Fish Bites: Historic Wednesday

Tonight is the night. We have been waiting for this for a long time. Marlins fans, and true baseball enthusiasts, are all anticipating seeing this new ballpark in action. The thing is, some tuning in to see the ballpark, will not recognize the product on the field either. Gone is Jack McKeon, Albert Pujols, Tony LaRussa, among others. In comes Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Ozzie Guillen, Carlos Beltran, and Mike Matheny. Start your engines!

- Could this be the greatest night in Miami sports history? Could it be top ten? A lot of people have been talking about this for a few weeks here at the local level. Up until recently, Miami was a football town. But now the sports landscape has shifted to basketball and baseball. This is a new stadium we can call our own. It will be the envy of the baseball world. Personally, I think opening pitch will be one of the greatest moments in Miami sports history. Hopefully, this new team winning the World Series this year will be the greatest ever. What do you think?

- The Miami Herald asks 10 questions for the 2012 season. The first question is whether or not the new Marlins Park will end the attendance woes for this franchise. I believe it will. This first season will be a blast. And as for the next few seasons, if the team responds by winning the majority of its games, the rest should take care of itself.

- In case you were wondering, the new official address to Marlins Park has been released. Click here if you need it.

- The roster to start the season for the Marlins Triple A affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs, has been released. Two names to look out for: Donovan Solano and Gary Glover.

- Coach Ozzie held a team meeting before Tuesday night's workout. He hopes it is the last team meeting until the playoffs. Obviously teams hold team meetings when things are not going well. Regardless if the manager calls the meeting, or if the players themselves host it.

- Josh Johnson is happy for his friend Matt Cain. In case you haven't heard, the Giants right-hander signed a new six year, $127.5 million contract with the Giants.

Around the League

- As Marlins fans, we have seen quite a bit of John Lannan over the years. Well, the word on the street is that Lannan will start the season in Triple A. The Nationals starting rotation is so strong (Stasburg, Zimmermann, Jackson, Gonzalez, Detwiler), Lannan is being sent down to start the season because Detwiler has had a better spring. As awkward as this move is (the Nats also have Chien-Ming Wang on their roster), it just confirms how deep this team is pitching wise.

- Rays closer Kyle Farnsworth is likely to start the season on the DL. He has elbow problems and the Rays want to be cautious. The first candidate to replace Farnsworth is Joel Peralta. The team's set up man from a year ago.

- Just in case anyone is out there wondering, it appears Johnny Damon will be signed by a major league team by May 1. Believe it or not, he is still looking for an opportunity that will allow him 450 plate appearances this season.

At Fish Stripes

- Want more looks at the new stadium? Obviously before you get to meet it in person. Click here.

- Don't forget to vote on our poll below. How many games do you plan on attending this season?