Strike 3

I think Fredi is doing a good job with these guys. You never know what is going on behind closed doors. What Fredi says to the media doesnt mean that is the same thing he says to the players. Maybe he is not into brining clubhouse issues out of the clubhouse. Fredi might make moves that make me think abit but what manager is perfect? I remember when he was first hired Fredi made it clear that he would never be the type of manager who publicly berates his players. He said something to the effect that any issues with any of his players would always be dealt with privately. So I agree with you that it's difficult to tell what goes on behind closed doors. It may be frustrating to see what we perceive as a lack of fire as far as getting after the guys but we just don't know.

It's always worth watching! :slap I agree!

This time, Marlins-Rays rivalry is worth watching BY GREG COTE There is something called the Citrus Series trophy. It is an engraved crystal bowl with five fake oranges in it, and it goes to whichever team wins the annual intrastate series between the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays. Accurately mirroring the historically tepid state of this supposed rivalry, the Marlins weren't sure Monday where the prize in their possession actually was. ''The infamous Citrus Series trophy is somewhere. I'm not sure if it's lost,'' club vice president P.J. Loyello said. ``Could be a paperweight in somebody's office.'' Loyello snooped around and eventually located the cup, whose engraving indicates it is sponsored by Amtrak and began in 1999. The point is, it is a prize that hasn't meant much because this series hasn't, either. As rivalries go, Marlins-Rays probably would not be confused with, say, Yankees-Red Sox. Even in the context of interleague play, Marlins-Rays probably doesn't stir passions the way, for example, Cubs-White Sox does. To be honest, Marlins-Rays has been a pretty lousy series, a contrived rivalry and certainly not one inspiring robust crowds between two teams usually jockeying dubiously for baseball's lowest attendance average. Nor has the intersection of Marlins-Rays ever been of more than parochial interest, because the teams have never met with both in a playoff chase. Until now. This time, finally, Marlins-Rays matters. This series used to be a baseball joke. Now the punchline is punching back. PLAYOFF CONTENDERS Tampa Bay has the third-best record in the American League and would be in the playoffs for the first time in its 11-year history if the season ended today. Florida, twice world champion but otherwise postseason-bereft in its 16 seasons, has the National League's fifth-best record and is a mere one game off playoff pace. A Marlins-Rays World Series still isn't something you would bet much on, but, for the first time, the mention of it earns a grudging admission of plausibility, at least, instead of the usual gale of incredulous laughter. Both teams continue, from a national vantage, as assumed pretenders who most think will eventually fall below the radar again, below relevance. Instead, the Rays are hanging with the defending champion Red Sox, and the Marlins are tailgating the Phillies, and it means the three-game Marlins-Rays series commencing Tuesday night here means something to more than just these two teams. It means something to baseball. Means something to this season. Tampa is a robust 13 games above .500. The Marlins are only plus-five. But if you ventured in February that Florida would be where it is at right now, as the All-Star Break looms, you might have seen doubtful looks even from the Marlins. The mind casts back to spring training, and manager Fredi Gonzalez offering a sobering, two-word outlook for the season when he was asked what his biggest concern was:``Starting pitching.'' Now, almost halfway through the season, it confounds common sense how the Marlins are winning like they are. TROUBLING NUMBERS One number offers incredible evidence -- a majors-leading 112 home runs -- but otherwise almost every meaningful statistic condemns Florida rather than furthers its cause. The Marlins rank only 22nd of 30 teams in batting (.256), and no team strikes out more at the plate. The team also ranks 22nd in ERA (4.46), walks the third-most batters and is a below-average 13 for 24 in save opportunities. Most damning, Florida ranks dead last in the majors in fielding (.976), leading everybody in the probability of giving away runs. Oh, almost forgot: This is the team that traded away its two best players, in Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. How is this happening? Marlins believers must constantly defend their team, but some things cannot be explained. They just are. This is a team that gets by on home run power, led by unlikely hero Dan Uggla, on happy chemistry and with role players such as Cody Ross and Wes Helms and Renyel Pinto turning up in starring roles more often than makes sense. Now, incredibly, this looks like a team poised to get stronger, with Josh Willingham finally set to return from injury Tuesday night, the same day pitcher Josh Johnson makes a Double A start on an accelerated path back from serious surgery. The onus now is on the club's front office to add, not subtract. Most years, as the trade deadline approached, Marlins fans would feel dread at the prospect of the team jettisoning top players to cut salary. This year, with the new stadium coming and a team in legitimate contention, the Marlins need to strengthen for the stretch run, or at least keep the pieces they have. But that's down the road a bit. Enjoy what is now. It is Marlins vs. Rays. And it matters. Miami Herald

