MARLINS 7, BREWERS 2
The last time the Marlins were in first place this late in the season was 2002, and players stars such as Josh Beckett, Derrek Lee and Mike Lowell were leading the charge to the top of the National League East standings.
He looks like a coach. He might be a younger player's dad. He has been doing this -- demonstrating big-league baseball done right -- since most of his Marlins teammates were in grade school.
Marlins first baseman Mike Jacobs, who hurt his left quadriceps Wednesday, was not in the starting lineup against the Brewers on Thursday night, but was available to pinch-hit.
MARLINS 6, BREWERS 2
Who was the best player the Marlins received in the whopper trade that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit for six prospects?
How far can Scott Olsen go? The Marlins aren't sure, but Olsen's pitch limit appears to be right around 120 pitches. Olsen set a career high with 120 pitches April 9 against Washington in a 7 2/3-inning outing, and he used 121 pitches to go 8 2/3 innings Tuesday. Olsen left the game with two outs in the ninth with the bases loaded.
MARLINS 3, BREWERS 0
The Marlins had just beaten the Brewers 3-0 and Scott Olsen was walking into the clubhouse when he spotted a group of reporters. ''So close,'' Olsen said.
BASEBALL
Scott Olsen settles onto the home dugout bench at Dolphin Stadium, shades and ballcap on, both legs fidgeting, staring straight ahead at a field beginning to stir with pregame activity.
MARLINS | MIKE RABELO
Mike Rabelo arrives in the clubhouse every day, looks at the lineup card -- and only then finds out if he'll be starting. That's life -- at least Rabelo's version -- as a Marlins catcher. But, on most days, the 28-year-old from New Port Richey has another element to his routine:
Outfielder Brett Carroll has been with the Marlins since Friday afternoon, having been called up from Triple A Albuquerque (N.M.) before Florida's game against San Diego.
The one with the shaved head is the son of a nuclear physicist. The one with tattoos wallpapering nearly every inch of his body is part Cherokee Indian. The one who throws pellets is an Idaho Mormon. The one from Texas is Irish. The one who dresses the loudest but talks the least is from Venezuela. The closer wears funky, Clark Kent glasses. The long reliever's family is involved in a Christian ministry that counsels prisoners.
Cody Ross got a rare start in center field Sunday and, even more of a rarity, he was batting from the leadoff slot. Ross, who has made seven starts this season, isn't used to leading off, and said Sunday he couldn't remember the last time he had done so.
Greg Maddux made his major-league debut on Sept. 2, 1986, and it is doubtful Marlins starter Andrew Miller paid much attention. Toddlers rarely have more than a passing interest in baseball.
PADRES 7, MARLINS 2
Pitching isn't the problem with the San Diego Padres, so when they actually score some runs, opposing teams are in big trouble. The Marlins found that to be the case Saturday night.
Andrew Miller starts for the Marlins on Sunday afternoon, and he's well aware of the history that opposing pitcher Greg Maddux is chasing.
MARLINS 6, PADRES 4
With the Marlins riding a season-high three game losing streak and leading hitter Josh Willingham lost for at least the next 10 games, manager Fredi Gonzalez decided to tinker with his lineup.
Left fielder Josh Willingham was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, with Brett Carroll recalled from Triple A Albuquerque (N.M.).
DODGERS 5, MARLINS 3
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez gave each of his seven relievers a disposable razor after Wednesday's rocky loss and ordered them to shave the mustaches they had started to grow.
Hard-throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom had a magnetic resonance imaging test performed on his lower back before Thursday's game, but the Marlins are waiting to see if the pain and stiffness will subside with regular treatment.
Marlins left fielder Josh Willingham was placed on the 15 day disabled list on Friday afternoon. Brett Carroll was recalled from Triple A Albuquerque.
DODGERS 5, MARLINS 3
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez gave each of his seven relievers a disposable razor after Wednesday's rocky loss and ordered them to shave off the mustaches they had started to grow.
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