October 5, 200421 yr MIAMI -- It crossed Mike Lowell's mind on Sunday that he may be suiting up as a Marlin for the final time. The three-time All-Star third baseman was given the final game of the season off, and there is a chance he may not be back. Essentially, Lowell's future is attached to a stadium clause that has a Nov. 1 trigger date. Simply, if the Marlins have a plan for a new park in place by the first of next month, the final three years of the contract Lowell signed last fall kicks in. If not, Lowell has a player option where he can stay for 2005, earning $7.5 million. Or he could elect to test the market as a free agent. General manager Admin Beinfest said the organization faces tough decisions on a number of players. The budget for next year hasn't been set, but some parameters by owner Jeffrey Loria should be given in a week or so. Beinfest said he plans on talking with Lowell soon regarding next season. As for the stadium, Loria said: "I'm extremely hopeful we will get this thing done. We need to get it done, sooner, rather than later." In the three seasons since Loria assumed ownership, the Marlins have boasted their first back-to-back winning seasons, including the World Series title in 2003. Loria said the team deserves a new facility. http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp
October 5, 200421 yr Im really skeptical about Mike Lowell returning to the Marlins. His contract is very big and his numbers show that he gets tired during the second half.
October 5, 200421 yr I think this stadium issue will get resolved and we'll see Mikey suit up for the Marlins for a long, long time. :thumbup
October 5, 200421 yr Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all. This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I may be wrong but I believe the FO wanted the stadium clause not Lowell.
October 5, 200421 yr Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all. This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I may be wrong but I believe the FO wanted the stadium clause not Lowell. 582602[/snapback] I can vividly remember Lowell saying he wanted that clause because he doesn't want to be here if the FO is not serious about competing and having a new stadium is showing such seriousness.
October 5, 200421 yr He makes 7.5 instead of 8? Shweet. And he won't get 7.5 anywhere else. He'll stay regardless.
October 5, 200421 yr He makes 7.5 instead of 8? Shweet. And he won't get 7.5 anywhere else. He'll stay regardless. 582615[/snapback] Yankees could move jeter to second and A-rod to short, you wait.
October 5, 200421 yr He makes 7.5 instead of 8? Shweet. And he won't get 7.5 anywhere else. He'll stay regardless. 582615[/snapback] Yankees could move jeter to second and A-rod to short, you wait. 582627[/snapback] The day Jeter moves is the day my penis falls off.
October 5, 200421 yr Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all. This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I dont think he could get a better deal than he has now...which I think overpays him.
October 5, 200421 yr Author Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all. This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I may be wrong but I believe the FO wanted the stadium clause not Lowell. 582602[/snapback] It would make no sense for the FO to insist that clause be in his contract.
October 5, 200421 yr Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all.? This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I may be wrong but I believe the FO wanted the stadium clause not Lowell. 582602[/snapback] It would make no sense for the FO to insist that clause be in his contract. 582667[/snapback] Actually, it does. Why would a front office be tied down to such an expensive player when there is no guarantee of income from the city you play in?
October 5, 200421 yr I kind of get the feeling he'll go where he has the best chance to win. Which might not be here.
October 5, 200421 yr Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all.? This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I may be wrong but I believe the FO wanted the stadium clause not Lowell. 582602[/snapback] It would make no sense for the FO to insist that clause be in his contract. 582667[/snapback] Actually, it does. Why would a front office be tied down to such an expensive player when there is no guarantee of income from the city you play in? 582676[/snapback] If the FO was behind it, why would they give Lowell the choice the opt out? Shouldn't it be their decision?
October 5, 200421 yr If hes not back, itll suck. If Lowell really wants to be a Marlin, hell be back, If not, thats too bad but well move on. I'll miss him though.
October 5, 200421 yr Get real: If he truly wanted to stay a Marlin, there wouldn't be a stadium clause at all.? This is his escape hatch that can be blamed if he bails for big cash somewehre else. 582595[/snapback] I may be wrong but I believe the FO wanted the stadium clause not Lowell. 582602[/snapback] It would make no sense for the FO to insist that clause be in his contract. 582667[/snapback] Actually, it does. Why would a front office be tied down to such an expensive player when there is no guarantee of income from the city you play in? 582676[/snapback] If the FO was behind it, why would they give Lowell the choice the opt out? Shouldn't it be their decision? 582694[/snapback] It actually is, they worded it so vaguely that they can say "ah f*** it" and pick up the three years without a stadium in place. Pretty much, this whole thing is more of a human ransom than an actual contract. If the Marlins want Lowell, they can have him with or without the stadium, it's just an issue of we don't necessarily find him worth the money (if there's no stadium) with such a capable replacement in Cabrera available. It's a weird way of doing business...
October 5, 200421 yr It actually is, they worded it so vaguely that they can say "ah f*** it" and pick up the three years without a stadium in place. Pretty much, this whole thing is more of a human ransom than an actual contract. If the Marlins want Lowell, they can have him with or without the stadium, it's just an issue of we don't necessarily find him worth the money (if there's no stadium) with such a capable replacement in Cabrera available. It's a weird way of doing business... 582798[/snapback] I'm curious if you've had access to the contract which by definition had to be approved by MLB and the MLBPA? From what I've read the contract is quite clear - the option to stay or go is Mike Lowell's alone - based on whether he wants to test the free agent market or not and is triggered by the existence of a stadium deal. My guess is that Mike will not exercise his opt-out whether a stadium is in place or not. And for the record, there's little chance the Marlins would be able to trade him and the remaining three years of his contract for anything other than the typical free agent compensation, if that. If he decides to move on (to another team) you can forget about getting a frontline starting MLer in return.
October 5, 200421 yr If Lowell does not want to be here, then leave. You will likely have the option to leave in one month, but don't get mad when you become the villain.
October 5, 200421 yr Any Pics people? My Imagination is not doing too good. And Also could the trashy girl be Cabrera's wife by any chance?
October 5, 200421 yr Wrong thread. Should he leave, Lowell won't get the $7-8 million he's due for the next three years. Bet on it.
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