If you read the title of this article and answered yes, SHAME ON YOU! No true fan would ever say their team is down and out when mathematically and realistically speaking the Florida Marlins aren’t finished yet. Despite Sunday’s loss, the Marlins aren’t out of the race for the NL East yet. Sure, they are a dark horse at best now, but don’t fillet them just yet. Sunday’s 6-2 loss to the Mets put the Marlins 7 games back of first place. A brief look at history will tell you that entering September last season, the Mets looked a lock to win the NL East and make a tear through the playoffs. Except the Philadelphia Phillies, 7 games back, had other ideas. Why can’t the Marlins be that team this year?

First, lets examine the negatives. Aside from Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco none of the Marlins’ starters have been living up to their billing. Scott Olsen was unable to pull himself out of his horrible slump as of late, going 6 1/3 innings and giving up 7 hits and 6 ER. Olsen has 2, yes 2, wins since May 6th and even those 2 wins haven’t occured sine July 9th and 19th. Rookie Chris Volstad continues to pitch extremely well, but is still just that, a rookie. The Marlins batters are horribly inconsistent, often failing against starting pitching and then feasting on the scraps of beat up bullpens, a strategy which clearly doesn’t work night in and night out.

So what about the positives the Marlins face. Perhaps the greatest advantage the Marlins have is the lack of expectations. This team was picked by ALL experts prior to the season to win 50 games at best. Instead, the Marlins sit after today at 69 wins and have lots of opportunites to finish the season above .500. The Marlins have a chance this week to bounce back with 3 games against the Atlanta Braves in Miami. The Marlins also still have 6 games against the Washington Nationals as well. On top of all this, they still have 6 games against the Phillies and 3 against the Mets.

The Fish aren’t done yet, this team has accomplished too much this season to roll over and die. Tomorrow is September 1, and the Marlins are 7 games back with opportunities to erase that deficit. Changes may be necessary, but consistency will be the key. Come to the park each and every night prepared to do all you can and do that each night, and we could be in for a very exciting September. I’ll count the Marlins out only when they truly (mathematically, physically, and mentally) stand no chance of making the playoffs. Until that time I’ll put on my jersey and hat and catch every game along with the other true fans and say, GO FISH!