MIAMI -- The Miami Marlins were savoring a rare victory, thanks to pitcher Jose Fernandezs latest gem. A team official attempted to engage the rookie in a discussion as highlights of his performance began showing on the clubhouse television. Mesmerized, Fernandez walked away from the conversation and toward the TV. "Come on, dude," the Marlins official grumbled. "Hey, I want to see this, bro," Fernandez replied. For the 20-year-old Cuban defector, its all new -- pitching in the majors, winning games, seeing himself on TV. When hes not on the mound, he often hangs over the dugout railing, captivated by the action and cheering on a team with the worst record in the majors. If Fernandez acts as though hes trying to enjoy every moment, he is. "I keep saying, Im here, and I want to have fun," he said. While fun has been in short supply for the Marlins, Fernandez is making their season more bearable. The precocious right-hander is 4-3, remarkable considering the rest of the pitching staff began the week a combined 17-44. Heading into Wednesdays start at Arizona, Fernandez ranks among the top three rookies in the majors in ERA (3.11) , strikeouts per inning (77 in 72 1-3) and opposing batting average (.210). Such statistics are all the more impressive because he doesnt turn 21 until July 31. Fernandez became the first pitcher under 21 to allow less than two runs and less than four hits in each of his first two career starts since 1965. And in his most recent outing, Fernandez became the first pitcher under 21 to strike out 10 or more since Felix Hernandez with Seattle in 2007. "Hes similar to Felix when he was younger," two-time Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay said. "He has that presence and that kind of stuff. If he continues to develop, he could be one of those guys." Fernandez smiles when such praise is relayed to him, but then he smiles much of the time, mindful of how far he has come. The 90 miles from Cuba to Florida is a long way. "It has been pretty hard for me to get here -- not to the big leagues, but to the United States," he said. "Living in Cuba for 15 years taught me a lot. Life over there is pretty tough. Im incredibly blessed to be in the United States." Fernandezs first three attempts to defect were foiled, and the youngster spent several months in prison. Finally he escaped the island by boat with his mother, and when she fell into the Yucatan Channel, he jumped in and pulled her out. They made it to Mexico and eventually reunited in Tampa, Fla., with his father, who had escaped from Cuba two years earlier. At Tampa Alonso High School, Fernandez began hearing he was destined for greatness. He learned to speak fluent English while contemplating stardom and plotting a persona. "Its great to be humble," he said, sounding like a country song. "People will love you more in the long run. I dont want to be just a good pitcher. I want to be a great example on the field." The hype about Fernandez has been justified. He went 30-3 in three prep seasons, helped his team win two state titles and was taken by the Marlins with the 14th overall pick in the 2011 draft. He went 14-2 with a 2.02 ERA in 27 minor-league starts, none above Single-A, and cracked the Marlins rotation with a strong spring. "He has the ability to execute pitches like only a handful of guys Ive ever seen," Miami manager Mike Redmond said. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Fernandez is physically mature for his age, and his repertoire is also advanced. Many of his strikeouts come on a slider or curve, which hell throw even on a 3-2 count, and this year he added an effective changeup to go with his fastball, which is consistently in the mid-90s and peaks at 98 mph. "Hes so polished for a young pitcher," Redmond said. "Its amazing how good his secondary pitches are." The Marlins have been careful with the youngsters workload, and theyll likely limit him to no more than 170 innings this year. But he wants to be a workhorse and was pleased to throw a career-high 107 pitches to beat the high-scoring Cardinals in his most recent start, especially after giving up two runs in the first inning. "I compete my butt off," he said. "It doesnt matter who Im facing. It could be the best hitter in the world; it could be my mom. I compete and compete and compete and compete, and thats what everybody is going to get out of me every time." Was it a thrill to beat the Cardinals? Heck, it was a thrill just to meet them. "One of the special moments in the game: The first time I went up to hit, Yadier Molina was catching," Fernandez said. "I look up to that guy. When they won the World Series, I saw him catch and I said, Man, I wish one day I could shake his hand. "So I said, Man, its a pleasure to be playing against you. He said, No, its my pleasure. It was great to get to pitch against him." And perhaps someday Molina will tell his grandkids about the first time he met Jose Fernandez. Torry Holt Rams Jersey . -- Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis was charged Thursday with driving while intoxicated, a day after he was suspended for an NFL substance-abuse policy violation. Kurt Warner Rams Jersey .ca! Kerry, Two nights after the Scott-Eriksson incident in Buffalo, the Bruins returned home to play San Jose. In that game, Zdeno Chara put a check on Tommy Wingels that clearly targeted his head. http://www.footballramsshop.us/authentic-kurt-warner-rams-jersey/ . Ashley Youngs cross was inadvertently headed by Chester into his own net in the 66th minute, allowing United to claim a third straight league win. "We had to dig deep with our fighting spirit and weve done that," United striker Wayne Rooney said. Cooper Kupp Womens Jersey . 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Orlando Pace Jersey .Y. - Jerome Samson scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the St. The excitement at Carlton around Jack Silvagnis debut has taken some limelight from teammate Andrew Walker, who makes his own AFL history on Saturday night.Walker will become the first indigenous Carlton player to reach 200 games when they clash with Collingwood at the MCG.Over his career hes faced adversity with his body but hes never let that impact his mindset, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton said of Walker.Hes shown our draft class how to prepare ... hes an absolute professional.Walker will be the 18th AFL indigenous player to reach 200 games.He coincidentally wears the No.1 guernsey, which Silvagnis father and grandfather made famous at Carlton.Jacks debut - he will wear No.2 - means Carlton will play a Silvagni for the 652nd time in their AFL history.His debut adds extra spice to the latest match against their fierce rivals.The Silvagni family is Blues royalty - Jacks grandfather Serge played 239 games for the club.Jacks Dad Stephen, nicknamed SOS or Son Of Serge, is fourth on Carltons all-time playing list with 312 matches.Stephen is also now Carltons list manager.For all the potent symbolism of the 18-year-olds debut, coach Brendon Bollton emphasised the third-generation Blue had earned his spot.ddddddddddddIn particular, Jack has kicked goals in the VFL - something the Blues badly lack.Only bottom side Essendon has scored less so far this season.Hes been hitting the scoreboard and its an area wed like to do more of at senior level, Bolton said.When I first met the draft intake this year (I told them) nothing would be given, youre not entitled to anything. He earned his position.The teenager has noticeably added to his slight frame since the Blues recruited him in last years draft.Hes worked incredibly hard in the gym. Hes put on some kilos, Bolton said.The added muscle will undoubtedly come in handy.The Collingwood defence notoriously gave Melbournes No.1 draft pick Jack Watts a torrid time when he made his AFL debut