Full Press Conference: Peter Bendix Takes Questions on 2025 Marlins, Offseason Plans

Perhaps it's misplaced, but Bendix looked and sounded more confident this time. Nothing like big progress on the field, some on-target decisions, and the return of top pitching health to brighten one's spirits. I'm not saying he is feeling his oats, as they used to say, but he most certainly has a measure of vindication after near-universal low expectations and even scorn for the dearth of conventional deals. Despite the incessant drumbeat about payroll, the near-religious certainty that high-priced, long-term FA signings are the answer, Bendix is proceeding and succeeding. The lowest-spending team in play come late September, four games from a Wild Card, ready reinforcements on the farm, and while it's best player is on the shelf. Yes, it's exciting and, franky, cause for a bit of delightful smugness.