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Marlins notes: Positivity the theme of team meeting
MIAMI -- Positivity.
That was the message when the Miami Marlins held a team meeting before Friday's batting practice and a weekend series with the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.
Miami has dropped seven of eight, including a three-game sweep to the St. Louis Cardinals, to kick off the homestand. During this span, the offense has scored 17 runs.
"We had a little meeting just to regain our focus, make sure we're all on the same page as we move forward and re-emphasis to these guys that this is a talented team," manager Dan Jennings said. "We have to go out and play to our level, to our ability.
"Waiting on some guys to come back health wise. Jose (Fernandez) will be throwing tomorrow and we're starting (to get) some guys moving in that right direction, but this is about us taking care of our business and playing the game the right way and playing it the way that it's going to help us win."
Predicted by some to compete for a playoff spot, the Marlins (30-44) have underachieved through the first 74 games. They sit fourth in the NL East at 10.5 games back and a season-worst 14 games below .500.
Jennings speaking to the group offered a unique perspective. He -- at the time the general manager -- and president of baseball operations Michael Hill put together the roster because of their belief in the players and potential.
Giancarlo Stanton is a runner-up for NL MVP. Christian Yelich is a Gold Glover. Marcell Ozuna hit 23 homers and 85 RBI last season, second and first, respectively, among NL center fielders. Adeiny Hechavarria, a Gold Glove finalist, continues to improve at the plate. Dee Gordon is an All-Star. When Martin Prado and Michael Morse return, Miami gains a 2010 All-Star and leader as well as a World Series champion who drove in the game-winning run in Game 7.
"It's a manager's prerogative," Jennings said. "You never want these guys to lose sight of how good they are and how talented. There's a lot of talent in that room and you just want them to stay focused on why they're here knowing it's 162 games and 'don't lose sight of your ability, guys. You're good players, you're a good team. Let's play to that level. That's it.' Simply in a nutshell. Losing is frustrating on everyone no moreso than the players who go out and play. Sometimes they need to hear something a little positive and regain the focus."
ROCK THE VOTE
Marlins players wore orange shirts in Japanese that translated to "Vote Stanton and Gordon" during batting practice. Both guys are in line to start the All-Star Game. Some players even filled in "y Hechavarria" in support of the club's shortstop. Ichiro Suzuki, meanwhile, donned a shirt in English that read "Vote for Me" on the front and "Vote for D and G" on the back.
Special t-shirts at today's BP reminding you to #VoteGSquad & #VoteAirGordon for the 2015 #ASG! pic.twitter.com/1eQU0iP0Zu
— #VoteMarlins (@Marlins) June 26, 2015
Voting is open until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
"We did something like this with (Casey) Hits McGehee last year out in Arizona, and I think it's great," Jennings said. "It speaks volumes about the presence that Ichiro has here on this ballclub and what he means inside that clubhouse to the guys. I hope the message gets out and people continue to vote for Giancarlo and Dee. They're both very deserving of being in Cincinnati and playing in the All-Star Game. It would be a great honor for this team, for this city and certainly for those two young men."
MORRIS UPDATE
Right-handed reliever Bryan Morris will make his third rehab appearance for Single-A Jupiter on Sunday. He will be ramped up to 30 pitches and two innings.
On the disabled list since June 7 with a lower back strain, Morris tossed two scoreless innings over his first two outings before permitting two runs on a hit and two walks in 1/3 inning on Thursday. That came on the second of consecutive nights pitching.
"We'll be able to assess where he is and make sure the quality of his strikes are where they need to be," Jennings said.
MORSE UPDATE
Morse, who tweeted from an airport gate on Friday, could be back this weekend but more than likely for the San Francisco series.
How ironic #soclose pic.twitter.com/zNMIwX3B0o
— Double M's (@Mcode38) June 26, 2015
Jennings said the organization wanted him to get anywhere from 30-40 at-bats for timing and rhythm purposes. Morse is 6 for 27 (.222) with three runs, a double, a homer, four RBI, three walks and 13 strikeouts between Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans.
"He's at the halfway point beyond spring training, so we're reaching that point (of his return)," Jennings said.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
