Miami Marlins Good, the Bad and the Utility: National Holiday

Today's the day, the Sun is shining, the tank is clean (THE TANK IS CLEAN)....welcome to Opening Day Baseball!  This is the day we have all been waiting for.  The road to the World Series begins here, so let's take a look at the upcoming week for your 2015 Miami Marlins.

On Deck

Atlanta Braves (Home)

To start out the season, the Fish will be taking on long time thorn in the side, Atlanta Braves.  This is a very different Braves team from previous years, as it appears that they have cleaned house of most of their stars.  Justin Upton: Gone. Jason Heyward: Gone.  Craig Kimbrel: Gone.  Melvin Upton: Gone.  Freddie Freeman is the last man standing on what was a roster full of young, powerful talent.  In today's home opener, Henderson Alvarez will get the nod on the hill and will face Julio Teheran.  Alvarez looks poised to take the reins as Miami's ace until the return of Jose Fernandez.  The Marlins will round out their three game set with the Braves by tossing Mat Latos (team debut) tomorrow and Tom Koehler on Wednesday.  Another notable for the Braves, starting pitcher Shelby Miller will be making his team debut after being sent to Atlanta in the Jason Heyward trade this offseason.  Miller won 15 games in 2013 with a 3.06 ERA in his rookie campaign.  He struggled with composure and location on the mound last year.  He will be facing Koehler on Wednesday.  Prediction: Marlins win series 2-1

Tampa Bay Rays (Home)

The Marlins will get Thursday off and start a three game set with in-state rival in the Tampa Bay Rays.  This is a Rays team that is finally starting a season with a healthy roster.  Friday will mark the team debut of starting pitcher Dan Haren.  The Rays have not announced their starters for the series as of Monday.  Jarred Cosart will round out the starting rotation on Saturday and it is presumed that Alvarez would get his second start of the season on Sunday.  When I look at the Rays on paper, I just don't see anything that jumps out at me.  The rotation is still a major question mark.  I think this could be a jump start series for Miami's offense and we'll get to see Giancarlo Stanton do some early season damage. Prediction: Marlins sweep series 3-0

Baseball: A National Holiday

Now, I know I'm not the only one who is a fan of making Opening Day a national holiday.  So, let's make it happen!  I have created a petition to make Opening Day across Major League Baseball recognized as a holiday.

Sign the Petition here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/797/577/020/make-opening-day-across-baseball-a-national-holiday/

Question of the Week

As always you can use this time to answer the question, make general comments, advocate on my petition's behalf, or make fun of my hair.

What is your favorite Marlins Opening Day memory?

See you next week ya filthy animals!