Week in Review

via SCWS

Overview: The Marlins swept the Pirates and took two of three from the Rockies in the weekend series.

Positives: Florida's starting pitchers had no-hit bids make it past 5 innings not one but three times, twice by Josh Johnson. As a team, the Marlins only gave up 12 runs in 6 games this week, changing their run differential from -6 to +14.

Negatives: Logan Morrison was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained foot (now in a cast), making room in the lineup for (blerg) Emilio Bonifacio. Hanley Ramirez and Mike Stanton have both struggled thus far this season. Stanton's main problem has been his penchant for striking out (35% K%), while Ramirez has been hampered by an infinitesimal .231 BABIP. What does the Marlins bullpen do a day after getting some favorable pub? Blow a 2-run lead and spoil Josh Johnson's chance at a win on Sunday. Luckily for the Fish, Stanton bailed them out with a three-run home run that surely would have made Earl Weaver smile had he seen it. Get your freak-show mojo away from our left-fielder!.

Line of the Week: He had the Line of the Week last week as well, but you can't say Josh Johnson hasn't earned the honor for a second straight week. His combined line this week in two starts:

14 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 15 K, .579 WPA

Highlight of the Week: I was ready to give Scott Cousins the honor for his first career home run, a grand slam on Thursday night. But then Mike Stanton hit this bonerific three-run blast in the bottom of the eighth inning Sunday, so let's call it a tie.

Looking Ahead: The Marlins finish the homestand with a three-game set against the Dodgers starting tomorrow, then play three in Cincinnati this weekend.