The Miami Marlins are a walking gong show, and have been for years. Yet, the 2016 squad hovers around the .500 mark after the first two months of the season, and some around the team are optimistic.
That optimism hasn’t carried over to the local coverage, however, and it’s resulted in some complaints from media members close to the team, including Fox Sports Florida reporter Craig Minervini.
I think some of media here has gotten so drawn into football/hoops, that when a great baseball story smacks them in face, they don't see it
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 24, 2016
No one is saying fans have turned out in record setting fashion 4 @marlins. They need to pick it up. Team deserves eyeballs+storytellers.
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 24, 2016
On Sunday evening, Local 10 broadcaster Will Manso fired back with this blistering two minute breakdown of the negative aspects of the 2016 Marlins.
I think my favorite part of this was the line “beloved owner Jeffrey Loria”, which should have immediately told all of us the direction this was going.
Minervini didn’t take the video lying down however, and fired back at Manso.
So since you want pats on back @WillManso @ClayWPLG : How many times have you been @MarlinsPark this yr? Maybe Once? Maybe 2-3x last 3 yrs?
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 30, 2016
I've been around the TV block, incl doing Will's job at @nbc6. I can tell you this: I got off my butt and covered ALL the teams.
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 30, 2016
Marcel Ozuna is @marlins starting CF for several years, one of NLs best this yr. Will wrongly tweeted that he had interpreter.
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 30, 2016
Maybe it's just me, but shouldn't TV sports guys who cover @marlins know how a 3 yr starter does his interviews?
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 30, 2016
Just to remind all you; both @WillManso + Kup and others are having alittle fun w/this topic. We are friends, and good natured jabs are ok!
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 30, 2016
…and lead media TV Guy's take is that "less than 10%" of folks here know him. Which I said, if true then grab a camera and tell them!
— Craig Minervini (@CraigMinervini) May 30, 2016
The reaction on both sides was overblown. The Marlins are what they are, and might always be – a team teetering around .500 with a reviled owner that’s traded away nearly every superstar he’s had over the last decade.
That being said, the team wasn’t really looked at as a contender coming into the season, and they’ve played pretty well with a core of young, exciting players. They do deserve attention from the local outlets, especially given there isn’t a whole lot going on in Miami sports right now.