SporTech Matter

Couple of blurbs from around the internets…

• Left-hander Dontrelle Willis expects to make his start tonight, even though his pregnant wife could deliver the couple’s first child today. Willis’ wife had a false alarm two weeks ago while he was in Houston.

• The Dolphins’ recent firing of running backs coach Bobbie Williams may have been tied to Ronnie Brown showing up to minicamps overweight. Brown also fumbled during one of the practice sessions. Defensive tackle Manny Wright showed up weighing 345; his target weight was 330.

• Dwyane Wade says he’s playing hurt right now and is not a full strength, while Pat Riley says that Wade, who was torched by Luol Deng in Game 1, has to do a much better job on the defensive end of things going forward.

”Coach [Pat Riley] expects the world out of me,” Wade said Sunday. “He expects more out of me than anybody probably ever expected.”

”I’m not going to give him a pass,” Riley said of Wade. “He did not do the job defensively that he had to do. And we just have to face that fact.”

• The Miami Dolphins and WQAM-560AM on Monday announced they have partnered in a multi-year deal that allows the radio station exclusive broadcasting rights of Dolphin games through at least the 2009 season. WQAM also will carry “The Cam Cameron Show” in-season and other special Dolphins programming year-round, the football team said in an e-mailed statement. Jimmy Cefalo, the voice of the Miami Dolphins, will handle the play-by-play of the games as well as host Dolphin shows. The full broadcast team will be announced at a later date. Terms of the deal were not announced.

• Pat Riley is planning on making adjustments to the Heat starting lineup for game 2. Ira loves the idea of sliding Posey into that slot.

• Who is the smartest team in baseball? Why it’s your Florida Marlins and the good fellas over on UmpBump tell you why and how.

• It’s make or break it week in South Florida. Either we have glorious success or fail miserably. Hopefully we pull the success card.

• Friend of SporTech, site commenter and Fantasy Leaguer Ian has done a touch up and renaming of his Red Sox/Huskies blog. Drop by and say hello to SOX and Dawgs.

• Alonzo Mourning has lowered his asking price for his gaudy Coconut Grove home. Jump on it!

Today SporTech was accepted as a blog to be included in Sportspyder. What is Sportspyder you might ask? SportSpyder makes it easy to find and subscribe to sports news for your favorite teams. Subscribe to your team’s feed, customize your news sources, or build your own team of players to keep track of. The content is displayed on www.sportspyder.com as well as being syndicated to other sites around the web. Stop over to Sportspyder and configure your own account today. Once your done stop at the water cooler for a cold cup and see what you missed today…

• Manager Fredi Gonzalez has apparently decided to go with Henry Owens as the Marlins’ closer. Owens, who closed in the minors, hasn’t allowed a run in eight innings this season and has held opponents to a .111 batting average.

“It is the role most relievers want, and I’m no different,” Owens said. “You have to believe that you can handle the challenge of coming in and shutting down a game.”

• Josh Johnson (elbow) remains pain-free after playing catch the past few weeks. Johnson is expected to begin throwing from a mound in the next week or so. The current timetable for his return is early June.

• Jeremy Hermida was able to take batting practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee on March 23. The Marlins still don’t have a timetable for Hermida’s return. He will likely need at least a couple more weeks to get into playing shape and get his timing at the plate.

• Ricky Williams may have to wait until well after the NFL Draft to learn whether he’ll be reinstated. Williams’ medical history is subject to a review and evaluation process by the league. The NFL has 60 days before a decision must be made.

• Chris Quinn sprained his left ankle in the final moments of the third quarter on Wednesday and did not return. Quinn left the arena in a protective boot but is not sure of the severity of the injury. Luckily for the Heat, they got Gary Payton back last night who will serve as Jason Williams’ primary backup at point guard when the Heat face the Bulls in Round 1.

• By now you know of the comments made by members of the Chicago Bulls and how confident and excited they are to play the Heat in the first round. Well Dwyane Wade and the Heat are also aware of these comments…

”Chicago feels like they can beat us,” said Wade, who sat out Wednesday’s finale along with O’Neal and James Posey. “Kirk Hinrich came out and said it. We’ll find out. “It would be a great matchup. They have the opportunity now to be at home. They feel that’s the only reason we won last year, because we had home-court advantage. So the only thing you can do is throw the ball up and play.” After his team’s shootaround Wednesday, O’Neal offered a similar sentiment.

