Here are some thoughts from a season ticket holder.

 

It's a real big chore for me to get to as many games as I do. I went to 40ish games this year (bought 41 games, went to a couple more), and it isn't easy. Gas is getting very expensive, parking is a hassle, and it takes a huge chunk out of your schedule and the energy you have for other things. It's a big sacrifice on the part of those that go so much and it's nice when the team pays it back.

 

I'm not going to rehash the subject of last year's offseason because everyone knows my feelings on that. I'm not saying this season is a total wash, because it was the third best season in our history. With that said, it isn't enough to again sit idley by as the rest of the league passes us in leaps and bounds. Sure, that paper team looks like plenty of bang for the buck, but how did that do us in the regular season? Last year's offseason was a tough one to swallow, and the window to win is NOW. We cannot sit around and hope youngsters and unproven players fill holes that are extremely important. They won't. Ramon Castro is more likely to pop up in the next sure thing replacement than Miguel Cabrera. Armando Benitez doesn't come around every offseason, but plenty of Josias Manzanillos do. This offseason you cannot afford to let any of the major agents leave, and if for some reason they do be prepared to spend to bring a suitable replacement for them. If Carl Pavano leaves, bring in Odalis Perez, or pull a miracle and bring Pedro. If Armando Benitez leaves, don't sit satisfied with Guillermo Mota. If you lose a bat, you go get a better one. Don't sit by, trade Juan Encarnacion, let Benitez and Lo Duca walk, and expect the answers to be Chris Aguila, Josh Willingham, and Guillermo Mota. They are very talented, no doubt. But will they step in and offer the same production or more? Don't kid yourself.

 

Also, how about besides the current players we have, you make a run at someone? Never in our history have we chased a big free agent. How about this once? How about we at least talk to them? And if you do, don't lie to us and say you didn't. We know you wanted Vlad last year, but you publicly said no. BS. We'd respect you more if you said we tried but we couldn't. How about you at least ring Magglio's phone, I'm sure Pedro will listen if Pavs leaves. Carlos Beltran loves the Miami air, and we all see J.D. Drew loves hitting here. There's plenty of choices, and you might not be successful with any. But try. Please, for the love of God, try.

 

I'm sorry, but if in my judgement the team we have signed up by Fan Fest isn't at least the talent level of the team we fielded post-Trade Deadline this season, or better, I won't renew my season tickets. It isn't worth the hassle to get out there that much to later question whether the team is dedicated. I'll go to games, but just a handful. You try in the regular season, but the offseason is more important. Please, don't let me down again.

 

A disheartened fan.

 

Juanky Robaina

And yeah, I'll cook up a plan of action, for those wondering. Need to get a hold of salaries that are set for next season and who is going to arbitration first though.

Well, don't hold your breath on this. No way in hell all 4 of Benitez, Lo Duca, Pavano and Mota will be back. I'd be surprised if more than 2 of those guys are back. Yet I still believe we can have a good team next year. We need Pavano back because without him our staff is mediocre to below-average. Benitez can go. No reason to keep him around when the back of our bullpen would already be above average with out him. Bullpen should always be last priority. If we can somehow get rid of Enc it will open up a whole bunch of options for us. Willingham will come in next year and be an upgrade in this lineup no matter where he plays. If we could bring in another low cost bat to spot start in the outfield and come off the bench we'll be just fine.

Well said man, I completely agree with you.

 

I will be renewing my season tickets regardless of anything that happens this offseason, unless there is a major firesale like what happened in 1998. I'm not going to take a chance not renewing them with the Marlins like I did with the Heat. I didn't renew my Heat season tickets and I just figured i'd buy season tickets before the season started up, then a couple weeks later the Shaq trade was announced and season tickets were totally sold out and I was out of luck. No way i'll ever take a chance like that again and I plan to have Marlins season tickets for as long as I am living in the state of Florida. I'm a bigger Marlins fan than I am a Heat fan.

Pipe dreams.

 

I agree, but pipe dreams, man.

