Good Bye May

"The Marlins ended May the same way they began it: with a loss.

"They went 11-20 in the month, plummeting from a two-game lead in the standings on the morning of May 1 to a 6 1/2-game deficit as the calendar turned to June...

"The Marlins ended up breaking even on their six-game trip to Philadelphia and New York, but they believe they were a hit or two away from a 4-2 or 5-1 trip. Their three losses were by a total of four runs." (MiamiHerald)

Toeing the Rubber

It's Volstad and Maine starting on the Citi Field mound to decide the series winner.

The Mets are on a 3-game win streak (and have won 6 of their last 7) in games played on May 31st. The Marlins won last year after losing 4 May 31st games in a row.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

DOUBLE-UGH: Even in the midst of illness Maine shuts the Marlins down - Fish lose 3-2.

Oops, The Game Is Already On

As I post this the Marlins are leading the Mets 4-1 in the middle of the 3rd. Tim Redding and Josh Johnson are the starters, and Hanley is back in the lineup.

The Mets are on a 6-game losing streak in May 30 games. The Marlins lost last year after winning two May 30 games in a row.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

YAY-ITS-OVER: Fish win 7-3.

Series in the Citi

The Fish face the Mets this weekend. Mike Pelfrey and Sean West are expected to start tonight.

The Marlins beat the Mets on May 29, 2004 and May 29, 2005. Since 2005, both the Mets and Marlins have not lost any games played on May 29's.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

UGH: Neither side tried to lose this one, but the Met finally won 2-1 in the 11th.

More From the InterTubes

The Answer Man interviews Chris Volstad. (Yahoo)

Uggla may be coming out of his funk just in time to be jettisoned. (MLB)(PBPost)

Fredi says Coghlan is "the whole package". (SunSentinel)

"LandShark' Stadium is the 8th oldest 'ballpark' in the Majors. (MorrisDailyHerald)

Marlins Take Day Off

The only NL East action tonight will be the Braves at Arizona.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

News-oids

The bonds to be sold to build the stadium have been given fairly high ratings by the bond-rating guys. (MiamiToday)(BizJournals)

Wes Helms stole his first base in over seven years. (SunSentinel)

Ricky N. went 8 innings, agave up 3 runs for the Zephyrs. (RotoWorld)(FishStripes)

Josh Johnson helped out released convicts. (GTRnews)

The rookies got an early hazing this year. (FishStripes)

Rubber Game

The Fish have the day off tomorrow to give them time to hitchhike to Flushing. But tonight, it's the Hopper verses Brett Myers.

The Marlins have lost their last 4 games played on May 27. The Phillies won their last 2 May 27th games (and 3 of their last 4).

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BOUNCE-BACK: Fish now win 3-of-their-last-4, beat Phillies 6-2.

Where Are Youx, Leroux?

Chris makes his MLB debut just in time to return to the minors. (FishPond)

Ow

Hanley's suffering a 'tight' (read painful) right groin that may keep him on the bench tonight. (SunSentinel)(MLB)

Game Two in CBP

Andrew Miller and Joe Blanton start.

The Marlins and Phillies both won last May 26th, and both have won two of their last three May 26 games. Philly, though, is on a 2-game win streak.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

NO!: The Marlins tried to comeback in the 9th, but it was not enough - Phils win 5-3.

Transaction Catchup

To keep track, here's are the moves the Marlins made up and down the minors in the last couple of weeks.

Also, the Burke will be starting on Wednesday, and the Hurk and Anibal are progressing. (SunSentinel)

Back to Philly

The Fish flee LandShark Stadium and face Marlin-killer Jamie Moyer tonight. Chris Volstad, though, has put up some good numbers against the Phillies. Philadelphia also has a losing record in their home field.

The Marlins won both games of a doubleheader last May 25th against San Francisco - before that they had lost their previous 3 May 25th games. The Phils have won their last 4 games played on May 25.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

YES!: Fish win 5-3.

SWEEP????????????????

