Miami Marlins Have Their Stadium

There are no more votes left to be taken. No more negotiations. No more delays. The Marlins finally have their ballpark ready to break ground at the OB Site in anticipation of the 2011 season.

I guess it's win for baseball fans in South Florida, and baseball in general. I'm still not overjoyed at the location, and I have a hatred for the ownership that runs pretty deep. But at least the drama is done and everyone can just move on. Personally, I won't be going to any games at the new site unless some drastic changes are made in the way they run their team. Hopefully, with the "increased revenues" they'll keep their promises to field competitive ballclubs.

One thing I wish would stop is when anyone involved with this deal pretends that it is about anything other than money. MLB COO Bob Dupuy gave us this heartwarming gem during voting sessions: " 'I believe it's worth it,' Dupuy said. 'On Opening Day, when you see the looks on the kids' faces as they come through the turnstiles to see their very first Miami Marlins game, you'll see it's all worth it.' "

Sure Bob, it's all about the children. Riiight. Can everyone just admit it's about making boatloads of cash in a market they feel can support a baseball team?

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the situation unfolds. There is no more negotiating, but I'm expecting at least 25% in cost overruns. We all know how impossible a task it is to build anything in Miami without someone screwing up or costing the project money. They better hope that park is ready by Opening Day because if not the team will pretty much be homeless.