January 27, 200521 yr c/o MLB.com Big Fish lands in Florida Delgado takes physical, to be introduced on Thursday By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Shortly after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Carlos Delgado arrived in South Florida from his native Puerto Rico. The free agent slugger, who agreed to terms with the Marlins on Tuesday, hooked up with his agent, David Sloane, and went about the routine of finalizing his four-year, $52 million contract. As part of the process, Delgado underwent his physical at the office of Dr. Dan Kanell. The results of various blood tests won't be determined until Thursday. But barring any unforeseen complications, Delgado will formally be introduced as the Marlins' new first baseman at a news conference Thursday afternoon. The widely coveted Delgado is on the verge of completing the richest contract in Marlins history. Some last-minute paperwork was being exchanged by Sloane and Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest. After spending 12 seasons with the Blue Jays, the 32-year-old slugger is being looked upon as a player who has shifted the balance of power in the National League. Adding the imposing threat of Delgado to the lineup makes the Marlins strong contenders to reach the postseason and perhaps dethrone the Braves in the National League East. "I think he is a huge acquisition," Marlins three-time All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell said. "He gives that bona fide home-run hitter that opposing pitchers must always be aware of. I also believe he gives the balance we have been looking for in our lineup. All in all, it is a major upgrade and we are much better today than what we were yesterday." The signing of Delgado pretty much sets the Marlins' roster for the start of Spring Training. As of now, it is unlikely either Juan Encarnacion or Jeff Conine will be traded. If that is the case, one of the two usual regulars could be coming off the bench. Depending on how manager Jack McKeon sets up the lineup, Delgado will likely bat fourth, sandwiched between Miguel Cabrera and Lowell. The presence of a powerful lefty bat should have a ripple effect throughout the lineup. With Delgado behind him in the order, Cabrera promises to benefit greatly. There is no telling what kind of season the 21-year-old Venezuelan could have. Last year, when Cabrera and Lowell were viewed as the main power threats, Cabrera belted 33 home runs and drove in 112 runs. Currently playing in the Venezuelan Winter League playoffs, Cabrera spoke to reporters about the Delgado signing. "It's a great signing," Cabrera said. "It gives much more power to the team. Our team looks a lot better, but in baseball you still have to play." Asked about the Marlins' postseason chances, Cabrera said: "They look better, but you have to play the games. But we needed a proven left-handed hitter." Balancing a lineup doesn't necessarily guarantee success. The Marlins, after all, won the World Series in 1997 and 2003 with predominantly right-handed power hitters. But having balance does create problems for pitchers. Hitting coach Bill Robinson said with the Marlins' lineup, after left-handed hitting Juan Pierre and switch-hitter Luis Castillo at the top of the order, a pitcher could get into a rhythm facing six straight right-handed hitters, excluding the pitchers. "I think when you get a pitcher, particularly a right-handed pitcher, he might stymie the lineup," Robinson said. "He never has to vary his pitches after Juan Pierre or Louie. He never has to break his rhythm. Now you break his rhythm with a bona fide RBI man. Our lineup now stacks up with everybody." For those who argue that balance isn't necessary, take a look at the two teams in the 2004 World Series. The potent Red Sox won the championship with a lineup boasting the threat of left-handed slugger David Ortiz, while the Cardinals had slugging balance with lefty batters Admin Walker and Jim Edmonds. In the 2004 National League East race, the Marlins finished third behind the balanced lineups of the Braves and Phillies. Atlanta had lefty punch in J.D. Drew and switch-hitters Chipper Jones and Johnny Estrada. The Phillies, meanwhile, have power from the left side in Bobby Abreu and Jim Thome.
January 27, 200521 yr If the official introduction isn't televised by ESPN, I'm gonna drive up to Bristol and kick their Red Sox-homer asses. That said, I'm excited.
January 27, 200521 yr If the official introduction isn't televised by ESPN, I'm gonna drive up to Bristol and kick their Red Sox-homer asses. That said, I'm excited. 669192[/snapback] ESPN or ESPNEWS? Why would ESPN have it?
January 27, 200521 yr If the official introduction isn't televised by ESPN, I'm gonna drive up to Bristol and kick their Red Sox-homer asses. That said, I'm excited. 669192[/snapback] I'm right there with you
January 27, 200521 yr If the official introduction isn't televised by ESPN, I'm gonna drive up to Bristol and kick their Red Sox-homer asses. That said, I'm excited. 669192[/snapback] ESPN or ESPNEWS? Why would ESPN have it? 669196[/snapback] ESPN should know we don't get ESPNnews in the dorms. :plain
January 27, 200521 yr im guessing mlb.com wont air it? :confused 669233[/snapback] They will...they will also store it in the archives.
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