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There Are Not Plenty Of Fish Left In Miami | Defector

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There Are Not Plenty Of Fish Left In Miami | Defector


In 2023, the Miami Marlins returned to the postseason for just the second time since 2003. (That’s the generous version, which requires you count the shortened 2020 season.) They rolled out this lineup in their first Wild Card game against the Phillies:

  1. Luis Arraez 2B
  2. Jorge Soler DH
  3. Josh Bell 1B
  4. Jazz Chisholm Jr. CF
  5. Jake Burger 3B
  6. Bryan De La Cruz LF
  7. Jesús Sánchez RF
  8. Jon Berti SS
  9. Nick Fortes C

Not one year later, three of those guys remain on the team. Berti was traded to the Yankees this past offseason; Soler signed with the Giants in free agency; four more departed in the Marlins’ prolonged season sell-off, which began back in May and ended with surely the busiest deadline day in MLB on Tuesday.

The Marlins had begun the year 9-25 when newly hired Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix decided to call it a wrap and trade Luis Arráez to the Padres, a rare early-season flicker on the hot stove. At the time, Bendix told a reporter that it was a “difficult type of move to make” and one he knew sent “a difficult message in the short term.” If Arráez is a polarizing player—a one-tool guy whose one tool has won him batting championships—he was also a fan-favorite All-Star and the face of the 2023 team. The trade no doubt felt familiar to Marlins fans, who know never to grow too attached.

Marlins fans probably won’t miss a scuffling Josh Bell, whom the Diamondbacks picked up yesterday to be an injury replacement for Christian Walker at first base. The 26-year-old Jazz Chisholm Jr., who socked four towering home runs in his first three games in Yankee pinstripes, may be a different story. Also, Bryan De La Cruz is on the Pirates now. And those are just the position players. The Marlins also dealt closer Tanner Scott and middle reliever Bryan Hoeing to the Padres, sent a controllable lefty starter in Trevor Rogers to the Orioles, traded righty reliever Huascar Brazobán to the Mets, shipped lefty reliever A.J. Puk to the Diamondbacks, and jettisoned JT Chargois to the Mariners. It’s enough to make a blogger need more synonyms for “trade.”

By the end of Tuesday, the Marlins’ roster was nine major-league players lighter, and Miami’s farm system had essentially absorbed San Diego’s. Only the fan who bought a Jake Burger jersey is safe—and who knows for how long?

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“It’s certainly been stressful, but it’s been exceptionally exciting. We have an opportunity here to really build a first-class organization and I’ve been entrusted to make that happen and I’m very honored by that,” Bendix told the Marlins Radio Network after the deadline. “The last month in particular, I think we’ve been able to add a tremendous amount of talent to the organization that’s going to serve us well.” 

There were reasons for Bendix to doubt the existing version of the Marlins. They made the playoffs last year with a record-low negative-57 run differential, and possibly record-high levels of dawg and clutch; the 2023 Marlins went 33-14 in one-run games. After being bounced from the playoffs in two games, Miami paid the price for all that good fortune in rotation injuries this year: Sandy Alcántara, the runaway Cy Young winner in 2022, was shut down late last season and eventually underwent Tommy John surgery. Precocious Eury Pérez delivered on the “baseball’s best pitching prospect” hype in his brief call-up last year, but also needed Tommy John this spring. When the club scratched Jesús Luzardo from a start because of back inflammation in late June, he became the seventh starter on the injured list. At 38-68 before the deadline, the Marlins were long doomed to a lost season.

Conventional MLB wisdom goes that the team stripped for parts is a “deadline winner.” But whether the Marlins have won the deadline depends on a lot more: whether the new front office can actually develop the “tremendous amount of talent” they’ve acquired, and whether they can make the necessary investments to retain them. It’s easy to sell. It takes a lot more courage to be a Marlins fan.



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Unlicensed contractor arrested after allegedly scamming Miami Catholic school out of $220,000

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Unlicensed contractor arrested after allegedly scamming Miami Catholic school out of 0,000



A Miami‑Dade County man is behind bars after authorities say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Catholic school for repairs that were never completed.

