Outside of the Carlos Delgado signing, the big news is the fact that we finally have an official ballpark proposal! It would be attached to the Orange Bowl, which would also be renovated.
The Marlins' park would seat 38,000, & have a retractable roof. Although there are still a few details to be worked out, most people seem to be pretty positive about this one. The team would change it's name to the Miami Marlins. (which is what they should have been called all along...)

Did I hear correctly that the big question mark is getting money from the state? I seem to recall a comment from the governor that was very noncommittal.

Man oh man.....that's good news for baseball fans down there. But I made the trip to see the Orange Bowl this past season and I'm just wondering.....WHERE THE HECK ARE PEOPLE GOING TO PARK!!!

Don't care for the location much, as you can see.

Ever heard of Metrorail??? Tons of peeps used to use it for Heat and Panther games when they played at Miami Arena....Most other cities put their parks by public transportation, but that's a new concept in Miami.... I would have preferred downtown next to the Bay, but I'll take this one as a close alternative...

The team is not asking for too much money from the state, and the past few comments have been more positive about getting it. The only question is that the Magic may be asking for the same moneys for their new arena....

The City of Miami unanamously approved their portion of the funding for the new ballpark today, leaving just the state portion in question...It is still looking pretty positive, tho. The new park would open in 08 attached to the Orange Bowl, and the Miami Marlins would begin play that year. (I love the sound of that!)

Josh Beckett and three relievers combine for a shutout of the Braves in the Marlins season/home opener. Marlins batters give John Smoltz a drubbing (6 ER over 1 2/3 innings) in his return to starting. Carlos Delgado goes 4 for 5 in his Marlins debut. Marlins 9, Braves 0.

It's only one game, but it certainly provides some early evidence that Smoltz made a mistake by wanting to be a starter again.

Are the Marlins so popular that they have two threads? :confused: