NLCS NOTES
CHICAGO – It made about as much sense as anything else in the National League this season, so it was no surprise that Ivan Rodriguez said yesterday that he was nearly a Cub.
Standing behind the cage at Wrigley Field before his Marlins participated in the NLCS workout day, Rodriguez said he almost ended up in Chicago before ultimately signing a one-year, $10 million contract with Florida right before spring training.
“I was very close in December and January,” Rodriguez said.
Things didn’t work out with the Cubs, but Rodriguez hit .297 with 16 homers and 85 RBIs and took on a leadership role down the stretch.
“I’m very happy for the team and for myself being here,” Rodriguez said. “Everybody said this would be another Florida Marlins team.
“Look at where we’re at. When I was at the [offseason] press conference, I said I thought we had enough talent to make the playoffs,” Rodriguez added.
* Mike Lowell is another Marlin who has exuded leadership, according to manager Jack McKeon and Game 1 starter Josh Beckett. Lowell started the season at third base but broke his hand at the end of August.
Jeff Conine was acquired, and rookie phenom Miguel Cabrera began playing every day at third. Lowell finished batting .276 with 32 homers and 105 RBIs.
“Mike’s a big part of why we are where we are,” Beckett said. “When he got hurt, he was on pace to set all-new career records and probably Marlin records, too.
“He was a vocal leader as well.”
Lowell is now on the bench for the start of the LCS. He started one game in the Division Series.
“He’s probably not a bench player,” McKeon said. “It’s tough not to have him in there, but nice to have that ace in the hole.”