The calendar may say April, but our changing climate is such that April now, at times, feels like August. Regardless, the rhythms of life tell us baseball season is here, and though there are questions about our state’s professional franchises (Orlando Devil Rays? Really?), the idea that hope springs eternal is never truer than when assessing your favorite team’s chances. In Miami, there is a new sheriff in town, 45-year-old Clayton McCullough, former first base coach for the world champion Los Angeles Dodgers. In choosing McCullough, Marlins team President Peter Bendix is hoping some of that championship DNA will rub off on his team – which should not be hard given the team went 62-100 last year.

And there is reason for optimism; for proof look at the starting rotation. In addition to a few returning pieces, the likely anchor of the rotation is Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young award winner who is (hopefully) fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. Joining Alcantara in the rotation will be Ryan Weathers and Edward Cabrera. Newcomer Cal Quantrill is also expected to provide some staff stability. Unfortunately, prized prospect Eury Perez is out for the season with, you guessed it, Tommy John surgery. Also unavailable is veteran Braxton Garrett, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery last winter. The Marlins are not alone in their frustration over losing talented pitchers to the dreaded TJ surgery. The Yankees and Orioles both suffered losses to starters for similar reasons. What’s causing this epidemic of pitching injuries can be discussed another time, but for now you play with the guys who can stay healthy. On offense, the young Marlins (average age of the roster is 25) can look to Connor Norby, Kyle Stowers and Xavier Edwards to provide leadership – both on and off the field.

But what no one is talking about is whether any of these moves will make any difference. You’re already dealing with a fan base (if you can call their followers a fan base) traumatized from past seasons; campaigns which saw fans fall in love with young stars, only to see them dealt away for more prospects at the trade deadline. After a while it’s reasonable for fans to say, “what’s the point?” And attendance supports that argument; Miami ranked next to last in average attendance for 2024, despite having a jewel of a ballpark and attractive opponents.

As for the rest of the league, it’s full speed ahead. The World Champion Dodgers got richer, adding pitchers Tanner Scott, Blake Snell, and much-desired import pitcher Roki Sasaki. Expect the Phillies, Mets, Braves and Brewers to provide their stiffest competition. In the American League, it’s New York, Boston, Cleveland, and Houston as contenders, but watch out for Detroit – they could be the surprise of the league.

So break out the suntan lotion, find your glove, and start thinking of excuses to tell the boss when your favorite team takes the field, ‘cause it’s baseball season.

Play ball!