SMILEY HOLDING "SIGNIFICANT MEETINGS" IN HIS BID FOR MARLINS

          The Marlins' "unsettled ownership situation should be
     clarified by the end of January," according to Barry Jackson
     of the MIAMI HERALD.  Speaking through a spokesperson, Owner
     Wayne Huizenga said that Marlins President Don Smiley will
     have "significant meetings" this month, and then he will
     decide "whether to abandon efforts to put together an
     investment group to buy the team."  Smiley would not
     comment, but Jackson wrote that "he is believed to be trying
     to borrow from banks to help finance the deal."  However, NL
     rules say financing of a sale must have two parts equity to
     one part debt (Barry Jackson, MIAMI HERALD, 1/11).