”I don’t care who they are or what they say, nobody wants to play us in a seven-game series,” O’Neal said. “And if they do, we’re coming.”

Added Mourning: “Be careful what you wish for.”

• A new QB on the Dolphin’s predraft radar? Whaaaaaaa?!?!! Yep! The Miami Sports Dude breaks it down.

• Mr. Joseph also gives to us his first part of his Dolphins mock draft over on The Phish Tank. See it here.

That’s it for today. I’m excited at the prospect of Henry Owens sliding into the closers role. Kid has great stuff. It was a toss up for me between him and Matt Lindstrom. Regardless we sure did make out like bandits on that Jason Vargas deal with the Mutts.

On a Heat note. I can’t help but think that this first round against Chicago is going to be one of the dirtiest playoff series we could see in a long time. Bad history between Posey and the rest of the Bulls. Alot of bitterness after the Heat took out the baby bulls last year. Heinrich is bound to hold onto Wade all series so it will be interesting to see how he handles all the pressure.

Check your Marlins/Mets preview after the jump…

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Here is what you missed today while trying to figure out how to sync your Windows Mobile Phone to Windows Vista…

• Hanley Ramirez didn’t start Tuesday and may not return to the lineup until Friday’s game. Ramirez feels he can play on his stiff right hamstring, but the Marlins are being especially cautious. “We have the off day Thursday, we’d like to give him another day,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “Again, he is progressing.” Alfredo Amezaga is playing shortstop in his place.

• Dwyane Wade, recovering from a separated shoulder, still looks rusty but says he’s made ”a little progress.” Wade is lacking explosiveness around the rim, which he said is just not there. ”Oh, I can’t jump right now,” Wade said. “I can’t explode. I’m waiting on that to come back. Once my explosion comes back, my first step comes back, you’ll see a difference. It’s just from time off and I’m still bothered by tendinitis in my knee, so I’m not trying to overdo that,” he continued. “I’m just trying to get it back slow.” The Heat are holding their breath that he can return to form in time for the team to make a run in the playoffs.

• The Dolphin’s are getting mixed reviews around the league pertaining to their offseason moves. Bitter Jimmy Johnson chimes in,

”Nothing has changed from a year ago,” Fox analyst and ex-Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson said. “The defense, even though it’s older, is solid. You can bring in all the players in the world — until you solve the quarterback situation, it’s going to be shaky. People talk about Daunte Culpepper’s mobility. It’s not his mobility — it’s his decision-making.”

• Stanford QB Trent Edwards has emerged as a potential second-round Dolphins option. Cam Cameron and Randy Mueller went to Calif., to give him a private workout last week. . . . Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn looked very sharp in his Dolphins workout in South Bend, Ind., on Tuesday, someone in attendance relayed. Quinn stayed after for a while to talk with Cameron and Mueller.

• Even before Gary Payton’s torn calf injury was diagnosed, Heat coach Pat Riley decided, ”there is no question” that Dwyane Wade ”will play big minutes as a backup point guard.” ”We’re very good with him there.”. . . . Riley asserts if Miami is the No. 4 seed, ”we’re going to have probably the toughest ride that any defending champion has ever had” — with Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago looming.

• Goalie Alex Auld, who lost his starting job to Belfour, said he wants to return to the Panthers. Auld, acquired in the Roberto Luongo deal, was strong the first half of the season before slumping. Though Auld shut his season down early because of a knee injury, Belfour set the franchise record by starting 27 straight games and ended up playing in close to 60 games.

The Heat follow up last nights debacle with a very important game at home tonight from the AAA. Stop by SunSports for all the coverage.

Check your Marlins preview after the jump…

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I can’t believe I missed this breakdown of D-Wade’s return to the hardwood the other night against Charlotte. SporTech writer and all around Heat good guy jonnylons broke down Wade’s injury and his subsequent return. Stop over to MHW and check out his article, Wade’s Return: The Visual. Here is what you missed while trying to reload the water cooler without spilling all over yourselves…

• James Posey traveled to Charlotte with the Heat for Tuesday’s game against the Bobcats. He’s expected to play and has the support of Pat Riley. “We’re going to support him,” Riley said. “Doesn’t mean that we know everything…but we’re going to go through this process and let it run its course.”

• Who want’s arrest reports?!? WE DO WE DO!!! Well the Herald has them. Posey, Belfour and Pelt. Enjoy!

