July 22, 200422 yr * So that you know, the story was written as of the mid season break * http://www.marlinbaseball.com/lorenzo.php Marlins need to make a move July 22, 2004 It?s a miracle in itself that the Marlins are right smack in the middle of things with the Phillies and Braves for 1st place in the NL East. Not to mention the Florida has a record of 15-21 since the beginning of June. Fortunately for the Marlins, this means nothing right now. With the second half of the season commencing, Florida finds itself with the opportunity to regain 1st place in the NL East if it can regain the fire it once had at the start of the year. Unfortunately for the Marlins, they can?t do it in their current state. In order to make a move in the standings, the Marlins need to make a move in the Trade Market. The acquisition of Billy Koch could turn out to be tremendous if he keeps improving and solidifies the 8th inning for Armando Benitez in the 9th, but that move alone is not enough. While the bullpen could use another pitcher, the glaring hole the Marlins have to fill is betting another bat. How many times this year has A.J. Burnett, Carl Pavano, or Dontrelle Willis thrown a gem of a game only to be outscored 1-0 by the opposing team? It?s no question the Marlins can?t make a move in the NL East unless their ace Josh Beckett is healthy, but that is a situation they cannot control. Making a move to get another bat and spice up the batting order is something they can control. While it may be another sport, the acquisition of Shaquille O?Neal for the Miami Heat shows that almost any player can at some point be available. The Marlins find themselves with the opportunity, albeit not a realistic one at this point, to trade for stars such as Carlos Delgado, Nomar Garciaparra, Steve Finley and Carlos Beltran, but as we have seen, unrealistic can change to possible in a matter of seconds. The Blue Jays have said they want to shop Delgado around since he is in the final year of his four-year, $64 million deal. The Red Socks feel Garciaparra is expendable since in their eyes he?s on the decline. Beltran could soon be shipped if the Houston Astros continue to struggle, and Finley could be dumped out of Arizona since the D-backs seem to be ready to clean house. While the Marlins would have to not only be creative, but bold as well to pull off a trade for some of these stars, acquiring another bat or two is vital for this team to make a playoff push. Florida has been lucky enough just to be at the half waypoint and still be in the NL East race given their recent slump, but now is the time to take it to the next step and regain the fire that once burned bright at the beginning of the season. Now is the time to make a move not only on the market, but in the standings as well.
July 22, 200422 yr Another great article by our resident reporter. (sorry WC) 470926[/snapback] I wrote something at the break but Admin never posted it. I don't mind at all, Miguel is an amazing writer and will probably take my title. Ever since I got my job with the Boca News, though, it's like the last thing I want to do is come home and write an article after writing 1000 words on Legion baseball all night. Back to the point, Great article Migs. Keep up the good work.
July 22, 200422 yr one pet peeve Red Sox, not Red Socks 470934[/snapback] A) Spell check automatically corrected it B) It just slipped. It happens after you just write and write for a while.
July 22, 200422 yr one pet peeve Red Sox, not Red Socks 470934[/snapback] A) Spell check automatically corrected it B) It just slipped. It happens after you just write and write for a while. 470939[/snapback] it is called proofreading :whistle
July 22, 200422 yr Ever since I got my job with the Boca News, though, it's like the last thing I want to do is come home and write an article after writing 1000 words on Legion baseball all night. 470933[/snapback] damn, josh is too good for us now :thumbdown
July 22, 200422 yr one pet peeve Red Sox, not Red Socks 470934[/snapback] A) Spell check automatically corrected it B) It just slipped. It happens after you just write and write for a while. 470939[/snapback] it is called proofreading :whistle 470940[/snapback] Yea but after writing for so long, some things just slip. You usually need someone else to re-read it for you, because they'll pick up the mistakes you miss.
July 23, 200422 yr Author Thanks for the back up Josh. :thumbup Sorry about the error though, no excuses.
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