Panthers Opening Night Announcement

The NHL announced today that the Florida Panthers will open their season on October 10 on the road against division rival Carolina Hurricanes. The home opener for the Cats comes the following night, October 11, against another divisional foe, the Atlanta Thrashers. The full season schedule will be released tomorrow.

Only 86 days to go! Who'll make the starting roster? Who will score the first goal this season? Who wants to make a road trip to Raleigh?

A New UM Basketball Star In The Making?

The Hurricanes basketball team has been holding some informal scrimmages this summer, and the word on the street is that 5 star, 6"6 small forward DeQuan Jones out of Marietta, Georgia has been all sorts of impressive. Scout.com's 5th-rated small forward in the Class of 2008 is already the most athletic player on the Hurricanes roster as a true freshman. If you don't believe me, just enter his name on YouTube. Think a young Josh Smith - someone who does not care if he has to take off from the free throw line to throw down a monstrous dunk over an opponent in his way. Jones is explosive and penetrates to the basket with abandon. There are even rumblings about DeQuan working his way into the starting lineup this season - and this on a team with all of its starters returning and a pre-season #8 ranking according to ESPN's Andy Katz. If Jones doesn't get Canes basketball fans excited, maybe fellow freshman Reggie Johnson will - the 4-star center (measuring in at almost 300 lbs.) breaks backboards.

Oh, Danny Boy...

I can only imagine that Dan Uggla can't wait get out of Yankee Stadium. A rally-ending double play ball in the top of the 10th with the go-ahead run on 3rd, followed by consecutive errors in the bottom of the 10th almost made him the feel-bad story of the night. Fortunatly for Uggla, Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook induced 3 straight ground balls to get out of the bases loaded, no one out jam. Then, in the top of the 12th, with the bases loaded and 1 out, Uggla stepped to the plate... and struck out on 3 straight pitches. You'd think that would complete the night, but no. The ball found him again with the winning run on 2nd in the bottom of the 12th, and Uggla bobbled that one. This time he was able to regroup in time to get the out. And wouldn't you know it, bottom of the 13th... E4. Uggla sets the record for most errors by a player in an All-Star game. (To be fair, the error in the 13th was excuseable. The ball took a wicked nasty hop right before getting to Uggla.) Oh yea, Uggla added a 3rd strikeout in the 15th. And to top it all off, the American League won.


The only good news about all this is that much of Uggla's action happened in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Half the stadium was empty, and I can't imagine too many people were still watching. If only there wasn't a SportsCenter...

Quick Notes

I've been away and busy lately, so I've gotten kind of lazy with the writing. But, I promised more quick notes, and I've gotta please the people. So, with no further ado:

-Brett Favre is such a good kid!(That's what we're calling 40 year olds nowadays.)He just has so much heart!(He wants to leave the people who have supported him through thick and thin for years, and may I add, would probably take a bullet for him.)AHHH I LOVE BRETT FAVRE!!!!!...........I hate ESPN.

-Peyton Manning is having a surgery of some sort. AHH!! Oh No!! What are we going to talk about for 12 months a year???? Jim Sorgi?!!....I hate ESPN

-Chris Volstad was jaw dropping...just don't expect that every game. He's gonna have his bad starts just like everyone else. Am I allowed to announce that I am attempting a reverse jinx?

-Did anybody else hear Chase Utley say "F*** You," to the New York fans during the Home Run Derpy introductions? Love to see the great player/fan communication during All Star Weekend.

-The NL's lineup looks great....until you remember that Cubs fans are allowed to vote.

-Hamilton deserved to win, and he will always be remembered as the real "winner" of this derby. Morneau must not feel too accomplished. Canadians always have to ruin everything. (Classless? Yes. Funny? Ranging from not really to mildly.)

-The Fish are finally getting on national TV this Saturday. The game between the Marlins and Phillies should have an attendance in the high 20,000's to low 30'000's. 60-70% of the crowd bought the tickets thinking that "The Marlins" were the band opening for Jerry Rivera.

-If the NL wins the All Star Game, I am giving all credit, regardless of the situation, to Hanley Ramirez.

-Next up on my must-see list: C.C Sabathia hitting an inside the park home run.

-The Heat have 2 players playing for their national team. Joel Anthony is playing for Canada in the upcoming Olympics, if they qualify. So while we do give them humorless jabs in relatively unknown blogs, we do give them Joel Anthony. Happy Canada?

-What is more impressive? Justin Duchscherer's ERA or his last name?

-Hanley has just gotten his second hit in the All Star Game. Followed by the inevitable comment from Tim McCarver, "That was the worst pitch anyone has thrown tonight." Brett Favre would have hit a home run off of that.

