Marlins CEO Derek Jeter yesterday said that ownership has "added new investors" since taking over the team, but "refused to offer specifics as to the number, their identities, or the amount of their contributions," according to Clark Spencer of the MIAMI HERALD. Jeter maintained that the organization is "not cash-poor." He said, “This is a well-capitalized ownership group. If we don’t add another investor, everyone is fine. So don’t think this is not a well-capitalized ownership group” (MIAMI HERALD, 2/14). Jeter added, "We are doing exactly what we set out to do." He said, "We've gotten a very warm welcome from individuals and corporations who have reached out and said they want to be a part of this journey. People understand that there needed to be some change here" (AP, 2/13). Jeter said he is "optimistic" about the team's future. Jeter: "The fans are frustrated because it's a complicated history. But the bottom line is we're not changing something here that's been working." He added of what young fans will say about the ownership group in 20 years, "That we made this a fun place to come, that we built ... something that's sustainable over time. I didn't get into this to have an exit strategy" ("Evening News," CBS, 2/13).
BALLPARK NUMBER: Jeter said that he "hopes to leave" the retractable roof at Marlins Park "open more often, though he knows South Florida’s climate doesn’t lend itself to that for much of baseball season." In Ft. Lauderdale, Tim Healey notes the roof in '17 was "open for six home games." Jeter said, “There’s an opportunity to open it more” (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 2/14). Healey also notes "renaming Marlins Park to increase revenue is again a priority." Newly hired President of Business Operations Chip Bowers yesterday said, “My belief is we will get a naming rights partner.” But Bowers "didn’t offer a timeline on when a naming-rights deal might be reached" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 2/14).
TAKE A DEEP BREATH: In Ft. Lauderdale, Dave Hyde writes the "knee-jerk analysis" to offseason moves made by the Marlins is "so toxic a deep, breath of perspective would be good for everyone now." Jeter said, “I’m learning patience. One thing when you’re competing, especially in sports, it’s instant gratification or disappointment. But I’m learning that you need to have patience when you’re building something.” Hyde notes Jeter has "made errors. Loud errors of presentation more than deed, if you study it." But new owners "always make errors." Jeter’s prime error was "not seeming to realize his voice matters in a way it never did as a player." He has "made mistakes" and "learned patience." The question remains if Jeter can "clear the air enough to breathe in the coming season" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 2/14).
