Florida Marlins: The Hunt for October - Volume 7

National League East Standings

• Philadelphia (73-52) ---
• Florida (67-60) 7.0 Games Back
• Atlanta (67-60) 7.0 Games Back
  

Wild Card Standings

• Colorado (72-56) ---
• San Francisco (69-59) 3.0 Games Back
• Florida (67-60) 4.5 Games Back
• Atlanta (67-60) 4.5 Games Back
  

Series Recap

• Florida 2, New York 1 (W)
• Florida 5, New York 3 (W)
• Florida 3, New York 10 (L)

"Two Of Three Not Enough"

The Marlins were only able to pick up half a game on the Wild Card leading Colorodo Rockies after a series win over the New York Mets. Los Angeles took two of three from Colorado, but the Rockies beat San Francisco on the Marlins off day. Florida squandered an opportunity to dig in to the lead a little more by losing game 3 to the Mets.

At this point in the year, a series win is not enough. The Fish need to put together a streak like the Colorado put together in 2007 when they won 14 of their last 15 to clinch the wild card. Philadelphia is not showing any signs of slowing down and niether is Colorado. The only way of catching up is capitalizing on every opportunity. The Phillies have pretty much solidified the National League East unless they have a New York Mets size melt down.

The Fish remain at home over the weekend for a series versus the San Diego Padres. The Padres are the only team out of the West that the Marlins have had any success against this year. They swept San Diego on the road earlier this year but are 9-12 against the rest of the division.

• With Nick Johnson on the 15-day disabled list, Fredi Gonzalez has given Ross Gload the starting nod at first base.


• Chris Coghlan continues to improve at the plate and is making a case for Rookie of the Year. He is batting .310 as the leadoff hitter this year.


• The Marlins and Giants have expressed interest on newly released Red Sox pitcher and former Marlin, Brad Penny. This is the second starter that Boston releases this month. The Fish were also interested in John Smoltz, but he signed with the Cardinals.
  

Games to Follow

• San Diego vs. Florida
• Atlanta vs. Philadelphia
• Colorado vs. San Francisco