Marlins aren't just building a new stadium. They're Building a Dynasty.

So, um...I'm totally imitating my friend Michelle by creating a blog. Although mine isn't hosted with it's own url (not YET, haha).

I figured that if I did LiveJournal in high school, I can blog. I'm probably horribly, horribly wrong in that assumption.

My life is rapidly progressing career-wise and connection wise and I find myself having trouble sorting through all the millions of thoughts that run across my mind, so I figure getting some of them out would be a good thing.

First off, let it be known to all that there WILL be discussions. That is to say, I will answer any and all questions and have no problem debating anything from politics to sports to even the best flavor of Jolly Rancher (watermelon).

I'm currently still learning the basics of guitar playing, so expect a LOT of frustration to be vented here, mostly in the form of me finding excuses for why I can't take a couple hours to PRACTICE!!!

Sportswise, it appears my Florida Marlins have a chance at a GREAT year. We're First in the NL East and before these last 6 games (we've lost 5 of them), we had the best record in Major League Baseball. How has this happened? Well, for one, the Marlins have the greatest farm system in the majors, hands down. This is evident by the plethora of all-star talent across nearly all 30 teams that stems from one organization. That's right, EVERYbody's doing the Fish. Now, the reason why we're doing so well now is simple: we've kept a few of these phenoms to ourselves for a few years. Ramirez, Willingham, Ugla, Jacobs, Cantu, Helms, Gonzalez, Amezaga. ALL are forces to be reckoned with, a pitcher's worst nightmare. And now it appears the Fish have snagged Tiger's outfielder Jacque Jones. Steve's Support Then you have the pitchers. While still not the overall aces of the NL, you still have consistent talent from Olsen and Hendrickson, and great relief from the likes of Pinto ang Gregg, just to name a couple.

All that combined means that, just like the Rays, the Marlins are not just a flash in the pan surprise...they're for REAL this year.

That's not all folks. With the new Marlins ballpark Steve's Support being built (yes, ballpark, not football stadium, Allelujah!), the Marlins now feel like they can KEEP players. Yes, you heard me, the Marlins are loosening the checkbook. Notorious for having the lowest payroll in baseball just about every year, they hit an all-time record low this year starting 6 rookies on opening day and paying 16 (16? Yes, 16!) players the league minimum salary of $327,000. The next lowest team salary is more than DOUBLE theirs. Steve's Support Now they're changing their tune, signing Hanley Ramirez to a 6 year, $70 million dollar deal. Steve's Support And that's just one player, with many more players up for arbitration at the end of the year.

So there you have it folks, the organization famous for dismantling itself at the smallest sign of success has now decided to provide stability. It's decided to build more than just a stadium, it's building a dynasty. And so as it sheds it's old identity and enters itself into a club of REAL ballclubs, it's name shall also be shed.

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you the Miami Marlins! Steve's Support