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09/27/2006: "Fish Officially Fried"

OK, we all knew this day would come - it was inevitable the moment they gutted last year's roster. Last night, the Marlins were officially eliminated from playoff contention. But now let's see a show of hands of anyone who thought it would come with only five games remaining in the season. Anyone? That's what I thought.

In a sense, this is a good thing. Now, everyone can stop talking about the playoffs and spent the next week reflecting on what an amazing run these guys had. The list of records they set this year for rookies is incredible, and they spent the entire second half at or near the .500 line - somewhere they weren't even supposed to come within sight of. The Rookie of the Year will come down to a battle between the Marlins' double play combo of Ramirez and Uggla (my vote goes to Uggs), and Joe Girardi deserves serious contention as Manager of the Year. That should look good on his resume' once Jeffrey Loria fires him next week (we'll talk about that one once it happens).

By all rights, this should have been the worst season in Marlins franchise history. Instead, it was an exciting, enjoyable ride right up to the last - and leaves us hungry for next season!