Fish Stripes - Jeffrey Loria close to selling Marlins?Covering the Marlins every day in our own wayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52814/Screen_Shot_2018-12-07_at_12.32.35_PM..png2017-02-10T08:00:01-05:00http://www.fishstripes.com/rss/stream/143264172017-02-10T08:00:01-05:002017-02-10T08:00:01-05:00Marlins Morning News: Joshua Kushner emerges as the lead in potential sale of the Marlins
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<p>Marlins news and notes from around baseball</p> <p id="XgTzRn"><strong>Marlins News: </strong></p>
<p id="rL6Y9M">According to the New York Times, Joshua Kushner is the man at the head of the group attempting to complete a purchase that would <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/09/business/dealbook/kushner-marlins.html?smid=tw-nytpolitics&smtyp=cur&_r=1">bring the Miami Marlins under their control</a>. Joshua is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son in-law and close advisor of President Trump. There is no indication at this time that Mr. Kushner’s father (real-estate mogul Charles Kushner), his brother Jared, or the President have any involvement with the investment group (because if they did, ethical questions would undoubtedly be raised).</p>
<p id="xdMP6Q">USA Today released <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fmlb%2F2017%2F02%2F07%2Fmlb-2017-win-totals%2F97586876%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishstripes.com%2F2017%2F2%2F10%2F13999078%2Fmarlins-morning-news-joshua-kushner-emerges-as-the-lead-in-potential-marlins-sale-mlb-rumors" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">predictions</a> earlier in the week for all 30 MLB teams, and also had a separate piece <a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/02/all-30-mlb-teams-pitching-starting-rotations-rankings-2017-staff-best-worst">ranking</a> all 30 team’s starting rotations. Hazard a guess at where the Marlins ended up, and you probably wont be disappointed.</p>
<p id="HHHJHc">Somewhat lost in the shuffle yesterday was the news that David Phelps had <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14562764/david-phelps-wins-arbitration-case">won his arbitration hearing</a>, garnering a slight raise in the process.</p>
<p id="IwGGL6">Never one to mince words, Yahoo Sport’s Jeff Passan penned a piece upon hearing news of the sale <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/the-glorious-exit-of-jeffrey-loria-the-worst-owner-in-sports-054809854.html">absolutely torching</a> current Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, mainly due to being so brazenly cheap running the team while positioning himself for a record financial windfall should a deal go through.</p>
<p id="CPxpD0"><strong>Around Baseball:</strong></p>
<p id="3Uvzwv">It was discovered yesterday that former Rangers and Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson had quietly retired and is now <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/c-j-wilson-retires-from-baseball-to-pursue-career-selling-and-racing-cars/">running an automobile dealership in Fresno</a>. Wilson enjoyed a ten year career where he compiled a 94-70 W/L record, 52 saves and put up a 3.74 ERA/3.82 FIP over the course of his baseball existence.</p>
<p id="03Ls0h">Oft-troubled Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang has had his <a href="http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2017/02/09/0200000000AEN20170209005000315.html">court date set for February 22nd</a> regarding <a href="http://deadspin.com/heres-dashcam-footage-from-jung-ho-kangs-alleged-dui-cr-1789599946">a DUI charge</a> he received in his home country of South Korea in December of last year. This being Kang’s third DUI since 2009, there is some thought that the commissioner’s office might dole out some additional punishment.</p>
<p id="OZVBph">Speaking of commissioner Manfred, since taking over in January of 2015 he has constantly been seeking out ways to tweak baseball, in many cases to make it a speedier game. His latest idea involves <a href="http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-extra-innings-runner-on-second-base-report-joe-torre-020817">placing a runner on second base at the onset of extra innings</a>, and it will be tested in the low minors starting this season. Predictably, this hasn’t gone over well in some corners of the baseball world. Here is SB Nation’s Grant Brisbee <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/2/9/14554980/baseball-extra-innings-changes-wbc-minors-nope-octopus-bad-idea-jeans">on the subject</a>.</p>
<p id="rJxMuf">Former All-Star closer Brian Wilson is attempting to make a comeback...<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnesn.com%2F2017%2F02%2Fbrian-wilson-now-beardless-plotting-mlb-comeback-as-knuckleballer%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishstripes.com%2F2017%2F2%2F10%2F13999078%2Fmarlins-morning-news-joshua-kushner-emerges-as-the-lead-in-potential-marlins-sale-mlb-rumors" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">as a knuckle-ball pitcher</a>.</p>