 

 

P.S. I trust youngsters. It's these damn middle-age women like Juan Encarnacion and Roberto Hernandez who shop-lift.

Yea, how dare them not win two years in a row. I say we join up with fans of the other 22 teams that don't make the playoffs and tell these owners what we think.

 

Afterall, sports is about winning not entertainment. If they think after owning the team for three seasons (I believe it's 3) and giving us one World Series championship and follow that up with a season that we challenged up until mid September is enough they have got to be kidding.

 

Hey Jaunky...if ya want, next season I will tape the games and mail you just the wins. I wouldn't want to bother a good fan with losses. Or maybe you will rethink this nonsense and ask yourself why you are a baseball fan. I have had Panthers season tickets since they moved into Broward. Am I an idiot? Maybe. The day it's no longer fun is the day I won't re-up. Just as the day I don't enjoy the Cheesecake factory is the day I won't have lunch there. If wins and losses are your basis for being entertained I hope the future brings you a better view of what baseball and sports in general should be about in the life of an average fan.

 

I know you are frustrated...many of us are because we had hoped for more. But just a few years ago this kind of season was a dream. That is until you left the Marlins as a fan in 1998 and returned in 2003.

 

I hope we see you back next season..ready to be entertained...and rooting for a championship.

Yeah man, how dare them.

 

I'd like to think I can appreciate the championship. I think I've been waiting long enough for them. However, it pains me when I spend roughly 30% of my income in one place to have a lacking effort in the offseason. It's really not that difficult of something to try, and if that's the response I get then fine. I'm as much a fan as you are, and I feel how I do. I rarely bash the team, rarely bash opinions, just offer my criticism on both matters. I never get answers and honestly anything in this thread surprised me, but maybe sometimes that's better. You can have your opinion too, that's fine. I, however, can't send so much money to a place that looks like half the calendar year they don't try.

I'll be seriously PO'd if they don't increase payroll. If we make a good faith offer to Pavano and Benitez and they both sign more lucrative deals for the Orioles or Yankees...fine. But no way in hell will I put up with a $21,000,000 offer that gets rejected and then is not offered to anyone anywhere.

 

Look, this season was disappointing, but at least we still know that we're nurturing a winning environment. Last year we significantly overachieved. This year, barring a major collapse, we'll have a winning record. This offseason is when we build on a winning team. It's easy to get better when you're good, but it's also very easy to do nothing when you're good.

 

I don't want to sit around and say "well, this kid (Willingham, Aguila, Small, Kensing, Castro, Treanor...you get the idea) could be an all-star in 3 or 4 years. As long as we're singing the small market blues we're on a NFL-esque "window of opportunity" and as far as I'm concerned, that window is likely shut after next year unless we want to spend to keep Burnett and Beckett and Cabrera surrounded with above-average pieces. We tried to go discount rack last off-season and it bit us in the ass, and with the exception of Benitez (who was never ever expected to be this good) we added nothing of consequence. This year there are so many players available at every position that we have to be active.

 

I agree with the sentiment that if Pavano leaves for Baltimore or Boston, then Milton, Lowe, Perez, or even Pedro has to be brought in. It kills me to think that we had two pitchers pitch well enough to merit Cy Young consideration yet we're talking about what could have been with a week left in the season. :confused

How can you say we've never chased a free agent in our history? Was Pudge not a big free agent? For the 97 season, we went after Bonilla, Alou, Alex Fernandez, etc... Before that, we went after Kevin Brown....

How can you say we've never chased a free agent in our history? Was Pudge not a big free agent? For the 97 season, we went after Bonilla, Alou, Alex Fernandez, etc... Before that, we went after Kevin Brown....

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I don't think anyone has said that. I think the sentiment to this thread is "you (Loria) finally have become more than an also-ran to the media...in fact, with the Dolphins struggling, you're offseason moves may be only second fiddle to the Heat. This is your chance, don't miss it."

 

This is probably the deepest F.A. market in history. With the exception of closer (a big reason why we must keep Benitez) there is a legit all-star free agent (and mostly 2 or 3) for every single position. We have to go in with an aggressive mentality because you know that the teams we couldn't keep up with this year are going to improve.

