Reason for optimism: Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez are scheduled to take the field together on Opening Day for the first time since May 9, 2014.
Reason for pessimism: C'mon, it's the Marlins.
The accepted wisdom among many commentators this spring is that there is such a clear distinction between the teams that are trying to win in the National League, and those engaged in a tear-down, that there are only eight teams vying for five playoff spots. Therefore, it's reasoned, only three teams are going to end the season disappointed. Cue Leo Corso -- "Not so fast, my friends."
Twenty-eight games. Why is that a significant data point?