat but considering his now-official status as "the worst defensive player on earth" the wisdom of Fredi's "almost like giving Cantu a day off" by having him play first is showing. As FanGraphs states: "Cantu has ranked at the bottom of practically every defensive metric ever invented in every single season he¹s played. It isn¹t just a numbers thing, either - scouts and managers alike cringe every time a ball is hit his direction. By most accounts, Cantu costs his team something like 20 to 25 runs a season versus an average defender over a full season."

Some Former Marlin News

Chris Aguila has been called back up to the Mets from New Orleans. (NYDailyNews)

And the front office's two-year love affair with Jacque Jones seems to have cooled off, as he is at the moment a former Marlin, having been designated for assignment (along with proof that even newspaper blogs are not immune to cheesy headlines). (SunSentinelBlog)

Numbers

(EDITED) The win last night made sure that the Marlins wouldn't finish this series with the Phillies 7 games behind in the standings. Now it will be either 5 games, 3 games or 1 game behind. 2-out-of-3 of those would be an improvement, but that would require at least one more win. Tonight Andrew Miller and Cole Hamels do battle. (Yahoo)

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ONE-MORE-WIN!: Cantu hits 2 homers, and Gregg blows the save but wins the game as Tom Gordon puts 3 Marlins on and Danny homers 'em home - Fish guarantees a series win by beating Philly 6-2. (Yahoo!)

Blurbs

Nolasco just kept tossing them curveballs. (SunSentinelBlog)

The Marlins pick the builders for their new ballpark. "Construction is expected to begin late this year -- if Miami-Dade commissioners vote to accept a construction and a separate management contract before July." (MiamiHerald)

The battle for Griffey's 600th homer ball continues. (MiamiHerald)

Willingham's still improving, Anibal and Sergio threw off the mound yesterday, Johnson's throwing Saturday, Brett and Henry are 'strengthening', and Alejandro's on 'no-run status'. (MLB)

Dontrelle's pitching in Florida again. (FishBytes)

Back in Detroit, Miguelito's "weight and batting average remain in far-too-close proximity." (SouthFloridaFanBlog)

Speculation: Was the Ugueth Urbina trade really that good for the Marlins? (StateOfMiami)

Phun With The Phillies

Philadelphia has won 4 in a row. The starter in their last defeat starts tonight. Ricky is to fling for the Fish.

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PHABULOUS: Fish win 5-4. (Yahoo!)

Moves

With Ryan Tucker's arrival, Paul Hoover was sent back to AAA. And for nostalgia's sake, Armando Benitez has been DFA by the Jays. (HoumaToday)

Repairs Working

Josh Johnson threw 5 innings in an extended spring training game on Monday, and Anibal is throwing in simulated games. (MLB)

Other Milestones From Last Night

"The Marlins did manage to end a bit of history by scoring three earned runs off Reds starter Edinson Volquez, who had not given up more than two earned runs in a game in his first 12 starts -- the best such streak since 1945, when Detroit's Al Benton did it over a 14-game stretch...

"(Former Marlin Paul Bako had) his first multihomer night and 21 homers over his 10-year career. At this pace, he would need 285.7 years to catch Griffey." (MiamiHerald)

Griffey's 600th Homer Ball Will Help Pay For New Stadium,..

...jokes Mr. Samson, who knows the season-ticket holder ("since 1993") who's got the ball, and proclaims about him, "I will help him decide what's best for him and what's best for baseball". (FishBytes)

100 Games to Go

The MLB's ERA-leading starter Volquez starts tonight for the Reds.

"Griffey is 5-for-8 with a home run in his career against Marlins starter Mark Hendrickson (7-3, 5.33), who has an 11.66 ERA in his last three starts." (Yahoo)

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HISTORY: Griffey hits his 600th career homer in the first inning.

MISERY: Fish lose 9-4. (FOX!)

From the Other Side of the Diamond...

