The Marlins ‘Train Wreck’

Everyone who’s interested on what really goes on both on the field and behind the scenes should check out the latest edition of Grantland (grantland.com). It goes into detail about the Showtime’s in-depth coverage of the Miami Marlins as we get closer to “the Franchise” airing on Showtime on July 11.

The set up couldn’t be better for both Showtime and the Marlins. Ozzie Guillen is nuts, Marlins ownership is crazy, and the characters on the team are insecure little babies who need constant coddling. It’s a recipe for a train wreck, and according to the article that’s what we get. The content is priceless as we see the behind-the-scenes goings on. There are discussions about how horrible closer Heath Bell has been, why does Hanley’s agent want to see us, the whole Guillen/Fidel Castro love affair, and other juicy tid-bits you won’t see in the headlines.

July 1, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Mike Dunn (left) is taken out of the game by manager Ozzie Guillen (13) during the eighth against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 5-2. (Image: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE)

Any show that makes “Hard Knocks” looks like a children’s show has to be worth watching. I think it’s great for the Marlins and great for baseball fans. It tears down the facade that shows players as gods and immune to everything. If anything we’ll gain perspective on what it’s like to be under a spotlight while trying to keep “regular life” normal.