As the Marlins clinched a spot in the World Series,
Owner Wayne Huizenga "dodged questions about his intentions
and whether he is changing his mind" about selling the team,
according to Lebowitz & Fins of the Ft. Lauderdale SUN-
SENTINEL. But that question appears to be "crossing the
minds" of those in a potential new ownership group. Marlins
President Don Smiley is trying to put together a group with
"the political clout" to persuade Dade County and Miami
officials to build a new ballpark for the team. Jorge de
Cespedes, who has been approached by Smiley about joining
his group: "I wonder where Mr. Huizenga's head is on this
whole thing, whether he's having second thoughts." Those
"close to Huizenga," however, point out that the economics
of baseball "haven't changed," and that the Marlins "will
still lose upwards of" $30M this year (SUN-SENTINEL, 10/16).
In Miami, Barry Jackson notes sources who say that "it's
unlikely" Huizenga will change his mind on selling, and that
he "remains convinced" MLB "is economically flawed."
Sources add that Huizenga is not publicly repeating his
intentions because he "doesn't want to cast a negative
light" on the Marlins' postseason (MIAMI HERALD, 10/16).
CATCH OF THE DAY: The Marlins finances were examined by
CNBC's Greg Miles on "Power Lunch." Miles reported that in
their first five years the team lost about $200M and are
expected to lose $15-30M this season. Miles adds that,
according to Financial World figures, reaching the World
Series "has boosted the team's value from an estimated"
$123M in '96 to about $150M this year (CNBC, 10/15).
FUNNY GUY: Jay Leno, on the Marlins reaching the World
Series: "They're calling it the greatest day in Miami
history since the invention of the hip replacement." More
Leno: "And those Miamians, oh I tell you ... On Collins
Avenue in Miami people were partying up as late as 9:30 last
night -- just lining the streets" ("Tonight Show," 10/15).