Arnie1941

Malman, I agree. "What gives?" A.J.'s prognosis was dragged out (it seems, but I'm not a doctor). Just reading what Spooney said over a month ago, two things were evident. Either Spooney was lying and wanted to take the rest of the Season off, or the Doctor's were screwing up!

should of had the surgery months ago. would of gotten him back possibly to start 2005. I agree. I said several times herein a month ago that I would not be surprised if Spooney could not come back this Season. I based that on the things Spooney was saying about his progress. Why did it take so long for his prognosis? Terrible incompetence on the part of someone in the (medical?) chain of command.

I agree with Juanky (above). Looking forward to seeing you focus on a few "current" situations and not try to put the whole season in one long paragraph. Good effort and good for you for asking for advice. (p.s. Who are your readers? Value depends on understanding your audience.) How about an article on Miguel Cabrera and/or Dontrelle Willis? What their high school years were like and how they made it to the big time at very young ages? Will require some research. But, that's a big part of your "beat" as a sports journalist.

Ramp, In fact are Koreans Lee and Shim booked for Jupiter next Spring? Roger Dean Stadium should be rocking.

Glavine knows Redmond's average against him. There has to be an annoying intimidation there for him. Go with the stats. Go with the annoyance. Go with Redmond. But. for God's Sake don't bat him third!

Excited Olsen is back. But, McKeon has already said he doesn't know if he can use him. Said he can't even get Helling enough time. Nevertheless, good to see Olsen back with the team.

Wow, Good posting. I just can't believe common sense would overcome Wayne's greed. He may be 65 and cutting back but his ego still delights in getting the best of a negotiation. (Wish we had a viable alternative so we could turn the screws on him.) He is not about to let the Marlins go elsewhere. He loves to slop in the good gravy John Henry gave him.

There was some kind of Umpire Exec Administrator there but, obviously, he wasn't "overseeing" anything. Good for McKeon for really bitchin' but he was yelling at incompetent jack-assses.

Pudge will probally stay. In recent articles he has said he wanted to stay. Derek is leaving for sure. Conine can replace his big salary and a better bat. Pudge has valuable years to go. Somehow I think he will be even better next year. (Wish I knew how the Castro criminal case will go.) Lee, one of my favorites, can go to a better park for him. Conine can cover for a year or so. Amazing how the guys who stay in shape can play into their late 30's. Sign Juan Pierre for ten years.

Good posting. First the Mets. Glad we won't face nasty Leiter. Then, while our opponents are the Phillies, it will be "psychologically" important for us to beat the Braves! And I still think Lee should be batting clean-up on the road.

My "fluff" note was a little attempt to say something positive after a mediocre performance. Sorry, I tried. I should have known better. (But, I agree with Geemoney... when I see a fluff posting I don't bother answering. I certainly don't bother criticising unless I have something constructive to say.) I did appreciate the Wild Card bench vs. starters age break-down.

Do the Umps get a Report Card? e.g. From the Managers. That first inning warning was incredibly absurd! Is it true there was no Crew Chief there? Who is in charge of this fiasco?

Marlins2003, Thanks for the thoughtful and factual response. Apparently, Marlins use of the Orange Bowl would take a major city redevelopment.

I'm not familiar with Miami and the Stadium Choice threads leave me bewildered. In fact, what are the pros and cons of the Orange Bowl for baseball? I understand a pro is that it exists and could be adapted. The con is that it is in a "bad" section of town. What is the parking and access (train?) situation? What baseball adaptations would be needed? Who else plays there? Any conflicts with baseball season including Play-Offs? Who owns, and who manages, the Orange Bowl? Would we get a fair share of parking and concession revenues? We have a good Stadium thread currently posted (much of which assumes an understanding of the Miami area), but I would appreciate a factual pro and con on the Bowl. Thanks! (The Orange Bowl Web-site is more promo/BS than facts.)

It's up-hill for us, but we have more traction than we have been showing. This is going to be exciting. Every game now like a Play-off game. And every day a new hero.

I think I successfully deleted duplicate of "Clubhouse Leadership." Hope I didn't screw up anything. Thanks, Arnie

My computer apparently hiccuped and I double posted "Clubhouse Leadership." Can you strke one without losing any replies? Thanks, Arnie

Most clubs have valuable veterans. If we don't succeed this season it won't be due to Clubhouse leadership. Lowell is still contributing daily. Add Pudge, Conine, Mordecai, Redmond, Lenny Harris, Gerald Williams. Also add Perry and Ozzie! Our "kids" are mature beyond their ages and teachable. We are prepared for this battle! Any suggestion of "inexperience" is lame.

Sad, but I can't get a focus on next season's catching until the Castro criminal stuff is resolved.

I voted Dontrelle for Rookie and Cabrera for brightest future. (I voted more than once and apparently multiples are counted.)

Just prior to the L.L. World Series, the Boynton Beach townfathers voted to expand the Municipal Cemetary, thus wiping out the adjoining L.L. field, home of the National Champions. Funny old farts. Better they should pass a law that no one in Boynton Beach should die. Or they could select which base to be buried under.

Red Sox trounced Yankees 11-0. So cool! Millar got his 23rd HR (off Clemens).

(Trying to foster some interest...) When Conine makes contact, (right now) it's often a hard-hit infield grounder (double-play ball.) When Lee makes contact, it's often to the outfield. And having Conine behind Lee and Encarnacion does not diminish potential RBI's.

As a Manager, I would probably tinker too much with the line-up. McKeon is much smarter than me (though I'll never understand batting Redmond third). Now my instincts (ignorance?) would have me switching Conine and Lee (fourth and sixth spots.) This is NOT a bash Conine thread. Just an amateur exercise in line-up logistics.

Thanks, Admin. Nice article, well written. Nothing new, no new perspective. But, looks like a good start on a new feature for us. Much appreciated.