Griffey's nice to some obnoxious fans, Ryan Tucker wasn't really trying to walk Griffey, and Dusty entertains a old friend in the clubhouse. (SpringfieldNewsSun)

Hammer Heading For The Minors, Uggla Heading For the Record Books

(SunSentinel)

Sunday Afternoon Baseball

As in the last series the Marlins play the third game of a four-game series in the sunshine - but in this case it's on a Sunday, which is a normal day game anyway. Ryan Tucker makes his major-league debut starting for the Fish, while Aaron Harang starts for the Reds.

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TWO-MORE-TWO-RUNNERS-TO-MAKE-IT-TWO-FOR-TWO: Hanley hits two out of the park to lead the Marlins on a 9-2 win over Cincy. (Yahoo!)

Hoping For a Very Super-Saturday

Willy Chirino is to perform after the game, and appropriate cowbells will be handed out.

Quick focus on the positive: During this 11-game slump, the Fish haven't scored less than 3 runs in any game. And Willingham's planning to take batting practice with the team tonight.

Scott Olsen pitches for the Fish, Bronson Arroyo for the Reds. (Yahoo)

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VERY-VERY-SUPER: Cody hits a two-run walk-offer with two outs in the ninth to beat the Reds 8-7. (Yahoo)

Mr. Pats-Himself-On-The-Back Strikes Again

As I had guessed after May 15's postponement, the Marlins and Reds will make up their rained-out game in Cincy on September 22. (MLB)

EDIT: Mr. Pats-Himself-On-The-Ass finally fixes the show-off link.

Reds Come to Town

Away from the confines of the GAP (oops, that should be GAB, or GABP, or that Ohio hell-pit) Cincinatti is 10-22. Griffy's going for homer no. 600. Andrew will be trying to not serve up a fat juicy one to him. Johnny Cueto starts for Cincy. (MLB)

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FAT-JUICY-LOSS: Fish lose 11-3. (FOX!)

Jacque's a Late Bloomer

'Check out his monthly averages in '07: .280 (April), .205 (May), .176 (June), .288 (July), .349 (August), .342 (September)."(FishBytes)

Luis Starting Internet Empire

(SunSentinel)

Salvaging a Split?

Ricky Nolasco starting against Jair Jurrjens tonight. (MLB)

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

NO: Braves win 7-5. (FOX!)

Player News

Paul Hoover recalled from AAA to the big club. (MLB)

Dr. Andrews performed his magic on Gardner's shoulder, and now Lee's on no-throw status for the next 6 months. (MLB)

Draft Guesses

The catchers Buster Posey and Kyle Skipworth are being mentioned as possible choices for the Marlins' first pick in Thursday's amateur draft. (PalmBeachPost)

But at least one writer expects Posey to be grabbed before the Marlins' No. 6 pick in the first round. (TheScoreboards)

UPDATE: Marlins get Skipworth. (MLB)

Afternoonity

The Marlins and Braves have an odd mid-series afternoon contest today (they finish up the series at night tomorrow). Tom Glavine's last start against the Fish was one of the worst of his career; Mark Hendrickson's last start for the Fish was one of the worst of his career. (Yahoo)(MLB)

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ALRIGHT!: While Danny watches the birth of a new Marlins fan, Hanley does the Uggla-double and hit two homers (the last being the game-winner). Marlins win 6-4. (Yahoo!)

The Other Side of The Bullpen Blues

"The quickest way to cure the Marlins' bullpen? Have the starters reel off four or five games in row of seven or eight innings. Since tossing four scoreless innings in the road trip opening victory against the Mets, the bullpen has allowed at least one run in seven consecutive games while covering 3.6 innings per game on average. That workload will wear down even the most accomplished relief staff.

"The Marlins entered Tuesday's game with the third-most relief innings (198 1/3) in the National League, trailing only the Padres (205) and Gaints (202 1/3). Winning teams generally don't hover among the leaders in that category.

"This bitter stretch has as much to do with the starters not pitching deep enough into games as it does with the relievers underperforming." (SunSentinel)

From Surprising to Slumping

The walks are piling up...Rabelo takes the blame...Hanley's lead shrinks...Willingham working his way back. (PalmBeachPost)

Tank Sent Down

Fredi wants Taylor to get more work and come back strong, like last year. (MLB)

Game 2 of 4

Burke Badenhop starts against the impressive Jorge Campillo. (Yahoo)

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UGH: Fish lose in the bottom of the 8th - Braves win 5-4. (FOX!)

