Marlins President David Samson "would neither confirm nor deny reports that the Marlins have a 'handshake agreement' to sell the club" for $1.6B to a group led by N.Y-based venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, according to Clark Spencer of the MIAMI HERALD. Samson was "asked repeatedly" on Saturday at the team's FanFest whether the club was for sale and whether a deal was in place to sell the team that Jeffrey Loria has owned for the past 15 years. Samson: "Over the years there’s been so many different rumors that have gone on, and our position has been pretty standard on that. We don’t address them." However, he "acknowledged that a number of people have asked about buying the team over the years." Samson: "I would say about 12 times a year, probably once a month. And I would say every team is approached that often" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/12). Samson said that he has "spoken with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to dispel the notion that Charles Kushner, Joshua’s father and a convicted felon, was involved in the potential deal." Samson "reiterated a sentiment from earlier in the offseason, that Loria -- known for his frugality and tendency to trade away star players -- is as committed as ever to Miami." Samson: "I hope fans don’t think about who is the person owning the team. I always want them to think about who are the people playing the game, who they get to watch" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 2/12).
QUESTIONS PLEASE: In Ft. Lauderdale, Tim Healey noted Marlins players on Friday had to "answer questions" about the team's potential sale at the club's annual "Day of Impact" community outreach program. Marlins P A.J. Ramos said, "I’ve come to expect things like this. I feel like there’s always something that comes out, always something we’re going to have to talk about." However, RF Giancarlo Stanton was "less than pleased with being repeatedly asked about the Loria buzz." He said, "We got any good stuff or is all nonsense off the field?" Ramos added, "I’m curious to know what’s going to go on -- when it’s going to happen, if it’s going to happen. All I’ll say is we play for the guys in the locker room" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 2/11). In Miami, Andre Fernandez noted most Marlins fans who attended the FanFest would be "glad to see the team under new ownership" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/12). Also in Miami, Greg Cote wrote under the header, "Loria Must Sell Marlins To Elicit Cheer." Cote: "You thought the death of Fidel Castro was celebrated down here? The departure of Loria might run a close second." Loria will "never be more popular than when he grants fans’ collective wish and finally agrees to sell the team, his departure robustly cheered." Cote: "There are too many reasons that too many would-be fans have boycotted the Marlins on account of Loria. His toxic unpopularity is beyond repair and befouls the entire franchise and Marlins brand" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/11).
MONEY MATTERS: The SUN-SENTINEL's Healey notes the Marlins are making a "significant jump" in payroll this season to approximately $115M, a franchise record. Samson also said that the team is "pursuing multiple avenues to increase the club’s revenue." The more "pressing matter is a naming-rights deal for Marlins Park." Samson said that the team is "still in talks with three companies and he wants a done deal by the All-Star Game," which will be at Marlins Park in July. Healey notes the "larger potential revenue source for the Marlins is their TV rights." Both of those sources of income would "help the Marlins reach their goal of having a more consistent year-to-year payroll." Samson: "One of the issues we’ve had as an organization is this sort of up payroll, down payroll, up payroll. I’d rather it be much more like a carousel than a roller coaster. And I think getting to that point requires more revenue" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 2/13).
