Marlins Trade Wishes

If the Marlins are to be buyers at the trade deadline, there are several needs that could be addressed.

As of two weeks ago, most of the focus centered on center field and catcher. Why? I don't know.

Cody Ross has been enormously productive out in CF, and his defense has been adequate enough. The Marlins have been rumored to covet Wily Taveras (the organization has always liked those speedy leadoff types), but that would be an obvious downgrade. Stick with Ross.

As for catchers, why are the Marlins even paying attention to David Ross or Paul Lo Duca? Those guys are NOT GOOD. Why not give John Baker a chance to prove himself, and Matt Treanor has been superb defensively. Whatever it costs, these other catchers aren't worth it.

Where do the Marlins really need help? The bullpen! Once the team's strongest asset, it's now the most undependable assortment of garbage outside of that huge Turnpike landfill. Is there anyone the team can count on? It's gotten so bad, the Marlins have been sending guys like Matt Lindstrom and Logan Kensing down to AAA, replacing them with (gulp) Eulugio de la Cruz. A couple reliable acquisitions could make a world of difference.

Marlins Won a Game? Yep

Okay, now that the Colorado air is cleared, we Marlins fans can take solace in a victory. Sure, the Fish should have cruised to 3 of 4, blowing two games in truly horrendous fashion (one in truly truly truly truly truly abominable despicable unmentionable fashion), but alas, the losing is over.

There were a few bright spots from the game today. First of all, how about the debut of Chris Volstad? If you didn't know, he's a MAJOR part of the Marlins future. He came in and shut the Rockies down, earning a relief victory. Well done!

Cody Ross was UNBELIEVABLE in this series (along with the rest of the overshadowed offense). Just how good was Ross? As rotoworld.com says:

"He went 12-for-20 with six runs, four doubles, two homers and a whopping 15 RBI. The strong weekend boosted his average over 30 points to .266, and he now has 15 homers and 47 RBI on the season."

Not only should Cody Ross be playing every day, but I would play him over Jeremy Hermida too. In fact, Ross has been at an All-Star level since May. I half wondered if Clint Hurdle would give Ross a bench spot.

It's also worth noting that Mike Jacobs - much criticized - has responded with a little hot streak. Could he have been motivated by our recent comments? Regardless of what you think, Jacobs has earned a few more days away from the microscope.

Ahhh. I'm so glad they won today...

Simply Unbelievable

It was just one of those nights. The Marlins have reached a new level of incredulous-osity. The final score was 18-17. That is only the tip of this mile-high iceberg.

The Fish had a 9 run, 13-4 lead going to the bottom of the 4th inning. Then the Rockies started launching the rockets. The Rocks scored 12 straight runs via the long ball. Colorado hit 6 home runs in the game. And guess how the Rockies won the game in the 9th... an error and a 2nd Kevin Gregg blown save in the last 24 hours. After Gregg gave up 3 straight singles to start the 9th and lose the lead, Hanley Ramirez had a chance to turn a double play that would have put a runner on 3rd but with 2 outs, but instead dropped the flip from Amezga to allow the Rockies to load the bases with no outs, and eventually get the win.

Not to be lost in this catastrophic collapse, the Marlins did score 17 runs on 22 hits. Ramirez was a triple short of the cycle, Cody Ross had a 5 RBI night, and Mike Jacobs went 4-4 and reached base all 6 times he came to the plate.

Unfortunately, the Rockies scored in every inning but the 8th. Simply put, the 2 teams combined for 35 runs on 43 hits, 21 of those hits were for extra bases. The All-star break needs to hurry up and get here, because the Marlins can't seem to do anything right of late, and the Phillies are starting to get hot. Obviously there is lots of baseball left to play, but after tonight's action, the Marlins are 3.5 games back of the Phils in the East, and 4 back in the wild card.

Marlins Lucky to Have Jacobs

As the Marlins attempt to bounce back today from their most embarrassing loss of the season, I think we, the depressed fans of the slumping Fish, should look on the bright side of things.

The Marlins have Mike Jacobs: The best .240 hitter in the National League.

Where else can you find a guy like this but on the 2008 Marlins?

Jacobs plays consistent defense (well, consistently awful, but hey consistency is consistency, lets not be picky).

He hits big home runs (for instance he got the Marlins on the board last night vs those devilish Rays. So what if we were down 15-0 when we did it?)

He hits for a high average. (Um, higher than Nick Swisher and Adrian Beltre! How 'bout that?)

