Players know road trip 'huge'

By Jamey Eisenberg

 

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

 

Monday, September 05, 2005

 

MIAMI GARDENS ? Manager Jack McKeon tried to downplay the 11-game road trip that the Marlins begin today, but the players acknowledge its importance.

 

The Marlins travel to Washington for four games, Philadelphia for three and Houston for four. All three teams are competing against the Marlins for the National League wild card. The players know this trip could decide their season.

 

"It's huge," center fielder Juan Pierre said Sunday after the Marlins lost to the New York Mets 7-1. "We can handle our own business, and that's the way you want to have it. This is the road trip to do that."

 

The Marlins are 31-33 on the road. Washington (38-27), Philadelphia (40-28) and Houston (46-24) all play well at home. McKeon, however, isn't worried about this trip determining the season.

 

"I don't think so," McKeon said. "You can't tell right now. It's too early. I wish I could look into my crystal ball and tell you what's going to happen."

 

Despite losing to the Mets on Sunday and missing a chance for a three-game sweep, the Marlins still won their 11th series since the All-Star break. Catcher Paul Lo Duca hopes they can win all three series on this trip.

 

Lo Duca knows a successful road trip could be the key to the Marlins making the playoffs.

 

"We know we have our work cut out for us on this trip, but this is what's it all about," Lo Duca said.

 

Good job: After McKeon got his 1,000th victory Saturday night, he got phone calls from three of his grandchildren. On Sunday, the phone was ringing at 8 a.m. with people calling to offer congratulations. The first call?

 

"My cigar guy," McKeon said.

 

When asked about the milestone, McKeon, 74, made it clear he is not thinking about chasing Connie Mack's all-time record of 3,731.

 

"They'd have to give me 80-90 wins a year for about 12 years," McKeon said about getting 2,000 victories. "I ain't going to catch Connie Mack."

 

On a roll: Closer Todd Jones has successfully converted his past 24 save opportunities. The veteran right-hander, who has 34 saves on the season, has logged saves in 20 straight appearances, a National League record.

 

The major-league record for consecutive outings with saves is 24 by John Wetteland in 1996 with the New York Yankees.

 

"He's been fantastic," McKeon said. "Without him, I don't know where we'd be."

 

Noteworthy: Marlins reliever Antonio Alfonseca, in an effort to help the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, put on an American Red Cross vest and went around the locker room and stadium before the game with a collection can taking donations.... Shortstop Robert Andino, who was called up from Class AA Carolina on Friday, made his major-league debut when he replaced Alex Gonzalez in the eighth inning. He then grounded out to short to end the game in his only at-bat.

 

 

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Ouchie, I didn't see the Marlins were going to Houston. I don't recall the team ever being that great against the Astro's, but I know they can pwn the Nationals and Phillies.

Last year we played pretty good against the Stros at their place

if we win the series against all three teams...were in...the stros SP is the only thing im affraid of but with clemens out (hopefully long enough to pass our game) I feel we have a HUGE shot at winning!