In the course of a year, the Marlins have changed their name from the Florida Marlins to the Miami Marlins, relocated from Sun Life Stadium to the brand new Marlins Park, spent $106 million signing Jose Reyes and hired former Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Of all these things, changing their name is a big deal, but not as big of a deal as some of the other things that it has brought on. The Tampa Bay Rays were formerly known as the Devil Rays. But along with the name change came a dramatic change of colors. They have progressed from a teal and black color palette to black, red/orange, silver, blue, yellow and white.

The new stadium has the most ridiculous fountain that I have ever seen. It looks like it belongs in some Vegas show. Get rid of it. It’s completely unnecessary and unclassy. Former Detroit Tiger Omar Infante was the first to hit a homerun and set off the fountain.

The $106 million, six-year deal that the Marlins created with Jose Reyes created some drama with the Marlins current third baseman Hanley Ramirez.

But currently, none of those things are as big of a deal as comments said by Ozzie Guillen.

He said, “Fidel Castro. He’s a bull-dictator and everybody’s against him, and he still survives, has power. Still has a country behind him. Everywhere he goes they roll out the red carpet. I don’t admire his philosophy. I admire him.”

Major League Baseball suspended Guillen for five games (three at home, two away). Guillen also addressed his statements in a press conference. He apologized for his actions, but as he said it, he didn’t seem apologetic.

The season has barely begun and the Marlins have already made headlines. Some of them have been for good reasons, while others like this issue with Guillen have been for bad. Now fans will just wait to see what other drama Guillen and the Marlins can stir up.

[WRITER’S NOTE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE APRIL 2012 EDITION OF “THE PULSE”]