Although Marlins Owner Wayne Huizenga "says he is
considering selling the Marlins, several sources close to"
Huizenga "believes he is far more likely to keep the team
and try to cut expenses, primarily" the payroll, according
to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Those "familiar with
Huizenga's thinking say they do not believe he has made a
final decision and could be tempted by the right offer."
Jackson adds that if Huizenga keeps the team, expenses "will
be cut, starting with" payroll. While Huizenga has also
"downplayed interest in a baseball-only stadium, he would be
receptive" if the County paid for it, however, Jackson adds
that if Huizenga were to sell, he would "prefer" the team
stay in South FL, as he "wants the Marlins playing in his
stadium and on his TV network to increase profits for those
businesses." Paxson Communications CEO Bud Paxson "may be
among those with interest" in the team (MIAMI HERALD, 6/20).
NUMBER CRUNCHING: Sources "knowledgeable about the
Marlins' finances" say that while the team is sustaining
"major" losses, Huizenga's $30M figure for this season "does
not account for profits that other Huizenga-owned companies
(like Pro Player Stadium and SportsChannel FL) generate from
the Marlins." Huizenga's companies "refuse" to disclose
financial information (MIAMI HERALD, 6/20).
HANK HAMMERED: Miami radio personality Hank Goldberg
was suspended twice in the last week surrounding comments he
made about Huizenga on WQAM, which holds radio rights to
Huizenga's teams. Goldberg was first suspended three days
with pay after he "questioned" Huizenga's $30M loss figure,
and "wondered if Huizenga had a hidden agenda for talking
about possibly selling the Marlins during their sold-out
series against the Yankees." Goldberg was suspended
yesterday for a week without pay after he released to the
Sun-Sentinel a document the station wanted him to sign
"stating he wouldn't criticize WQAM's promotional partners"
(Dave Joseph, Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 6/20).
