(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Who would’ve thought that a late-May 3-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (28-16) and Florida Marlins (24-19) would be a battle of National League division leaders? Considering the Marlins miniscule payroll and frequent fire sale habits, it would have been a safe bet that the Fish would never sniff first place again. But they’re 24-19, and have showed signs of operating like a legitimate sports franchise again, by actually making a provision for a new stadium for their 800 or so fans, and by locking up the star of the franchise, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, to a long term deal.

The 3-gamer begins tonight, with Micah Owings on the hill (and at the dish) for the D-Backs, being countered by one of the best power forwards in the NL, 6 foot 9 lefty Mark Hendrickson. This series will also give us the opportunity to see if Brandon Webb can become the first 10-0 pitcher since the “legendary” Andy Hawkins in 1985. Added bonus for the Diamondbacks, they don’t have to face perennial sourpuss lefty Scott Olsen.

Hey if you’ve got a couple of days off and love the D-Backs, fly on over to Miami, and root on the team. Great seats are still available.

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