MARLINS 8, D'BACKS 1

Florida Marlins ace Josh Johnson dominates D'Backs

Josh Johnson showed why he is heading to the All-Star Game, improving to 8-2 and helping the Marlins salvage a four-game split.

D'BACKS 5, MARLINS 1

Florida Marlins bats silent against D'backs

A day after being shut out in Arizona, the punchless Marlins managed only one run against a starter -- Jon Garland -- who had not won since May 19.

Luis Ayala adds versatility, experience to Florida Marlins' bullpen

The Marlins bullpen lacks an experienced closer, but it doesn't lack for experience. Veteran reliever Luis Ayala joined the staff Sunday after being called up from Triple A New Orleans. The Marlins signed Ayala after he was released by the Minnesota Twins on June 30.

Trades tough because of so many contenders

With two-thirds of all teams still in contention, the Marlins are finding out that they're not the only ones seeking to improve through trades. As president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest told reporters Saturday, ``There are so many teams in it that it's tough to make trades.''

Arizona Diamondbacks' Dan Haren shuts down Florida Marlins

The Arizona Diamondbacks have discovered the cure for the hangover. It's called Dan Haren. Less than 24 hours after the Marlins gave them a royal headache with a late-inning comeback victory, the Diamondbacks rolled out their staff ace on Friday to ease the pain. The All-Star pitcher did exactly that, silencing a Marlins offense that the night before had erupted for one of the biggest outbursts in franchise history, overcoming a 7-0 deficit to win 14-7.

Carroll's bat does double duty in win

Brett Carroll broke his bat in the process of belting his pinch-hit, go-ahead home run on Thursday. The bat ''died a hero,'' Carroll said.

MARLINS | NEW BALLPARK

Fan turnout will influence team payroll

The Marlins have high expectations for attendance at their new ballpark, and fan turnout will influence the team's payroll.

MARLINS 14, DIAMONDBACKS 7

Florida Marlins set franchise record in comeback victory

Brett Carroll's three-run pinch homer sparked a franchise-record 10-run eighth inning, and the Marlins stormed back from a 7-0 deficit to defeat the Diamondbacks on Thursday night.

IN MY OPINION

Florida Marlins' saving grace will be to acquire a closer

A mere two Marlins postseason appearances in 16 franchise years (albeit both turned into World Series trophies) provides the math on how precious playoff contention is. There is no tougher ticket in all of sports than the Hunt for Rare October in baseball, so the Marlins plow into summer with an opportunity that must be handled with care.

MARLINS 7, GIANTS 0

Chris Volstad tosses shutout, stops Florida Marlins' skid against Giants

Marlins right-hander Chris Volstad looked like the dominant pitcher from last season and tossed a complete game shutout, preventing the Giants from sweeping Florida.

Florida Marlins' Ricky Nolasco turning season around

Ricky Nolasco hated being sent to Triple A New Orleans, and now he is back in control after only a minor adjustment.

Hanley Ramirez: Florida Marlins are his first priority

The All-Star Game is up in the air for ailing Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who said he still wants to play in the game while also emphasizing that his main loyalty lies with the team.

Florida Marlins' Hanley Ramirez comes off the bench

Hanley Ramirez wasn't in the starting lineup Thursday night for the fifth consecutive game. But manager Fredi Gonzalez said the injured shortstop could be ready to go Friday.

ECONOMY | FLORIDA MARLINS

Florida Marlins stadium a hot ticket for job seekers

The prospect of helping to build the new Marlins ballpark drew thousands of job seekers to the stadium site in Little Havana.

Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants blank Florida Marlins

Barry Zito. Jamie Moyer. As far as the Marlins are concerned, the two soft-throwing southpaws are one in the same -- same meaning the two hurlers always seem to put them in a hypnotic trance.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Well-traveled pitcher Brendan Donnelly finds a new home with Marlins

A few years ago, Brendan Donnelly gathered all of the baseball caps he had worn for various teams over the course of his pro career and hung them on pegs inside his home.

Home run problem haunting Florida Marlins' Chris Volstad

Hitters are continuing to pound Chris Volstad's sinker in the dirt for ground-ball outs. But quite a few more are putting the ball in the bleachers for home runs.

GIANTS 5, MARLINS 4

Florida Marlins fall in series opener against San Francisco

Despite a ninth inning rally, the Marlins could not overcome a Pablo Sandoval grand-slam.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Gaining experience big factor in signings of Brendan Donnelly and Luis Ayala

Veteran experience is so scarce on the Marlins that it became the primary factor behind the recent signings of relievers Brendan Donnelly and Luis Ayala.