Here are some thoughts from a season ticket holder.

 

It's a real big chore for me to get to as many games as I do. I went to 40ish games this year (bought 41 games, went to a couple more), and it isn't easy. Gas is getting very expensive, parking is a hassle, and it takes a huge chunk out of your schedule and the energy you have for other things. It's a big sacrifice on the part of those that go so much and it's nice when the team pays it back.

 

I'm not going to rehash the subject of last year's offseason because everyone knows my feelings on that. I'm not saying this season is a total wash, because it was the third best season in our history. With that said, it isn't enough to again sit idley by as the rest of the league passes us in leaps and bounds. Sure, that paper team looks like plenty of bang for the buck, but how did that do us in the regular season? Last year's offseason was a tough one to swallow, and the window to win is NOW. We cannot sit around and hope youngsters and unproven players fill holes that are extremely important. They won't. Ramon Castro is more likely to pop up in the next sure thing replacement than Miguel Cabrera. Armando Benitez doesn't come around every offseason, but plenty of Josias Manzanillos do. This offseason you cannot afford to let any of the major agents leave, and if for some reason they do be prepared to spend to bring a suitable replacement for them. If Carl Pavano leaves, bring in Odalis Perez, or pull a miracle and bring Pedro. If Armando Benitez leaves, don't sit satisfied with Guillermo Mota. If you lose a bat, you go get a better one. Don't sit by, trade Juan Encarnacion, let Benitez and Lo Duca walk, and expect the answers to be Chris Aguila, Josh Willingham, and Guillermo Mota. They are very talented, no doubt. But will they step in and offer the same production or more? Don't kid yourself.

 

Also, how about besides the current players we have, you make a run at someone? Never in our history have we chased a big free agent. How about this once? How about we at least talk to them? And if you do, don't lie to us and say you didn't. We know you wanted Vlad last year, but you publicly said no. BS. We'd respect you more if you said we tried but we couldn't. How about you at least ring Magglio's phone, I'm sure Pedro will listen if Pavs leaves. Carlos Beltran loves the Miami air, and we all see J.D. Drew loves hitting here. There's plenty of choices, and you might not be successful with any. But try. Please, for the love of God, try.

 

I'm sorry, but if in my judgement the team we have signed up by Fan Fest isn't at least the talent level of the team we fielded post-Trade Deadline this season, or better, I won't renew my season tickets. It isn't worth the hassle to get out there that much to later question whether the team is dedicated. I'll go to games, but just a handful. You try in the regular season, but the offseason is more important. Please, don't let me down again.

 

A disheartened fan.

 

Juanky Robaina

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You are missing the point if going to a game is a HASSLE for you. Going to a baseball game is supposed to be fun, win or loose (granted we all love to see them win). But someone who loves the game would never say the things you are saying. I have loved every minute of this season and I look forward to next season, no matter what. You can't expect to win every year, it's not so easy or CHEAP to put a championship team on the field. Unfortunately there are OTHER issues at play, there is MONEY involved, lets face it, it's because people think the way you do that this team will suffer. People won't goto games if we are not winning, and we cannot win if people do not pay for tickets.

 

 

Whatever... Maybe you should start following he Yankees, they seem to be a better fit for you.

going after a big name free-agent would be the absolute worst thing we could do. We have a guy in Miguel Cabrera whose gonna demand a lot of money in a couple of years, and if he's not resigned, in my opinion that would be the worst thing possible. This team is not going to have a big payroll anytime soon, so we have to spend wisely.

I don't think anyone has said that. I think the sentiment to this thread is "you (Loria) finally have become more than an also-ran to the media...in fact, with the Dolphins struggling, you're offseason moves may be only second fiddle to the Heat. This is your chance, don't miss it."

 

This is probably the deepest F.A. market in history. With the exception of closer (a big reason why we must keep Benitez) there is a legit all-star free agent (and mostly 2 or 3) for every single position. We have to go in with an aggressive mentality because you know that the teams we couldn't keep up with this year are going to improve.

