First post, spring training, and the depressing Miami Marlins

Today (Feb. 24) marks the second day of Spring Training; that blessed relaxed preseason of forgettable predictions. Which exciting pitching prospect will make the rotation? Which injured players will make a comeback? Over or under 100 wins for the Blue Jays and the Dodgers? Man, it's got to be an exciting time to be a Toronto or LA Dodgers fan. So many great players literally fell into the lineups of these two teams. Adrian Gonzalez remains one of the most underrated hitters in the game and will have a great time hitting behind Carl Crawford and Matt Kemp. That's ridiculous. What's also ridiculous is a man who annually hits 40 home runs hitting behind a guy who has a career .342 obp and a guy who hit for a  .342 average last season; Jose Boutista. For this guy's early preseason prediction, the Toronto Blue Jays look like the early favorite to take the AL East. 

The AL East has certainly weakened as well. The Yankees chances of making the postseason look as good as A-Rod's chances of being a good hitter again. Boston is rebuilding, as are the Rays, and if you think the Orioles have a better chance this year than last year to make the playoffs, I'll put you to a $200 bet- do it, make me a rich man. 

If anyone can be excited about the coming baseball season it is the Marlins fan-base. They have a wonderful GM who makes great financial decisions while maintaining the most bedazzled outfield fence in the majors!  Just kidding, the Marlins don't have a fan-base: they're all football and basketball fans in that town. And who can blame them? Miami sports fans are spoiled with the best basketball player since Jordan playing on their team, running what looks like a stampede to a second Finals championship. The Dolphin fans will remain loyal by continuing to walk past the Dan Marino statue, filling the stadium seats. 

When talking about fan loyalty, we can't say the same about the Marlin fans. The biggest story for the coming 2013 season has got to be utter depression of the Miami Marlins; probably the only team in baseball ever to send a team to the World Series with 2,000 fans. When I think of supposed "Marlins fans" I think:

Honestly, short of the Astros, does anyone look as sad as the Marlins? Plus or minus 100 losses for the Marlins this season? 

Well, that's all I got for this late hour. Hopefully this new baseball blogging thing doesn't suck my life as much as watching entire seasons of Downtown Abby. Then again, both are quite enjoyable. 

Cheers.