JUPITER ? Typically, scoring 34 runs in two spring training games is meaningless, especially against mostly minor-league pitchers. But Marlins manager Joe Girardi believes his team's power surge in the past two days is significant.

 

"It matters a lot," Girardi said after the Marlins' 12-1 victory against the Red Sox before a partisan Red Sox crowd of 8,163 at Roger Dean Stadium. "Because they're competing against each other and competing against the other team, it's important for them to get confidence to know that they can play at this level. And once you play at this level, winning is important. Anybody can go out there and lose, but to me learning how to play is learning how to win."

 

The Marlins (5-1-1) had 18 hits, and former Red Sox prospect Hanley Ramirez equaled the entire output of his former team with three hits. On Tuesday, the Marlins had 26 hits in a 22-12 laugher against the Nationals. Overlooked is that none of the six Red Sox pitchers are expected to make the big-league roster. Boston is 2-4.

 

"What's really enjoyable to watch is how hard they play," Girardi said. "We talk about it every day and we have meetings about how hard we're playing."

 

Shortstop Ramirez, who also scored three runs, and second baseman Dan Uggla were the hitting stars. Uggla was 2-for-2 with three RBI and his first home run of the spring. Ramirez and Uggla likely will be the Marlins' starting middle infield.

 

"They know how I play," Ramirez said when asked about facing his old team. "They know I play hard."

 

Ramirez, who was acquired in the deal that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston, was removed after being spiked by David Murphy on a play at second base in the top of the fifth.

 

"You worry it's a knee or an ankle, and fortunately he just got a little spike," Girardi said. "He'll be fine."

 

Noteworthy: Center fielder Chris Aguila will rest his sore hamstring for another day or two. Girardi said Aguila could play if it were the regular season.... The Marlins split their squad today with right-hander Ricky Nolasco starting in today's game in Jupiter against the Cardinals and left-hander Scott Olsen starting in Melbourne against the Nationals.

 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/conte...notes_0309.html

i am very happy with all the offense the team is providing. the author of the article points out that the pitchers the red sox used yesterday won't make the big league start. rather than being down about that, we should recognize that the team did what it was supposed to - feast on inferior competition. hey, that's something the us national team couldn't do last night. they faced a single a pitcher and got shut down.

i am very happy with all the offense the team is providing. the author of the article points out that the pitchers the red sox used yesterday won't make the big league start. rather than being down about that, we should recognize that the team did what it was supposed to - feast on inferior competition. hey, that's something the us national team couldn't do last night. they faced a single a pitcher and got shut down.

 

 

Yeah dude.. excellent point.. The boys are looking good.. It's gonna be an exciting season.

The greatest pleasure I'm deriving from this little run we're having early in spring training is that after hearing the chorus of naysayers ridiculing the "AAA" Marlins, major league teams aren't hitting our "AA" pitching.

 

Yesterday Mike Lowell and Alex Gonzalez went hitless against us. And yet every paper in South Florida made sure to pick up Gonzo's comment that it's so "sad" what's happened to the team.

 

What's sad is that Sea Bass hasn't had a hit this spring training. And Mike Lowell is batting a healthy .222.

 

Boo-freakin'-hoo Sea Bass. Somehow I think the Marlins will survive without your pity. Is there anyone here today who actually misses the onfield play of Mike Lowell or Alex Gonzalez? Honestly?

I think this game was a lot more notable then the last rout. Pinto/Moehler had to pitch to Youkilis, Lowell, Sea Bass, and Loretta, and not just Ryan Church and minor leaguers. Pitching is very encouraging, even if it's not to Manny, Papi, Coco, and Nixon yet.

 

Now I'd like to see what the offense would do against against an Arroyo/Papelbon/Declarman/Hansen/Foulke game and not invitees.