As we get closer and closer to November 1st, i'm starting to get concerned about whether or not we're going to be keeping Mike Lowell around for the extent of his deal. Can somebody please brief me on the Mike Lowell contract situation, relative to what we know about the stadium status, and what we know about his contract?

 

Here's how I understand things - if we don't have the stadium financing and plan in place for a new stadium before November 1st of this year, Mike has a clause allowing him to terminate his 4-year contract. here are my two questions:

 

1) does his contract automatically void if things are settled by that date, or is it simply his option to void it?

 

and

 

2) is there any actual chance that things will be settled before that date? in other words, when does the legislature come back into session, so that we may re-submit our request for funding? could that funding be realistically authorized before November 1st? (i'm assuming that if we get no state help, it's not happening).

From the Miami Herald website; Lowell makes some cryptic comments...

 

Posted on Wed, Aug. 11, 2004

 

Stadium fate affects Lowell

 

BARRY JACKSON

bjackson@herald.com

 

 

The Marlins' pursuit of a new stadium took another twist this week, while Mike Lowell's future continues to dangle in the balance.

 

For the first time, team president David Samson said the Marlins -- who already have vowed to contribute $157 million -- are unwilling to spend another $30 million on the stadium if they cannot secure state funding next spring. The city of Miami and Miami-Dade County have said they won't increase their contributions and want the Marlins to be responsible for the final $30 million if the state doesn't deliver.

 

''We are fully confident the state will come through,'' Samson said.

 

Meanwhile, Lowell's return next season -- while better than 50/50 -- is no certainty.

 

Asked if he could envision a scenario where he leaves this winter, Lowell said yes. ''Do I think it's going to happen? I hope not,'' he said. ``I like living in Miami, but being on a competitive team is more [important].''

 

If a stadium deal is not in place by Nov. 1 -- and Samson remains optimistic it will be -- Lowell's four-year, $32 million contract reverts to a one-year deal with a player option for 2005 at $7.5 million. The final two years (2006 and '07) would be voided.

 

''If we don't get a stadium, I would want a meeting with management,'' he said. ``I have no reason to want to leave if it's competitive. But if we're not going to be competitive . . .''

 

Although Lowell spoke in general terms, he clearly wants the key players to return. That means the Marlins offering arbitration to catcher Paul Lo Duca -- which is likely -- and making competitive offers to free agents Carl Pavano and Armando Benitez -- which is less certain, especially Benitez.

 

''I'm confident if you give us this team at the start of the season, it would be a different story,'' Lowell said.

wow... they better get this stadium.

 

damn wayne huizenga and his screwing miami sports.

i actually like to hear Lowell's comments. the fact that he says he'd be willing to be flexible on the stadium issue is very promising.

Mike has no desire to leave. The only way he would leave is if there is a fire sale.