Another battle won: the judge ruled that Braman has no legal standing to challenged the agenda issue. That means he can't force a re-vote with this lawsuit. Yep, here it is... MIAMI-DADE Braman loses skirmish in megaplan suit Auto dealer Norman Braman lost a round in his attempt to derail a pact to build a Marlins stadium and other projects. By MICHAEL VASQUEZ mrvasquez@MiamiHerald.com With the trial a week away, City Hall scored one victory Monday in its defense of the so-called megaplan for Miami, when Circuit Court Judge Pedro Echarte Jr. tossed a key portion of a lawsuit that strives to topple the project. Auto dealer Norman Braman, suing to halt the project, argued that Miami commissioners' December approval of the $3 billion megaplan broke city and county open-government rules. His suit could have forced Miami to re-vote that approval -- a potentially embarrassing scenario for the backers of a plan that would help build a new Florida Marlins stadium, a Museum Park downtown, a port tunnel, and other projects. Yet the judge's ruling Monday showed that won't happen, as the city argued successfully that Braman didn't have legal standing to challenge the agenda issue, according to Miami City Attorney Julie Bru. ''I'm extremely ecstatic and satisfied,'' Miami City Manager Pete Hernandez said late Monday. Attorneys for Braman could not be reached. Braman's court filings accused commissioners of approving the massive spending pact without the issue being properly placed on the city-commission agenda. The Dec. 13 agenda item was billed as a ''status update'' on city-county talks over infrastructure improvements. The agenda did not mention the specific projects, the hefty cost, or imply a vote was coming. Yet a historic vote followed that green-lighted the plan. Miami leaders argued that while city-commission rules call for legislation to be properly noticed five days ahead of time, the city routinely waives such rules. Monday's ruling was the second time recently that Braman lost a legal argument. Friday, the Florida Marlins and Miami-Dade County won a slight victory when Judge Echarte shot down several attempts to get Marlins president David Samson to disclose the ball club's financial picture. Though on the losing end on those fronts, Braman's lawsuit is still moving forward on larger issues. Trial is set to start July 1. Miami Herald

How about a half sisters daughter? :mis2 :o Oh God, no! That's a niece! Half niece. :lol Yeah, well, close enough! There was some Dateline or Primetime type show on not so long ago that was a true story about a bunch of siblings that were all put up for adoption. When they were all adults one of them started finding the others. When they had finally located everyone they had a reunion. It turned out one of the brothers and one of the sisters had dated. They made it clear that they had slept together. That sister did not want to be on the show but they said when she walked in and saw him she immediately went to the bathroom and threw up.

How about a half sisters daughter? :mis2 :o Oh God, no! That's a niece!

I know two first cousins who married and had children. I know a girl whose parents are first cousins. She was showing pictures of her daughter's b-day party and her parents were in them. I kept staring because I couldn't figure out if she looked like her mom's side or her dad's side. Sometimes people start to look alike when they're together a long time so I just assumed that was the case with her parents. Finally I said "you kinda look like both your mom and your dad." Then she told me and I was stunned. All her aunts and uncles look alike too! I found it extremely bizarre! I also couldn't believe she actually told people! Was she born with flippers and a tail? Lol. LOL! No, she's normal and so is her sister. I have to say, though, that every time she says something stupid I kind of start reading into it.