Jacobs gets more value per hit than anybody except maybe Cody Ross. Jake has 55 hits, 18 of them homers, with 57 strikeouts and a robust .270 OBP.

In all seriousness, I'd rather have Jake at the plate more than any other .240 hitter except Oakland's Jack Cust. Almost nobody hitting around .240 can rake like Jake. I realize he isn't the player we saw pre-annual injury, but he is really this bad? Is Jorge Cantu really THAT much better defensively than Jacobs?

This Citrus Series is really putting me in a bad mood. Rant over.

Cody Ross WILL Get More Time

Did Fredi Gonzalez read our Cody Ross piece, advocating for Ross to play every day? Doubtful, but he does seem to be reaching the same conclusion, albeit in smaller steps.

As Fish Stripes reports today, Cody Ross will play more, though how much more is still ambiguous. Here is Craig's take:

"I know all of the players need to play some, because it is impossible to stay sharp or in the case of Jones, improve, when you're just taking batting and fielding practice. But Cody should be the everyday center fielder at this point in the season.

Let Jones work on his pinch hitting, something he may one day be good at. He isn't now, but he is veteran enough to figure it out. Let him start some Sundays here and there but the high majority of the time, let the Boss man center."

Nothing surprising about the fact that Craig and I agree. The only Marlins matter for which we expressed differences in public was over Hanley's lineup spot, and I eventually compromised towards his point of view. We may have also varied on whether Jason Wood should have been sent down in the first week...when it comes to Cody Ross, however, I couldn't possibly be more in acquiescence.

Cody Ross Should Start EVERY GAME

What more does Cody Ross need to prove? Should he be forever maligned for suffering through a bad (and injury-plagued) April? He's the best CF option the Marlins have, BY FAR (yes, that includes Jacque Jones and Alfredo Amezaga), and there's no excuse for him sitting a day on the bench.

What he did last night, crushing a walkoff HR into right center field (do you realize how far that is) was not only an amazing feat, but it just might have saved the Marlins season. They needed yesterday's win as much as the franchise has ever craved victory, and they owe the W entirely to Cody Ross.

No more platoons. No more rest. Cody should play EVERY GAME.

Welcome to the Big Leagues, Kid

Ryan Tucker has arrived. Mark it down, circle the date and remember this one, because it is the kind of starting pitching kick-start that the Fish need. And after last night's error-filled, opportunity-missed, cowbell rung, Cody Ross saved game, the Marlins will try to put the recent sloppy play behind them and get things rolling again.

(By the way: We could have something with these cowbells, Cody Ross seemed to respond very well to them, as well as the chants of "CODY! CODY! CODY!" that rang out before, during and after his dramatic walk-off.)

The reason I haven't posted in a while was that I was preoccupied with the Marlins' dreadful showing of pitching in Atlanta. Riding all the way from Turner Field back to North Springs on MARTA after the Fish blew three leads in that series wasn't fun. I did enjoy the ride on Wednesday afternoon however, after Rabelo and Hanley hit those tying and winning homers, respectively.

Anyway, it seemed, for good reason, that the Braves and their fans were more comfortable coming from behind against the shaky Marlins hurlers.

Which brings me back to Tucker, who with his electric stuff, can infuse life into this worn-down staff like Dontrelle Willis did in 2003.

As Tucker sat on the bench and watched his new teammates pad the 2-1 lead he left the game with, he was accompanied by Scott Olsen. Don't know what Olsen was telling him (I'm kind of worried though, based on this article) but it probably was something along the lines of:

"Welcome to the Big Leagues, kid."

Marlins fans sure are glad you're here.

Hanley's Back! So are the Marlins!

I was mentally prepared for another disappointing loss. I wasn't even surprised. It was total resignation drenched over my face, the acceptance of a once-promising season going clumsily down the garbage disposal (yes, it's not just a drain, it's a painful one with slicers).

Then something happened. Down 4-2 in the 9th, superstar Cody Ross (the hottest player in MLB right now) starts things off with a single to left. Okay, there's something. Then Mike Rabelo (of all people) launches a bomb into right center. HOLY SH*T!!!! A couple batters later, Cantu doubles and then Hanley, the goat of May, blasts his second homer of the day. WOW!

In a road trip so marred by blown leads, it was about time the Marlins got one back. Suddenly, the Marlins can turn this into a 4-6 trip tomorrow night, which is a whole lot better than 2-8. Now if only the Phillies would lose a game.

