5 Reasons The Fish Will Keep Fighting

Marlins fans may remember at dinner time as a kid, having to eat those lonely lima beans on their plates, never quite being able to rearrange them in a way that would make them disappear. Mom’s homemade peanut butter cookies,  a chocolate sundae or another summer  treat provided the only motivation worth the slow  anguish that came from the fear of choking down every last over-sized seed.

At 36-45 the Fish are 14.5 games back and in last place in the N.L. East, no beans about it.

Time to hit the pantry for 5 sweets to look forward to.

1. July 1st is upon us…finally!

The Fish swooned to a 5-23  June, and July is here just in time for a much needed fresh start.

2. 80 year-old Jack McKeon’s leadership.

Last time McKeon took over the Marlins,  in-season 2003, the Marlins began winning games at a blistering pace, culminating with a World Series title. Anibal Sánchez takes the mound tonight looking to lead Captain Jack’s Fighting Fish to their third straight victory at 8:05 EDT, when the Marlins face the Texas Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington.

3. RHP Josh Johnson’s sore right shoulder healing.

Altogether now Marlins fans… Phewww! A collective sign of relief from Marlins nation came with the news that Josh Johnson’s balky shoulder is structurally intact. The big righty did experience a set back that will likely delay his return to August, but the big picture remains intact for Johnson. The much anticipated return of one of the MLB’s finest will surely be sight for sore eyes.

4. Hanley Ramirez’s return to form.

There’s no where to go but up for the Marlins struggling star. Ramirez figures to improve because really he can’t do much worse then his performance in the first half of the 2011 season .  Expect H-Ram to make the necessary adjustments, ultimately returning to his usual high caliber performance. The 28-year old shortstop has way too much talent not to rebound.

5.  Anibal Sánchez, Gaby Sánchez and Mike Stanton

These young Fish can play and any one of these individuals can each single-handedly turn in a performance worth the price admission on their own.

So far this season has been very tough to swallow, but the future remains sweet.