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https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/10/13999078/marlins-morning-news-joshua-kushner-emerges-as-the-lead-in-potential-marlins-sale-mlb-rumorsThomas Bennett2017-02-09T18:20:17-05:002017-02-09T18:20:17-05:00Kushners unlikely involved in buying Marlins
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<p>It’s unlikely Charles Kushner buys the team, though. </p> <p id="Qrx8G4"><strong>UPDATE</strong> — Charles Kushner is<a href="http://www.fanragsports.com/mlb/heyman-marlins-agreement-place-potential-sale/"> not involved</a> in talks to purchase the Marlins from Jeffrey Loria, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman. </p>
<p id="tdxlOq"><strong>ORIGINAL</strong> — Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria reportedly has a “handshake agreement” to sell the team, and the Kushner family <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-09/kushner-family-said-bidding-for-baseball-s-miami-marlins">is among the parties</a> in talks to acquire the Miami-based franchise, according to Bloomberg. </p>
<p id="UAPd4w">ESPN’s Darren Rovell <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/829801626227597312">first linked</a> Charles Kushner, who is Ivanka Trump’s father in law, to the Marlins earlier this afternoon. It’s <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/829823267020083200">unlikely</a> MLB owners would approve Kushner, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, but his sons could end up purchasing the team. </p>
<p id="g2syKi">Major League Baseball must directly be informed of discussions with regard to the sale of one of its franchises, and according to a statement released Thursday afternoon (via Rovell), Kushner has not yet been formally linked to the organization:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MLB says it hasn't met with anyone related to a Charles Kushner Marlins bid <a href="https://t.co/Gp4vTg4M9U">pic.twitter.com/Gp4vTg4M9U</a></p>— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/829821454376116225">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="0cTNf4">There could be several other individuals or groups interested in buying the Marlins, and it’s unclear if Kushner was the unnamed real estate owner Forbes reported had agreed to purchase the club. Regardless of who buys the Marlins, a sale does not seem imminent. </p>
<p id="xhz7Rk">The sale <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/829827874588917760">requires</a> approval and “takes months,” according to Heyman. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14570344/kushners-marlins-owner-saleScott Gelman2017-02-09T14:41:52-05:002017-02-09T14:41:52-05:00Marlins fans get a “dare to dream” moment
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<p>Imagine the possibilities</p> <p id="6pnaQL">Imagine an owner passionate about winning above all else.</p>
<p id="zUtDTG">Imagine a payroll limited only by the ebb and flow of the free agent market in any given year.</p>
<p id="untRqU">Imagine a front office filled with smart baseball people ready and willing to use the latest statistics to give the Marlins a competitive edge.</p>
<p id="IUYAlr">Imagine a minor league system stacked to the brim with promising young talent.</p>
<p id="1vi0rG">Imagine an international scouting department that is a leader in bringing in talent from around the world.</p>
<p id="IIXMrg">Imagine coaches capable of creating an atmosphere both conducive to learning AND fun; coaches capable of bringing out the best in a player, of properly identifying their strengths and weaknesses and utilizing them on a game to game basis. </p>
<p id="esx8aW">Imagine a clubhouse that players from other teams would kill to be a part of.</p>
<p id="WPCJmC">Imagine Miami as the destination spot it deserves to be, a place where players want to play, and stay.</p>
<p id="SQtB9Y">Imagine Hall of Fame players going into Cooperstown with a Miami cap on; first one, then many.</p>
<p id="5oCoBN">Imagine Miami as a baseball-first town (yes, given time, it could happen).</p>
<p id="MCmRzq">Imagine flipping on the TV, landing on SportsCenter, and seeing the Marlins on a regular basis. Not as the butt of jokes, but as a model franchise, a consistent winner.</p>
<p id="FANEon">Imagine a balanced roster capable of driving deep into the playoffs for years on end.</p>
<p id="U7QXaQ">Imagine a stadium packed to the gills with a revitalized, passionate fan base.</p>
<p id="bvsIK7">Imagine being the envy of the baseball world.</p>
<p id="I25NXx">Maybe this doesn’t happen. Maybe Loria has given us all the classic head-fake.</p>
<p id="6AfjID">Or maybe it’s only a matter of time.</p>