2-4 Road Trip Not So Bad

How am I going to put a positive spin on a 2-4 road trip against NL East rivals? It's difficult, but it could be a lot worse.

So they lost two series. On the road, they were almost supposed to lose, and they had the lead in a couple games...imagine if they hadn't squandered those. They could easily have been 4-2 for the trip.

Salvation lies in Atlanta, where I like their chances. The pitching matchups are favorable, Hanley seems to have emerged from his slump (at least partially), and Nolasco and Miller have become dependable starters. Don't forget that post-April Cody Ross is a hitting machine!

There's plenty of good to scrape up from this weekend's carnage, and it just might show itself over the next four games.

This Cody Ross Thing is a Joke

The man is a freak. In a good way.

Out of his last nine hits, eight are homers. He has four RBI tonight and he just gave the Fish a 5-4 lead over the under acheiving Metropolitan Baseball Club of New York. He hit three homers in a game against the Mets in 2006, stay tuned because he could do it again tonight.

As Ross rounded the bases - again - the boos rained down on the Mets - again. He is now batting .207. He only has 19 hits this season and nine of them are homers.

The slumping Jeremy Hermida better pick it up or Ross is going to take his job. Ross' production right now is too valuable.

In my opinion, Fredi has to find a place for this guy in the lineup every night until he cools off.

Loyal Fans Rewarded With Two Wins

It was seven hours of baseball, more than eight in real time. It began with searing heat, was interluded with torrential rain, and finished with two comeback wins for the Fish.

As the day progressed the crowd dwindled, but for those who remained throughout, it couldn't have been a more rewarding experience.

The day was a microcosm of the Marlins' season to date. Shaky but serviceable starting pitching, a lights-out bullpen, some serious long ball and hard fought wins. All in front of energetic fans, that as JSponge described, were surely in baseball heaven.

As John Cansella might have asked at some point on Sunday: "Is this heaven?"

No John, it's a mostly-empty football stadium in Miami Gardens.

But, who cares how many people were there? The ones that were, wanted to be. They showed their appreciation by demanding three (THREE!) curtain calls. Dan Uggla, Cody Ross and Jorge Cantu found out first-hand how loud and passionate Marlins fans are.

Most importantly, everyone at the stadium yesterday realized how fun this season is going to be and the love affair that is percolating between this team and its fans.

Marlins Take Down Webb!!!

The Marlins handed Brandon Webb his first loss of the season. Yes, the Brandon Webb who was 9-0 in 9 appearances. Undefeated no more!

It was a perfectly executed 3-1 win, with a little bit of everything. Matt Treanor laid down a superb bunt for a suicide squeeze, Cody Ross homered, and Luis Gonzalez singled home the insurance run.

Major credit must go to Ricky Nolasco, who turned in a spectacular start. He allowed just 1 run in 7 innings, leading the Marlins to one of their best wins of the season.

Brandon Webb: 9-1, and fish fried.

Jacque Jones a Marlin

That's the rumor, and it's coming from a number of places. Usually, the first words of confirmation involve the phrase, "Ken Rosenthal reports," and here it is. According to Rosenthal:

"Jones, 33, will take a physical Monday morning. He initially will report to extended spring training in Florida to get back into playing shape, according to one source, then return to the majors as a fourth outfielder and left-handed hitter off the bench."

Marlins Today also confirms the report, so count on it happening.

The best part of this news, especially for you Cody Ross fans, is that Jones is not expected to start. He may take a few games away from Amezaga and Ross, but I don't see that changing so quickly. Brett Carroll will certainly be the one sent down (was he even up? You'd never have known it), but what happens when Willingham comes back? That shouldn't be for a while, but it will happen (we hope).

I don't see the Marlins sending down Alfredo Amezaga under any circumstances, so the clear choice would appear to be Robert Andino. The problem, of course, is that Amezaga would become the backup infielder as well as potential starting center fielder, creating a number of pulsating headaches for Fredi in his lineup formations. This is something to keep a close eye on.

In the meantime, we welcome yet another bargain bench player to the friendly confines of South Florida.

Cody Ross is Heating Up

We know our friends at codyross.org got a real kick out of our Cody Ross Wonder Boy story. Just look at the comments.

Well it's time to give Cody Ross another look. Hampered by a bad knee and a shortened Spring, Cody Ross slumped through April. At times, we wondered if the guy known for his gentility would ever find his way out. Guess what? He has.