The Fish, since starting the season 11-1, have been playing .250 ball in their last 32 games. Josh Johnson and James Shields are to start this afternoon, weather permitting.

On May 24th's, the Marlins have won their last five games and the Rays have won their last four games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

NO-SWEEP!: Gload gets the walk-off winner as the Marlins win 5-4 in 11.

Regroup

The floundering Fish will try to get something going tonight. Carlos Tosca returns to managing as Fredi will be off in Georgia tonight (let's see if he's allowed back in tomorrow).

Lefty Sean West of Shreveport will do his major league debut tonight against Jeff Niemann, who has won 2-in-a-row and has never faced the Marlins before.

The Rays in their history are 6-4 in May 23rd games - they won last year after losing their previous two. The Marlins are 4-6 in that same time frame and have lost their last 2 May 23rd games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

GLAP!: I'm needing new words of disgust to express myself. Tonight's game, as opposed to yesterday's, was pretty close almost the whole way, but then the 9th inning hit - Fish lose 10-3.

Interleague Citrus

The Rays beam into town. Ricky Nolasco and Andy Sonnanstine start.

The Fish have won their last 5 games played on May 22nd, including beating Tampa Bay in 2005. The Rays have lost their last 3 May 22nd games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

STREAK-SHUTDOWN: Fish lose 15-2.

Still More Snakes

Arizona finishes up here for the year - Andrew Miller and Max Scherzer fling tonight.

After losing 4-in-a-row the Marlins have now won 3 of their last 4 May 21st games, including 2 wins from Arizona in 2004 and 2008. The Diamondbacks have lost 5 of their last 6 May 21st games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

PHLUG: Arizona wins 4-3.

Double-Trouble

Chris Volstad, who is having trouble with the long ball, starts the first game against possibly Doug Davis; for the second game Hayden Penn comes out of the pen to start possibly against Florida native Bryan Augenstein.

The Marlins beat the Diamondbacks last year on May 20. The Fish have won 4 of their last 5 May 20th games, while Arizona was on a 3-game May 20th win streak before last year's loss.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

SPLITSVILLE: The Marlins won the first game, but by the time 1:48 AM came around they had lost the second. (MiamiHerald)

HORROR: The Diamondbacks deal with tragedy. (PBPost)

Puddles of Fun

A game is predicted for today. So is a lot of rain. Probably tomorrow's double-header is scheduled to start at 5:10 pm because they may have to cram another game in there earlier in the day.

Tonight's projected starters are the possibly-iffy Josh Johnson and the previously-rained-out Jon Garland.

Both the Fish and Snakes took the day off last May 19th. Arizona is on a 5-game win streak on May 19ths, while the Marlins won their last May 19th game after losing the previous two.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

SPLAT: A mess of a 7th inning and another loss - Snakes win 5-3.

The Downers Drone...

'The Marlins stink'. (SunSentinel)

'Yeah, that's right - they stink'. (PBPost)

'Especially Uggla'. (SunSentinel)

Snakes on a Playing Field

Arizona slithers into town. Dan Haren and Ricky Nolasco start tonight.

On May 18's, Arizona in its entire history has a win-loss record of 9-1 - 2007 has been the only year the Diamondbacks have lost on a May 18th. In that same period of time the Marlins have a record of 4-7 on May 18ths.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

THROW-OUT-THOSE-STATS: Fantasy players grit their teeth as Nolasco's good start gets tossed along with the rained-out game - doubleheader on Wednesday, weather permitting. (MLB)

Moves

The Marlins "Optioned RHP Carlos Martinez to New Orleans (PCL). Purchased the contract of OF Alejandro De Aza from New Orleans. Transferred RHP Rick VandenHurk to the 60-day DL." (NOLA.com)(MLB)

And the Fish did the DFA on Koronka, but haven't called up a replacement yet. (MLB)

MORE: Brian Sanches was called up to take Koronka's place. (FishStripes)

Sunday Rubber Match

Today's 1:10 ET start features Clayton Kershaw and John Koronka, and possibly a lot less tinsel than last night.

