Restocked Marlins to open with Beckett

04/01/2005 8:00 AM ET

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

 

 

 

Not since Opening Day in 1997 have the Marlins entered a season with such optimism.

 

In 1997, the Marlins made tremendous upgrades to their roster, bringing in high-profile players like Moises Alou. That squad enjoyed a stellar Spring Training and then went on to win the first of the organization's two World Series titles.

 

The 2005 Marlins have restocked their roster, adding slugger Carlos Delgado, starter Al Leiter and several significant veteran relievers. The club is hopeful that the new additions will result in another playoff run.

 

The Marlins will find out quickly how they stack up in the National League East on Tuesday afternoon as they open with defending division champions, the Atlanta Braves.

 

Winners of 13 straight division titles, the Braves send seasoned John Smoltz to the mound against Florida's brash hard-thrower, Josh Beckett.

 

"It can't come soon enough," said Delgado, the power-hitting first baseman who joins the Marlins after 12 seasons in Toronto. "I'm looking forward to the opener. We've said over and over that Spring Training is a little long, but it's something you've got to do. It can't come soon enough."

 

Entering their 13th season on the field, the Marlins are 6-6 on Opening Day.

 

A year ago, the Marlins used their opener to unveil their 2003 World Series banner. A team-record crowd of 55,315 was on hand to see the Marlins beat the Montreal Expos.

 

An even bigger crowd is anticipated to pack Dolphins Stadium this season. Seating capacity has been reduced to slightly under 60,000. With strong walk-up sales, the total Opening Day figure may surpass 59,000.

 

As part of the pregame ceremonies, there will be a tribute to Marlins special assistant to the president, Andre Dawson, along with a performance by the United States Army Drill Team (3rd U.S. Infantry). The presentation of the United States colors will be by the Army Color Guard. The national anthem will be performed by internationally renowned opera singer, Leah Partridge, followed by a flyover by three Florida National Guard Blackhawk helicopters. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. ET.

 

"It's the start of the new season," Delgado said. "The uniforms look a little whiter [on Opening Day]. It's exciting. I still get butterflies. When you think about it, it is still another game. But something about it, the excitement. Everybody is there. There will be a sellout crowd, and everybody will be watching."

 

The Marlins draw a difficult assignment in Smoltz, who returns to the rotation for the first time since 2001. Over the past few seasons, the right-hander served as one of the league's best closers. A year ago, the Marlins saw Smoltz in 10 games, and over the 9 2/3 innings he pitched, he didn't allow a run.

 

"It's going to be a blast," Smoltz said. "I've been thinking about the Marlins' lineup for a long time."

 

While the Marlins are entering the season with hopes of reaching the playoffs, they'll have to do it after posting a poor Spring Training record.

 

The fact that the Marlins have enough veterans with proven track records helps the team put their sub-par spring into perspective.

 

"You don't want to go 2-20 [actually, 8-19 through 27 games] in the spring, but you can't tell me who won the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues last spring," third baseman Mike Lowell said.

 

Pitching matchup

ATL: RHP John Smoltz

? 0-1, 2.76 ERA in 2004

? 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 2004 vs. FLA

? 10-3, 2.27 ERA lifetime vs. FLA

 

FLA: RHP Josh Beckett

? 9-9, 3.79 ERA in 2004

? 0-3, 7.27 ERA in 2004 vs. ATL

? 2-7, 3.45 ERA lifetime vs. ATL

 

On the Internet

? MLB.TV

? Gameday Audio

?? Gameday

?? Official game notes

 

On television

? ATL: TBS

? FLA: FSN

? MLB Extra Innings

 

On radio

? ATL: 640 WGST AM; 96 Rock WKLS FM

? FLA: 560 WQAM AM; 1140 WQBA AM (Espa?ol)

? XM 184

 

On deck

? Wednesday: Braves vs. Marlins, 7:05 p.m. ET

? Thursday: Braves vs. Marlins, 7:05 p.m. ET

? Friday: Nationals vs. Marlins, 7:35 p.m. ET

 

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

real game threads make me orgasm.....

Where is Ramp we need him

Where is Ramp we need him

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*Sends out Ramp101 signal*

:batman

my job had already been done.

Hey Ramp,

 

Very nice job on MaverickBall.com.

Hey Ramp,

 

Very nice job on MaverickBall.com.

728514[/snapback]

thanks bud... appreciate it :thumbup

OMG los Orioles won their first game.

:marlins

 

 

LETS GO MARLINS.... KICK SOME BUTT :kickbutt

It's on.

GO MARLINS!

If they mention the word "Pope" in the pre-game fesitivities, I am going to vomit.

Wow it feels good to have these threads back.

 

I can come out of my two month sports void. Ever since football ended I was forced to watch law and order and other shows (thanks nhl).

hahha - yeah thanks nhl.

 

 

guys make sure u chant before the game starts...

 

marlins chanting thread

OMG 8 HOURS

I'll be there. Give me a fun thread to read later here.

Said previously herein, that I sensed that the Braves were better prepared for Opening Day than we are.

 

But, that said, it would be fantastic to ruin the return of the Great Smoltz to his starting role. (And I say "Great" respectfully and not pejoratively.)

 

And Josh is not going to give in. And '05 Josh is a Pro we haven't seen yet.

We talk about team leaders and savvy veterans. Josh's attitude may be the inspiration for this Opening Day!

Stat of the Day:

 

Josh Beckett in Day Games (2004):

2.74ERA 1.13 WHIP .218 .BAA Against

This is where the staff proves it's worth. They have been waiting for this for a long time. Play Ball!

lets go marlins :: :Clap ...CLAP....CLAP CLAP CLAP:::

Going to the stadium in a few and hopefully with pics. Have fun guys and hope we can come out of this with a win. :thumbup

Can't wait for the game to start at 4:05. FYI the TBS broadcast is blacked out down here because of FSN.

OK fellas, let's start out the season on top of the division!

OK fellas, let's start out the season on top of the division!

729299[/snapback]

 

I second that!

Going to the stadium in a few and hopefully with pics. Have fun guys and hope we can come out of this with a win. :thumbup

729281[/snapback]

 

 

I wish I could be there....