Marlins Win 3rd Straight, Remain Atop NL East

19 games through the season and somehow the Marlins are still chugging along in first place at 12-7. They currently hold a 1.5 game lead over the Mets, which is impressive for now but is something that could be wiped out in a matter of days. The success is relieving for South Florida sports fans, who literally have had nothing to cheer for but baseball these past few months. Alongside the top-ranked Canes, the Marlins are all we've got now, both literally and figuratively until August.

I'm not entirely sure how they are winning so many games yet. They have been batting relatively well, though much of the team seems to enjoy striking out quite a bit. And the pitching staff is one of the 5 worst in the majors statistically. It's mind-boggling as to how Mark Hendrickson is 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA this season. Mark Hendrickson? Who?

But hey, I'll take it at this point. The Marlins have currently allowed 7 more runs than they've scored, yet are 5 games over 500. Go figure. Whatever it is they're doing to win, keep doing it. I suppose it might have to do with all the games against Washington and Pittsburgh and the sort. We'll see how the Marlins fare with 9 games against Milwaukee and LA coming up soon.

I realize I may sound unappreciative or skeptical, but I can't see this ragtag bunch keeping it up for too much longer. However, if they somehow manage to stay at or around 500 by the time their young pitching staff has had time to heal, then watch out. Sprinkle a little of that old Marlins magic from the 97 and 03 seasons and you might, *might*, have something there.