Let's look at his April vs. May numbers:

April: .159/.188/.227, 3 Doubles
May: .300/.440/.900, 4HR, 8RBI

Whoa! This, while Alfredo Amezaga struggles. It seems like Cody Ross is ready to assume the starting spot in CF. Based on these numbers, I would encourage the Fish NOT to sign Jacque Jones, because the answer is already there.

The only question left: Was that a Wonder Boy moment?

More on Last Night's Debacle

Now that my venom has been spewed adequately in the form of Roget's Thesaurus (or a comparable resource), I should acknowledge the fight in this Marlins team. This would be the second time they've come back from a big deficit, only to lose in startling fashion. Major credit should go to Fredi Gonzalez, Cody Ross, and company for putting together such a thrilling 9th inning barrage.

Let's address Fredi Gonzalez a little more now. Did he make a mistake by bringing Pinto out again for the 10th inning? Pinto already displayed some wildness in the 9th, and it was the two walks in the 10th that did him in.

Marlins Today puts the loss squarely on Fredi for that very reason. I give you Alex Carver's words:

"Renyel Pinto looked uncomfortable but still managed to wriggle out of trouble in the bottom of the 9th to send the game to extra innings. Despite his wildness, Fredi Gonzalez chose to send Pinto back out for another inning. That decision would prove to be the wrong one. Pinto got the first two outs in the 10th but then gave up two walks straight walks. With pinch runner Johnny Cueto standing at second, Janish smacked a tailing changeup to right. Game over.

For those keeping track, that’s three straight losses. Two of them can be blamed on ill advised decisions by Fredi. Hopefully he remembers to bring his brain with him to the yard tomorrow as the Marlins look to avoid the sweep in the finale of this four game set."

While I'm not as critical (after all, Pinto has been fantastic this year), I'm inclined to agree. Let's hope both Marlins Today and The South Florida Fan are singing some praises after tonight's game...where Fredi should bring his brain to the yard (better that than his milkshake).

Marlins Hitter Evaluations: 2nd Edition

After being prodded enough by Jay Warman and a few readers, I've decided to come out with the next edition of Marlins Hitter Evaluations. You may recall that in the first edition, I had some choice words for Jorge Cantu, while praising Robert Andino to no end. Things have evened out a bit, so prepare yourselves for a brunch-like meal of crow:

1. Hanley Ramirez: .333/.406/.622, 20R, 17RBI, 7HR, 8SB - The average has dipped, but the power has become explosive. Even more impressive are the 7 steals since my last edition. The best news? His defense has improved considerably from last year. My only concern is that he's becoming homer-happy, turning himself into an all-out slugger instead of the placesetter they need him to be.
Full Season Projection: 147R, 125RBI, 52HR, 59SB (Wow!)
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: A+)

2. Dan Uggla: .262/.333/.488, 10R, 10RBI, 3HR, 8 Doubles - Uggla has been on an absolute tear over the last two weeks, benefiting in part from The Great Andino's bat. The OBP is steadily rising, while the power continues to show. This generation's "Charlie Hustle" is now on track for another excellent season.
Full Season Projection: 77R, 77RBI, 23HR, 61 Doubles
Grade: B+ (Previous Grade: D+)

3. Mike Jacobs: .277/.307/.614, 13R, 17RBI, 7HR, 7 Doubles - The much-discussed Mike Jacobs is rarely walking (4BB), but he's taking advantage of everything he swings at. Jacobs not only carries the distinction being the Marlins' top slugger, but he also hit the fastest HR in the majors this year (4/11/08 at Houston).
Full Season Projection: 100R, 130RBI, 54HR, 54 Doubles
Grade: A (Previous Grade: B-)

4. Josh Willingham: .329/.396/.659, 15R, 16RBI, 6HR, 5 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2SB - Willingham has been steadily and consistently mashing the ball. While Hanley and Jacobs have gotten all the attention, Willingham has been nothing short of phenomenal. Just look at those numbers!
Full Season Projection: 110R, 118RBI, 44HR, 15 Triples, 15SB
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: C)

5. Jeremy Hermida: .246/.295/.421, 8R, 10RBI, 2HR, 4 Doubles - Hermida's totals are down because he missed the first week of the season (see projections). That being said, the OBP is disgusting for a player of his caliber. The power has been nice, but he needs to start lacing more singles and walking a whole lot more.
Full Season Projection: 88R, 110RBI, 22HR, 44 Doubles
Grade: C (Previous Grade: Was on DL)

