Similar trip in '01 led to downfall

BY KEVIN BAXTER

kbaxter@herald.com

 

AND CLARK SPENCER

 

Two years ago the Marlins, after a slow start, fired their manager then clawed back into the pennant race before entering their final road trip of the first half.

 

Then they lost five consecutive games in Philadelphia and were never heard from again.

 

Now, after making the slow climb to .500 since changing managers in early May, the Marlins are 5 ? games back in the wild-card chase as they head to Philadelphia again to begin their final road trip before the All-Star Game.

 

But that's where the similarities stop, insists second baseman Luis Castillo.

 

''This year it's a different feeling. There's a different attitude,'' he said. ``We're more confident.''

 

Which isn't to say Castillo -- or any other Marlin -- has forgotten that series.

 

''Those five games kind of put us under the bus,'' Mike Lowell said of the 2001 games. ``It's always a difficult series because we're so similar. We match up well.''

 

And though both teams lost Wednesday, each has been playing well. The Marlins lost their first home game in more than two weeks Wednesday, falling to the Braves 2-1 in extra innings. Philadelphia saw its seven-game winning streak end in a 1-0 one-hit loss to the Cubs.

 

The Marlins have gone 27-21 since Jack McKeon replaced Jeff Torborg as manager May 11, bringing their season record to 43-43. Yet after hovering around the .500 mark for more than week, some players say it's time to move on.

 

''That was the key: just getting to .500,'' said first baseman Derrek Lee. ``Now we have to get a couple of games over that.''

 

After Philadelphia, the Marlins visit Chicago and Montreal before taking their four-day midseason break.

 

''It's a long trip against some really good teams, teams that are in the same division as us,'' Castillo said. ``So they're important games. [but] this trip to Philadelphia is going to have a big impact.''

 

CABRERA ADJUSTING

 

Although rookie Miguel Cabrera says he still feels strange in left field after playing most of the past two seasons at third base, the move has been smoother than he expected.

 

''[i'm] working with [special assistant] Andre Dawson in the outfield when we're at home. If I keep working I think I can get better,'' he said.

 

He's also feeling more comfortable at the plate. After breaking an 0-for-17 skein Tuesday with a four extra-base hits -- including two homers -- he was 1 for 4 Wednesday.

 

''I feel much better [at the plate],'' he said. ``But I still [have] some things learn.''

 

SPOONEYBARGER OUT

 

Reliever Tim Spooneybarger won't be of help to the Marlins anytime soon.

 

Spooneybarger, the team's top set-up man, was diagnosed Wednesday with a sprained right elbow ligament during a visit to orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Alabama.

 

The right-hander won't be permitted to throw for two weeks, and it could be another three to four weeks before he returns to the bullpen.

 

Spooneybarger has not pitched since June 11. He was originally diagnosed with tendinitis in his right elbow after seeing Andrews once before.

 

Due to the depleted bullpen and the adequate impression left-hander Tommy Phelps has made as a starter, manager Jack McKeon said he wouldn't be at all hesitant shuffling the staff to bolster the relief corps.

 

''If some of the other guys falter, I'm not opposed to making a switch,'' McKeon said. ``It's been done before.''

 

Phelps was moved back to the bullpen to make room for Josh Beckett when he rejoined the starting rotation Tuesday. But starters Carl Pavano and Brad Penny have not pitched consistently lately (both were hit hard in the weekend series at Boston).

 

Penny said moving to the bullpen isn't an option.

 

''My arm wouldn't allow it,'' Penny said. ``My arm doesn't bounce back, period.''

 

AROUND THE HORN

 

Outfielder Juan Encarnaci?n (sore left hamstring) did not start again Wednesday but is expected to play Friday in Philadelphia. He pinch-hit Wednesday, striking out in the 10th . . . General manager Jim Bowden told reporters Wednesday that the Reds would not trade Adam Dunn, seemingly quashing speculation that the Marlins would go after Cincinnati's power-hitting outfielder and a pitcher in exchange for Penny and Castillo. However, sources said the Reds remain interested in both players.

f*** it if we cant get DUNN no deal... ethier give up Austin Kerns or Griffy.....

 

i dont want anybody the reds have besides DUNN!!!!!!

 

what do they have to offer us??? Jose Guillian????? Sean Casey?? Get real they dont desrve Penny or Castillo......

I would LOVE to have Jose Guillen!

Yea, get Guillen and move Cabrera to 2nd. Also get two of their top prospects and good cheap reliver from them.

 

That sucks thats sponney will be out for so long and Borland no one has any idea of his return date. We need some bullpen help fast.

 

I hope the marlins keep winning and are under 5 games out of the WC by the break.

what are you people babbling about?

 

 

 

move cabrera to second?

 

 

has he ever played second?

I dont think so but he could play it if he has to.

Cabrera is versitle enough that he can play anywhere but Catcher. He may have never played there, but he is athetic enough, that he can play almost wherever you need him to...

I think he can play everywhere but CF and C.

So we are just going to throw him out there at second in the middle of the season.

 

 

Yeah.

 

 

Thats smart.

idiots

 

Cabrera cant play 2nd....

Why cant he he could play SS and 3b surely he could play at 2b. Its easier then 3b or SS.

he's a pretty big guy....

So is Kent and Edgardo Alfonso.(used to play 2b)

Kent wasnt switched to second in teh middle of a season, having never played there before.

 

 

Wake up homers.

Yea but is to help the team this only would be necessary if Castillo is traded.

do you see Troy Glaus playing 2nd base when Adam Kennedy is hurt?

 

no

Thats diffrent. Glaus is not as athletic as Cabrera.

 

Cabrera could play SS and Glaus cant.

Thats diffrent. Glaus is not as athletic as Cabrera.

 

Cabrera could play SS and Glaus cant.

wasnt Glaus a SS in college or in the minors?

 

im pretty sure he was

Okay do you really think that Cabrera cant play 2b?

Give me a yes or a no.

guys, i don't want cabs to play second. we should get someone who cna play second. How is the Hooper kid doing in the Minors?

Encarnacion could 2nd but he is better at RF

 

[lightbulb]

 

Pudge at 2nd? Ramon and Red manning 1/2 the battery?

 

although I dont think Pudge has taken many balls at 2nd yet

Biggio went from catcher to second, so why can't Pudge? But seriously, how is Kevin Hooper doing?

I think the Phillies will take this series because of the pitching matchups. Penny needs to step it up I did't like his comments and if he can't go to the Pen he better show every bit of reason that he can be a starting pitcher on a consitant basis. He is one of the most inconsitant players I have ever seen in baseball. This guy has some much talent yet pitches like Jose Lima (not this years Jose Lima). Our pitching coach has to get through to him if we are going to make a run at the WC. Penny needs to pitch a solid game at the vet for us to keep pressure on the Phils for the WC spot. Let's go Penny step it up!

Isn't this a 3 game series vs. the Phillies? :unsure :

Isn't this a 3 game series vs. the Phillies? :unsure :

I thought it was 4?