I know two first cousins who married and had children. I know a girl whose parents are first cousins. She was showing pictures of her daughter's b-day party and her parents were in them. I kept staring because I couldn't figure out if she looked like her mom's side or her dad's side. Sometimes people start to look alike when they're together a long time so I just assumed that was the case with her parents. Finally I said "you kinda look like both your mom and your dad." Then she told me and I was stunned. All her aunts and uncles look alike too! I found it extremely bizarre! I also couldn't believe she actually told people!

I'm a girl and I've never cared for them on anyone, don't see the appeal. A woman could be wearing the most fabulous, elegant dress in the world and if there's a tat showing it cheapens the look, ruins it. There are definitely a lot of jobs/careers where having a tat that is exposed just won't work. To each his own, though. I have friends who have them and it doesn't change anything. Some of them do have regrets, some don't.

I think when you grow up thinking of someone as family it's creepy even if you're not even related by blood. A first or second cousin is disgusting and out of the question. I'm not talking about genetics or laws, it's just repulsive to me. I have a friend who briefly dated a "cousin" (not blood related, her father married his aunt) when she was in the process of a divorce. She ended up reconciling with the spouse and family gatherings have been awkward ever since. The spouse doesn't even know she dated him but it's still very uncomfortable. This is something to consider -- if things don't work out or especially if they end badly, family gatherings could be a drag.

it is going to be hot as hell but I will be there , hopefully a good sized crowd shows up Yeah, me too. They sent a letter to the season ticketholders advising us of the time change so I hope everyone shows up.

Latest update Judge says Marlins finances off-limits The Florida Marlins and Miami-Dade County won a slight victory in court Friday when Circuit Court Judge Pedro Echarte Jr. shot down several attempts to get Marlins President David Samson to disclose the ball club's financial picture. The two sides are readying for a July 1 court date, with auto dealer Norman Braman contending the $609 million stadium and parking garage plan -- to be built with almost $500 million of public money -- doesn't benefit the public. On Friday, Braman attorney Bob Martinez tried to get Echarte to compel Samson to answer dozens of questions the Marlins executive had waved off when he was deposed earlier this month. Echarte shot that down, ruling that almost all of Martinez's questions dealing with club finances weren't relevant to the trial. When Martinez tried to get Samson to hand over projections of attendance, the judge questioned whether such figures are paramount to the public purpose of a stadium. ''I just don't see it,'' Echarte said. Both sides will be back in court most of this week setting witness questioning and attempting to narrow the proceedings so the trial doesn't run too long. Echarte said he has vacation plans for most of July. -- CHARLES RABIN Miami Herald

