September 16, 200620 yr Miami Herald, Marlins Notebook MARLINS NOTEBOOK Marlins' Cabrera improves fielding BY KEVIN BAXTER kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com Miguel Cabrera got off to a rough start in his return to third base, committing six errors in the season's first month. But since then, he has the highest fielding percentage of any third baseman in the National League. ''Remember, I didn't play third base for three years,'' said Cabrera, who signed as a shortstop, moved to third in the minors and played left field his first 2 ? seasons in the majors. Cabrera, a two-time All-Star in the outfield, moved back to the infield following the November trade that sent Gold Glove winner Mike Lowell to Boston. Cabrera started the season battling a weight problem, however, which contributed to his early fielding problems. But after slimming down, he has made just eight errors since May 1 and started the current road trip with one miscue in his past 38 games. He also leads the league in hitting at .342 and is among the top eight in eight other offensive categories, all while serving as a mentor to the team's young Latin players, especially shortstop Hanley Ramirez and pitcher Anibal Sanchez. ''I don't pay attention to that, if I'm the leader of the team,'' Cabrera said. ``The only thing I could say is these guys play hard. That's it. I want to improve myself.'' NO WORD Manager Joe Girardi wouldn't say if he gave the team a pep talk before Friday's game, the opener of the Marlins' final road trip of the season and a crucial 10-game span that will determine their fate in the wild-card race. ''That's between me and the team,'' he said. ``I don't think it's any secret that we have to win. But I think we've been in worse positions than we are right now. Any time that you're trying to gain a playoff spot and you're behind, the stakes get higher every game.'' BIG QUESTION Outfielder Jeremy Hermida, who hasn't played since Sept. 4 because of a right ankle injury, took batting practice Friday but Girardi isn't sure when -- or how -- he would use Hermida if he's cleared to play. ''He's just got to see how it reacts,'' said Girardi, who would like to have Hermida available to pinch hit on the road trip. ``And it may be more if he feels OK.'' Also ready to play is right-hander Sergio Mitre, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 31 because of an inflamed shoulder. Mitre spent three months on the disabled list earlier this season with the same problem. LOW RATINGS Dolphin Stadium rated higher than just three of 30 major-league stadiums in a fan survey of ballpark experiences conducted by si.com, Sports Illustrated's Internet partner. Only Boston's Fenway Park, New York's Shea Stadium and Washington's RFK Stadium fared worse in the survey, which asked fans to rate their hometown ballpark in seven categories from accessibility and amenities to atmosphere and entertainment options available in the surrounding neighborhood. The Marlins got their best score for ticket prices, which average $16.70. Angel Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, was rated as the majors' most fan-friendly ballpark, earning 54 of a possible 70 points. Dolphin Stadium got 39 points. Full survey results can be found at si.com. THIS AND THAT ? Infield coach Perry Hill rejoined the team after a weeklong absence to attend to a family emergency in Texas. It was the third time Hill has had to return home this summer. ? Wednesday's 11-inning loss to the Mets posted FSN Florida's highest season-to-date rating with a 5.5 average household rating in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market, according to Nielsen preliminary overnights. The game peaked at a 7.9 rating during the 9:45-10 p.m. quarter hour.
September 16, 200620 yr A 7.9 equates to about 120,314 of the 1,522,960 TV homes in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. See, there are people watching this team. Just from the comfort of their home, where they don't run the risk of getting wet.
September 16, 200620 yr A 7.9 equates to about 120,314 of the 1,522,960 TV homes in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. See, there are people watching this team. Just from the comfort of their home, where they don't run the risk of getting wet. This doesn't count all the fans on the other side like myself does it? There are a decent amount over here as well that watch every night.
September 16, 200620 yr A 7.9 equates to about 120,314 of the 1,522,960 TV homes in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. See, there are people watching this team. Just from the comfort of their home, where they don't run the risk of getting wet. This doesn't count all the fans on the other side like myself does it? There are a decent amount over here as well that watch every night. Us 239ers are not counted in that. Neither are the 561ers. Only the Dade, Broward, and Monroe ratings are used for the Marlins. But I can tell you the viewership in SWFLA is strong enough that FSN Florida has been seeing Comcast (now that Time Warner is gone) sell local inserts for games there well.
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