• Wade likely will get to play tonight with most of the unit that finished Sunday’s game. Wade, Eddie Jones, Jason Kapono and Alonzo Mourning were part of the unit that rallied from a 16-point deficit to force overtime. But there were times when Wade might have tried to do too much too soon in his comeback.

• Ricky Williams was interviewed by Terrell Davis on Monday night’s NFL Total Access at his ranch in Grass Valley, CA. To see complete interview, click here. It’s definitely worth watching.

• Daunte Culpepper has turned to yoga as a means to get healthy in his rehab from multiple knee surgeries. His teacher, or “guru” is not Ricky Williams. “I just want to loosen up my muscles,” Culpepper says. “Stretch out real good, open my body up so I can cut down the risk of injury of any kind, not just for my knee.”

• I know this is going to sound amazing, but the Miami Sports Dude has done even MORE coverage on the Dolphins QB needs and draft status. Stop by and drool over his mastery of the draft.

That’s it for today. The Heat are back in action tonight from Charlotte taking on Gerald Wallace. Tip is at 7:00 PM on SUNSPORTS.

Check the Marlins preview after the jump

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First off let me apologize for the lack of posts the past week. Work was picking up steam and that is a major priority over SporTech. This might happen occasionally. Don’t be sad, it just means JD is making more money! Regardless, the Water Cooler has made a return. I am going to alter the format slightly for the cooler. Since baseball season is back in effect, I will include a Marlins game preview in the Water Cooler if there is a night game. Any day games will be previewed before the game on that day. Helps keep things tidy for me. So grab some of your Crystal Light on the Go and throw it in a cup at the water cooler…

• The Marlins are reportedly placing Ricky Nolasco on the DL with elbow inflammation. Ryan Vanden Hurk will be called up to start in his place on Tuesday. Nolasco struggled in his only appearance during the first week, giving up three runs in relief.

• Miguel Olivo will probably be in the starting lineup tonight. Gonzalez said Olivo could have started Sunday but figured an extra off day was a more prudent measure.

• Hanley Ramirez could return Tuesday after tweaking his right hamstring in the first inning of Sunday’s game.

“It was pretty tight, like a cramp,” Ramirez said. “It’s way better. I’m OK. I’m going to try to be in there Monday.” Manager Fredi Gonzalez, though, said Ramirez would likely get Monday off as a precaution. Alfredo Amezaga will fill in.

• Despite three consecutive shaky outings, closer Jorge Julio vowed improvement. ”I’m fine,” Julio said Sunday before enduring another tough ninth, leaving to boos when he could not close out the 6-4 win against the Phillies. Julio blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning Wednesday in a 7-6 Nationals victory. On Saturday, it took 31 pitches for Julio to slam the door on the win. Julio balked in a run in the inning.

• Left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley retired all three batters he faced in a rehab outing Saturday for Single A Jupiter. Tankersley, who is on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation, could be activated next weekend when the Marlins open a three-game series in Atlanta.

• Heat center Shaquille O’Neal is expected to miss Tuesday night’s game in Charlotte to attend his grandfather’s funeral in New Jersey. The Heat also could be without starting forwards James Posey and Udonis Haslem and backup point guard Gary Payton. Haslem and Payton attended practice but did not participate in the workout. Haslem injured his groin in a collision near the basket late in Sunday’s home loss to the Bobcats. Payton strained his left calf but has also been bothered by a right groin injury in recent weeks.

• Falcons agreed to terms with Joey Harrington on a two-year contract. Harrington showed he’s a capable backup in Miami, but his weaknesses show up over time. Moving to Atlanta seems unlikely to rehab his value depending on how Bobby Petrino’s offseason translates to the pros. Michael Vick has only started 16 games once in his career, but Harrington wouldn’t be an exciting fantasy option even if he gets a few starts. Profootballtalk.com reports the deal is worth $6 million.

• Dolphin’s trading DC? Alex Marvez might think so…

Marlins/Brewers series opener preview after the jump

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If you did not see it yet the new EP of South Park was on last night and it was freakin brilliant. Above you will find a 6 minute portion of the episode. Figured it would be a nice end of the day video for those of you (like myself) who had a long, hectic day at the office. Let’s stop at the water cooler and see what we missed today…

• Jason Wood and Lee Gardner have won the last two spots on the Marlins, beating out John Gall and Nate Field, respectively. The Marlins could send down both if Jeremy Hermida and Taylor Tankersley return in mid-April as hoped. Wood, 37, also spent last September with the Marlins, his first action in the majors since 1999.