Today's Herald has 3 editorials with Norman Braman, George Burgess and Jorge Perez setting out their respective viewpoints on the downtown debate including the ballpark. NORMAN BRAMAN Braman: Leaders denying public any say on megadealI strongly object to and filed suit against the Global Agreement because I believe voters have a right to be heard and to vote on $3 billion of grandiose schemes. These deals were negotiated in secret. I also am opposed to public expenditures for privately owned sports businesses. I also believe the agreement violates the law. Moreover, I am very concerned that Miami's and Miami-Dade County's elected and appointed officials waste billions on cost overruns (the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and Miami International Airport), horrible deals (Jungle Island), fraudulent and corrupt schemes with political insiders (affordable housing, federal oversight), and that they lie to us citizens who pay their salaries and pensions (transportation sales tax). They remain unaccountable for their horrible mismanagement (e.g., the county's $23 million boondoggle high-tech building). They laugh at us, hide behind the mantra of ''voters elected us to make these decisions,'' and have the gall, when caught red-handed, to request more taxes to cover up their failures and unconscionable conduct (Commission Chair Bruno Barreiro wants another half-cent sales tax for transportation and refuses to allow a vote on Commissioner Joe Martinez's resolution to repeal the global agreement). If they were privately employed, they would have been discharged long ago. These officials no longer should be trusted to make major expenditures without voter approval. The global agreement is a prime example of our governments' structuring deals to evade laws that require public votes. It resurrects failed projects and foists them on us by misusing $25 million annually of Omni's tax increment funds -- real-estate taxes that the law requires to be used only to eliminate slum and blight in the Omni Community Redevelopment Area, bounded by Interstate 395 to the south, Northeast 20th Street to the north, Biscayne Bay to the east and the FEC railway tracks to the west -- ostensibly to pay the ''debt service'' of the county's performing arts center bond, but whose funds, in reality, the agreement stated, ``the City and County acknowledge . . . are necessary to provide for the City and County contributions to the Baseball Project.'' Then, there's a $1 billion tunnel that neither the port's largest tenants, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, nor the truckers want. Truckers say the tunnel's steep grades will be difficult, cause breakdowns and pollution, and will add tolls on top of high fuel costs. (No oversized loads or hazardous materials will be allowed in the tunnel anyway, so trucks will still use city streets.) Remember ''cost overruns?'' My guess is 'you ain't seen nothin' '' until they start digging this tunnel. Without a referendum, the agreement snatches $88 million more of Omni's slum and blight funds by expanding Omni's area to Watson Island (slum and blight where Jungle Island and the Miami Children's Museum exist, and where a $600 million mixed-use and mega-yacht marina is planned?). Who wants it? I'm guessing real-estate developers on the west side of Northeast 2nd Avenue. Additionally, without a public referendum, the agreement grabs about $70 million more of Omni's slum and blight funds for Bicentennial Park (not in the Omni area), and, in another outrageous example of Miami officials conniving to evade a charter-required public vote for leasing waterfront property directly to two museums, uses the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority as an unnecessary (except to get around the law) conduit to ''sublease'' it to them. Are you disgusted yet? Quality of life does not depend on a Major League Baseball stadium for millionaire owners and players at public expense. Yet, notwithstanding our voting for $50 million in 2004 to ''renovate'' the Orange Bowl, the county -- four years later, without a referendum -- is giving that money to the Marlins The county also is loaning the Marlins, up front, $35 million of the $155 million that the Marlins agreed in the agreement to pay (we think, among other things, that this loan violates the Florida constitutional provision against lending public credit to a private entity). I am not anti-Marlins stadium IF the public votes for it. Joe Robbie built Dolphin Stadium without any taxpayer dollars; why can't the Marlins? The Marlins will not even pay one cent of stadium-generated revenue to repay the public's construction, bonding, debt service, infrastructure, or capital-improvement costs. It is a $1 billion subsidy! Yet, none of the government or baseball officials we deposed could cite any study, analysis, or data they had seen prior to executing the agreement that additional jobs would be created, that tourists would come to Little Havana to watch a Major League Baseball game (except All-Star or World Series games), or that positive economic development would result. In fact, every independent study has concluded otherwise. Why not have bonds that will be paid for by the Marlins and thus relieve taxpayers of all of the financial burdens? We are in a recession, and real, hard-working people are being choked by exorbitant food, fuel, insurance costs and real-estate taxes that have increased exponentially. Our local governments have yet to deal with the budget cutbacks, with decreased real-estate values, and are ignoring a coming pension debacle (caused by hiring more and more employees and awarding automatic raises