Marlins need to play with a chip on their shoulders

The Marlins just got swept by the Dodgers and got labeled 'listless' as a result. They lost by giving up huge leads despite their stellar trio of Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson and Scott Olsen heading to the mound on each contest. Dodgers averaged 7.7 runs per game while the staff was able to amass a 6.33 ERA.

That just won't get it done.

But there is also the umpiring controversy, which seemed to plague the Marlins this entire series and go completely in favor of the Dodgers. Some have claimed just short of a conspiracy; others have totally bought into it.

Regardless of where you place the blame, the Marlins have to get their act together. This is the second time this season they took a step forward to only take a huge step back. They would inch closer to .500, closer to the wild card lead, but then suffer by a bad stretch of games - this time, at the hands of the red hot Dodgers.

The last time the Marlins were swept was back on May 19-21 to the Devil Rays. All they did since May 22nd was compile one of MLB's best records.

Let's hope we see something similar from here on out from the Marlins.

They do need to play with a chip on their shoulder. There was a closed clubhouse discussion reserved for only players and coaches - no media - yesterday after the sweep was completed. Girardi likened it to school, saying class was in session. I am sure some fingers were pointing towards the men in blue, as they were several questionable calls. Either way, the Marlins now are faced with a 9 game road trip where they will play the Nationals, the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers. Going 9-0 would be ideal, and get them back to .500.

But only if they play like the world is against them. And maybe, that will start, once again, right now.