Hot Fish

Something is not right with the Florida Marlins. The sucking is not working, which is the only thing they’ve been good at for the past five seasons. At least it was. Last April, the Fish started with a 6-10 record and capped off the season 20 games below .500. They were supposed to be the bottom dwellers again this year in a division featuring the Phillies, Mets, and Braves. But apparently the Marlins have other plans.

Led by budding superstar shortstop Hanley Ramirez and his .366 batting average, and anchored by Mike Jacobs, Josh Willingham, and Jorge Cantu, the Marlins have been hitting the hell out of the ball and beating the crap out of their lowered expectations. Of course, it is April. And the schedule has been kinda soft. And the pitching staff boasts a 6.13 ERA, the worst in the majors. And their defense is among the worst in the NL. But it’s still fun to say, “Hey! The Marlins are in first place!” They face the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:10 p.m. at Dolphin Stadium.
Wed., May 7, 7:10 p.m., 2008