and bonuses). With a scandal a day and officials who are blinded to reality by politics, is it any wonder that more people are escaping our area than are moving here? I think our convention and tourist development taxes would be better used for an expansion of our convention facilities -- owned AND operated by a public entity. Face it: Our existing convention facilities don't attract major conventions and events, but an expanded one could compete for them, and, consequently, would create permanent, full-time jobs that will support a family. Finally, although Miami's city attorney advised its commissioners that they violated Miami's five-day notice ordinance when they approved the Agreement (the agenda listed it only as ``discussion item''), Miami officials refused to call another vote. Guess why? Outraged citizens would flood City Hall to protest this secretly negotiated $3 billion deal that deprived the public of its most precious right: to vote! If you are as outraged as me, write or call your commissioners TODAY and demand that you be allowed to vote on these projects. Norman Braman, president of Braman Enterprises and a 40-year Dade County resident, is suing to block the plan for downtown redevelopment. Miami Herald - Braman GEORGE BURGESS Miami-Dade's Burgess: Myths fuel megaplan detractors In coming weeks, decisions will be made pertaining to a package of projects that have the capacity to change the face of Miami-Dade County and, perhaps more importantly, spur a new era of economic development in our urban core. It is unfortunate that there are a multitude of misconceptions surrounding the construction of a seaport tunnel, a museum complex along Biscayne Bay and a baseball stadium where the Orange Bowl once stood. It is tremendously important that we all understand the facts. Much has been said about the Global Agreement, which was a packaging of these projects for consideration and approval by Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami. Simply put, it proposes that available funds -- monies that cannot be used for other government operations or to lower property taxes -- be leveraged to support projects that have been on the drawing board for years. Myth No. 1: The public was left out of the process. Not true. In 2004, voters overwhelmingly approved many of these projects as part of a General Obligation Bond program (GOB). In the case of the baseball stadium, voters approved spending $50 million for repairs to the Orange Bowl. When costs far exceeded available revenue, and the Hurricanes announced the move to Dolphin Stadium, the city demolished, rather than renovated, the facility. The County Commission held a public hearing and, along with the GOB Citizens' Advisory Committee, approved redirecting bond funds for a new ballpark at the Orange Bowl site. The tunnel -- which has been under discussion for decades -- was also part of the GOB referendum, as were new museum buildings. These projects were approved at an election with the largest voter turnout in Miami-Dade's history and, subsequently, were reviewed repeatedly in public meetings. Myth No. 2: Government is footing the bill for special interests at the expense of the community. The county and city have joined with Major League Baseball to fund a new ballpark. However, it is incorrect to portray this effort as a giveaway. While local government will contribute to the cost -- and own the building -- this facility is an investment in our community. One of the most important roles of government is to invest in facilities that encourage economic growth and contribute to the quality of life for residents -- parks, museums, theaters and sports facilities all fall into this category. For some, going to the theater is what defines urban life; for others, it's a sporting event. Certainly, baseball has played this role in cities across the country. We are investing in a stadium to provide those who enjoy baseball the same opportunity as those who buy tickets to cultural events. Public-private support for a stadium is consistent with how other localities have built similar facilities. Myth No. 3: Capital funds could be used to lower taxes or provide additional services to the needy. Most of the funding for the capital projects referenced in the Global Agreement is restricted by state law. These funds, which include primarily tourist taxes, cannot be transferred for other purposes. Also, the projects are receiving funding from multiple sources. The cost of the tunnel is estimated at $1 billion, with the state paying more than half of the cost. If we do not use the state funding to improve access to our port, these state dollars will likely fund an alternate project elsewhere. Myth No. 4: Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) serving Omni and Overtown/Park West neighborhoods would be short-changed: One of the biggest beneficiaries of many of the downtown projects is the long-neglected Overtown area. The county and city are joining forces to improve the urban core -- a critical factor in encouraging the revitalization of adjacent neighborhoods. Expanding the CRA boundaries and extending their life span would provide additional dedicated funding for targeted projects in Overtown and other neighborhoods including affordable housing and related infrastructure improvements. None of the CRA funds are directly or indirectly going to support a stadium. Myth No. 5: The timing is wrong with the ongoing economic slowdown and budget constraints. Nothing could be further from the truth. Now is precisely the right time. Job losses in our building industries are a serious concern. The downturn in housing has cost South Florida