-Lebron James' large involvement in this year's "Zo's Summer Groove," has already brought up rumors of Lebron to the Heat in 2010. I have also recieved word now that Chris Paul, Nate Robinson, Tim Hardaway, Damon Jones, Penny Hardaway, Kevin Durant, and that one kid who played in the random 3-on-3 game, will also be joining the Heat soon.

-Miami Heat stars, Stephane Lasme and Kasib Powell, have also stated that they feel threatened by the rumors involving "that one kid who played in the random 3-on-3 game."

-After deciding to have Tommy John Surgery, Sergio Mitre will be out for the season. This striking blow came as a huge shock to Marlin fans everywhere.

-Will the Hamilton for Volquez trade be remembered as one of the best straight-up trades in MLB history for both teams? Although, it will always remain 2nd to the trade of Babe Ruth to the Yankees, due to the huge success of "No, No, Nanette."

-Why no love for Milton Bradley? Josh Hamilton is getting all the love from the media for his inspiring recovery from being a drug addict to an MLB allstar. Meanwhile, Milton Bradley has recieved minimal coverage for his inspiring recovery from his addiction to throwing random objects at fans. As well as constant taunting in grade school from the kids who played "Perfection" a lot.

Zo A Big Question Mark

We've been a bit generous in our expectations for Zo. Maybe it's because Mourning has always been such a warrior (remember his insistence on walking off the court, unassisted?). I've mentioned him as part of the starting lineup several times, and it really isn't fair.

According to the latest reports, Mourning is probably out until December. What he chooses to do from there will be determined, but it's safe to say the Heat shouldn't plan around him. He could be a wonderful addition if the Wade-Beasley Heat show promise, but I doubt he comes back to a losing squad.

As is so often the case in the NBA, winning brings winners. The Heat now have that added incentive to get off to a strong start.

Lets Tie the Bouw?

This is taking way too long to sign Bouwmeester. Everyday without signing him is more and more likely that he is a goner. I do not see them doing a 1 year which will result in trading Bouwmeester for some scoring and a defensive player.

I think JM needs to just overpay and get the deal done. Bouwmeester is the most important player on this team, it would be a huge set back if he were to leave the sunshine state. So much for sunshine!

Jeff Allison Gets Some Attention

As you know, we've been checking in on Jeff Allison here at The South Florida Fan. An unfortunate victim of pain-killers and poor personal choices, he finally seems to be on track for Single-A Jupiter. He endured a string of tough starts, but regained his form enough to qualify for the league's All-Star game. Way to go Jeff!

Last night, Peter Gammons made a point of mentioning Allison in connection with Josh Hamilton. Hamilton was a similar case, and his unlikely return to prominence serves as an inspiration for people like Allison. No matter how low things get, if you have the talent and can find a way to seek redemption, the possibilities are out there. For the sake of Jeff Allison and many others, I hope Josh Hamilton's story becomes the catalyst for many more.

We'll continue to update you on the Jeff Allison saga as it goes on.

Hanley Good to Go

For those of you concerned about Hanley's sore shoulder, be at ease. He's good to go tonight in the All-Star game, where he'll be leading off the game.

Considering how understated the injuries were to Sergio Mitre, Josh Willingham, Mike Jacobs, and Dan Uggla, I feared the worst. Day-to-day from the Marlins has become a synonym for week-to-week or month-to-month. Is Mitre even going to pitch this year?

I'm so excited for Hanley...let's hope he represents well!

Favre to the Dolphins Update

The Dolphins are still being mentioned in connection with Brett Favre. Here's three reasons to believe it can happen and three reasons not:

Why it Can:

1. The Packers announced today that they would trade Favre only to an AFC team. With the Ravens supposedly balking, the Dolphins become the favorites among AFC teams.

2. We all know Bill Parcells respects old quarterbacks. Remember how long he held Tony Romo out for Drew Bledsoe?

3. The Dolphins REALLY NEED A QB if they're going to contend at all. Acquire Favre and the franchise is going for it all now.

Why it Won't:

1. If Favre is saying he won't play in Tampa because "it's too hot," that's not a great sign for Miami either.

2. Does Brett Favre really believe this Miami team, 1-15 just one year ago, has been revamped enough to win right now?

3. The longer this situations plays out, the more likely it is that Favre and the Packers settle their differences and unite again.

Probabilities:
Stays retired: 25%
Plays for Packers: 40%
Plays for Dolphins: 7.5%
Plays for Another Team: 27.5%

Uggla Fails to Make 2nd Round. No Shame Whatsoever

If Dan Uggla had hit two home runs, then we might be dealing with a little humiliation. That's not what happened, though. He blasted six, which is usually enough in other years. Not this time, however. Certainly not with Josh Hamilton pummeling 28 homers in one sitting.

Uggla can go home feeling respectable. As for Josh Hamilton, he deserves the medal. The archaic rule system, which discounts earlier round performance, prevented him from beating Justin Morneau...a complete joke. Everyone knows Hamilton was the rightful winner.

