The Marlins have signed free agent RHP Brendan Donnelly and placed Chris Leroux on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.

The last time Donnelly pitch in the majors was in 2008 for Cleveland.

What is it about holiday weekends and the Marlins making deals?  It is getting on my nerves.

The All-Star team will be announced today at 1:00 p.m. on TBS.

Hanley Ramirez is a mortal lock to make the NL team, one way or another.  If he doesn't win the starting job, which he should, he will be added to the team has a reserve.

Josh Johnson is a little more iffy since there are two things working against him.  The main one is that he schedule to pitch on July 12 which is two days before the classic.  Meaning, he will only be good for one inning at best and after last year's game with the many extra innings and all, they may want to stockpile fresher arms.  Also Johnson last start gives Charlie Manuel, along with his limited availability an excuse to leave him off the roster.  Of course, if Manuel is smart, and I think he is, he will add Johnson to the team.  Not just because Johnson deserves it, which he does, but because playing in the All-Star game is kinda like a mid-season romp in the WBC.  Several of the players who participate in the game will have substandard second halves.  And it is in the best interest of the Phillies to wear down Johnson anyway they can.

If Johnson is left off the roster, will I complain?  Not in the least.  And from a purely selfish fan perspective, I wouldn't mind him getting the extra rest.  However, it is an honor and one he has earned.  Being selected for the All-Star team for most players doesn't happen very often, if ever.  So I hope Josh gets the chance to tip his hat to the crowd on July 14.  Just don't get hurt.

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

about 22 hours ago: Florida Marlins relief pitcher Dan Meyer, left, is congratulated by catcher Ronny Paulino after a 5-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game in Miami, Saturday, July 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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Like most everyone else, I didn't get to see yesterday's game.  In fact, I didn't even get to hear it, thanks to some technical difficulties that xmradio was experiencing.  This normally wouldn't be a big deal because it would allow me the freedom to make stuff up.  And, frankly, who would know the difference just so long as it kinda sorta matched the box score.

Fortunately you are saved from my vivid imagination, because GameFish has the actual recap.

Fish Win. For Real.

And I was so looking forward to making stuff up.  Oh well, maybe next time. 

If you are going to the game, and why not, it is the only way to actually see it.  You will want to get there early since the Marlins wives are holding their annual tackle box auction.

The Florida Marlins Wives are teaming together to host the Annual Marlins Wives Tackle Box Auction on Saturday, July 4, during the Marlins-Pirates game at Land Shark Stadium, which starts at 6:05 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

The auction, to be held at the Marlins Community Corner at Section 149, will feature tackle boxes from Marlins players with game-used equipment, autographed items and other objects unique to each player's personality. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the SOS Children's Village.

If someone can get me one of the wives cell phone numbers, FishStripes will bid.  And trust me, we will win at least one of the tackle boxes.  Come to think about it:  Is anyone going to the game?  If you are, email me, take your cell phone and some cash, and we will do it that way.  I promise you, you will be reimbursed and your name will be entered into the drawing to win it, many, many times to give you an unfair advantage.

I couldn't think of a good way to cut and paste this so you will just have to go to The Fish Pond to read it.

Lindstrom throwing, Kiko close

Matt and Calero aren't the only ones covered in the post.

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

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The game didn't start out all that well with Volstad giving up four runs in just three innings.  He couldn't get any bite on his pitches.  Then the rains came.  After a 45-minute rain delay Volstad proved to be as ineffective at bunting as he was at pitching for the game, bunting into a double-play.  Needless to say, it wasn't Chris's night.

But he was not alone in ineptitude, the offense wasn't doing much of anything either.  The Marlins tried to rally late but it wasn't anywhere near enough.

The Pirates are now 14-8 against the NL East and one would assume they are busily petitioning the Commissioner's office to move to the NL East.  Of course the Marlins have provided 4 of those wins for the Bucs.  But still. 

All notable streaks are over, Hanley didn't drive in a run and Bonifacio didn't get a hit.

The absolute best comment about the game came from Freida Frisaro via twitter, who I assume is Joe's wife.

The Marlins never win in those damn July 4th hats. Last year I sat through the awful loss in Denver with those hats. Get rid of them.

I couldn't agree more.

Try it again today.

The Marlins have moved into a virtual tie with the Phillies for first place in the NL East.  Woo Hoo!  (Technically, the Fish are .00066 behind in the standings, but so what.  Around here that is close enough.)

To the Chum Bucket.

It's not that I'm expecting enough activity by the late-night bar crowd that we need another open thread, it is just I wanted to give you a heads-up about what to expect for the holiday weekend.  And anyway, it has been awhile since we've had a Chum Bucket.  So why not now.

For the holiday three-day weekend,  On Friday:  I have no idea what FishStripes will look like, maybe the normal type of sucky blog posts you have come to expect or it may just end up being only the open thread.  Time will tell.  Saturday and Sunday will be their normal selves.

A word of warning, Friday's game starts an hour earlier than normal - the game is scheduled to start at 6:10 p.m.  Saturday's game will not be televised since some fool in the front office decided it also should start at 6:10 p.m.  Sunday's game is at the normal 1:10 p.m. start time.

If you have anything to say, have at it, because every Chum Bucket is a completely open thread.

Have a Great three-day Weekend!  That is for those of you who get one.  If you don't, just try to suffer through as best you can.

In case you wondering where Tim Spooneybarger is now, and I doubt you were, he is in Pensacola.

The Pelicans Training Academy is pleased to announce the addition of Tim Spooneybarger to the Academy staff. Spooneybarger brings major league experience to the Pelicans Training Academy, pitching with the Florida Marlins and the Atlanta Braves.

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Spooneybarger and all of the Training Academy instructors offer individual, group, and team lessons. Call the Pelicans Training Academy to sign up or call (850) 334-6274 for more information.

Not a bad gig.  Sure it is the indepenent league, but so what.  It is a chance to work with eager youngsters and drive to work with a smile on your face everyday..