MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has "become exasperated" with Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria’s "sluggish effort to sell the team -- and would like to see it wrapped up in the next two weeks," according to sources cited by Kosman & Atkinson of the N.Y. POST. This year’s All-Star Game will be played at Marlins Stadium, and sources said that MLB brass "doesn’t want relentless headlines about the Marlins sale process to obscure coverage of the game." Engineering firm MasTec co-Founder & Chair Jorge Mas has become "interested in speaking" with Derek Jeter about teaming up on a bid. But Mas would "clearly be the controlling owner," as he "does not need any financial help" (N.Y. POST, 6/26). BLOOMBERG NEWS' Scott Soshnick cited sources as saying that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has "joined forces with Tagg Romney and Wayne Rothbaum to make a bid" for the Marlins. The offer "threatens" Jeter’s efforts. Until a month ago, Bush and Jeter "were partners" in a bid for the team. Sources said that Bush brings a "national profile to the deep pockets of Rothbaum and Romney, who will provide the bulk of the capital" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 6/23).
SHOW ME THE MONEY: In Miami, Barry Jackson cited sources as saying that Mas is "willing to contribute" at least $200M, "potentially much more, and has been seeking investors to solidify his bid." It is "unclear if he is willing to meet" the $1.3B asking price. A source said that under a Romney/Bush/Rothbaum bid, Rothbaum "would stand to be the 'control person.'" There is "still a possibility Romney could be the 'control person,' but it won't be Bush" (MIAMI HERALD, 6/24). ESPN.com's Pedro Gomez noted Mas' family has been "well-known in Miami and South Florida for decades." A source said that Mas' group "appears to have the most solid footing and deepest pockets." A source added that Mas would "focus on making the Marlins Latin America's team" (ESPN.com, 6/24).
