Stanton closes in on top of franchise homer list

MIAMI -- Milestones keep mounting for Giancarlo Stanton, who is rapidly closing in on a couple of Marlins home run records. The slugger is nearing Gary Sheffield's single-season mark of 42 and Dan Uggla's all-time total of 154.

Stanton belted No. 35 of the season in the Marlins' 8-6 loss to the Mets on Tuesday night, and he went deep again in the eighth inning on Wednesday night, giving him 153 blasts in his career. With 25 games remaining, Stanton is within striking distance of placing himself at the top of the franchise list.

As consistent as the two-time All-Star has been on the field, the 24-year-old remains unwavering in discussing personal accomplishments. He takes pride in the fact that he's only the second player in club history to have as many as 35 homers and 100 RBIs. He now has driven in 102.

Sheffield hit 42 homers and drove in 120 runs in 1996.

"I'm not worried about that," Stanton said. "Personal stuff, you worry about Oct. 1. It's a great group of numbers there. We have a month left. No stopping."

Process is important to Stanton, who actually sits down in the offseason, checks out his overall performance, and then draws up a plan of action on how to prepare for the following year.

"For me, I realize it. I acknowledge it," Stanton said. "I don't look up at the board every day. The only reminders I have are [the media] basically. You make sure you're staying on point. I analyze everything at the end of the year."

Stanton breaks down his performances per month and how he produces in different parks and so on.

"I think about it in the offseason," he said. "That's what your new preparation is for."