Johnson Does It All

Atlanta 3

vs.

Florida 6

WP: Josh Johnson

LP: Kenshin Kawakami

S: Leo Nunez

While the Philadelphia Phillies continue to add extra arms to their rotation, the Marlins starting staff is showing why they were projected to be the top in the National League. They have received the decision in six of the Marlins last seven wins and are averaging 6.1 innings over that span.

Last night Ace Josh Johnson not only showcased his arm, but also his bat. With 2 outs, Cody Ross on first, Dan Uggla on second and a 1-1 count, Johnson crushed one to the deepest part of Land Shark Stadium. This wasn't a close one either. It cleared the wall with ease. The Marlins were already up 1-0 off a Hanley Ramirez triple that scored Bonifacio in the 3rd inning. Johnson's home run just padded the lead.

And it proved to be the winning run.

The Marlins didn't look back from there. Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla hit solo shots in the 5th inning and the Fish guaranteed themselves three straight series wins and a chance for their second sweep in July.

Rick Vandenhurk, who has been stellar since his call-up, will take the mound tonight.

Over Use?

This is the third game in a row that Johnson has thrown over 100 pitches. He is averaging 103 pitches a game. This can prove costly for the Fish down the stretch. This is the time of the year that pitchers start to feel the wear and tear of the season. The Marlins are in no position to lose another pitcher this season. Johnson hasn't expressed any discomfort or soreness so far, but let's keep in mind that he returned at the end of last season from Tommy John Surgery.

Gaby Sanchez

Gaby Sanchez made his first Major League appearence last night in the bottom of the 6th inning when he entered the game as a pinch hitter for Josh Johnson. He grounded out to third in his only at-bat.

But there is some good news for Sanchez. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has decided to give Burke Badenhop the nod for Saturday's game against the Chigaco Cubs, meaning Sanchez will have some more time on the active roster. The Marlins were going to need a fifth starter come July 31st and Gaby was first on the list to be sent down. Baring any trade deadline acquisitions, Sanchez will have at least one more week to get some playing time.

Trade Deadline

I'm a firm believer that it's better to get something instead of nothing. It's going to be difficult to hold on to Dan Uggla and Jeremy Hermida due to financial reasons (i.e. arbitration). If we can get a good deal, I think we should make it, if it's going to improve our chances during the playoff chase, but I don't see anything available that would warrant such a move.

The way the Marlins are playing right know, they have a chance to contend, but they have showed this year how inconsistent the offense can be.

Go check out our friend Michael Jong over at MarlinManiac.com. He will tell you why even though changes are coming, they are not needed.