[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

The Heat got swept in the first round. The Canes had their worst football season since NCAA sanctions. The Dolphins continued to disappoint. The Panthers, um, did... stuff.

Since the Heat took the NBA title last year, South Florida has been host to not only a climate-induced drought (google: "florida wildfire"), but a lack of precipitation in the form of sports-saturated success.

But, hey, it's baseball season now.

The Marlins, who are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their 1997 World Series title, are showing much potential in the NL East.

The usual setbacks in the form of the bullpen seem to be sorting out with the trade (thank god) of Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuulio and the emergence of Kevin Gregg as closer, Lindstrom as fire baller, and Tankersley off the D-L.

With the offense finally bouncing back from a dismal showing against the Nat's, the fish won five of their last six and the addition of the red-hot Jeremy Hermida has seemingly supercharged the offense.

Perhaps home-town bias plays a significant role in the formation of the following opinion, but I think that this year's Fish squad has a real shot at the NL playoff scene this year. Save a string of catastrophic injuries and a complete meltdown in the starting-pitchers Dept., the largely sophomoric Fish are right on track.

Your thoughts?

[simple simon]

the Mets have been looking good and without some key players playing all that well ..... can the Marlins over take them ?

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

It all depends on the health of their respective bullpens. Though the Mets clearly have the veteran-card playing in their favor, I'm sure the Marlins would gladly take the wildcard if they can keep the pace.

[simple simon]

well the Marlins seem to be good in spurts every few years they win it all

how long has it been ....... are they due ?