Cody Ross Headed to Giants Following Marlins Loss

The atmosphere in the Florida Marlins clubhouse was somewhat somber following their 2-1 loss to the Houston Astros yesterday. It wasn’t because of the fact that they failed to sweep the weekend series, nor was it that their season-high five-game winning streak came to an end.

The bigger news broke following the game: Cody Ross was let go on waivers.

On Friday the San Francisco Giants claimed the Florida centerfielder off of the waiver wire. The Marlins tried to work out a trade with the Giants, but nothing came to fruition.

Marlins President of Baseball Operations, Larry Beinfest said yesterday, “Since the time of the trade deadline, I think our playoff hopes have dimmed a bit, and I think we have to be realistic about that.” Beinfest went on to say, “The decision was a very tough one because of the quality of the player and the person.”

Dan Uggla, whose locker room stall was next to Ross’, was very upset by the news.

“The last five years, I’ve grown as close to him probably as anybody,” the second baseman said. “It is what it is, it’s part of the game, but do I agree with it? No. They made a decision and I’ve got to back them up with it and move forward from here, but it’s a tough thing. I’ve never had a better teammate, a better clubhouse guy. Everybody here in this organization is going to miss him. He’s a huge fan favorite, just a big part of this organization [and also] the core of this team for the last five years, and it’s tough. It’s really a sad day. His personality and his ability to lead and his ability to make the rest of us happy and in the right game mode, he’s going to be a huge asset to the Giants.”

Ross now goes to a ballclub that is among the leaders in the Wild Card hunt. San Francisco is currently tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for second place in the race.  Both teams trail the Philadelphia Phillies by two games.

Ross understands the reason the Marlins made the move, but the news was still tough to take.

“I’m still in shock,” Cody said. “It’s part of the game, but it’s sad to leave my buddies. One part of me is excited, the other part is really sad. I’m leaving guys I’ve been with going on five years now. It was a good run, and I had a blast. But there’s a bigger plan for me, and I’m excited about it.”

Cody Ross is a native of New Mexico and still resides there, so this move will bring him closer to his offseason home.

Cameron Maybin was called up from Triple-A New Orleans to replace Ross on the twenty-five man roster.  He will join the team in New York where the Marlins are scheduled to open a three game series versus the Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday night.