The Florida Marlins opened up Spring Training with a 16-3 clubbing of the Baltimore Orioles.

Sergio Mitre started on the mound for the Marlins but only lasted three batters as he gave up two walks, and and let another batter reach on an error.  Mitre left after having some tightness in his pitching elbow.  Probably just some standard spring training soreness.

As Mitre left the game, Andrew Miller came in and had to get an inning ending double play to get out of trouble.  From there though, it was all Marlins as the offense kicked into high gear.

Hanley Ramirez walked, stole two bases and scored on a throwing error in the first inning. Left fielder Brett Carroll delivered a two-run single in the second and another run-scoring single in the sixth, and Cody Ross drilled a three-run home run in the fourth. Alejandro De Aza capped the scoring by belting a grand slam in the ninth inning.

Marlins Blog

Dallas McPherson and the Florida Marlins have agreed on a one year contract for 2008.  McPherson was let go by the Los Angeles Angels after missing all of last season with back surgery.  McPherson was once one of the top 5 players in the Angels farm system but has been slowed down by injuries that past few season.  McPherson is expected to battle for playing with Jose Castillo and Jorge Cantu at thirdbase.

I really like this signing by the Marlins.  McPherson is someone if he stays healthy that can become a very good player.  He has enough pop off his bat to be a major league hitter, it is just if he can stay healthy to showcase his talents.

Marlins Blog