• Free agent quarterbacks Joey Harrington and David Carr are scheduled to meet with the Panthers next week. Harrington has been named in connection with Carolina’s vacancy at backup QB for a while. Carr could be a more direct threat to Jake Delhomme.

• Forward Jason Kapono traveled for the first time since severely spraining his left ankle in a March 5 home game against Atlanta. Asked why Kapono made the three-game trip that opened Wednesday against the Raptors, coach Pat Riley quipped, “He was bored at home.” Riley said Kapono is at a point where he can benefit from practicing and working with the traveling staff. He does not expect Kapono to dress before the trip ends Sunday in Detroit, but Kapono left open the possibility.

• The Heat was scheduled for a basketball buffet today in Minnesota. Instead, the league has decided to wait for Dwyane Wade to partake in the taste test. As part of the league’s search for a ball of the future, the NBA is sending around the league a 10-pack of synthetic balls of various compositions. The goal is to find a replacement for the leather model that is becoming increasing difficult to supply.

• Former Heat center Wang Zhi-Zhi scored a team-high 21 points and was named MVP of the best-of-seven series as his Bayi Fubang team Thursday won the championship of the Chinese Basketball Association with an 88-83 victory over Guangdong Hongyuan, closing out the series in five games. Wang was coming off a 34-point, 15-rebound effort in Game 4.

• The fight between Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter and Bengals offensive tackle Levi Jones at a Las Vegas casino earlier this month was about football — but it no longer appears to have been the one-on-one scrap initially described by police. Instead, video surveillance revealed Porter punching Jones with a closed fist before other ”unidentified males” also joined the attack on Porter’s behalf, a report released by the Las Vegas Police Department said.

• David Bowens, a fixture on special teams for the Dolphins since 2001, signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets on Tuesday, agent Harold Lewis said. Bowens served as a key backup at defensive end for five of the past six seasons.

• It looks like the Dolphins might still be willing to do some shopping in the waning days of free agency. Miami has expressed some interest in Broncos free agent guard Cooper Carlisle, his agent, Frank Murtha, said. Carlisle, who played at Florida until he was drafted in 2000, has started every game for the past two seasons in Denver. No visit has been scheduled.

• The Dude has been on fire lately with his posts. I told you he was going to bring it soon and he has. The MSD Mock Draft Contest is in full effect. Hop on over and get involved. Lots of good prizes to be won. I suck at these kind of things.

• jonnylons, poster on SporTech and all around Miami Heat badass has broken down the three point shooting woes the Heat are struggling with on the MHW blog. Check it out!

We are DONE! Great post today from jonnylons. Make sure you check it out if you were sleeping all day. No games on the docket for tonight for South Florida teams. Pistons/Bulls are on TNT tonight from Chicago. Tip off is at 8:15 PM EST.

Have a good evening!

Today was a day for promotion. That’s just what I do. Let’s check the water cooler and see what we missed in the sports world…

• Heat guard Dwyane Wade completed his most extensive workout Tuesday since he dislocated his shoulder last month and could begin practicing with the team as early as next week. Wade went through shooting drills on a side court as his teammates practiced Tuesday morning at AmericanAirlines Arena. Once the 90-minute practice ended, Wade continued to shoot and drive to the basket for another hour in a workout with rookie point guard Chris Quinn and two Heat assistant coaches.

”I’m continuing to work every day, and when it feels right, it’ll feel right,” Wade said. “Today was my first day. That was my introduction. It was pretty good work. Every day I try to shoot more and more.

“Where I felt the night of the injury to where I am now feels like a year ago. It just feels great to be out there.”

• Free agent DE David Bowens is expected to sign a contract on Tuesday. Bowens has been in discussion with the Panthers, Jets, and Dolphins.

• Ricky Williams’ agent, Leigh Steinberg, says his client is “optimistic and excited” about playing football this upcoming season. Williams’ hearing with the league to see whether his year-long suspension will be lifted is in April. Steinberg added that Ricky has “passed all of his drug tests” and “is in the best shape of his life.”

• Receiver Chris Chambers doesn’t yet fully know who will be throwing him passes next year, but he also doesn’t seem overly opposed to any of the quarterbacks currently being discussed as potential starters. As for former Texans quarterback David Carr or Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, Chambers said he has no preference. But he seemed to like the idea of the younger option.

”Green is a Pro Bowl quarterback,” Chambers said. “I don’t know how much he has in the tank. He’s pretty old as far as football years. Carr is a young, fiery guy. I actually like him. Once he gets a fresh start, he’ll be a pretty good quarterback.”

