Marlins give Pierre a rare view from bench

By wire services
Published April 10, 2005

MIAMI - After watching Juan Pierre play 1,700 consecutive innings, Marlins manager Jack McKeon figured his centerfielder needed a break.

Pierre, who missed most of spring training with a calf injury, was not in Florida's starting lineup against Washington on Saturday - marking the first time since April 30, 2003, or 299 games, that his name wasn't atop the Marlins' batting order.

"We figured it was time to give him a day," McKeon said. "Let's have him for the whole season. ... He wants to play, but we want him for the whole year. We've got a good ballclub. We'll start giving a few of these guys a day off."

Pierre hit .188 in Florida's first four games, but McKeon indicated that performance wasn't a factor in the decision.

Juan Encarnacion started in center. Pierre, who declined comment before the game, entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning, extending his string of consecutive regular-season games to 340 dating to Sept. 18, 2002.

He was the only major leaguer to play every inning in 2004, and the third ever. Baltimore's Cal Ripken did it in four consecutive years, 1983-86, and Travis Fryman did it for Detroit in 1995.

Also, right-hander Jeff Allison, Florida's first-round draft choice in 2003 who has battled drug problems, will join the team's Single-A affiliate in Greensboro.

CUBS: The team will decide today whether righty Mark Prior starts at home against San Diego or in the minors on Tuesday.

DIAMONDBACKS: Former closer Greg Aquino (ulnar nerve irritation) went on the 15-day disabled list and reliever Oscar Villarreal was recalled from Triple-A Tucson.

NATIONALS: Officials in the capital could finish a stadium sponsorship agreement for Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium as early as Monday - perhaps with the National Guard.

The District of Columbia Sports and Entertainment Commission reportedly has been talking to three groups about a three-year contract. The Washington Post reported Saturday that the National Guard is considering paying $6-million for the naming rights.

Also, the team apologized for a delay in getting season tickets to fans. Some have yet to receive full and partial season tickets. The team's home opener is Thursday.

ORIOLES: Sammy Sosa had his first stolen base since May 13, 2002, with the Cubs. He had three 30-steal seasons from 1990-95.

TIGERS: Magglio Ordonez (viral infection) missed his third straight game and remains day to day. Ramon Martinez (thumb) went on the DL and Marcus Thames was recalled from Triple-A Toledo.

TWINS: Righty Carlos Silva went on the DL with a knee injury that should require surgery and keep him out until the All-Star break.

TRADE: The Rockies acquired righty Jose Acevedo from Cincinnati for reliever Allan Simpson and planned to option Acevedo to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

SETTLEMENT: The company behind major league baseball's Web site and a sports memorabilia firm reached a $232,000 settlement with New York City over an allegedly deceptive e-mail promotion, agreeing to cover the refurbishment of a Manhattan Little League field.

[Last modified April 10, 2005, 00:41:07]