New Marlins Do Their Job; 3-0 Spring Start With 5-4 Win Over Cards

Feb 28, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (right) greets teammate infielder Garrett Jones (left) at home plate after Jones hit a two run homer against the St. Louis Cardinals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jupiter, FL – Jose Fernandez did his job today, pitching two scoreless innings with two hits and two strikeouts. Tom Koehler, Mike Dunn, and Chris Hatcher also got their work in without giving up any runs.

It wasn’t until the big numbers on the jerseys came out that the Marlins allowed the four runs.  Chaz Roe and Sam Dyson each gave up a pair of runs. Roe gave up two in the fourth, and Dyson gave up two in the ninth.

Offensively, winter acquisitions provided the pop that was missing last year. Garrett Jones drove Giancarlo Stanton across the plate with a two-run shot over the right field fence.  Rob Brantly drew a seventh-inning walk and was driven home on a Ty Wigginton double, which was followed by a Jake Marisnick triple. An Austin Nola single drove in the final Marlin run.

While the Marlins were on-field doing their job, David Samson was off-field doing his.  Both the Marlins and Samson are supposed to provide entertainment to large audiences.  The difference is that Samson doesn’t realize that he is supposed to lead the Marlins organization in a way that the on-field performance draws ever-increasing crowds. Unfortunately, Samson appears to believe that his best contribution is to put himself in front of any convenient media outlet and beclown himself as often as possible.

Today’s example was a sports radio show that was on at the same time that the on-field product was under way. He was specifically invited to discuss his record-setting expulsion from the most recent “Survivor” TV show.  One quote that sticks out:

"“We had some tough breaks on offense last year.  We hit seeing-eye grounders that turned into double plays instead of ground balls that got past the infielders for base hits.”"

Perhaps a review of some basic baseball terminology is in order, Mr. Samson.