6. Jorge Cantu: .325/.381/.532, 12R, 8RBI, 3HR, 7 Doubles, 2SB - WHAT??? Where the hell did this come from? I can't argue against this anymore. While it would be foolish to expect him to keep this up and his defense is still poor, this man deserves the highest accolades. By the way, crow has a bitter taste.
Full Season Projection: 96R, 64RBI, 24HR, 56 Doubles, 16SB
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: F)

7. Alfredo Amezaga: .306/.424/.429, 8R, 5RBI, 4 Doubles, 10BB - The average and slugging have dropped, but that .424 OBP is stupendous! For a speedy singles hitter to get on base at that rate, all we can do is applaud. The defense has been terrific too. He has earned the nickname Amazin' Amezaga tenfold.
Full Season Projection: 64R, 40RBI, 32 Doubles, 80BB
Grade: A+ (Previous Grade: A+)

8. Cody Ross: .146/.163/.220, 3 Doubles - It's been a slump-ridden season for the likable Ross. I still believe he'll pull out of it (see our piece on his Wonder Boy moment). Don't be discouraged, codyross.org. We still believe!
Full Season Projection: 29 Doubles
Grade: F (Previous Grade: F)

9. Matt Treanor: .211/.268/.263, 3R, 2 Doubles, 1RBI - No matter how often Misti May gives it to him, the power just won't come (okay, that was wrong...I meant gives him encouragement). Even so, he's been an impenetrable fortress behind the plate, and his defense makes him worthy of a roster spot.
Full Season Projection: 41R, 14RBI, 27 Doubles
Grade: D+ (Previous Grade: D+)

10. Mike Rabelo: .216/.250/.324, 4R, 4RBI, 1HR - Another near waste of space in the lineup, at least Rabelo has a little power (just a little). Any gains he may have made there on Treanor, however, are quickly forfeited by his much inferior defense.
Full Season Projection: 55R, 55RBI, 14HR
Grade: D+ (Previous Grade: Was on DL)

Others:
Luis Gonzalez - Any drop in average has been more than made up for by his patient plate appearances in key situations, power, and salubrious clubhouse influence
Robert Andino - The Great Andino hasn't gotten much playing time, and his numbers are a lot more human. We'll still never forget his walkoff shot and stellar defense. Also, he gets credit for giving Dan Uggla his magic bat.
Wes Helms - Wes hasn't shown much yet, but we should give him time to work out of his slump

MVP: Hanley Ramirez/Josh Willingham (a tie)
Most Improved: Dan Uggla
LVP: Cody Ross
Most Likely to Improve: Cody Ross
Most Likely to Decline: Jorge Cantu
Most Likely to Break Out: Jeremy Hermida
Who to Watch: Dan Uggla

Did Cody Ross Have a Wonder Boy Moment?

We all know Cody Ross has had his share of misfortunes this year. Injured and slumping, he's in desperate need of a good break.

Well, it may have happened. I'm just throwing this out there now so you all know when I made the claim:

In the second inning, Ross's bat broke into three parts on a single up the middle. Was that like Roy Hobbs in The Natural? I say the lightning has now struck, and Cody Ross will go on to hit well the rest of the season.

Bring out the Savoy Special!

Broom Found

This time, the Marlins did complete the sweep, due in part to (gulp) Jorge Cantu. This guy is starting to haunt my dreams.

A few observations:

Mark Hendrickson has now rung off two impressive starts in a row. If the Marlins can get that consistently from him, this could be a surprisingly good season.

Hanley Ramirez is phenomenal. Not only did he go 2 for 5, but the error he reached on was the product of his own speed (which clearly rattled Guzman at SS). You had to admire the way he crushed that single to center in the 9th, which led to the winning run.

Kevin Gregg's wildness isn't going away. It may be a bit more in check, but it's a little disconcerting. I think we need the glasses back again.

Poor Cody Ross. I want him to do well, but he just isn't showing anything. Another 0-for day, this time with a horrid play in center. As Reader Tom astutely pointed out: "The miscommunication between Ross and Hermida was like Balthazar telling Romeo that Juliet was dead." (Note: That's the second Romeo & Juliet reference on this space. Points to the person who can find the first)

So the Marlins are 6-3 and leading the division. But to the earth some special good doth give.

Marlins Weekly Hitter Evaluations

This probably won't become a weekly fixture. I may choose to review the team monthly as the numbers settle in a bit more, but the first week is easily the most exciting time for an evaluation.