thousands of jobs. While this market will recover, we need to preserve jobs. Not only will we create employment in the building industry, but improvements, such as the Seaport, support thousands of other jobs. The future growth of international trade depends on moving goods in and out efficiently -- the tunnel is critical to doing so. Additionally, a highly competitive marketplace for construction contracts presents cost-savings opportunities as bids come in at lower labor costs. The Global Agreement is not a single financial package, but rather a series of multigovernment, private-/public-sector initiatives that represent critical investments in our community. While not everyone may agree on each and every project, this comprehensive plan invests in infrastructure vital to future growth and prosperity. And, it comes at a time when our economy needs a jump start. Miami Herald - Burgess JORGE M. PEREZ Perez: Megaplan would bring jobs, urban renewal A new type of urban living is emerging in Miami. Downtown is becoming a place that doesn't shut down at sunset. It is a place where people live, as well as work and play. Lively neighborhoods are emerging along the river, to the south of the Design District, adjacent to the performing arts center and in the Brickell area. Miami is uniquely positioned to grow into a city of enormous international significance -- as a city viewed worldwide as a great place to live, work and play. Yes, today we are challenged by the housing market and an economic slowdown, but, taking a long view, I am only bullish on the future of this community. Our success, however, is tied to having a vision of what we can be and the courage and perseverance to get there. We have an opportunity today to accomplish something perhaps as significant as Henry Flagler bringing the railroad here more than 100 years ago. I am talking about the so-called Global Agreement, the ambitious public-works package that has the capacity to change the face of our urban core and spur a new era of economic development and urban renewal. It is important that everyone in this community understand the magnitude of what is at stake as local government moves forward with a capital program that includes a waterfront park museum complex; sustained, long-term operational support of the new performing arts center; the seaport tunnel under Biscayne Bay; and a baseball stadium where the Orange Bowl once stood. First and foremost, these projects are absolutely essential to rebuilding the heart of the South Florida region, downtown Miami. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts has already proven its value in remaking downtown as a nighttime destination and has put us in the international spotlight. Nearby, Museum Park is in the design stage. This complex, a new home for an expanded Miami Art Museum and the Miami Science Museum, will not only revive a largely neglected parcel of waterfront property, but will provide a multitude of recreational, cultural and educational opportunities for families. The seaport tunnel is one of the most important capital projects in our county's history. Not only will it improve port access and keep our maritime industry competitive, but diverting truck traffic and improving traffic flow downtown is critical to building a pedestrian-friendly urban center. The county and city have joined with Major League Baseball to fund construction of a new ballpark that has the potential to revitalize the neighborhoods just west of downtown. I applaud this private-public partnership. For some, going to an opera or other theatrical performance is what defines urban life; for others, it's the opportunity to experience a sporting event. The proposed baseball stadium has been discussed since the Marlins won their first World Series in 1997; it is time to move ahead with this project. Great public facilities define a community, whether that facility is a museum, a concert hall, an indoor arena or a ball park. The projects that comprise the county-city agreement also serve another purpose, one that cannot be underestimated -- that is the creation of jobs. All of us in the building professions and trades know that the current marketplace conditions have significantly reduced local employment. Public facilities contribute heavily to our job market, and the new projects will create construction employment opportunities for thousands of residents. Unfortunately, there have been a multitude of misconceptions related to what the media have dubbed the ''megaplan.'' This includes the suggestion that capital funds allocated to the large downtown capital projects could be used to lower taxes or provide services to the needy. In reality, the monies for these projects, which include tourist taxes, bond dollars and state funding, cannot be transferred for other such purposes. The seaport tunnel, for example, is primarily a state-funded project expected to cost $1 billion, with the Florida Department of Transportation committed to paying more than half. The Port of Miami would only have to cover roughly 15 percent of the project's cost and the city of Miami only 5 percent. It would be foolish to turn their offer down only to send the monies to another part of the state. The vision for Miami in the 21st Century should be nothing less than to become a great global city. In coming weeks, the historic roster of projects under the Global Agreement between the county and city will be reviewed, and debated, as proponents seek necessary local governmental approvals. I urge all South Floridians to become educated on an initiative that will define this community for generations to come. Miami Herald - Perez