• The Panthers signed 29-year-old defenseman Cory Murphy to a two-year deal. General manager/coach Jacques Martin said he expects the ”offensive defenseman” to make the team next year and upgrade the Panthers’ power-play unit.

• The Panthers have had 29 fights during games this year, nine more than they had all of last season, according to hockeyfights.com. A big reason for the surge, perhaps, is a general dislike for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Eight fights have occurred in four games against Tampa, and only two games have passed without incident. Last season, the Panthers had only one fight with Tampa in seven games.

• The Heat will move its Spanish radio broadcasts to WAQI (710-AM) starting with its April 3 game against Toronto, because of conflicts with the Marlins on current flagship WQBA.

The Cats are back in action tonight in St Pete taking on the Bolts. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST on FSN Florida. Should see some good fights tonight. Hope everyone had a nice day.

JD

Sorry about the lack of news today folks but we are short handed in the office this week due to the CTIA show in Orlando. Thanks for stopping by anyways. The contest regarding the Panther tickets will have to be put on hold and might move to a contest for Marlin tickets. I had not realized there were only 3 games left, 2 of which are this week. The timeliness of this contest is my fault so I apologize. Don’t worry, we will give you something eventually OTHER then good blogging! We learned some good stuff regarding the Phins situation today, let’s see what else we missed while nursing the water cooler…

• Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said he intends to name his closer and his starting center fielder on Wednesday. Gonzalez, who said he already has someone in mind, will choose between Matt Lindstrom, Kevin Gregg and Henry Owens for the closer’s role. He doesn’t know who he’ll pick for center field. Eric Reed, Alex Sanchez and Alejandro De Aza are the possibilities. (Looks like we are only waiting on CF now.)

• Taylor Tankersley (shoulder) threw live batting practice Sunday. Barring a setback, Tankersley will appear in a minor league game either Tuesday or Wednesday.

• Jeremy Hermida is expected to be out until at least mid-April because of a bone bruise on his right knee. “It’s a freak thing and there’s nothing I can do about it. You can sit back and let it get better,” he said. The Marlins have not officially said Hermida will start the season on the disabled list, but it appears inevitable. Manager Fredi Gonzalez mentioned Joe Borchard, Cody Ross and John Gall as right field fill-ins.

• Nose tackle Keith Traylor will not have to serve a suspension during the ‘07 season stemming from his arrest last May in Oklahoma, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. Traylor was given probation on a DUI charge and a one-year suspended sentence for malicious injury to property. Aiello said Traylor’s case fell under the umbrella of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy but wouldn’t reveal whether he was fined for the incident.

• The Dolphins’ signing of Liwienski doesn’t necessarily preclude the addition of free agent guard Matt Lehr to the unit. Agent Bob Lattinville said he plans to resume negotiations today with General Manager Randy Mueller on a contract for Lehr, a six-year veteran who started 11 games for Atlanta in 2006 before being released earlier this month.

• Guard Dwyane Wade is progressing well in his recovery from a dislocated left shoulder, but there’s still no timetable for a potential return, Heat coach Pat Riley said Saturday. Wade has said he hopes to return in time for the playoffs.

”From a rehab standpoint, everything the doctors tell me, is they took another MRI and things seem to be healing, tightening up,” Riley said. “Can he play basketball? I don’t know. He’s throwing a heavy ball around. One of the exercises is to get his arms up higher and higher. He’s dribbling every day.”

• Forward Jason Kapono, out since March 7 with a sprained left ankle, probably will return after April 1, Riley said. ”Could be sooner,” Kapono said. ”I feel pretty good.” Kapono shot before Saturday’s game and might return to practice shortly.

• Heat general manager Randy Pfund has been scouting NCAA Tournament games this month, and unlike last year, Miami will have a first-round draft pick this June. But the Heat said its second-rounder will go to the Lakers as part of the Shaquille O’Neal trade.

• Olli Jokinen’s goal Saturday against the Devils was his 152nd as a Panther. He is third on the team’s list only one behind Scott Mellanby and five behind Pavel Bure. It is unlikely that Jokinen will be able to break the team record this season as six goals in eight games my be too much to ask.

Hope everyone has a good evening. The Heat are back in action tonight taking on the Hawks from the AAA. To say I’m a tad worried about this one would be an understatement. Tip is at 7:30 PM on Sun Sports or your radio home for the Heat, 610 WIOD.

