[sportsfan2006]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Florida Marlins
Series Start: Friday July 21 2006. 7:35 EST
Dolphins Stadium Miami, Florida



Pirate have the worst record in the majors, while the Marlins have somewhat overachieved behind rookie manager Joe Girardi. Florida is the smart bet here with pitchers Dontrelle Willis and Ricky Nolasco and star Miguel Cabrera. The Pirates figure to be seller's in the trade market and could gut their team further to try and build for next year. No one scares you in their lineup other than Jason Bay. The Pirates have not won a series since taking three of four games from June 8-11 in San Francisco and look for that pattern to continue.


Marlins breakdown ( updated thru July 11)
• 4th place National League East Standings.
• 38 wins and 48 losses ( home 18-20/ road 20-28)

Team Leaders
• 3B M. Cabrera 86 GP’S, 15 HR’S, 61 RBI’S, .334 AVG.
• 2B D. Uggla 79 GP’S, 13 HR’S, 51 RBI’S, .307 AVG.
• P D. Willis 18 GP’S, 6 W, 7 L, 3.94 ERA.

Injuries
• P Brian Moehler, sprained right ankle. July 1st DL.


Pirates breakdown (updated thru July 11)
• 6th place National League Central Standings.
• 30 wins and 60 losses ( home 20-24/ road 10-36)

Team Leaders
• 3B F. Sanchez 86 GP’S, 5 HR’S, 49 RBI’S, .358 AVG.
• LF J. Bay 90 GP’S, 21 HR’S, 66 RBI’S, .284 AVG.
• P I. Snell 18 GP’S, 8 W, 6 L, 4.74 ERA.

Injuries
• INF Jose Hernandez, lower back stiffness. He was forced to leave the game July 2. He returned as a pinch hitter July 9.
• C/1B Ryan Doumit, torn left hamstring. June 5 DL. He is expected to be out until at least late July.