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It's a `bumpy' ride, and Benitez loves it

Published May 6, 2004

 

Not sure if you can trademark a chest bump, but Armando Benitez might want to have his people look into it.

 

The hulking Marlins closer lumbers around the infield after each of his game-ending successes, looking for his new teammates and leading with his heart. As always.

 

Benitez will gather his 240 pounds, bend forward slightly at the waist and push out what passes for pecs as his pals brace for contact. Even the littlest Marlins are expected to play along in this refreshing ritual that has taken place after each of the closer's first 11 saves, including Wednesday's 2-0 win over Los Angeles.

 

There was no memo, no strategizing session conducted near the big guy's corner locker in the home clubhouse at Pro Player Stadium. Just a final out with Benitez on the mound, then a spontaneous celebration that has to rank among the coolest in the game.

 

"He just came up to me and did it to me, so I did it back to him," said Marlins center fielder Juan Pierre, who goes about 60 pounds lighter than his bump partner.

 

Does it ever hurt? Pierre smiled.

 

"Naw," he said. "He doesn't bump that hard. He's soft in the middle."

 

So maybe it's as much George Foreman Belly Bump as NBA-style chest bump. Maybe it feels more like diving into a feather bed than plopping onto a driveway.

 

Whatever, the Marlins just hope they keep seeing the closer's signature move as much over the next five months as they did in April.

 

"I've done that for years," Benitez said. "I did that with the Mets, too. Nobody gets hurt. We know how to do it."

 

There's also that exaggerated bow Benitez shares with Korean first baseman Hee Seop Choi at game's end.

 

"That's him," Choi said, pointing across the clubhouse. "He's the one behind that. He keeps things fun."

 

Benitez finally blew one Tuesday night against the Dodgers, Adrian Beltre's last-strike blooper dropping in front of Miguel Cabrera to tie the game with two outs in the ninth. When the ball landed and the runner scored, Benitez slumped forward on the mound, then threw up his hands in disgust.

 

Not at Cabrera's failure to dive for the ball, Benitez insisted later. Just at the situation and his own throwing error that ended his season-opening streak.

 

Afterward, Benitez was philosophical as he stood by his locker and explained how his first one (with the Marlins) got away.

 

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose," he said. "I do the job the best I can. Sometimes you try to do it, but you can't get it. You make a good pitch, they get a hit."

 

A smile crossed his face, and you could almost see the loss rolling off his broad shoulders as he spoke in that gravelly whisper. He even showed his playful side, a rarity for any closer in such moments.

 

When asked if any of his teammates said anything to him in the dugout after the ninth, he cocked his head to the side, thought for a moment and said no. Pause.

 

"No, I'm joking," he finally said, chuckling at his little ruse. "Everybody said, `You did a good job.' Like a team does. That's what it means to have support. This is what I like. We have a good personality here."

 

Unlike, say, in previous stops with the Mets and Yankees, a visiting New York reporter chimed in. Suddenly, the smile was gone and Benitez turned serious.

 

"I don't want to talk about New York," he said flatly. "This is a new team. I'm with the Marlins now. I'll talk about the Marlins. I'm comfortable here."

 

Why not stay in the present? He is off and rolling after the toughest season of his hotly debated career.

 

His manager, Jack McKeon, calls him "Papi" and says Benitez is "like a big teddy bear." His teammates enjoy his sense of humor and upbeat presence.

 

Talk about doing an attitudinal 180. This Benitez (so far) is nothing like the hypersensitive, demanding diva who flamed out in New York.

 

This Benitez is fun. Big, sloppy, chest-bumping, belly-thumping fun.

 

Amazing what a one-year contract and a 50-percent pay cut (down to $3.5 million) can do for a man's disposition.

 

It probably gets a little harder from here, especially with setup man Chad Fox out for another month, at least, with a balky elbow. Having gone more than one inning in four of his last 10 appearances, Benitez can expect an increased workload until the front office deals for reinforcements.

 

But so far, so impressive for Benitez, who is pumping 96-mph fastballs past overmatched hitters and exuding confidence again. Pittsburgh closer Jose Mesa, who came up through the Orioles system ahead of Benitez, is happy to see his friend and fellow Dominican doing well.

 

"His ball is jumping again," Mesa said.

 

And chests are bumping.

 

I almost choked last night listening to Dave Van Horn talking about DMX and Notorious BIG as Mando was finishing off the Dodgers... too funny. :lol

Beh, he allready blew one save

It's great to see it all work out for Benitez. He has exceeded all expectations and is on track to have a super year.

It's great to see it all work out for Benitez. He has exceeded all expectations and is on track to have a super year.

I agree he was always a good pitcher, but the media and the pressure got to him. I love how Florida can be a team where players can be themselves and enjoy playing the game.

Beh, he allready blew one save

Everyone not named Gagne blows saves, and honestly he didn't really deserve to blow that one. No one hit the ball hard, he just made a bad throw and then after Easley couldn't find the ball. Miguel didn't try hard enough. Things happen. He bounced back the next night and started a new streak. That is how infectious this team is.

 

I still have 100% confidence when he trots on the hill.

Beh, he allready blew one save

Everyone not named Gagne blows saves, and honestly he didn't really deserve to blow that one. No one hit the ball hard, he just made a bad throw and then after Easley couldn't find the ball. Miguel didn't try hard enough. Things happen. He bounced back the next night and started a new streak. That is how infectious this team is.

 

I still have 100% confidence when he trots on the hill. Blowing saves is just as contagious as getting them. I saw that first hand with the Mets which is why I'm still skeptical.

Beh, he allready blew one save

Everyone not named Gagne blows saves, and honestly he didn't really deserve to blow that one. No one hit the ball hard, he just made a bad throw and then after Easley couldn't find the ball. Miguel didn't try hard enough. Things happen. He bounced back the next night and started a new streak. That is how infectious this team is.

 

I still have 100% confidence when he trots on the hill. Yep no big deal. :thumbup 10/11 is pretty good.

I'm glad for Benitez. I think he got a raw deal in NY and Seattle. Good to see him have success this year. Too bad he's probably pricing himself out of our range for next season.

Benitez sure should be enjoying the ride. He has been lights out except for that blown save. He isnt throwing as hard as he did with the Mets and Yanks but i think that was the key for control. Now he is smarter and only uses his full heat when he really needs it. Thats why i think he was very wild his previous seasons.

he is 11-12