Alot of developments today in South Florida. The latest news is that David Carr was indeed released from the Houston Texans which means the Phins would not need to give compensation for his rights. The problem is, Trent Green is an AARP member just like Cam Cameron and they feel they get into cheap movies with each other. It’s a match made in heaven. Before running out the door for a bunch of Friday night debauchery, stop by the water cooler for a fresh cup…

• Matt Lindstrom and Kevin Gregg both pitched scoreless innings Friday, while Henry Owens gave up his first run of the spring in the loss to the Mets. The three closer candidates have all pitched between nine and 10 innings this spring. Lindstrom has allowed three runs — one earned — and has a 4/2 K/BB ratio. Gregg has given up three runs — two earned — and has an 8/5 K/BB ratio. Owens has allowed one run and has a 9/2 K/BB ratio.

• Dolphins coach Cam Cameron expects Daunte Culpepper (knee surgeries) to participate in quarterback school this April. If Culpepper’s still on the roster then. The general feeling is he’ll be released to save $1.3 million in cap room if Miami acquires Trent Green.

• Ed Belfour has started a Panthers record 25 consecutive games. During the streak he is 14-8-3. Last night Belfour was showing some wear and tear as he allowed four goals on nine shots. His back-up Craig Anderson replaced him and stopped all ten shots he face. Expect the team to rest Belfour soon.

• Stuck on the Palmetto has been following the Sony Ericsson from Key Biscayne. No update yet today, but the view is incredible.

• The guys over on the Heat Fanhouse explain to you the dangers of the kiss cam, especially when Shaq is involved.

That wraps up the show for today! Hope everyone had a quick and painless Friday. The Heat are back in action tonight trying to keep the good times rolling. They take on the Pacers from Canseco Fieldhouse. Tip is at 7:00 PM EST and you can catch them on SunSports or your radio home of the Heat, 610 WIOD.

Stop by the MHW game thread to yuck it up with fellow Heatians. There will also be a new and improved chat room as well.

We will be around all weekend with updates so stay tuned!

See Ya!

Today I was invited to join an online radio show called “The Hits Keep Coming” via The Oriole Post, a great blog dedicated to the Baltimore Orioles. Anthony does a great job covering the Orioles and MLB in general. The show will feature a preview of the NL East and a roundtable discussion of the upcoming baseball season. I will dedicate a post to this show as it approaches and supply links for the podcast and show download. Let’s check out the water cooler…

BREAKING NEWS: The Dolphins signed WR Az-Zahir Hakim to a one-year contract. They also signed G Chris Liwienski to a one-year contract. Hakim didn’t even make the game-day roster for the Chargers in the playoffs, but Dolphins coach Cam Cameron must’ve seen someting he liked in practice. He’s far from guaranteed a roster spot in Miami. Liwienski spent last year with the Cardinals after spending the previous eight seasons in Minnesota. LS John Denney was also retained.

• Alejadro De Aza continued to make a case for a roster spot by going 3-for-4 with two doubles Thursday against the Cardinals. De Aza is 12-for-31 with five doubles, a triple and four steals in six tries. It’s doubtful that he’d be a decent regular for the Marlins, but the same can be said about Alex Sanchez and Eric Reed. He may have a shot to break camp with the team.

• Marlins reassigned infielder Joe Dillon to minor league camp. Dillon, who was vying for a bench spot after spending last year in Japan, was 3-for-13 this spring. He’ll find himself in the middle of Triple-A Albuquerque’s lineup at the beginning of the year.

• Alonzo Mourning’s late scratch Wednesday provided an opportunity for Wayne Simien to be activated for the first time since January 10. Simien, who took a DNP-CD Wednesday, has been out because of a recurring problem with salmonella.

• With Mourning sidelined, he could wind up passing Glen Rice’s franchise record of 9,248 points at Saturday’s home game against Philadelphia.

• Chris Gratton will play in his 1,000th career game on Thursday. Gratton will become the 217th player to accomplish the feat and the youngest as he has missed less than 25 games in his NHL career. With 203 goals and 540 career points, Gratton’s career hasn’t worked out like some had thought it would, but it is still a big accomplishment to reach the 1,000 game mark. Congratulations to Chris Gratton on the milestone.

Hope everyone had a great day! The Cats are back in action tonight taking on the Senators at the BAC. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM on FSNFL or your radio home of the Panthers, 560 WQAM.