Royals Advance, Former Marlins Move On

Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; The Kansas City Royals celebrate after catcher Salvador Perez (13) hit a walk-off single against the Oakland Athletics during the twelfth inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 9-8. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

What an amazing wild card round of baseball that we got to enjoy Tuesday and Wednesday! While the game last night featured a Giants win in a dominant performance by Madison Bumgardner, the real fireworks came the night before in an extra inning thriller that saw that Royals advance at the expense of the Oakland Athletics.

After our initial article that identified some of the former Marlins that were currently playing for playoff teams, I wanted to give you an update of those players now that 2 teams have been eliminated and the League Division Series kick-off today.

First some housekeeping. I asked for readers to mention any Marlins that I may have missed that are on other teams. Al-Kendall came through and mentioned a few, but one that I have no defense for was Omar Infante. That is just embarrassing on my part and I thank Al for catching that for me.

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With that oversight behind me, let’s get started with the American League wild card round. We might as well start with Omar Infante’s Royals. If you are looking for a team to cheer for that has a solid Marlin representation, this could be the one.

Infante had a solid game going 2-5. He should remain in the starting lineup and will be the highest profile former Marlin other than Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera in the next round.

Josh Willingham came through with what can only be described as the most important bloop hit in Kansas City in the last 25 years. In a 9^th inning pinch-hitting appearance, Willingham did his job by singling, and was promptly removed for the fastest man in baseball a pinch runner who advance on a sacrifice, stole a base, and scored the game tying run.

Another Royal that I overlooked was Jason Vargas. The starting pitcher made his debut with the Marlins in 2005 and played two seasons in Miami. He did not see any action in this game, but will get the start in game 1 of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels. Again thanks to Al for reminding me of him.

The A’s were eliminated, and that was of no consequence for us fans as they did not have any former Marlins on their roster.

In the National League, the Giants steamrolled Gaby Sanchez and the Pirates. Sanchez received the start at 1B, but joined his fellow teammates in having a dismal night. The former Marlin went 0-3 and only saw a total of 9 pitches. Sanchez’s season is over and the Giants do not have any former Marlins moving forward.

Stay tuned for the conclusion of the division series’ and we will again breakdown the former Marlins in the playoffs and their performances. Let us know in the comments below who you are rooting for!