Why Ozzie Guillen's Comments Will Not Affect Marlins

The Miami Marlins hired Ozzie Guillen as the team's manager this past offseason. The front office knew exactly what they were getting into, but they couldn't have foreseen how quickly Guillen's mouth could overshadow the team on the field. 

As the firestorm over Guillen's comments swells, I don't envision the team taking a step back because of it. 

Take yesterday for instance. Last year the Marlins had immense trouble with the Phillies, losing 12 of 18 games. Despite reporters surrounding the polarizing manager before the game, and rumors that he'd fly back to Miami on Tuesday, the Marlins came out and played their best game of the young season. 

When the Marlins drop games it will not be because of Ozzie's mouth. In fact this "controversy" had nothing to do with baseball. Guillen has publicly criticized his team and specific players before — that affects on field performances — but expressing political opinions to Time Magazine?

To be blunt, there is no way the Marlins' performance will dip because their manager may or may not be fond of Fidel Castro.

Guillen's comments were sure to rile up the conservative Cuban community he now resides with in Miami. Granted, they were not timely or discreet. But Ozzie wont let this dark cloud change the way he manages the game, which suits this Marlins team very well.

Should the Marlins limp to a sub-.500 April, it would be acceptable to question the offense or whatever else is failing. Just don't say if the team struggles, its because Ozzie Guillen told Time Magazine that he loves Fidel Castro.