In the Hole! The “I still don’t exist even after the name change” Marlins Fan.

As if Miami needed to get any hotter than it already is.  The already steaming melting pot now officially accompanied by a fresh dose of open ocean Marlin.  The city of Miami being the biggest fan of their own controversial and inconsistent teams, building a brand new aquarium for their beloved fish.  515 million is a hefty price for an ocean dweller.  For that price, it better be the catch of the year, no the catch of the decade.

The question that remains to be seen though; will this new and improved aquarium bring in more fish enthusiasts?  Sun-Life proved big enough for only one fish in the sea, and the Marlins were seeing more tourists and illegal immigrants in the stands than their own fans.  But, now things have changed.  The new team name, colors, and stadium are supposedly going to ignite the inner “Miami Heat” Marlins fans have been waiting to unleash. Good thing for the rest of the N.L. East, changing your appearance and relocating your fish tank doesn’t necessarily enable you to clinch the division.  A coveted title which has eluded the big fish throughout their term in the National Ocean.

The Marlins have been doing some fishing of their own around the league.  Talks about the “greatest catch of all time” Pujols, stemmed for awhile; but the Marlins were unable to reel him in.  They were able to find a pretty looking fish off the shore of Long Island in Jose Reyes, however.  The acquisition of Reyes certainly improves the quality of the fish tank, but his features seem strikingly similar to a familiar fish, who has grown accustomed to his spot in the tank.  Uncertainty remains as to how these two fish will co-exist in the tank, but if management can keep them both equally fed, the combination could prove deadly.

Can’t leave out the major pitching catches the Marlins have hauled in either.   One “Buehrle” Ace, and someone to ring the “Bell” when it’s chow time.   The tank certainly looks a tad more extravagant and promising than it has over the past seven years.  It’s going to be up to Ozzie to keep this “Crazy Train” in order. 

I’m sure the aquarium will see some more fish enthusiasts this year compared to years past.  The consistency of the team’s ability to remain in contention for the N.L. East crown still remains to be seen.  But, their off season fishing trips have proved exciting, fascinating, and promising. Marlins fans have a lot to be excited about when the season kicks off.  All 300 of them.