Reason for optimism: A proposed change in ownership might actually result in a front office that cares about the marginal win more than the marginal dollar.
Reason for pessimism: Much of their problems over the last decade and longer were self-inflicted, but as the tragic event of September 25, 2016, shows, it does feel like there's a cloud over the franchise.
This preview isn't very much fun to write this year. Last year, I had more enthusiasm accompanying my view on Miami's projection than any other team. The Marlins "over" call was my highest conviction pick in the league. Viewing the "over" as a foregone conclusion, I stood convinced the Marlins would be in a surprise playoff battle right down to the end of the season. So how did it turn out?
Howard Marks, a revered investor, likes to say there's no such thing as a good or bad investment without reference to price. That certainly was the case with the Marlins call last year.