So, with Miami and Miami-Dade County approvals now in hand, the Marlins finally believe they’ll be able to break ground for their new ballpark perhaps as soon as July. That is if the bonds can get sold and barring any other legal or governmental obstacle.

If the ballpark does get built at the former site of the Orange Bowl in Little Havana, will you go? I’ve heard from numerous Marlins fans in Broward and Palm Beach counties that they’ll still follow the team, but they won’t travel to Little Havana. Not at all? Never?

My colleague Mike Mayo wrote a column today, expressing the sentiments of many these days: he’ll wave from his couch. This isn’t just how people are feeling about baseball, but about sports in general. I’ve written about people finding the increase in ticket prices combined with the drop in prices for HD and big screen TVs makes staying at home a more inviting option. Add in the recession and layoffs and it’s no wonder teams are freezing and reducing ticket prices and offering special promotions to get fans in the door.

Have you stopped going to sporting events? Do you miss them?

Also, I'm taking suggestions for update numbers, if you want to weigh in. It was suggested after last night's county commission vote that I start again at 1, since the project has now been approved. Today's figure is the combined proposed cost of the $515 million stadium, $94 million in parking lots and $24 million in street and sewer work. (The figures don't always have a meaning, in case you were wondering). Let me know what you think.