<p id="3Avgmk"><strong>Imagine.</strong></p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14348810/marlins-fans-get-a-dare-to-dream-momentThomas Bennett2017-02-09T13:51:00-05:002017-02-09T13:51:00-05:00Baseball experts react via twitter to Loria reportedly selling the team
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<p>During a boring offseason, you can always count on Jeffrey Loria to liven it up</p> <p id="9NibA1">This MLB offseason was quiet. Too quiet. Looks like that is about to change.</p>
<p id="fmYUZW">According to Forbes, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has a handshake agreement to sell the team for $1.6 Million. Not many other details are known, aside from the reported winning bidder being a real estate developer from New York. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Miami Marlins claim to have $1.6 billion handshake agreement for team <a href="https://t.co/eaPG9FEUFR">https://t.co/eaPG9FEUFR</a> <a href="https://t.co/sYace53FXk">pic.twitter.com/sYace53FXk</a></p>— Forbes (@Forbes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Forbes/status/829722480357027842">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="EZh3bk">Marlins fans have been waiting for this news for a long time. Nothing is official but if this comes to fruition, this will make a lot of people very happy; including Loria. $1.6 billion is a lot of Benjamins.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">official word from marlins on forbes report they are selling team for $1.6B: "not commenting. sorry."</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/829731885811171330">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="wn1SDc">The Marlins refused to comment when reached by Jon Heyman. This isn’t much of a surprise.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">other team owners seem pretty excited about the price in reported $1.6B marlins agreement. shows high value of franchises.</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/829752493873692672">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="XFnVc7">This is a really big deal. Forbes had the Marlins valued at $675 million. So either teams are worth a lot more than expected or Loria really is a masterful businessman.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have been told neither Jeter nor A-Rod part of group trying to buy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Marlins?src=hash">#Marlins</a>. Both have expressed interest in ownership, ties to Fla/Miami</p>— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/829743596609863680">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="3KcYHo">Former players are linked to ownership groups all the time. Don’t be surprised if a familiar name is involved with the potential winning bid.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Handshake agreement" or FAKE NEWS to get Loria the asking price he wants for the team</p>— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brendan_Tobin/status/829733093015748608">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="nTBnGv">As mentioned in our <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14561300/loria-looking-to-sell-reaction">reaction piece</a>, there is a possibility that there is no buyer.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Owning a sports team can be a pretty sweet racket. <a href="https://t.co/zlVBbiqpn2">https://t.co/zlVBbiqpn2</a></p>— Jonah Keri (@jonahkeri) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonahkeri/status/829724851183112194">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="IBsjmZ">Jonah Keri wrote a fantastic article a couple months ago detailing how Loria turned a $12 million investment in the Expos into full ownership of the Marlins. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeffrey Loria bought the Marlins for $158 million in 2002. Ten losing seasons and a boondoggle stadium later, he's selling for $1.6 billion.</p>— Zachary D. Rymer (@zachrymer) <a href="https://twitter.com/zachrymer/status/829725697467768832">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Loria selling the Marlins for $1.6 billion after getting $500 million from the public for their stadium would be peak American sports</p>— Ryan (@RyanRosenblatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanRosenblatt/status/829750846472671232">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If Loria sells the Marlins for $1.6B, they should be forced to immediately repay the city of miami the $500M + that we paid for that stadium</p>— Andy King (@AndyKingSXM) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyKingSXM/status/829737330286219264">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Loria ruined two MLB franchises, cheated Miami taxpayers and is now poised to (reportedly) make another huge fortune. Hat's off to him.</p>— Eric Kabakoff (@erickabakoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/erickabakoff/status/829736009843822593">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="HnKIsY">Ouch.</p>
