It is beginning to seem as though the Marlins are just not mentally into their season anymore. With the playoff window still open, albeit only a crack, the Marlins needed a win against the hapless Giants today to take 2 of 3 and try to close the gap on the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Instead they got Josh Johnson’s first poor performance of the season, were plagued by mental errors, and lost on a wild pitch.

While not as effective as his previous 6 starts this season, Josh Johnson’s worst start wasn’t a bad start. He left after 6 innings having surrendered 3 runs and his team was trailing 3-2. The Marlins would eventually tie the game and keep hope alive of winning the series against the Giants. Then of course, it was the bullpen’s turn to try and not blow a game for once. Kevin Gregg came on for the 9th and was once again shaky and in the end got tagged for the loss. Gregg walked the leadoff man in the 9th and saw him advance to 2nd on a steal and 3rd after a deep sacrifice fly. After intentionally walking Bengie Molina, Gregg uncorked a wild pitch that saw the winning run cross the plate standing up and the Giants won 4-3.

The Marlins’ efforts lately have looked more like a comedy of errors (unless of course you are a Marlins fan) than baseball at the Major League level. Nothing seems to go right for this team other than the fact that from time to time when the Mets or Phillies could really bury the Marlins by winning when the Fish lose, they don’t. Despite a terrible record over the past two weeks, the Marlins sit after tonights action 6 games out of first place, 3 1/2 games out of second.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez needs to focus this team, remind them they are not out of it yet. There is still a full month of baseball to be played, still opportunities against the teams they are chasing and opportunities against downright terrible teams (Atlanta and Washington). The Fish need to get focused on whats at stake, clean up the errors (even a little, c’mon boys, this is the Major Leagues), and come to the park every night with 100% focus on the game and task at hand.

For the Fish, it must begin anew Friday night in Phoenix. Sweeping the Diamondbacks can boost their confidence, and they have the great fortune of not having to face either Dan Haren or Brandon “Cy Young” Webb during the series. Luck may still be on their side, they just have to believe!