Oh Oh, The Blame Game's Starting

(SunSentinel)

Stuff

Hammer swings without pain...Jeremy's sock concerned Moyer...and De Aza's bats sparked Cody. (MiamiHerald)

Walking Out Of First Place

'In the seven games (of the road trip) thus far, six times the winning team's pitchers issued fewer walks. The only exception was the Marlins' 7-3 win on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park...

'What happened after the free passes is equally revealing. Two of the Marlins who walked ended up scoring, while 10 have crossed the plate for Florida's opponents.'

ALSO: Lee is with Dr. Andrews...De Aza's sore again...Meek's been extended...Jeff'll be bobbling. (MLB)

Ballpark Progress

Samson and Co. get ideas from the emerging Citi Field in NY, but there's not much time left before plans have to be finalized and contracts signed. A corporate sponser must also be found to take more of the load off Jeffrey's back. (MLB)

And as for Braman's lawsuit? Pish-posh: '"We are moving forward, just as we have since Feb. 21, when this deal got done," Samson said. "I can't think of one new stadium that got built without litigation of some kind."' (BizJournals.com)

Four in Atlanta

The Fish return to Turner Field to continue their Ironman part of the season (their next scheduled day off is June 18)(Ooops, sorry, make that June 19). They have to go 3-out-of-4 there to come out even on this road trip. That seems like a monumental task, as the Braves are 22-7 at home so far this year. But some hope can be gleaned from the fact that one of those seven losses was by the Marlins on April 23. And Atlanta's last home series was a 2-2 split with Arizona, followed by the 1-5 road trip they just finished.

But Chipper is still out there. The possibly injured Scott Olsen is slated to go up against the possibly improving Jo-Jo-Reyes.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BLECH!: The Fish go ahead 5-4 in the top of the ninth, but sloppy throwing by Gregg and Kensing turn it into a 7-5 Braves win in the 10th. (Phillies win too.) (FOX!)

Some Notes

Hammer may hit in the batting cage, and Gonzo gets homer no. 350. (MiamiHerald)
-------------------------------
The Marlins draw well, just not in Miami. "Yesterday's attendance (45,312), the 13th sellout of the season, was the largest of the year and the fifth largest in the history of Citizens Bank Park." (Philly.com)
-------------------------------
Cameron hit two homers yesterday against the Biscuits. (MontgomeryAdvertiser)

More Streak-Ending Needed For Today's Rubber Game

'Florida will turn to Andrew Miller (4-4, 5.53 ERA) as it tries to win its fourth road series of the season. Miller was awful in April, going 1-2 with a 9.12 ERA, but was much better in May, going 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA.

'He©ˆs still been inconsistent, however. The 23-year-old left-hander allowed four runs in 4 2-3 innings in a 5-3 loss on Tuesday at New York.

'Philadelphia will counter Miller with a pitcher who©ˆs nearly twice his age, but still plenty effective. Jamie Moyer (5-3, 4.45) has won his last three starts, limiting opponents to seven runs in 19 2-3 innings.

'He lasted seven innings on Monday, allowing four runs while striking out an unusually high seven batters in the Phillies©ˆ 20-5 win over Colorado.

'Moyer has received double-digit run support in four of his last five starts, and Philadelphia has provided 7.3 runs per start.

'"As quickly as you have it, you can lose it," Moyer said. "It©ˆs not about run support, it©ˆs about winning. My goal is to make it stand up."

'Moyer has dominated the Marlins, compiling a 7-0 record and 3.05 ERA against them in seven career starts.' (Hope Moyer can lose it today.) (Yahoo)

SUNDAY-STATS: In their last 10 Sunday games, Florida has a record of 8-2, while Philadelphia's is 4-6. (OffshoreInsiders)

However, the Marlins are 5-13 on Sunday away games, while the Phillies are 14-6 in Sunday home games. (SBRforum)

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(Sportsline)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

FUDGE!: Fish go up 5-1 in the top of the third, but the Phils came back to win 7-5. (FOX!)