August 23, 200323 yr Like old times for Harris, Helling Newest Marlins have ties to area By CLARK SPENCER cspencer@herald.com SAN FRANCISCO - Lenny Harris was born in Miami, and Rick Helling was a member of the 1997 Marlins until the team traded him two months before winning the World Series. Now they're both Marlins -- Harris for the first time. They joined the team Friday after outfielder Todd Hollandsworth (lower back) and reliever Armando Almanza (left-shoulder tendinitis) were put on the disabled list. ''There's no place like home,'' said Harris, baseball's all-time pinch-hits leader and graduate of Miami Jackson High. Said Helling: ``I was traded away from a playoff race [with the Marlins in '97]. Now, six years later, I'm traded back into a playoff race.'' The Marlins signed Harris, a 16-year veteran, after the Chicago Cubs let him go earlier this month. They picked up Helling on Thursday after the Baltimore Orioles designated him for assignment. ''I haven't smiled this much and laughed this much all year,'' said Harris, who will be used mostly as a pinch-hitter. The Marlins plan to use Helling, a right-hander, as a reliever, but could use him in spot-start situations. ''They just said they wanted me to be here to provide a little depth,'' said Helling, adding he was impressed because everyone from catcher Iv?n Rodr?guez -- a former teammate with the Texas Rangers -- and owner Jeffrey Loria made recruiting calls to get him. ''I've got no illusions of being a starter here,'' said Helling, who has started most of his career, including a 20 win season with Texas in 1998. Helling was 2-1 in five appearances with the Marlins in 1996 and was 2-6 in '97 when the team traded him to the Rangers for left-handed reliever Ed Vosberg. Even though he wasn't around when the '97 team celebrated a World Series title, Helling said he felt like he was there. ''I was probably more nervous watching it at home than if I had been there pitching myself,'' he said. Helling said he received a World Series ring. Harris, who turns 39 in October, will be playing for his eighth big-league team. His 177 pinch hits are the most ever. ''I still have something left in my tank,'' Harris said. Harris had a pinch hit last night...While Helling pitched a scoreless inning giving up a hit,allowing a walk, and struck out a batter.
August 23, 200323 yr Im so pissed we had to be the team to let that washed out slob back into pro ball.
August 23, 200323 yr Harris got a hit yesterday in his First AB with the Fish. This guy was a very good addition....
August 23, 200323 yr Harris got a hit yesterday in his First AB with the Fish. This guy was a very good addition.... He should probably start right? Get real man, this guy sucked in 131 ML AB's with the Cubs and plays shoddy defense. This was a smack in the face to Allen/Nunez.
August 23, 200323 yr Shamrock, Just because he sucked with the Cubs, doesn't mean he will suck with us. Why are you so mad that we added some backup and depth? Lenny is 1 for 1 with us and scored a run last night.
August 24, 200323 yr Btw,both lenny harris and rick helling were in the dugout today,anyone else see them?i did.
August 24, 200323 yr BTW, he sucked with the Cubs because they tried to start him. Lenny says he is much more comfortable being the pinch hit specialist.
August 24, 200323 yr He should probably start right? Get real man, this guy sucked in 131 ML AB's with the Cubs and plays shoddy defense. This was a smack in the face to Allen/Nunez. Actually....No! He is very good players and you just cant admit that. We need him in our team. Just because he sucked with the Cubs doesnt mean he will with us. Period.
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