versus

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For Joe Girardi, returning to New York is special.

 

It will be more so when the Marlins visit Yankee Stadium from June 23-25 as part of Interleague Play.

 

Still, traveling to New York to take on the Mets for three games beginning Friday night at Shea Stadium means a great deal for Florida's manager.

 

The Marlins head to New York having dropped two of three at Houston. Both losses were by one run, including a hard-fought 6-5 contest on Wednesday. Florida trailed by five runs and managed to have two runners on in the ninth inning before Brad Lidge logged the save.

 

A former catcher and bench coach for the Yankees, Girardi takes the young Marlins into the big city to take on the Mets.

 

Asked about New York fans, Girardi said, "[They're] great. Very loyal. That's the one thing you learn about New York fans. They may be hard on other teams, but they are very loyal to you."

 

Off on Thursday, the Marlins turn to left-hander Jason Vargas on Friday night. The Mets are going with right-hander Steve Trachsel.

 

As a rookie last year, Vargas faced the Mets once, giving up three runs in six innings, and not factoring in the decision.

 

The series with the Mets will also be the first trip back to New York for Mike Jacobs. Obtained from the Mets as part of the Carlos Delgado deal, Jacobs had 100 at-bats with the Mets down the stretch, belting 11 home runs.

 

"I think it's great," said Girardi of his players going to New York. "There are a lot of firsts for a lot of our guys. I think they are going to enjoy it. Most of our guys haven't played in front of 44,000 people, like they did on Opening Night [in Houston]."

 

Pitching matchup

FLA: LHP Jason Vargas (5-5, 4.03 ERA in 2005)

Called up from Double-A last July, Vargas became a fixture in the rotation during the second half of the season. The left-hander threw 73 2/3 innings in the big leagues, and impressed with his ability to battle. A year ago, he was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA on the road.

 

NYM: RHP Steve Trachsel (1-4, 4.14 ERA in 2005)

Only one of Trachsel's six starts last season, Sept. 17 against the Braves, took place at Shea Stadium. He has a 7-12 record and 3.99 ERA in 26 big-league starts against the Marlins, but Florida's personnel has changed so much, the numbers hardly apply. More to the point is his 3.59 career ERA at Shea, though the yield ought to be better than the 30-32 record he has there.

 

Player to watch

Delgado, a Marlin last season, presents some big problems for his former team. In his lone season with Florida, he belted 33 home runs and drove in 115 runs.

 

On the Internet

MLB.TV

Gameday Audio

• Gameday

 

 

On television

• FSN Florida

 

On radio

• 560 WQAM, 1140 WQBA(Espa?ol)

 

 

Other things to look for:

 

•Jason Vargas is most famous for: Looking like The Crow

 

•Steve Trachsel is most famous for: Taking his sweet ass time on the mound

 

•Shadez Nation vs Reyes World

 

•At what inning will the Shea "faithful" start booing someone on their own team?

 

•Just how good is Josh Willingham?

 

•How many MB.com users will say this "miss" Paulie or Delgado or Uncle Cliffy?

 

•How many snack runs can you do in between Steve Trachsel pitches?

 

•And finally, can the Marlins bounce back from a tough loss on Wednesday?

 

All this and sooooo much more, tonight as the Florida Marlins take on the New York Mets live live LIVE in Shea Stadium

:lol @ Other things to look for.

 

Go Marlins. I won't be here to cheer them on though. My work needs me :crying But at 7:10pm I will be thinking this.. Now batting Hanley Ramirez.

If we can take 2 of 3 against the Mets it might make the whole season for me.

 

Okay it won't but I'd really love for the Fish to put a beating on them. :mischief

 

 

Oh, I can order a pizza & get it delivered in the time between Trachsel pitches.

Only 2 more days til I go wooooo

Shadez Nation vs Reyes World

 

:notworthy

Oh, I can order a pizza & get it delivered in the time between Trachsel pitches.

 

:lol

God...I really hate the Mets.

 

Two of three would be fantastic.

 

:pray

"?Steve Trachsel is most famous for: Taking his sweet ass time on the mound"

 

:lol :lol

:marlins

 

I can't wait for this game 2nite..will pick it up late in the game due to dinner at Red Lobster

go marlins!! i'll be here in time but will miss the next 2 games. :'(

I miss Uncle Cliffy :plain

 

Other things to look for:

 

If Jason Vargas' eyeliner runs a lot....

win

GO FISH!! GO GET EM' VARGAS!!

The game is on FSN right? Well on my t.v it doesnt say the game is going to be on. Some other show is on.

 

:crying

According to their programming schedule (http://www.sunsportstv.com/schedule_fsn_marlins.jsp) it will be airing on FSN.

The game is on FSN right? Well on my t.v it doesnt say the game is going to be on. Some other show is on.

 

:crying

The MLB.com preview says it will be on FSN.

Florida Gators Basketball is being listed in my tv guide book on FSN at 7:00. I am in Coral Springs. Hopefully this is an incorrect listing.

I've got directv and the game isn't on FSN Florida for whatever reason it's listed on the FSN Florida alternate channel.

I have FSN airing the fish game.. So i do think all FSNF will carry it

Florida Gators Basketball is being listed in my tv guide book on FSN at 7:00. I am in Coral Springs. Hopefully this is an incorrect listing.

 

 

Basketball season's over, so i doubt thats right.

Florida Gators Basketball is being listed in my tv guide book on FSN at 7:00. I am in Coral Springs. Hopefully this is an incorrect listing.

 

 

Basketball season's over, so i doubt thats right.

it's actually the championship celebration that is listed.

"?Steve Trachsel is most famous for: Taking his sweet ass time on the mound"

 

:lol :lol

 

you might be able to get home before the second pitch with trachsel up on the mound

well its pouring here in mass...any word on any delays or possible postponements...i hope not since i can watch the game on tv on the extra innings free preview

Weather.com says 30% chance of rain (showers, not storms) with the wind blowing out to left-center at 14 mph.

 

[/Cape]

I can't stress enough how f***ing pissed I am that FSN isn't on Comcast in Tallahassee.

 

One of the queerest events known to man.