Week in Review

Overview: The Marlins continue losing opening games of their series, splitting a four-game set with the Reds before taking two of three from the Phillies.
Positives: This team scores a lot of runs, averaging just over 5 runs a game through the first 13 contests of the season. Five regulars (H2R, Jorge Cantu, John Baker, Dan Uggla, and Gaby Sanchez) are OPS+ing over 120 to start the year. Did you hear about Emilio Bonifacio being sent down to AAA? Brett Carroll made the most of his return to the big club, going 3 for 4 with a home run and a double on Wednesday night. Ricky Nolasco threw the team's first complete game on Saturday night, giving the bullpen a much needed rest.
Negatives:  The Marlins scored 5, 8, and 6 runs in their losses this week, underscoring the early struggles of the pitching staff. Jorge Cantu's RBI streak came to an end Friday night, but as Michael at Marlin Maniac points out, RBI streaks tell us very little about a hitter (regardless of what Jeff Conine and Carlos Tosca have to say about it). The internet found out about that Scott Stapp song. I was hoping no one would notice. The bullpen continues to struggle, with Dan Meyer in particular having trouble making outs. However, the rotation has not been pulling its weight either. Aside from Nolasco, no starter was able to complete 7 innings this week, and the rotation only has 6 quality starts (6 or more IP with 3 ER or less) through 13 games.
Highlight of the Week: Cameron Maybin came up with a pair of sweet catches over the weekend.
Line of the Week: Nolasco's line Saturday night against the Phillies:

9 IP, 5H, 1 ER, 3BB, 5K, 109 pitches

Looking Ahead: The Marlins have Monday off, then play three in Houston and three in Colorado.



Image: Matt Slocum, AP via Sun-Sentinel.com