The Marlins sent LF Logan Morrison to its Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans Saturday, and while the team publicly is citing his .249 batting average "as the reason he was demoted," people close to Morrison "say he sees a direct connection to his decision to skip" an event with season-ticket holders, according to Capozzi & Habib of the PALM BEACH POST. Morrison "skipped a meet-and-greet with season-ticket holders" Saturday after being "upset about the way the team's charitable arm handled a recent fundraiser he sponsored." The rest of the team attended Saturday's event. The Marlins Saturday also released 3B and player rep Wes Helms, who "had advised Morrison not to attend the event." Fred Wray, Morrison's agent, said, "We are going to, with absolute certainty, explore this and contact the union and make sure Logan's rights are protected. It doesn't seem like everything adds up here." Capozzi & Habib report Morrison "plans to issue a formal apology to the season-ticket holders on his Twitter account." Morrison has a bowling tournament scheduled for Thursday that was intended to "raise money for the American Lung Association." However, he indicated that it was cancelled Wednesday because the Florida Marlins Community Foundation "'dropped the ball' and didn't sell enough lanes in advance." Capozzi & Habib note Morrison's "candid comments on Twitter have been criticized" by Marlins President David Samson. Morrison criticized Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria and the front office in June "for firing hitting coach John Mallee." Morrison currently ranks second on the team with 17 home runs and third with 60 RBIs (PALM BEACH POST, 8/15). MLB.com's Villavicencio & Frisaro report Wray "plans on discussing the situation with the MLB Players Association on Monday morning to see if there is any grounds for a grievance." Wray: "Any speculation about a grievance is just that. But we do plan on consulting with the Players Association." Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest yesterday "did not refute claims that some off-the-field issues factored into Morrison being optioned" (MLB.com, 8/15).
A LOST SEASON? In West Palm Beach, Greg Stoda wrote the Marlins are getting "no bump -- no lift, no energy -- this year" heading into the '12 season, the first they will play in their new baseball-specific ballpark. There is "nothing enticing or compelling about the soon-to-be Miami Marlins other than seeing if young slugger Mike Stanton is going to strike out or blast a home run." That is "no way for the Marlins to be advertising themselves as they await 2012 entry into their new ballpark in Little Havana.” Although Stanton is “an attractive commodity,” he is not yet “the kind of player who puts fans in the stands." Loria said, “The fan base is here, and it will turn out en masse next year” (PALM BEACH POST, 8/14).