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No dude, he flat out said that. Read it again. He said, and I quote;

 

Never in our history have we chased a big free agent. How about this once? How about we at least talk to them?

Also, how about besides the current players we have, you make a run at someone? Never in our history have we chased a big free agent. How about this once?

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you kidding me?

Yeah man, how dare them.

 

I'd like to think I can appreciate the championship. I think I've been waiting long enough for them. However, it pains me when I spend roughly 30% of my income in one place to have a lacking effort in the offseason. It's really not that difficult of something to try, and if that's the response I get then fine. I'm as much a fan as you are, and I feel how I do. I rarely bash the team, rarely bash opinions, just offer my criticism on both matters. I never get answers and honestly anything in this thread surprised me, but maybe sometimes that's better. You can have your opinion too, that's fine. I, however, can't send so much money to a place that looks like half the calendar year they don't try.

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Absolutely you have every right to feel the way you do. And you certainly should only spend your money where you want, when you want and on something you feel is of value to you. My only point is and I mean no disrespect to anyone by saying this....you take a girl out and you have a great time. You go to dinner. You see a movie. You take a walk on the beach. But, that's all...there is no HOME RUN for you that night. Did you waste your money because you didn't get the ultimate experience or did you enjoy the evening because you had some fun?

 

I guess it comes down to what you expect for your money. Usually the girl that gives it up very quickly goes to the guy who is looking for nothing more than a one-night stand. Hurray! They each got what they wanted and deserved. (Sounds like 1997, eh?) Now the girl that makes the guy wait often ends up with a loyal man and the man ends up with a girl that he knows isn't looking to jump from one good situation to a better one whenever it shows up. If you want this to be a relationship with the team, then loyalty is a two way street. If you want to keep it strictly a business relationship then don't make it out to be like you are owed something. They should do whats best for them and Juanky should do what is best for him.

 

But your point is well received. You work hard for your cash and it's not my right to tell you HOW you should value the product. I guess I just wish you'd consider what it really is you love about baseball. If you post as often as ya do on these boards it cant just be about wins and losses.....it just can't be.

Juanky (why did you lose the name?), you should listen to Stag5. He is the voice of wisdom here.

 

Fundamentally, the reason we are fans is because we love the sport and we want to support our local team. Wins and losses are apart of the entertaining factor, but should not be the sole reason for being a fan. It is like life, if you live it looking only for the good times and avoiding the bad, then you miss the point. You cant properly appreciate or even evaluate the good without the bad.

 

That is not to say that this season was bad. I dont think it was. I thought that what the Marlins were doing in the offseason was very sensible. They had some tough decisions to make based on their financial situation - you know that they are not the Yankees, Orioles, Red Sux, Mets or any other team having a big market. They have to be more shrewd and frugal that other teams. It is this same quality that brought us our world champs in '03. They tried to do the impossible again in '04 and almost pulled it off. Dont see this as failure as much as an attempt to reduplicate a miracle. Repeat the Feat? C'mon. It is difficult enough to do that with a loaded team - ask the Yankees.

 

I think that this organization is very much committed to winning - but they just dont have the financial resources that other teams have. If we had more fans like you - spending hard earned money to go to the games - then maybe that would change.

 

But you have to heed Stag's words. He is right on this one. You shouldnt attach you enjoyment to wins/losses. If you do, you will only be happy in years like '97 and '03. And you will miss the point. I personally enjoy watching Kensing develop and I am excited to see Aguila get an AB - then hit a home run. I like watching players develop. Of course, I am much happier when we win, but I am just excited to see the games at all. Think about how much worse it would be if the Marlins were moved or contracted.

Also, how about besides the current players we have, you make a run at someone? Never in our history have we chased a big free agent. How about this once? 569291[/snapback]

 

Pudge?

 

Even Kevin Brown was a 20-game winner before we got him.

How can you say we've never chased a free agent in our history? Was Pudge not a big free agent?569334[/snapback]

97 was a different monster.

 

How many teams jumped at the chance to sign Pudge?