So congratulations, Dan Uggla, on a solid showing.

Extra note: Grady Sizemore is half-black, but this was a pathetic display of minority representation by MLB. Not one Latino player could be found? Come on! This was as sure a meeting of the Old Boys Club as a Fuzzy Zeller private golf tournament. MLB, shame on you.

So Lue Thinks He's Too Good For Miami

Following up on yesterday's post about Tyronn Lue scheduled to come to Miami for a physical on Monday - it turns out he never showed up. Lue stood us up. If he weren't so insignificant and inconsequential a player, I'd feel somewhat sad, possibly offended. But Lue's spurning of the Heat is a blessing (not even a "blessing in disguise") - Lue is no upgrade over the Chalmers-Banks-Quinn trio the Heat already have at point guard. If you're going to use up the midlevel exception, you should use it for an upgrade. I'm glad he came to his senses before we did. Now let's find some center depth!

Uggla Goes for 6

Dan Uggla launched six homers in the first round. He had the disadvantage of going first, and Yankee Stadium isn't as kind to right-handed batters.

It was a pretty solid showing...we'll find out if it was enough to make the next round. Usually six is good enough, but the ball seems to be jumping tonight.

At 50-45, It's an Excellent First Half

The Marlins go into the All-Star break at 50-45, 1.5 out of first and in third place. It hurts to fall behind the Mets...it hurts a lot, but it's only by a game. With a restored rotation and the team regaining some confidence, this should shape up for a strong three-horse race to the finish (and don't discount the Braves either).

Still, let's be practical. Did anyone expect this? Most Marlins fans would have taken 45-50 and a bag of sour peanuts, let alone 50-45. The Marlins are skeptic-defying contenders, establishing reputations and instilling legitimate fear leaguewide. All in all, the Marlins deserve a nice pat on the back.

Let's look at some facts:

1. The Marlins started the year 30-20. They then endured a 14-23 stretch, before closing at 6-2.

2. As you all know, they lead the league in home runs.

3. This was all accomplished with Josh Willingham out for two months, Josh Johnson making one start, and Sergio Mitre and Annibal Sanchez still on the DL.

4. Hanley Ramirez was locked up for six years.

5. Dan Uggla is now a household name.

6. In what appeared to be a dismal spring battle at 3B, Jorge Cantu has thrived, Dallas McPherson has 30+ HRs in AAA, and Jose Castillo helped drag the Giants to the bottom of the league.

Yes, things have been good.

Good Luck Dan!

The South Florida Fan is not going to be secretive about its rooting interests. We very much want Dan Uggla to win the Home Run Derby, and to crush Chase Utley in the process.

I haven't been this enthused for a Derby in years. Even when the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera was in it, there wasn't as much excitement. Dan Uggla's rise to stardom is a heartwarming story, and he can cement his reputation with a strong showing tonight.

And of course...if he doesn't do all that well, his name will still be DAN UGGLA!

Home Run Derby Lacks All-Star Power

Tonight's Home Run Derby has a couple of Floridian interests, which is good for us. But for national viewers, there isn't much to be excited about. The line-up includes Florida Marlins slugger Dan Uggla and Tampa Bay Rays rookie Evan Longoria. Longoria was the "final vote" winner and was the last player added to the All-Star roster. Uggla is tied for 4th in the NL with 23 homers on the season.

The other participants in the dinger derby are Lance Berkman, Chase Utley, and Ryan Braun fro the NL, and Josh Hamilton, Justin Morneau, and Grady Sizemore for the American League. While all these players are having nice seasons, but they aren't reminiscent of the great mashers that are usually seen in this contest. We won't have a slug-off like we saw with Griffey vs. McGwire in Fenway Park. No Pujols or Giambi. The Yankees tried to get Alex Rodriguez to participate, but he declined. The defending champ, Vlad Guerrero, said he was going to be in it, and yet he's not. The top 2 HR hitters (Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn) this season didn't make it to New York, so they aren't in it. The only returner from last season's derby is Justin Morneau. This year's lineup just doesn't have that "it" factor that usually comes with this event.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. There will be 6 first-timers in the game tonight, including a true rookie (Evan Longoria) who wasn't even in the Bigs until the 2nd week of the season. Josh Hamilton's personal story is incredibly inspirational. Grady Sizemore is a leadoff hitter who also leads the American League in home runs. There are great stories here, just not the ones you might expect at a Home Run Derby. Is it the beginning of a post-steroid era? Are more superstars passing up on the event because of the fear that it might "ruin their swing"? Personally, I never understood how a 2 hour event could mess up something you've been perfecting since you were 8 years old in little league, but apparently it happens.

In any case, there is sure to be a show tonight. You just might not recognize the starting cast.