It’s Fun To Be Relevant Again
May 6, 2008
Even though it’s only the first week of May, Marlins fans have traditionally already accepted the fact that the Fish will miss the playoffs again, content to look to the future by staying up-to-date on stadium happenings (Orange Bowl is almost completely down!) and minor-league box scores (how ’bout that Ryan Tucker?).
But this season, a funny thing happened on the way to the cellar: The Marlins are only a game out of first-place. They even led the East for most of April, even with powerhouses such as the Phillies, Mets and Braves in the division. Oh sure, the Marlins have achieved their 17-14 record by beating up light-weights like the Nationals and Pirates. But isn’t that what good teams are supposed to do? And it’s not their fault that’s who the schedule-makers say they have to play.
No, it probably won’t last. They still strike out too much and have too many questions on defense and in the rotation. But as the season progresses, that rotation will get healthier and arms on the DL will start to make their comeback. And if the Marlins can hang around ’til then….who knows?