Hurk-ules

First, I would like to announce that I have discovered the key to the Marlins success when I am in attendance: The Fish Tank. Apparently the Marlins enjoy losing games when I am close enough to actually see the action unfold (or to get clobbered by flying bats), but when I need a high-powered telescope to follow along, Florida performs like nobody's business. Good to know.

From where I sat last night, Rick Vanden Hurk looked like what I imagine an ant looks like from the top of the Empire State building, so it was natural to question whether that was actually him on the mound. Especially since he sported a sleek new slider and a faster fastball, pitched five innings of no-hit ball, recorded seven strikeouts, and got himself out of a bases-loaded jam without allowing any runs. I mean, this isn't exactly the Vandy we enjoyed endured at the start of the season. I felt a bit like I was watching the happy family reunion at the end of an extreme makeover show. You know-- where a lady who looked like a truck at the start of the show has been transformed into Miss Universe, and her loved ones are sobbing uncontrollably as they see the new-and-improved look for the first time.

Um, who are you, and what have you done with Vandy?!

Oh, who am I kidding? We don't care who you are, or what you've done with him, so long as you hid the body real well, and you keep pitching like this in his place. 

Welcome back, Hurk. Good effort.