Nestor Olivares, 50, is charged with grand theft of more than $100,000, organized fraud and operating without a contractor’s license, according to court records. Investigators allege the theft began in 2024 and involved money paid to repair the roof at St. Kevin’s Catholic School.

Court documents show the school paid Olivares more than $220,000 beginning last year for materials and labor to fix the roof. However, prosecutors say no work was ever done.

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During a bond court hearing Monday, Olivares appeared before a judge and spoke through an interpreter.

“He doesn’t have a valid contractor license in the state of Florida or Miami‑Dade County,” Judge Mindy Glazer said during the hearing.

According to investigators, Olivares later tried to negotiate with the school after the work failed to materialize. 

Court records state he ultimately promised to issue a full refund by Feb. 26, but the school never received a payment.

After his arrest, Olivares told investigators he was unable to repay the full amount at one time, the documents say.

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Olivares remains in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $30,150 bond. As a condition of his release, he will be required to prove any money used to post bond comes from a legitimate source.



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Dolphins 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami could catch the wave just right and get a monster draw in the top-50 picks

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Dolphins 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami could catch the wave just right and get a monster draw in the top-50 picks


The Miami Dolphins will serve as one of the main characters for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts across the internet have propositioned countless player combinations for Miami’s seven-pick top-100 haul that is scheduled for the end of the month. I hope you’re ready for another one.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins will serve as one of the main characters for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts across the internet have propositioned countless player combinations for Miami’s seven-pick top-100 haul that is scheduled for the end of the month. I hope you’re ready for another one.

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Here’s my latest 2026 7-round Miami Dolphins mock draft, in which I used the new A to Z Sports NFL mock draft simulator to make my picks.

Miami Dolphins 2026 7-round NFL mock draft secures plug-in starters at several positions

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

11th overall – SAF Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes

I’d be willing to bet the Dolphins are eager to do as general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has alluded and build this roster from the inside out. But head coach Jeff Hafley did recently disclose just how important safeties are to how he calls a football game. I’d take 1+1 and accept that it equals two: Downs would have a strong argument for best player on the board and fits a vital position for the Dolphins.

Key players not on the board in this simulation: OT Francis Mauigoa (Miami), EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State), CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)

Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

30th overall – EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson Tigers

I have long maintained that this draft will get interesting fast for the Dolphins. If Clemson EDGE TJ Parker is on the board, he’d serve as an excellent option for a pass rush room that needs more snap takers, more physicality, and more competition. Parker makes for an excellent foil in skills opposite Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche. The question isn’t if the Dolphins should draft Parker, but rather if he’ll make it to pick No. 30 overall. He did in this simulation and I gobbled him up.

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

43rd overall – OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M Aggies

The risk Miami is taking from a depth of draft position cannot be underestimated in this draft. There are 10 firm contenders in the offensive line group to hear their names called in the top-40 picks. If that entire group runs off the board, you could be on the outside looking in.

I took the risk at 11th overall because of Downs’ value, then the value at No. 30 because I got a high-volume player to rush the passer. Bisontis does not have offensive tackle flexibility but would likely present an upgrade at offensive guard. Seeing his name on the list of available players list at No. 43 made for a quick decision.

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) reacts after his touchdown against the UAB Blazers in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

75th overall – WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies

Miami’s dream scenario in the top-50 still leaves four third-round selections to make and plenty of position groups that need attention. I’ll start with a double-dip at wide receiver to capitalize on the depth of the pass-catcher group in the 2026 NFL Draft with third round picks. Bell is a 2025 breakout player who thrived as a marquee option for the Huskies; he thrived with the ball in his hands and downfield thanks to his speed and explosiveness.

Bell is a little rough around the edges and drops were an issue prior to 2025, which is why he may end up on the board with Miami’s pick here.