The Fish won last year after losing 5 May 17th games in a row. Two of those 5 games were lost to the Dodgers, in 2003 and 2005. The Dodgers are in a 5-game win streak in May 17th games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

CODY!: Ross breaks up the no-hitter in the 8th and grand slams in the 9th, but Fish lose 12-5.

No TV Today

FOXclusivity rules keep this evening's Super Saturday Marlins-Dodgers game off of the boob tube, and even MLB.tv won't show it until an hour into the action. Go and see the game for yourselves and later enjoy the (supposedly) family-friendly entertainment of 'Stevie B and Angel & Aby formerly TKA'.

Starting will be two returnees - Eric Milton (who hasn't been in the majors in two years) and Andrew Miller (who was called back to the big leagues yesterday - bye bye Brett).

On past May 16ths both the Dodgers and the Marlins lost last year, won the year before that, and lost the year before that. The Marlins beat the Dodgers on May 16, 2005, and lost to them on May 16, 2003.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

WIN!: Fish beat L.A. 6-3.

Home

After 22 of their past 29 games on the road, the Fish return home for a stretch.

The Brooklyn Dodgers of Los Angeles come to Miami Gardens of Miami-Dade County to play 3 games at LandShark Stadium a/k/a Dolphin-Dolphins-Pro-Player-Joe-Robbie. Eric Stults and Chris Volstad are the starters.

The Marlins won their last May 15th game after losing six May 15 games in a row. The Dodgers are in a 3-game win streak in May 15th games (after also losing six in a row).

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

BLEH: Fo-Fish Juan Pierre brings in the winning runs - Fish lose 6-4.

Headlines

Coghlan, policeman fight for ball. (SunSentinel)

Weak-armed Johnson's arm isn't weak. (SunSentinel)

Joe Capozzi says Marlins need jolt or season is over. (PBPost)

Nolasco credits gum for win in Coors. (philly.com)

What's with the 'Q's? (SunSentinel)

The Marlins as "The 'A' Team". (NewTimes)

Sweep?????????????

Milwaukee will try to sweep the Marlins for the first time since 1999. Josh Johnson verses Dave Bush at 1:05 ET today.

Speaking of 1999, the Marlins beat Milwaukee on May 14, 1999. The Marlins and Brewers have the exact same win-loss record for the last five May 14ths (1-4, with that win in 2006).

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

SWEPT: Fish lose 5-3.

Factualities

Ross Gload loses a homer to video. (Yahoo)

The Fish finally complete the trade for Gload, by sending Eric Basurto to the Royals. (Rotoworld)

Iowa Wesleyan College star player Jose Nunez has signed with the Marlins. (VSN)

The new stadium may get a corporate sponser after all, one of these days. (MiamiToday)

Manny may be in Pembroke Pines, and might face his team when they arive this weekend. (PressTelegram)

More proof that Marlins fans are the smartest fans around - in the secondary ticket market (in other words, Stubhub), we are able to scam out of those losers who actually go to the games down here the 3rd-highest resale price for tickets in major-league baseball, just behind the Red Sox and Yankees and just ahead of the Mets. (TicketNews)

Middle Game in Miller Park

Ricky will be starting tonight against former Fish Braden Looper.

The Brewers and Fish both have 4-5 records in their last 9 May 13th games - Mikwaukee won last year after losing two-in-a-row, and Florida has lost its last two.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

Lazy Update

Proctor goes to doctor...there'll be slicing and stitching, then Scott won't be pitching. (FishStripes)

And Andrew threw. (FishStripes)

Looking For 'W's in Wisconsin

The Fish shift south of Sheboygan today to face the Brewers. Starting will be John Koronka and Manny Parra.

Since the Brewers moved to the NL in 1998 they have an 8-2 record in May 12th games, and are now in a 4-game win streak. The Marlins, after winning 5 straight, have lost their last 3 May 12th games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

OH-SCHLITZ: Marlins lose 6-3.

