It’s also official the the Mets organization as well a the Yankees organization have turned off the lights forever, of two stadiums that not only to New Yorkers, but to the baseball world, have meant so much. Two baseball institutions within themselves. Yankee Stadium, the legend of a stadium, the “House That Ruth Built” & Shea Stadium, who had seen everything NY has endured for so long, are now histories that we as baseball fans will be encharged of passing down to generations and future baseball players (think those in little league right now) to come. 

That was my farewell to the stadiums, this is my farewell to the 2008 Marlins:

Dear Marlins,

I’ve had my ups and my downs with you. Moments were I feel like family, others were the situation is quite different. I want you guys to know that in my family and I, you guys have unconditional support no matter how many miles away. That even when we’re at other ballparks, watching other ballgames, our eyes are on the NL scoreboard and cheering you on with every passion of our hearts. You guys should be so proud of yourselves, of the marvelous run you turned in and the talents you showcased. Plus, my favorite…you play the spoilers role to the “T”. Hopefully, next year, on this date, were popping champagne and my expectations of you are to do so. I have 100% faith on the team the Marlins put other there, on your lineup and on the mound. I know I can expect a roller coaster ride, or a smooth ride. I love this team and I love not knowing. Thanks for making 2008 another year for your fans and for Miami Baseball. =)

 Love Always,

C.

Post Season Teams:

-Anaheim Angels

-Chicago Cubs

-Tampa Bay Rays

-Boston Red Sox

-Philadelphia Phillies

-Milwaukee Brewers

-Los Angeles Dodgers

-::pending:: Sox/ Twins

Love && Teal Baseball,

C.

The Marlins have a scary lineup, good up and coming-injury free SP and a strong bullpen (???), they have speed, good table setters (I would love to see a Ramirez/Maybin table-setting action in 2009) good power (Uggla, Jacobs, CANTU… one of my faves) and Fredi himself, has grown out of his first year jitters. The young boys are now mature veterans. Scary indeed for an already tough NL East. 

This has to be one of my favorite stories of the 2008 Major League Baseball season and tshould get true consideration from MLB as a comeback finalist. Jorge Cantu was in the shadows of what was then a young, inexperienced, bottom of the AL Tampa Bay Rays team. The talent was there, it was just not exploited. After a quite a few quiet seasons, Jorge Cantu has developed to be the “clutch” bat of the Florida Marlins lineup. Example, I attended probably 6 out of the last 9 home games of the Marlins 08 season at Dolphin Stadium. Jorge Cantu averaged at least one homerun in almost all those games. With Cantu’s 25th homerun against the Washington Nationals, the Marlins became the first club in Major League HISTORY to have all 4 infielders hit 25+ homeruns in one season. A Bat from each of he infielders as well as the lineup card of that historic day, have been now sent to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall Of Fame. GO FISH!

I was concerned going into the season about our catching situation having lost Miguel Olivo to free agency. Not only did we see great catching potential from Mike Rabelo, great veteran leadership behind the plate by Matt Treanor, but we saw a great surprise from our Minor League System: John Baker. Tonight as I write this he’s been 2-3 at the 1st of the 3 games in the last series at Shea Stadium. Can only wait to see where Baker will be standing next year….Baker and newly acquired Paul Lo Duca.