Latin music has become extremely popular everywhere. I know a lot of ex-pats living here (from the UK, Netherlands, etc) who are totally into it because they see it as party/dance/festive music. It gets people dancing whether they actually know what they're doing or not they have fun with it. The same goes for people from other states. Whenever an office party is planned I prefer that they play a variety of music so that there's something for everyone but the masses always feel the Latin music makes it more fun. Personally, I prefer rock but I get the appeal. For those who would like to see bigger, more current names -- let's get real, it's just too expensive. I go there for the baseball but I usually stay whether I'm into the concert act or not because I love fireworks and rather enjoy sitting outside at night listening to a free concert. We all have our preferences but it's tough to complain about something that is, in fact, a free throw-in.

Miggy signed at 16 for $1.8m - 9 years ago. It's not just the cost of signing the players, the Marlins cut back on everything in Latin America and Fred Ferreira is gone.

I don't know why the Marlins don't really do it much anymore. It's been productive in the past, brought us Luis Castillo and Miguel Cabrera, two of the best players in franchise history. I mean going after high ceiling top latin america talent, like the domincian pitcher this year. Who could have been the top selection in the draft had he been in the draft. The Miggys of the world, those that you might have to pay a little more to out bid another team for. That type of talent has not being courted since this current ownership took over its a really shame. That is probably your answer.

I live in Miami-Dade County and have always attended games. I've had a season ticket package for years and, God willing, will keep it for the rest of my life. I have to agree with PitchingWinsGames that your continuous reminders here are both irritating and uncalled for. For the most part, the people on this board are die-hard fans and that includes the many who do not post or who stopped posting. Many of us go to the games and wish there were more of us in the stands just like you do. We don't need the reminders, they are everywhere. We especially don't need them when we come here to be among fellow fans. There cannot possibly be a single person who reads this board who is not already keenly aware of how many games you attend and how far you drive to do so. Kudos to you, you are a good fan and I do not dispute that. However, you do not seem so quick to point out that while you may have a disadvantage in distance there are other advantages you may benefit from that others do not. Having your own business and the time flexibility that comes with it (not to mention a tax write-off), you can afford a full season ticket package, perhaps you don't currently have family obligations that others may have, you have a spouse who enjoys going as much as you do, no transportation issues as opposed to some here who may have to depend on rides, etc, etc. I'm not saying all of the above are the case, just possibilities. I don't know what your and everyone else's personal situations are so I do not take it upon myself to judge everyone here who does not attend as many games as I do. I wish you would realize that no Marlins fan enjoys being outnumbered by the other team's fans nor do the rest of us relish seeing a mostly empty stadium. Those feelings are not exclusive to you and, therefore, the rubbing of the salt on the wound does not belong here. That's just my opinion and you, of course, have every right to continue doing what you do.

Painful 9th!

Anyone else watching the Canes and listening to the Fish? End of the 1st - Canes 1 UGA 0.

He then showed the audience an orange baseball cap with "Marlins" on it. Ugh. I was thinking the same thing. Really, if they wanted him to wear it why send an orange cap? Who would choose to wear an orange cap? It amazes me they've never thought to poll the fans on how they feel about the orange. I don't know a single person who doesn't prefer the teal over the orange.

This is the kind of loss that drives a division leader that feels enititled and superior to their opponent nuts to lose. I bet everyone of them thought in the eighth inning they were going swoop in and steal the game away. :brigginbounce Oh, and yeah, Cantu is smokin'. Anyone else think Cantu to first was a portend of things to come? I really doubt regardless what Fredi let on to the press post-game he and Tosca know exactly what they're doing. The thought definitely crossed my mind.

CF Jacque Jones Fail. C'mon, Cody deserves to be dropped as he didn't hit a lead-off six-run homer in the last game, a feat Mr Jones is all too capable of. :confused That has to be it!

If you're a Marlin fan, and vote Utley over Uggla, you have no soul. :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup

I know this might be a little premature, but did he remind anyone else of Beckett? No, not at all. Congratulations to Ryan on his debut and win! I'm looking forward to seeing him again. I think he did quite well but I do think he'll need to bring a little more. Nice fastball.

June 7th The team is also being cautious with Chris Volstad, one of its top minor-league pitching prospects. The Marlins plan to ease Volstad, on the disabled list with a strained right triceps muscle, back into the rotation in about another week. Miami Herald