The Gamut on John

There's the John Koronka Fan Club... (PBPost)

...and then there's someone that brings up the word 'retread'. (rmlwyl.blogspot.com)

Speculate No More

Maybin gets sent down to the Zephyrs, where he hopes to be "swinging it like I would like to". (MLB)

The Zephyrs are now in Albuquerque, where the Marlins' former AAA team will be trying to complete a 4-game sweep of the Marlins' current AAA team during Monday afternoon's Businessperson's Special / School Day Matinee. (oursportscentral)

John Koronka is being called up to start Tuesday in Milwaukee. "He compiled a 2-1 record with a 3.00 ERA in 10 appearances for New Orleans, including the last four as a starter. In each of his last two outings, he didn't give up a run in five innings." (MLB)

Sweep???

The Fish try to wrap up their tour of chilly drippy Colorado. Coghlan is in the lineup as the left-fielder.

The Marlins are on a 4-game win streak in May 10th games (their last May 10 loss was to Colorado in 2003). The Rockies have lost 3 of their last 4 May 10th games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

2003-PEAT: Colorado beats the Fish 3-2.

More Notes

Cantu's wrist still hurts "like a knife". (SunSentinel)

Coghlan didn't start or play last night. (Yahoo)

Personal loss bring together Anibal and former Marlins pitching coach Rich Donnelly. (PBPost)

Is Dinger a dangerous distraction, or desirable? (SunSentinelBlog)

Rocking the Rockies

It's an 8:10 ET start in Denver for game no. 2 of this series. Jorge De La Rosa, who has had his problems with the Marlins in the past, starts against Josh Johnson

Both the Fish and the Rocks won last year on May 9, after losing 3 of their previous 4 May 9th games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

TWO-4-TWO: Fish win 3-1.

From the Wires...

Chris Coghlan (or is it Coughlan - it's spelled both ways in this MLB article) got 2 hits in his major-league debut, ater hitting .525 in his last 11 games in AAA.

Coghlan, who "last played regularly in the outfield as a member of the Tampa Bay Renegades, an AAU team for 12-year-olds", will start in the outfield tonight as Cameron sits down.

Joe Capozzi speculates that Cameron probably will be sent down to the minors.

Anibal's shoulder is sprained, and he's on no-throw status for 3-4 weeks.

Meanwhile, enjoy Zavi's photo essay of Thursday's game.

Denver Doings

The Fish are back on the road, where they now have a slightly better record than at home. Jason Hammel and Ricky Nolasco will start in Coors Field tonight.

Colorado has won 4 of their last 5 May 8th games, including a win against the Marlins in 2005. Florida has won their last 2 May 8th games after losing 3 in a row.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

RICKY!: Nolasco gets the first starter win in 20 games and Hanley gets 4 hits including a homer as the Marlins win 8-3.

News to Use

It's LandShark Stadium! (FishStripes)

The "Marlins' bullpen pitched 11 scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the starters gave up 12 runs in seven innings." (SunSentinel)

Dontrelle is back with the Tigers and will start Wednesday. (Freep)

Reports are Chris Coghlan will be taking Anibal's roster spot. (RotoWorld)

Eep! Sweep?

The Braves will try to do the short sweep tonight. Jair Jurrjens and his 1.89 ERA goes up against Anibal. VegasSharps.com thinks Anibal's hiding an injury and makes Atlanta their free pick of the day.

The Fish and Braves are both coming off a win in May 7 games. Both Florida and Atlanta are 3-3 in their last 6 May 7 games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

WHADDAYA-KNOW?: Anibal does has an injury, and the Braves do sweep.

Today's Quickies

Graham gets sent down to AA real quick; Marlins bring in Carlos Martinez. (MLB)

Scott talked to Josh and Logan about elbow surgery; Andrew's feeling good; and Gaby gets injured. (SunSentinel)

Cantu knocked in 5 runs last night. (MLB)

The Inappropriate Stereotypes Come to Town

The Braves start a road trip with two games in Miami. Derek Lowe against Graham Taylor tonight.

