The Yankees have been toppled. The World Series trophy travels to Florida. The parade is tomorrow.
But what in the world can the Marlins do for an encore?
“We will have great baseball in Florida for a long time,” Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria vowed hours before his club knocked off the Bombers, 2-0, in Game 6 of the Fall Classic on Saturday night.
In the midst of a giddy champagne and cigar celebration in the visiting clubhouse, the Marlins already had major questions hanging over their head for 2004.
Clearly, Florida would be a franchise on the rise – if it wasn’t for a deplorable ballpark, small payroll and multiple free-agent and arbitration candidates.
Some are pressing concerns to be dealt with immediately, while others require long-term planning.
Start with the manager. Jack McKeon plans to return next season. McKeon, the 72-year-old sage who made too many brilliant moves to count in the playoffs, was given a Mercedes as a gift from Loria even before the team won a world championship.
Expect him to return the favor. One bonus is he’ll skipper the All-Star Game in Houston in July, something he’s wanted to do his entire career.
Potential free agents include catcher Ivan Rodriguez, closer Ugueth Urbina and second baseman Luis Castillo. Rodriguez has indicated he wants to return, although he may want a five-year deal. Urbina and Castillo may not be back.
Before he officially became a world champion, Rodriguez praised Loria.
“He’s a fan, he loves baseball,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve got a good relationship with him the same way all my teammates have a good relationship with him, because he’s always in the clubhouse.
“So he’s an owner that a lot of players want to be on that team.”
The Marlins desperately need a baseball-only facility closer to downtown Miami, and many baseball observers felt a world championship was critical and will eventually get plans rolling for a new home.
Even commissioner Bud Selig sounded wary but hopeful of the situation before Game 6.
“They’ve come so far and it’s been so good,” Selig told reporters. “I’ve really enjoyed being down in South Florida the last three days.
“It was good and there was so much excitement. Do I hope there is a carryover? Sure, you bet.”
Another post-1997 fire sale is unlikely, and among the core of returning players is 23-year-old World Series MVP Josh Beckett. The young righty seems more determined than ever to live up to his vast promise.
“I need to come out strong next year,” Beckett said after his five-hit shutout in the clincher. “I’m not content with just pitching good during the playoffs.”