SMILEY EMERGES AS LEADER TO REEL IN THE MARLINS

          A month after Owner Wayne Huizenga announced plans to
     sell the Marlins, "club President Don Smiley has emerged as
     the most serious candidate to put together a group to buy
     the team," according to Barry Jackson in the MIAMI HERALD. 
     Smiley has "been working quietly" to find investors to join
     a potential ownership group, and two sources tell Jackson
     that while Smiley still has "substantial work to do, the
     early feedback has been encouraging and there is optimism
     Smiley might be able to raise enough capital to make a
     legitimate bid."  Jackson adds that Smiley's group "figures
     to have 30 or so investors, with each contributing several
     million dollars."  Huizenga "is believed to be" seeking
     $130-150M for the team.  Smiley declined to comment, but "it
     is believed" he would keep the team at Pro Player Stadium,
     rather than build a domed ballpark (MIAMI HERALD, 7/24).