Well, it would have been nice to see the Marlins keep some drama in their season, keep a sense of anticipation. Tuesday night the Marlins were officially eliminated from the playoffs by the hapless Washington Nationals. A team just trying to avoid 100 losses on the season brought an early end, though an end that we all knew somewhere in the back of our minds would soon come, to the Marlins hunt for a playoff spot. The loss extends the Marlins current losing streak to 4 games.

Scott Olsen could not continue his recent good form, and in fact reverted to his previous shaky self. Olsen went 5 innings giving up 8H and allowing 4R(3ER) to the Nats. Olsen left the game with his team down 4-2. The Marlins hung around until Eulogio De La Cruz was brought in to pitch. De La Cruz lasted 1 2/3 innings giving up 4H and 4ER and effectively putting the game out of reach.

When the day is done, it was an outcome (the playoff elimination, not the loss) that we all knew was likely. The Mets did not lose, and the Marlins still had the Astros and Brewers in front of them to surpass as well. We all hoped the team could get hot and at least keep things interesting until the last day, but perhaps this is a good thing. Tonight was further proof that though talented, perhaps this team was not meant for the playoffs. Time and time again as the season wore on, the Marlins failed to perform at their best in pressure situations. As much as I’d prefer to have the Fish in the playoffs, I would hate for them to make the playoffs only to be swept out in the first round.

So my hat is off to the Marlins on a successful season. We found out what our young team was made of, what they could accomplish and what they could not. Lets hope they can finish strong this season and take a positive note into their offseason and come out firing next season.