Heh I'd rather call him up away so that he can get comfortable playing LF in the Major Leagues before we throw the Teal Monster at him.

Speaking of Baker, I read somewhere this morning (and I don't remember the source or how credible it was, sorry) that Baker is now expected to miss all of August and not be back until sometime in September. To me that says it's time to go find another catcher (and I don't mean Max Ramirez from Texas, rather someone who can actually play the position). It's been nice having BH around covering for Bake but enough already, I'd bet dollars to donuts that if we start trading, somewhere in the players coming back will be a major league experienced catcher.

 

 

I don't doubt this. And to take it further, I wouldn't doubt that catcher sticks around and Baker is gone. Doubtful $$$ would be an issue, whether the financial whizzes that continually get Opening Day payroll wrong agree with that or not. The front office and fan base are seeing exactly what a catcher with a glove brings to the team (or at least one can only hope they actually see it and stop critisizing those that have always said Baker isn't the answer back there). Pitchers are more confident throwing different things, etc.... Paulino's defensive skills have flourished since becoming the main starter. And his bat ain't half bad either. I would like to see Hayes get more starts just to rest Paulino more, but the bats of the rest of the team will have to contribute alot more than recently to make up for those few games he does start. But bring in another catcher with a glove and a decent bat?? C-ya Brett.

[/b]Re: Bonifacio. Folks forget Rodriguez had him playing everyday in NOLA for a good part of the season.

 

And I don't know if it's been mentioned but I think the Marlins are now 11-11 since E-Rod replaced Fredi and are in fact playing winning baseball (I think it's 10-7 or something like that but I'd have to go back and count) since he was named "Manager" in PR.

 

 

 

That's where he learned to try to keep the ball on the ground where his speed can make a difference. It may make his swings look out of the ordinary, but it works for him. Folks keep saying he's a bench guy, but he's not. He needs the every day ABs. Coming off the bench he hasn't been productive. Some guys just can't PH. It's just that simple. And you don't keep a guy on the roster just to PR. He's either going to make it or break it as a starter.

Edwin Rodriguez believes Marlins are trying too hard to get back into the race

July 19th, 2010 by Tom D'Angelo

 

Manager Edwin Rodriguez has a theory on why the Marlins are the worst hitting team in the majors in July.

 

They want to win.

 

“They want to get back in the race,� Rodriguez said of his team that is 9.5 games out. “I think they are putting way too much pressure on themselves.�

 

In three games since the All-Star break the Marlins have scored three runs and are hitting .159 with just four extra base hits (all doubles). They are 2-1 thanks to some stellar pitching.

 

Going back to the start of the month, the Marlins are hitting .220 with seven home runs. In the last 11 games, Mike Stanton is the only regular with a home run.

 

Hitting coach John Mallee, though, is encouraged by their at bats and believes it won’t take much to snap out of the slump.

 

“We’ve had some really good at bats,� Mallee said. “If we weren’t having good at bats that would be one thing. If we keep having a good approach, the balls will fall.�

 

http://blogs.palmbea...http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/

 

 

Hopefully after last night the pressure has dropped. We did see some GOOD bats. Now if we can get this up and down the line there will be some fun games to watch. Like last night was more fun than sitting on pins and needles crunching fingernails the night before.