calvinball

I was glad to see Josh get to catch some tonight. It made sense to break him in late in the game, and he seemed to handle himself well. I like Willingham, and I think he can help this team by filling multiple roles this year. Sure it would be nice for him to get more reps playing everyday in the minors, but if the team needs him now he's ready to contribute.

i thought we were gonna fix the holes in our team id rather spend money getting a need like bullpen catcher LF over a 1b who wed pay out of the a$$ for and already have a good cheap one 460537[/snapback] Well said (or, at least, I agree)

The switch was a great thing for Smoltz and the Braves, and it could be a great thing for JB and the Marlins. But only if two conditions are met (1) IF Bump can handle the 5th spot in the rotation and (2) IF it is necessary for Beckett to stay healthy, I would be in favor of the move. If we give up every 5th game, it?s a disaster. If we unnecessarily relegate Beckett to the pen, it?s a waste. Of course, if Beckett can handle starting in the rotation (which he hasn't, yet), I would rather have him start and leave Bump in the pen.

Agreed, it has been reported that he needs to develop his defense all year. He hasn't been playing catcher long (in his second season as C). He's been playing (until he was called up last week) and has been improving all year, and I was wondering if anyone knew where he's at now. I would like to see him catch a game myself to see how much progress he has made and how much work he still needs. (but, yes, the bat is definitely ready).

Is he simply not ready to play catcher role in the majors?I can't wait to see him get a chance to play catcher and see how he does. 460334[/snapback] From my understanding, hes not a good defensive catcher 460356[/snapback] From where do you get this understanding?

In order for the Braves to win the division this year, Montreal would have to be the only team in the NL East at the end of the season. 396347[/snapback] It is amazing how quickly things change.

Great finish. A few days ago we said this series was big, a near must win. Well, the team came through and paved the way for a successful second half. The players can rest confident and the FO can make some moves. Great finish to the mythical 1st half!

You may be right. Some teams carry 12, some carry 11. We were carrying 12 when Beckett went on the DL which led me to think we may go back to 12. With the All-Star break coming up 12 wouldn't be needed until later. However, we have carried 11 before, and if we don't have a reliable 12th, we may stick with 11.

Willingham in LF, Choi in first. Both are the best options we have right now. 451894[/snapback] Agreed. If we were to aquire another LF, then we could give Willingham a look behind the plate or at 1B. Right now, I believe he should stay in LF.

I think there are two important questions that have not been answered, yet. 1) What pitcher do we add to the roster when the 5th starter spot comes back? It seems like Bumb is the logical choice for starter, but that will leave us one short in the pen. We will still need to pick up an additional pitcher as long as Beckett is on the DL. 2) What non-pitcher do we remove from the roster to make room for the new guy? The next 2-3 weeks will be very interesting.

yea we know all that 448725[/snapback] I wish we all did. Unfortunately, I think some people just want to make it to the All-Star break. There are excuses: injuries, inexperienced player, tired players, ect. However, I think it would be a terrible mistake to write off this series and hope that we can just turn it around after the All-Star game.

The Mets series is "Big" for a few reasons. 1) Every game counts, in a division race that will like go down to the wire, every game is huge. When you are playing one of the division foes, each game is twice as important. 2) The front office is looking a sign of life as they determine whether, or not, it is worth it to make a move for this team. A series win could them the confidence they need to go out and acquire an impact player (assuming there's one available) to aid in the stretch run. 3) This is the last series before the All-Star break, and how well the Marlins perform this series will go a long ways in determining the mood of the organization over the break. A series win here could be the boost the organization needs. We don't want players and coaches brooding over the break, and we certainly don't want to sink into a losing attitude. Rather, we need something positive to happen, so we can rest confident over the break and come back ready to take on the world. 4) It's fun to win! Go Marlins!

I am not worried about the catcher position too much. We are carrying three catchers on the current roster: Redmond, Treanor, and Willingham. All three are capable (when healthy in Redmonds case). I like using Willingham in the outfield right now, but if we need him he can move back behind the plate.

Marlins 6 Mets 2 2 Run HR by Cabrera 1 RBI double by Willingham 3 Run HR by Lowell I believe solid performances in the middle of the lineup and above average pitching will pave the way to a big W tonight.

Urinating on your hands will not solve the blister problem. It could infect your hands and make it worse. 447390[/snapback] Actually, urine is sterile. Even developing callouses may not help, fluid could still build up under the skin. It's just got to be something with Beckett's skin, he must especially sensitive. Had he ever had blister problems in high school? 447404[/snapback] Sterile? Are you kidding? :o

If Bump moves into the starting rotation (which I think may be a good move after the All-Star break), who do we bring up to fill Bump's spot in the pen, and how do we make room on the roster?

Great to see that Stokes is back playing again!

Willingham Article Notable quotes: On the MLB debut vs game 2: "First of all, there weren't quite as many butterflies tonight," Willingham said. "The first day was just a blur. I didn't get any sleep (Tuesday night). Tonight, I was a lot more rested." ... On the 1st hit: "I got down 1-2 in the count, and then he threw me a curve ball," Willingham said. "I wasn't looking for that specifically, so I just hit it back up the middle." "It was pretty amazing. The crowd was cheering pretty loudly. It gave me goosebumps." ... On the 2nd hit: "I hit a chopper to third, and I think it kind of hit him (Pirates third baseman Chris Stynes) between hops," Willingham said. "I was able to beat it out. I'll take a hundred hits like that." ... What happened to the ball?: Following his first hit, the ball was pitched into the Marlins' dugout. "I think that's pretty routine when a player gets his first hit," Willingham said. "I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure someone has it."

I think Dillion would have been called up recently if if he had shown he could play in the outfield.

I am all for cutting Lenny, and I am all for Dillion. I am just saying we are short one pitcher right now. We can manage to remain one short right now b/c of the All-Star break. However we will need to pick up another pitcher after the break. We have some roster issues to work out in the near future. If we were to bring up Dillon, we would need to clear two current roster player.

I should say then, we'll need to make room for a 12th pitcher.

We have to make room for a 5th starting pitcher first.

Complaining to the media about PT doesn't win many friends in the dugout. It wins fewer friends on the coaching staff. 446493[/snapback] I should add, it doesn't win many fans in the stands either.

Complaining to the media about PT doesn't win many friends in the dugout. It wins fewer friends on the coaching staff.

I'm starting both perez and Pavs tonight so im looking for a 1-0 duel 445547[/snapback] I hope you are palnning on the Marlins getting the 1.