How can you say we've never chased a free agent in our history? Was Pudge not a big free agent?569334[/snapback]

97 was a different monster.

 

How many teams jumped at the chance to sign Pudge?

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You act as if MONEY has no bearing in the decisions the front office makes. This team is probably worse off financially than any other team. We have bad fan support, we have a s***ty stadium deal and we have had all kinds of ownership problems. Now that this organization is on the right track some of those things will change. But it's a process, you can't expect Loria to go and spend money he doesn't have on players that cost too much.

 

Another thing, your attitude towards the team sucks. Those players played their hearts out and they did what they could. We were actually contending for most of the year. A lot of teams would wish they had what we had. You bitch and complain because you spent your money and it was a HASSLE for you to get out to a game? The front office did all they could with the Money they had, and what do they get? Yet another season with s***ty attendance, even after winning a World Series we are 27th in attendance. I wouldn't exactly call that motivation to go out and spend their money. I for one don't blame the front office.

I will support this team no matter what happens on the offseason. But will I go to 25+ games if they cut payroll or make offseason decision based on lowering payroll? NO.

 

Let's keep in mind that a stadium deal is on the line. And if Loria get's it done his investment on this team will go up at least 3-4 fold.

 

This is the year for Loria to make a startement and build upon a good team. The FO can be creative and backload some deals and give it his best shot. and maybe payroll could stay around 65-70. (also, remember that Pudge/Hamptoms contract are getting off the books soon).

 

Just an example. I have a feeling that if Pudge was keept, the Marlins would have a completed stadium deal on place during the 04 offseason. This team can't afford to get weaker.

 

If the polititians feels the public is losing interest in this team, and stadium deal won't get done.

You know what- I've made peace with the fact that we're never going to have a huge budget. You can't go into every offseason saying "we need to increase payroll x amount of dollars" because it's not going to happen. We have a tight budget, and we'll make do with what fits in those parameters. You're NOT going to get a guy like Pedro. Plain and simple. I've made peace with the fact that Benitez will probably be gone, and Pavano as well. I'd like to see us keep Lo Duca, or at least one of those three.

This is probably the deepest F.A. market in history. With the exception of closer (a big reason why we must keep Benitez) there is a legit all-star free agent (and mostly 2 or 3) for every single position. We have to go in with an aggressive mentality because you know that the teams we couldn't keep up with this year are going to improve.

 

 

isnt this more of a reason to sit back and leat the big spenders overpay for the top guys and then we swoop in and get a quality player who feels he was left out and takes a smaller deal to prove to everyone y they should have paid him?(sorta like pudge)

All of us go to games, when we have the time and money, because we enjoy them win or lose. And most of us watch on TV or listen on 560 when they're on the road or we can't get to Pro Player.

 

That said, the obligation of ownership is to make the best effort they can under the circumstances to put a winning team on the field. The current ownership has done a great job, but they are asking us (as taxpayers) to pony up tens of millions of tax $$$$$$ to fund a stadium, while refusing refunds for cancelled games. Suffice it to say that if they don't keep the free agents, or bring in quality players to replace anyone who leaves, there is at least one candidate for Mayor (Morales) who will try to put a stop to the new staium, and the man in the street will not want to fund a losing ball club.

 

Because of that, I think they will continue to try to put a good team on the field, within their budget. I also think that before they get a new stadium, we need to make them commit to using a substantial portion of the revenues to keep the team competitive.

I will support this team no matter what happens on the offseason. But will I go to 25+ games if they cut payroll or make offseason decision based on lowering payroll? NO. 569462[/snapback]

Those are my thoughts in a sentence.

The front office did all they could with the Money they had569450[/snapback]

My entire point is I don't believe they did. But that's an opinion, like I said earlier, one you don't have to share if you choose not to. My attitude might suck according to you, but I'm not one to just on people's backs for nothing. I only criticize players when they don't try hard enough or when something is severely wrong. When I rant, I have a reason. Whether or not anyone else sees that reason is completely up to the audience who reads the black letters pasted together to form thoughts.