A Careful Optimism

The 2015 NFL season has officially begun, as optional workouts have commenced around the league, in preparation for training camp (one month away). The Miami Dolphins have disappointed over the last 15 years, having made the playoffs once. 

The complete renovation will be in full effect, in time for the 2016 NFL season opener

However, this season, Miami's squad will field an experienced and talented roster this season, boasting game-changers such as Brent Grimes (cornerback), Ryan Tannehill (quarterback), and Ndamukong Suh (defensive linemen). Grimes is 5-10 generously, nonetheless, his athleticism makes up for his height disadvantage, most notable in his lock down coverage of Calvin Johnson Jr. last year, dominating the best wide out in the league. As for Tannehill, the three year veteran has improved every year, now being considered a borderline elite quarterback. And in Suh, the Dolphins have a defender that causes quarterbacks to reconsider their careers. 

And if that's not enough for optimism, the Dolphins have gotten rid of Mike Wallace, who was the most overpaid player in the NFL, being paid $60 million dollars to complain and play half-hardheartedly. They've replenished their wide receiving corp by signing efficient, hard working players with playoff experience, in Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. 

While fans should be undeniably skeptical in mild mannered head coach Joe Philbin, they should also be excited to experience the modernization of Sun Life Stadium. The home of the Miami Dolphins has always been criticized for being too bland, too obsolete. 


The stadium that hasn't been upgraded since its inception in 1987 is in the midst of a $350 face-lift that will transform the stadium into a world class venue, which would possibly host future World Cup matches and Super Bowls. The renovations will include a deduction of 10,000 seats, closer seat options, and a canopy that will provide shade to 92% of the spectators. 

A Masterful Performance

 While this blog is meant to cover sports in Miami primarily, this week it was nearly impossible to ignore the performance of 21 year old Jordan Spieth in his first major win, at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. The golf world was in awe as the sensation toyed with the most prestigious course in the world, tying for the best finish in Masters History at 18 under par, holding off proving winners, such as Phil Mickelson and Rory Mcilroy. While many marveled at the maturity and composure of the phenom, others drew parallels to a young Tiger Woods. In 1997, Tiger blew past the field, cruising to a 12 shot victory at Augusta. Although Jordan might draw comparisons to Tiger through his aggressive play, Spieth has an undeniably different personality, remaining calm on the course, unlike the fiery Woods. He credits his determination for success to his sister, Ellie, who is diagnosed with Autism. "I miss her a lot, and I wish she could have been here," he said in a CNN interview. "But I can't wait to get back to her and maybe let her try on the jacket." That is the green jacket, the prize for winning the Masters, which includes a membership to Augusta National and more importantly, being included along with the greats, such as Arnold Palmer(4), Jack Nicklaus(6), Gary Player(3),and, of course, Tiger Woods(4).As Jordan sank his final putt on the 18th hole to win the 79th Masters Tournament, his name became etched in the history books, becoming the number two player in the world at the age, in which most Americans would be seniors in college.

The Sinking of the Marlins

This week, the 2015 Major League Baseball began in South Florida, with the Miami Marlins losing their first two games to date. With high hopes and playoff expectations circulating around the fan base after an off season full of all-star acquisitions, such as shortstop Dee Gordon and future Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki, fans have been left to shake their heads in despair after two embarrassing losses.

On Opening Day, the Marlin franchise and the City of Miami was humiliated nationwide, as Marlins players produced humiliating gaffes. And worst of all, the controversial retractable-roof Marlins Park that was built from the pockets of county taxpayers on the former site of the iconic Miami Orange Bowl, had a 16 minute delay. This caused a sellout crowd 36,969 to evacuate to the concourses, giving another meaning to OPENING Day. To make the matters worse, the Marlins would go on to lose to the lowly Atlanta Braves by the score of 2-1.

The following day, Miami's finest found a way to outdo itself, making the Braves look like the defending World Series champion in a 12-2 execution of the Marlins. Atlanta scored an unprecedented seven runs off of recently acquired all-star Matt Latos, making his earned run average (era) to implode near 100.

Although Miami Marlins must fell most certainly discouraged through the teams first two games, optimism shouldn't be dismissed as there are still 160 games to make up for the team's early woes.

The Opening Day of a blog for Miami sports

Over the following two months, I will provide information, opinions and insight towards the direction, in which professional sports of all sorts progress throughout their various seasons. Whether it be the Miami Marlins, or the Miami Heat, I will provide game analysis, and injury reports. I will also deliver news pertaining to the NFL draft that begins on April 30th, with the Dolphins obtaining the 14th overall pick. The information will help give a general understanding of the sports, using official statistics and player comments. I expect that some of you will come to enjoy the different athletics that take place in our wonderful city.