Do we want Jason Taylor back? (with poll); plus Zo's place, Vegas disses Marlins, The Good Saban & more
The latest little hill of stuff, all free and just for you...
Jason Taylor's future: Free-agent defensive end Jason Taylor is telling anybody who'll listen that he'd like to play for the Dolphins again. But are the Dolphins listening? Thus far the division-rival Patriots have shown more public interest. Clearly the decision is Miami's, not ther player's. What best reflects your thoughts on Taylor possibly rejoining the team he left controversially just a year ago? Take a dip in our poll:
[Note: The above is our 57th blogpoll to buzz past 1,000 votes in the first 24 hours. Thanks. And keep 'em coming!]
Zo's place in local history: The Heat retired Alonzo Mourning's No. 33 last night, a richly deserved honor. I was there and filed this column. And it got me to thinking. Has South Florida ever had a greater athete in terms of both on-field/court greatness and impact away from the game in the community as well? I might place Zo second only to Dan Marino. You?
Long odds for Marlins' chances: Vegas is not as optimistic about the Marlins' playoff shot this season as the Marlins seem to be, based on new odds from Bodog. Florida is 50-1 overall to win it all (19th), and well below the NL East divisionmates Mets (8-1), Phillies (15-1) and Braves (20-1). The complete NFL East odds are Mets 7-5, Phils 7-4, Braves 3-1, Marlins 10-1 and Nationals 18-1. These odds don't tell us the Marlins have no shot. What they do tell is the Marlins have no respect.
R.I.P., Lou Saban: The Miami Hurricanes' football coach in 1977-78 has died, at age 87, after a famously well-traveled career. Saban is pictured here in his last coaching ncarnation, circa 2002, at Division III Chowan State in North Carolina. The UM predecessor to Howard Schnellenberger, Saban helped recruit Jim Kelly and set the foundation that led to The U's rise to national prominence. Compared to a more recent Miami coach of the same surname, we'll call Lou "The Good Saban" and leave it at that.
George W. Boooooosh: he Texas Rangers have announced that former President George W. Bush will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home opener. It will mark the first time in about three months the public has had an opportunity to boo Bush.
D-Train off the rails: Detroit's Dontrelle Willis on the 15-day disabled list with anxiety disorder. Don't lik the sound of that, especially all he went through last season. Hoping Willis can again be the pitcher who was so popular and so good for awhile with the Marlins. But beginning to wonder.
Thanks to all who joined in our live online chat today. We do it every Monday from 1-2 p.m. in the Q&A Forum. Click here to join live on Mondays, to read past transcripts, or to post a question at any time during the week.
[Note: Looking for our March Madness blog post with the new Final Four poll ? Find it just below].