Wild Feelings

Looks like this Marlins team is legit, huh?

They lost two games to the Yankees - by a total of 2 run. A pitching duel broke out in game 2 of the series between Dontrelle and Moose. It keeps getting better though for the Marlins, despite losing that game they were able to see Willis stake his claim as ace of this staff. Reassuring to the Marlins faithful, but more importantly, that will be a nice lesson to keep in D's back pocket.

Then game 3 rolled around - and being shown around the country on ESPN. All the Marlins did was drop their prospect, Anibal Sanchez (acquire from the Red Sox as part of the Beckett/Lowell deal), in front of the Yankee crowd to make his debut. And he responded by helping shut out the Yankees through 6 2/3 innings - the first time the Yanks have been shut out all season and the first time since September of last season.

Even the offense seemed to bust it open tallying 5 runs for Sanchez to help secure this win.

The bullpen is not just coming together anymore, but asserting itself and becoming more entrenched in their roles. Messenger, Kensing and Borowski locking it down tight.

The elements are in the mix - timely hitting, lack of fear, total confidence, great execution - in order to give the Marlins a spot in the wild card chase. Once again.

We'll stay tuned to see what happens as the learning curve for this team seems to be much shorter than we previously may have thought.

Marlins roll with Braves sweep

This young team is starting to really come along and gaining confidence. Winning 15 of their last 21, this team was tested as the Braves came to town.

Last time these two clubs met, the Braves sent the Marlins away with 2 walk off homeruns in back to back nights.

But those are the old days. This new breed (well, still the same guys, same season...just seems like different guys altogether) is taking it to every club and will come to play anytime, anywhere.

They swept the Rockies. They fought hard against the Giants, and then took the series with the Padres. And now, the Braves have been swept.

Cody Ross has to be the biggest illustration of what this team is about. Making an excellent defensive play in left field and getting a double to score a key run, he came up to bat in the game to square around to bunt in the 10th. He was to advance the runner and set up the game winner. Instead, he got hit in the face with a fastball. Bleeding from the mouth, he left the game and watched from the clubhouse as his Marlins rallied to win the game on the next at bat.

And tonight? Ross was back, and hit a home run that was the difference in this game - the Marlins won 3-2.

The Marlins have been playing excellent baseball and are now starting to reap the rewards.

Dan Uggla, All Star

Ok, so it hasn't happened yet, but it needs to.

Marlin fans, Uggla needs YOU to go out and VOTE for him to get him on the squad! And he deserves it.

Why? Dan Uggla is one of the Marlins quietly having a very productive offensive season - and he is among the best 2B in the game. Observe:

Uggla's 9 home runs puts him in a tie for 5th among all MLB 2B.

His 68 hits puts him in 4th place...

8th with 30 RBIs...

6th with 39 runs scored...

And 8th with an .816 OPS.

Dan Uggla has shown excellent power and has already broken the Marlins all time record for dingers by a 2B. He is hitting .398 with runners on, .315 with RISP (runners in scoring position) and .316 with RISP with 2 outs. He has been a very effective defensive presence, too, turning 40 double plays to date and showing more range than perhaps was initially expected of him. With only 5 errors and a .983 fielding percentage, his defense has been above average.

He is clutch, getting hits when his team needs it. He has power and can drive in runs - hitting two home runs today against San Francisco. He plays strong defense, too. All of this for a Rule V draft pick from the D'Backs to the Marlins. Not bad scouting.

And Uggla deserves recognition. He needs to be an all-star - so go get voting.