"It's not as catchy as DJ3K for Derek Jeter's pursuit of 3,000 hits, but the Marlins have H2R1K.

Hanley Ramirez opens the second half Thursday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs two hits shy of 1,000 for his career. Once he hits 1,000, he will become the third player with that many as a Marlin, joining Luis Castillo and Jeff Conine.

It won't be long before Ramirez eclipses Conine (1,005) for second on the all-time franchise list. Ramirez by the end of next season should have Castillo (1,273) in the rearview mirror, as well.

If not for his inexplicably slow start and a stint on the disabled list, Ramirez already would be on his way to 2,000. As recently as June 20, Ramirez's batting average sat at .200 (40-for-200). He's turned it around in July, going 13 for his first 34 (.382), good for a share of the ninth-best average among National League hitters this month with Andrew McCutchen. Emilio Bonifacio's .441 July average (15-for-34) is pacing the circuit.

Ramirez since his 2006 rookie season ranks among the top 10 hit leaders in baseball. He'll open the second half tied with Nick Markakis for eighth on that list. Ahead of them: Ichiro Suzuki (1,215), Michael Young (1,077), Jeter (1,068), Miguel Cabrera (1,039), Matt Holliday (1,031), Robinson Cano (1,020) and Albert Pujols (1,002).

The upper deck at cavernous Sun Life Stadium is closed for business during Marlins games. The club decided to relocate its minimal season-ticket holders (93 partial plans) in the 400 level to the lower bowl for the purposes of creating better ambiance during their remaining 31 games there."