Both the Marlins and Braves have won 4 of their last 7 May 6th games - Florida won last year, and Atlanta won their last two.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

INSENSITIVE: Braves win 8-6.

Today's Stories

Marlins drop out of first place for the first time this season. (PBPost)

Scott Proctor re-feels the pain in his elbow, will see Dr. Andrews next week. (MLB)

Greg Stoda reports some disgruntlement between Hanley and the Marlins. (PBPost)

(sweep?)

The Fish are going for the short-series sweep today. Edinson Volquez, who "comes in not having allowed a hit over his last 7 1/3 innings", starts for the Reds against Chris Volstad.

In three of the last six May 5ths, the Marlins had the day off. In the May 5ths they did play, they're in a 2-game loss streak after a 2-game win streak. The Reds won last year after a 2-game losing streak.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

(nope): Hanley gets the first Fish hit in the 4th, but it's one of only 3 hits the Marlins will get all night - Reds win 7-0.

More Info

Jorge was last week's NL player of the week. (FishStripes)

Ken Rosenthal discovers Alfredo is a 'manager's dream'. (FoxSports)

Hanley almost kills Regis Philbin. (SunSentinel)

In retaliation, Regis has the Manatees perform on his show this morning. (stltoday)

Former Fish Todd Linden had an 18-game hit streak going for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. (timesleader)

Cincinatti Communists Come to Town

The 14-11 Marlins host the 13-11 Reds tonight and tomorrow. Aaron Harang and Josh Johnson are tonight's starters

After losing four-in-a-row the Marlins have won their last three May 4th games. The Reds have lost eight of their last nine May 4th games (that one win was in 2006).

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

VICTORY: Reds lose 3-2 in the 14th inning.

Info-Bits

The Fish are 13th in runs scored but 27th in batting average. (MLB)

Gload's running surprises Fredi. (MLB)

Another stall of the game may have affected Ricky. (SunSentinel)

Time to Even The Series

The game has a 2:20 ET start time. The Cubs will retire no. 31 before Carlos Zambrano and Ricky Nolasco take the mound.

The Cubs and Marlins both have a 3-3 record in their last 6 games played on May 3rd.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

UNEVEN: Marlins lose 6-4.

A Smattering of News

Joe Robbie Stadium once again will be called something other than Joe Robbie Stadium. (FishStripes)

New Marlins fan Regis Philbin will be in Miami Beach this week. (SunSentinel)

The Marlins stink in stopping base stealers, Penn was impressive to Fredi yesterday, Danny hopes to play today, Andrew's improving, and Graham gets at least one more start. (PalmBeachPost)

Buy a jersey, get two free tickets. (SunSentinel)

Matt Mantai's in Indiana doing a supermaket signing. (southbendtribune.com)

Saturday's Contest

Hanley may start in today's game. Anibal and Ted Lilly are the projected pitchers for the 1:05 ET game.

May 2nd has been a day of futility for the Fish. Last year's win against the Padres hopefully breaks a skid which had the Marlins, in its history, going 1-12 on May 2nds (that one win was in 2002). The Cubs, after a six-game win streak, have lost three of their last four May 2nd games.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

MAY-2ND-STRIKES-AGAIN: Marlins lose 6-1.

Wrigley Game No. 2

Today's start is at 2:20 ET. Graham Taylor tries again, against Rich Harden.

In May 1st games, the Marlins have lost 4 of their last 5, and the Cubs have won 3 of their last 5. They both lost last year.

(Yahoo)(ESPN)(CBSSports)(MLB)(FOX)(CNNSI)

YUCK: Cubs win 8-6.

Today's Couple of Stories

Maybin answers the kids' questions. (MLB)

The Mets' delaying tactics irk Larry, but Andrew's not being rushed; Hanley wasn't swinging and Ronny was bunting. (SunSentinel)

Jayson Stark states the Fish are looking for a reliever, and then mentions about a dozen names. (ESPN)