Marlins 3, Cubs 2: Florida Wins In Walkoff Fashion

I'm beginning to hate the Marlins.

Whether it's this nonsense about trotting goats out on the field, their stab at fat, male cheerleaders, or the fact that they helped break my heart a bit in 2003, I'm growing very weary of these guys. And I say this as someone who spent most of the weekend at U.S. Cellular catching the Sox-Yankees series; I like most teams when they're not playing the Cubs.

Point is, the walk-off homer by Cody Ross Sunday to give the Marlins a 3-2 win was probably about my line to cross. The win gave them the series victory, and is probably going to leave way to many people debating the merits of Kevin Gregg as closer.

First thing, can we all agree not to? Please?

Maybe I'd be more worried if he wasn't coming off of a really good stretch before these back-to-back blown saves. Or if the entire team didn't stink just a bit on this trip so far.

But the thing is, you've got to acknowledge at least the possibility that after two seasons of watching him pitch—and believe me, everyone is very attentive when you're closing out games—the Marlins might just have his number a bit.

The timing. The release point. The break.

So, until I see that he's flinging sh...stuff all over the place, he gets the benefit of the doubt with me.

Who doesn't is Aaron Heilman, who could have removed all this nonsense by even just keeping the ball in the park Sunday. Instead, he comes in for the seventh inning, and serves up a homer to Cody Ross, his first of the game.

Listen, I like a science experiment as much as anyone, but this isn't working.

It was one thing when it was the beginning of the season, and the Cubs neither wanted egg on their faces, or to eat the contract. But it's late in the game, and he just isn't dependable. B.J. Ryan had another nice appearance on Saturday for the Iowa Cubs.

May I suggest that it's time to make that change?

Either way, it was a crappy series, and thanks to Derrek Lee, who helped the Cubs avoid the sweep in Florida. Fortunately, it's on to Cincinnati, losers of their last six. Nothing wrong with getting well on the road against bad teams. Here's to hoping that the Cubs do.