Just ask all the fantasy baseball owners who follow their teams to the death in Week 1, then forget about them. Have a great week in April and you're immortalized! Have a great week in August and few notice. That's the way of first impressions. Anyway, on to the review.

1. Hanley Ramirez: .440/.533/.800, 7R, 5RBI, 2HR, 1SB - These numbers are ridonculous! Perhaps he could run more, but it's hard to argue about a lack of steals with this kind of production.
Full Season Projection: 162R, 116RBI, 46HR, 23SB (I think we'd take that)
Grade: A+

2. Dan Uggla: .143/.226/.357, 2HR, 3R, 4RBI 9K - Hidden behind Uggla's two moonshots has been a horrendous start. It's only a week, so let's not get carried away. His biggest problem is that he's swinging for the fences too much.
Full Season Projection: 46HR, 69R, 93RBI (Deceptive totals with Hanley on base so much)
Grade: D+

3. Mike Jacobs: .179/.207/.393, 2HR, 4R, 5RBI - The numbers don't look good, but if you can get past the first 3 games, you'll see he's been much better. With a walkoff shot and a grand slam to his name, we'll give him a pass.
Full Season Projection: 46HR, 93R, 116RBI (Not bad totals, but needs more hits and walks)
Grade: B-

4. Josh Willingham: .207/.233/.414, 2HR, 4R, 4RBI - Hermida joins Uggla and Jacobs in the category of great slugging/bad OBP. His hitting has also been timely, but he needs to get on base more.
Full Season Projection: 46HR, 93R, 93RBI (Decent totals)
Grade: C

5. Jorge Cantu: .241/.241/.276, 1R - Perhaps Cantu has seemed better because I expected nothing out of him. Bad defense and atrocious offense should have Helms, Andino, or the surging McPherson in his place soon. 0 walks doesn't help.
Full Season Projection: 0HR, 69R, 0RBI
Grade: F

6. Luis Gonzalez: .263/.333/.526, 1HR, 2Doubles - One of this season's surprises so far, geriatric Gonzo might be perfect in a starter/bench role, after all. I expected much worse.
Full Season Projection: 27HR, 54 doubles, 27R, 27RBI (Fine for limited PT)
Grade: A-

7. Cody Ross: .125/.125/.188 - He's been hurt, so let's not judge him too harshly. I know I join the good folks at codyross.org in hoping he picks things up.
Full Season Projection: 23 Doubles
Grade: F

8. Alfredo Amezaga: .357/.500/.500, 2R, 3RBI, 4BB - How about that OBP!!! If Amezaga can continue to draw walks at this rate, it won't matter when the average falls.
Full Season Projection: 46R, 69RBI, 92BB
Grade: A+

9. Matt Treanor: .235/.278/.235, 2R, 1RBI - Not exactly a great start, but his defense has been solid. No power here whatsoever.
Full Season Projection: 64R, 32RBI, 32SB (not happening)
Grade: D+

10. Paul Hoover: .429/.429/.571, 1R - Very limited appearances, but he's made the most of them at the plate. Unfortunately, he's been pretty bad behind the plate, which is why he'll need to keep hitting like this to stay on the squad.
Full Season Projection: 79R, 79 Doubles
Grade: A-

11. Robert Andino: .600/.600/.1800, 2HR, 2R, 3RBI - Yes, it's only 5 AB, but that's more than most regulars have done. The Great Andino is due for a start at 3B.
Full Season Projection: 64HR, 64R, 96RBI
Grade: A+

Others:
Brett Carroll - 1 for 8 wasn't going to keep him on the squad
Jason Wood - Nothing in 2 AB
Wes Helms - Just getting started

MVP: Hanley Ramirez
Most Improved: Robert Andino
LVP: Jorge Cantu
Most Likely to Improve: Cody Ross
Most Likely to Decline: Alfredo Amezaga
Most Likely to Break Out: Dan Uggla
Who to Watch: Jeremy Hermida

Cody Ross Gets a Pass

I've flip-flopped on Cody Ross like the Democrats on NAFTA (not saying I disapprove). After first advocating him as a no-brainer for the CF job, I grew critical during my Opening Day In-Game Blog, especially of his suspect fielding.

Today, I was reminded of Cody Ross's medical limitations by the wonderful Craig of Fish Stripes. The fact is, he's playing hurt, and he should show considerable improvement in the field and at the plate once healed. In the meantime, good ole' Amezaga will be starting against righties. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I'd gladly take Amezaga over Cameron Maybin, who needs to stay down at AA.

Does Amazin' Amezaga have anything to say about this?