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Ted Hurst (7) of Georgia State lines up during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

87th overall – WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State Panthers

As promised, a double dip at wide receiver. There are still going to be major questions about QB Malik Willis’ supporting cast after drafting Bell and now Ted Hurst, but at least there’s youth, explosiveness, downfield ability, and potential for the Dolphins to embrace in a wide open competition for playing time. Hurst is a long-framed receiver who also flashes great open-field ability and vertical receiving as the Dolphins seek to build explosive plays off of their potential running game.

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) reacts after a play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

90th overall – CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies

There’s a certain DNA that many of the corners in Miami’s position room share this offseason. Big, physical, and long. Prysock is all of the above. He’s a legit 6-foot-3, has an 80.5″ wingspan (95th percentile for cornerbacks since 1999) and he offers the profile of a press corner to compete for playing time in Miami along with the other dozen corners the Dolphins have hoarded.

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

94th overall – LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines

If you like players who are compared to the Tasmanian Devil, you’re in luck. Barham is an absolutely unhinged player in the best way possible. He’s aggressive, he punches above his weight class, and he could serve as a hybrid linebacker/edge defender player for a little front flexibility for Coach Hafley. His profile as an edge is only scratching the surface of his potential but slotting him into the room with Parker and the veteran group gives Miami a chance to see someone emerge.

Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Hezekiah Masses (5) during the third quarter against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

130th overall – CB Hezekiah Masses, California Golden Bears

Masses isn’t big like Prysock. But man, is he a tenacious son of a gun out there on the perimeter. Masses is an “in your face” player at the cornerback position and I love his attitude on film. When Jeff Hafley says ‘put on the tape’ to determine if someone loves football, Masses is the kind of player that comes to mind.

Dec 31, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dallen Bentley (88) carries the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Rex Guthrie in the first half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

151st overall – TE Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes

Bentley was a breakout player for the Utes offense in 2025. He’s a sure-handed, big-bodied receiving type at tight end who showcases sufficient ability to make plays underneath in the passing game. There’s some surprising “after catch” skills to work with here for Bentley in his bid to win a role in the tight end room.

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

227th overall – FB Max Bredeson, Michigan Wolverines

Miami does not currently have a fullback on the roster and it is probably safe to assume that they will add one. Bredeson fits the mauler play style that I suspect this team is after amid the talk of the tone and intensity they play the game with.

Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal (4) against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium.
Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal (4) against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium.Chris Jones-Imagn Images

238th overall – QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks

Daniels is my mock draft quarterback of choice to join the quarterback room behind Malik Willis. Getting a signal caller with some similar traits, even if they aren’t the same caliber, should be an objective to allow the identity of the offense to stay the same if injuries arise in 2026.

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Miami teacher walks 120 miles in Spain to give students their first school dance

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Miami teacher walks 120 miles in Spain to give students their first school dance


A Miami woman took a leap of faith on Easter Sunday.

As a teacher in Spain, she learned her students have never had a real school dance — so she decided to change that.

In 10 days, she walked more than 120 miles — all for a beloved group of teens who have never had a school dance.

Roxana Rauseo is a Miami native living in Guardo, a small mountain town in northern Spain, where she works as an English teaching assistant at a local public high school.

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In her classroom, Rauseo teaches American culture alongside conversational English.

She told Local 10 News one topic always seemed to light her students up.

“We go through a lot of American culture,” Rauseo said. “So what do schools look like in the US, right? How does the day to day work? How is it different? What’s good? What’s bad? And one of the themes that kept coming up is prom and homecoming.”

So she decided to do something about it — taking on one of the routes in the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route across Spain, and turning every kilometer into a fundraising opportunity.

On Easter Sunday, Rauseo crossed the finish line at the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, raising roughly 2,500 euros so far.

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“Although I’m mentally, physically, emotionally exhausted — it really means the world to me and to my students,” she said during her arrival.

And her students? They still don’t know any of this happened.

Rauseo plans to surprise them Tuesday and hopes to throw them a proper end-of-year dance by late June.

You can donate to the cause by clicking here.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.



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