By Juan C. Rodriguez

Staff Writer

Posted August 31 2003

 

Until the eighth inning Saturday, the Marlins' front office was prepared to place the burden of reaching the postseason and beyond on the players already here.

 

That may have changed once All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell was diagnosed with a fractured metacarpal in his left hand after being struck with a pitch. He will miss at least four weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Marlins likely will consider moving Miguel Cabrera back to third and acquiring another outfielder. The possibilities include Reggie Sanders, Matt Stairs and John Vander Wal, but any acquisitions must be on the roster by today to be postseason-eligible.

 

Before Lowell's injury, sources indicated the Marlins would not make any personnel moves today, the deadline to set playoff rosters. Triple-A outfielder Gerald Williams and right-hander Blaine Neal were set to receive promotions, but no earlier than Monday, making them ineligible for the playoffs unless someone gets hurt.

 

If the Marlins cannot make a deal, they may recall Williams today to replace to Lowell.

 

The Marlins aren't close to acquiring an extra left-handed reliever. Tommy Phelps will join Michael Tejera in the bullpen when he comes off the disabled list.

 

Players currently on the disabled list are eligible for postseason play, including Phelps, right-handers Tim Spooneybarger, Toby Borland, Kevin Olsen and reserve outfielder Todd Hollandsworth.

 

The only way a minor-leaguer who is not with the club today can qualify for the postseason is to replace a newly injured player.

 

As the aforementioned guys get healthy, the Marlins will have some difficult decisions to make. Adding any of them to the 25-man playoff roster means taking someone off.

 

The Marlins already have 11 pitchers, not counting Spooneybarger, Olsen or Phelps. Chances are they wouldn't carry any more than 11 into the postseason. Since the Marlins likely will need more than one lefty reliever, does that mean adding Phelps at the expense of Rick Helling? Does a healthy Spooneybarger cost rookie Nate Bump a postseason spot?

 

 

 

"I haven't really thought about it," said Spooneybarger, who the Braves passed over last postseason despite solid numbers. "It's not my decision. I think I did pretty well when I was healthy, and I feel strong now. Whatever the team needs at that point, we'll see. I expect to be on it. If not, I'll keep my mouth shut and do what they tell me to."

 

The position players face a similar logjam. The Marlins have a pool of 15, including Hollandsworth, meaning at least one likely will be relegated to cheerleading detail.

 

"It's nothing I've heard anybody discuss," utility man Brian Banks said. "That's something that's not necessarily in your control. You just hope you did enough during the season. ... I'm sure they'll be some guys, whether they're pitchers or position players, that are disappointed. Either way, we have to get there first."

Jeffus Conineus is comeus to Marlinus!

 

Mr. Marlins is comin' back home!

 

BTW, he switched leagues to play with the Marlins, remember? (Royals to Marlins, Marlins to Royals.)

Jeffus Conineus is comeus to Marlinus!

 

Mr. Marlins is comin' back home!

 

BTW, he switched leagues to play with the Marlins, remember? (Royals to Marlins, Marlins to Royals.)

I hope so....There are so many reasons why he is the best soloution to this problem.

I've been waiting for the day to take my dusty Conine jersey out of the closet.

O it will be outta the closet ok i think your wish will be granted!

O it will be outta the closet ok i think your wish will be granted!

you heard it from the oracle himself!

i would get reggie Sanders but he strikes out way to much and his batting average is never good. My other option is Vanderwal. He was a very good pinch hitter for the pirates and can still hit and doesnt strike out alot. It will be a tough decision to do by the Front office...