August 2, 200323 yr Trade is all good for Urbina By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer Posted August 2 2003 When the Marlins acquired him three weeks ago, Ugueth Urbina figured this would be a pleasant situation. He just never imagined it being this good. "This is one of one the best things that has happened to me in my career," Urbina said of the July 11 deal that delivered him from the last-place Texas Rangers. "Being here at home, having good teammates -- I feel good with everybody. It's great." An Aventura resident, Urbina was excited about playing at home. He knew he would be comfortable having best friend Ozzie Guillen as a coach and two other fellow Venezuelans, Alex Gonzalez and Miguel Cabrera, as teammates. What Urbina did not anticipate was being immersed in a playoff chase. When he arrived, the Marlins were 48-45 and 41/2 games behind the Phillies for the National League wild card. Urbina admittedly did not have a sense of how good or how close to contention this team was. "I didn't think things would be so tight," he said. "That's good. I never thought the Marlins would have a chance like we have now. It's better that way that nobody knows. When they realize, it'll be too late. "We're in a good rhythm now. Everybody is putting in their little bit, and everything is turning out good. We're winning important games." He is part of the reason. Since joining the Marlins, Urbina is 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA and three holds. He's also struck out 12 in 82/3 innings. Though Urbina was leading the American League in saves when he was traded, he has adjusted to setting up Braden Looper. "He's a perfect fit for us," first baseman Derrek Lee said. Urbina's infectious enthusiasm has made it an easy transition. Renowned for his post-strikeout poses, Urbina provided a welcome influence on the Marlins' staff. "He's talked to a lot of pitchers so far, helping them out," pitching coach Wayne Rosenthal said. "He brings a lot for the young guys, showing them about being aggressive. ... It's picked everybody up knowing there's a guy out there who can come in the seventh or eighth inning and also if needed to close a game. "Closing down the seventh, eighth inning was the reason [we got him]. You add in the way he is, he's not one of those guys you can't approach and say something to. He can pitch, he can get guys out, he's a closer. ... The other stuff is a plus." Added Urbina: "I've always liked to transmit a good energy to my teammates. You have to battle all the time and never lower your head. I like to win, and the group we have here is full of good competitors." :thumbup
August 2, 200323 yr I think the best relief pitcher available this year - and we got 'em. I still cant believe we stole him from under the Yanks nose, and all the other big market clubs that had a shot at him.
August 2, 200323 yr Good article.... Urbina has been pitching so good for us since he got here. He is the perfect set up man for us..
August 2, 200323 yr Ever since he did the split/fist pump after that K a few games back the team has been energized. Brad Penny has been dancing, Dontrelle seems to be getting even a little bit more animated, even the usually emotionless Josh Beckett has been pumping a fist and giving high fives here and there. Its great for the team, and I'd just like everyone who thought Ugy wasn't the option to die
August 2, 200323 yr Uggy has been our John Smoltz/Eric Gagne since he's been here. Lights out every time he steps on the mound...
August 2, 200323 yr Uggy has been our John Smoltz/Eric Gagne since he's been here. Hopefully he'll never be all star Eric Gagne
August 2, 200323 yr maybe he takes a paycut to stay here at the end of the year. He seems to really like it here.
August 2, 200323 yr maybe he takes a paycut to stay here at the end of the year. He seems to really like it here.
August 2, 200323 yr maybe he takes a paycut to stay here at the end of the year. He seems to really like it here. Anything is possible...
August 2, 200323 yr Think about he seems to be enjoying playing for the marlins, and he lives down here.
August 2, 200323 yr Think about he seems to be enjoying playing for the marlins, and he lives down here. he seemed to like Texas too... and Boston.... and Montreal he just wants a payday
August 2, 200323 yr he seemed to like Texas too... and Boston.... and Montreal he just wants a payday If the nucleaus of this team stays together, he'll be here...
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