I know, MANY people were wanting 
the Chicago Cubs to win the pennant. MANY people wanted the epic Chicago Cubs/Boston Red Sox World Series.
However, the Florida Marlins decided that wasn't going to happen this year.
A lot of people are now complaining that without the Cubs, they aren't going to watch the World Series, no matter who wins the AL pennant. I think that's a real shame.
The Marlins are a good team. They were damn near dead last in the NL East at the end of May. They could have played dead but kept on chugging. They fought their butts off to make the playoffs, defeated the San Francisco Giants (a team everyone expected the Marlins to roll over to in the first round), and came back to win against the Cubs. They have fun playing the game. They are a feel-good story.
We could debate the rest of the year the what ifs of the Cubs/Marlins Game 6. Heck, we could still be debating Game 6 of last year's World Series between the Giants and the Anaheim Angels and all the what ifs associated with that game.
I don't blame people being upset and hurt that the Marlins did end up winning the National League Championship. However, I think those turning away from the World Series over their win are missing the point. We tune into the World Series to watch the two best teams in each league go at it. The Marlins won that right when they were able to hit, pitch, run, and take advantage of their opponents' miscues.
They are exciting team that just want
Posted by Shawn at October 16, 2003 2:57 PM in Baseball.
I hate baseball, so I wouldn't be watching anyway - but that was well said. I feel the same way about the Superbowl - I watch no matter who makes it, b/c the teams there fought hard to get there. There will always be what-ifs in a seaon of games - what if that was called differently, or that didn't happen, or he didn't get hurt - it does no one any good to dwell on those. Just enjoy the game, that's what its all about.
Exactly! It was just irritating to see many people angry at the Marlins over what happened with the Cubs and now turned off because an 11-year-old franchise is making its second trip to the World Series over the ancient one. Does it matter which franchise makes the playoffs to the players so long as they make it to the Big Game? Don't hold it against the Marlin players for playing their hearts out.
Posted by: Shawn at October 16, 2003 5:03 PMAlthough I was rooting for the Cubs, I have no gripe against the Marlins. They worked hard to get there, and they deserve it. Hopefully, the guy who owns the team now won't sell off all the players next year, as Wayne Huzienga did after '97.
And there is sort of a New England connection here. Josh Beckett used to play for the Portland Sea Dogs, who used to be the double A affiliate of the Marlins (as of 2003, the Dogs are affiliated with the Red Sox). He was a big hero up in Maine, and no one was surprised to see him make it big.
Anyway, I will be watching, no matter what happens tonight. Hopefully I will be able to root for my Sox, but if not, I will root for the Marlins. ANYBODY BUT THE Y*****S!
Posted by: Christine at October 16, 2003 5:09 PMI hope of majority of America backs the Marlins.
I think Jeffrey Loria & his stepson, David Samson, are aware that fans know they used to own Montréal and now the Marlins. Marlin fans are still angry at the team thanks to Huzienga's actions and are still weary of the team. Loria & Samson probably are aware to keep this franchise alive and to see this baseball revival in S. Florida work, they are going to have to keep some of the marquee players they have.
They have extended Conine's contract. I know they may not be able to keep Pudge (people that poo-pooed his actions in the off season sure are prasing him now!) but hopefully Lowell and a few others will stay. Dontrelle's a hit and Pierre and Cabrera are great additions to the team. I hope they do what they need to do and are willing to lose a few bucks again for a great return.
Keep the fans happy!
Posted by: Shawn at October 17, 2003 11:47 AMI just wish either the redsox or the cubbies had won. Nothing against the marlins, I guess I had just wanted to see something different. As for the Yankees, I won't go into that. Blech. Oh well. I think the Yankees will win in 5, unfortunatley.
Tim
Posted by: Tim at October 18, 2003 7:58 AMI'm rooting for the Marlins, though... I'd rather see them win.
Posted by: Tim at October 18, 2003 8:00 AMTim, I think a majority of America wants to see something different. 
I'm rooting for the Marlins. Jayson Stark of ESPN is rooting for them, too.
Posted by: Shawn at October 18, 2003 12:02 PM