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https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14561606/twitter-reacts-to-loria-reportedly-selling-the-teamSeth Guttman2017-02-09T13:37:12-05:002017-02-09T13:37:12-05:00Marlins Twitter reacts
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<img alt="MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RmswsjcExYCMW70RctxvszSxwf4=/4x0:2133x1419/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53169057/usa_today_9405513.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The response from the community </p> <p id="YdUAb7">One of the greatest things about being a sports fan in the 21<sup>st</sup> century is the opportunity to interact with a community of fans from all across the world over twitter. The group that makes up Marlins Twitter is a small yet dynamic unit, and they wasted no time getting to the keyboard with some hot takes once the news broke this morning.</p>
<p id="kKiuWg">The ever controversial @RealMarlinsFan launched a quick poll to gauge what the popular opinion is of who the new owner would be.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who is the new Miami Marlins owner?</p>— RëalⓂ️arlinsFan (@RealMarlinsFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMarlinsFan/status/829739801893097472">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="50etVr">It’s early, and this is the most unscientific of polls but the majority of Fish fans seem to think we’ll be getting presidential in the near future. Remember that in addition to being the President, Trump also fits the description of a real estate developer from New York.</p>
<p id="9uGnOj">Overall, I’d say that the fan base can be split into three camps.</p>
<p id="f69bK6">Jubilation that Loria is likely on the way out.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This would be best case scenario....THEY WANT TO SELL <a href="https://t.co/TumhiYyA4Z">https://t.co/TumhiYyA4Z</a></p>— Millar (@CapnSpasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapnSpasm/status/829729580038619137">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="feF74G">Skepticism that the deal exists.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">y'all really think loria's gonna sell before the ASG......</p>— alexis ❀ (@xalexiscx) <a href="https://twitter.com/xalexiscx/status/829728582175956992">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="7SfTNT">And, fear that the new owner will be just as bad as Loria.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hey are we all ignoring the part where the guy who might buy the Marlins doesn't have money?</p>— Eric Lauzin (@Lauzin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lauzin/status/829724184867696640">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="wfZfwd">The wise food container @BoxofLunch took the opportunity to point out the time frame that deals generally exist in.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It usually takes at least 6 months from a sale being announced to it even becoming official, so All Star Game isn't a factor at this point.</p>— Lunchbox (@BoxOfLunch) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoxOfLunch/status/829742058743144448">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="Czj8H9">This is true, regardless of when Loria sells he will still own the team for the remainder of 2017 at least, while the paperwork is being done. </p>
<p id="NdwVys">Another hope that was going around was for the return of the old colors and uniforms.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dear whoever big business man that buys the Marlins,<br><br>BRING BACK THE TEAL.<br><br>that is all.</p>— UD only pun for me (@CatDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CatDeportes/status/829739114907975680">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="XkbdiC">I must confess I share this wish whole heartily. The Fruit Punch is a mess, it’s time to give up on it.</p>
<p id="P4KMmH">Finally, some fans took the opportunity to question whether those in Miami who use Loria as an excuse for not supporting the team would be forced to come back.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bad day for people who justify not watching the Marlins because of Loria, now have to go 180 & be cheerleaders unless you're a fraud</p>— Eric Lauzin (@Lauzin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lauzin/status/829728307709145088">February 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="YeJ8lD">That remains to be seen. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14562244/marlins-twitter-reactsChristianLaFontaine2017-02-09T12:16:11-05:002017-02-09T12:16:11-05:00Loria looking to sell: Reaction
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<img alt="MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gcMGE6Jh3Cexe87BQJcT3FxLX9g=/0x2:2608x1741/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53167151/usa_today_9405234.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Who is the buyer and what does this mean for the franchise?</p> <p id="OeH8Pg">As you’ve probably heard by now <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2017/02/09/miami-marlins-claim-to-have-1-6-billion-handshake-agreement-for-team/#23fbe270426a">Forbes is reporting</a> that Jefferey Loria has a “handshake deal” to sell the Miami Marlins for $1.6 billion dollars. Details are scarce and there is a great deal of questions to be answered, so let’s dive in!</p>
<p id="d3NBFn">The question on everybody’s mind must be whether this new owner will be an improvement over Loria. As hated as he has been it’s hard to picture anybody not shining by comparison, but until we know the identity of the buyer there really is no way to know for sure. </p>
<p id="TZcqGb">From the Forbes article, it can be gleaned that the prospective buyer is male, a real estate developer from New York, and that their money is not fluid enough to buy the Marlins without going into significant debt. </p>
<p id="gtCtmp">A quick search reveals a few potential characters that could fit that description, including current Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, but also Richard LeFrak, Jerry Speyer, Leonard Stern, and Sheldon Solow. By no means should you place a bet on any of those, but it illustrates the fact that there are many names that could potentially be the correct one. Guessing at this point is taking a shot in the dark; we don’t have enough information. </p>
<p id="ZufnOn">There is also the strong possibility that there isn’t a buyer. Leaking a story like this would be a savvy move by the Loria camp to set the bidding price. A similar story came out back in November that Mitt Romney was looking to purchase the team for $1.7 billion dollars. </p>
<p id="1VXejC">There were some differences in that an actual name was attached, and Romney was only supposedly considering buying; no actual handshakes took place. But since the precedent has been set (and I for one suspect that this is the case), Loria is simply leaking a false story to fish for offers.</p>
<p id="CDc2Q3">Whether there is a buyer or not the news is essentially the same. The Loria camp is taking steps towards selling. Chances are we still won’t see any movement until after the All-Star game, but it seems we won’t have to wait much longer to finally be rid of a much-maligned ownership group. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14561300/loria-looking-to-sell-reactionChristianLaFontaine2017-02-09T11:42:55-05:002017-02-09T11:42:55-05:00Scott Gelman LIVE on Facebook to discuss Marlins sale
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<p>Managing Editor Scott Gelman reacts to the “potential” sale of the Marlins by Jeff Loria</p> <div id="zHa39s"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFishStripes%2Fvideos%2F10158316300320595%2F&show_text=0&width=400" width="400" height="400" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p id="omjyvA">If you have questions, we’ve got answers!</p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14560864/scott-gelman-live-on-facebook-to-discuss-marlins-saleThomas Bennett2017-02-09T11:24:39-05:002017-02-09T11:24:39-05:00Jeffrey Loria close to selling Marlins?
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The club reportedly has a “handshake agreement” to sell the team. </p> <p id="jFnmJz">The Marlins and Owner Jeffrey Loria reportedly<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2017/02/09/miami-marlins-claim-to-have-1-6-billion-handshake-agreement-for-team/#569b28d426aa"> have a “handshake agreement”</a> to sell the club to a New York-based real estate developer for $1.6 billion, according to Forbes. </p>
<p id="hwIBu8">Loria bought the team for $158 million in 2002 and has led the club ever since. Under Loria, the Marlins have moved from Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium to Marlins Park in downtown Miami. </p>
<p id="Sq5erm">The Marlins, with the exception of the last few seasons, have struggled to compete within the National League East and have had difficulty drawing fans. In 2016, the Marlins’ average attendance ranked last in the National League. </p>
<p id="bm3BzQ">It’s unclear how serious the report is, but several earlier reports have indicated Loria might now be more open to selling because of the death of Jose Fernandez. Since Loria took over, with the exception of 2012, the Marlins have been reluctant to have payrolls far north of $100 million. With a new owner, that might change. </p>
https://www.fishstripes.com/2017/2/9/14560524/marlins-owner-jeffrey-loria-sell-teamScott Gelman