Money matters weigh on Marlins

 

 

Word is at least two top Marlins executives weren't happy that owner Jeffrey Loria told Carlos Delgado late in the season that he won't be traded. It's not that the team's front office insists on trading Delgado (.301, 33 homers, 115 RBI). But because of payroll constraints, they would like flexibility to consider offers.

 

Even so, there is nothing to keep Florida from dealing Delgado, who's owed $13.5 million in 2006 in the second year of a four-year, $52 million deal. But that would hurt Loria's credibility. ''If you can't take Jeffrey's word, who's word can you take?'' said Delgado's agent, David Sloane, who added he would be surprised if his client is dealt.

 

It's curious the Marlins have refused to say publicly whether Delgado will be back. If Delgado is traded, he has the right to demand another trade in a year. Trading Mike Lowell (due $9 million in '06 and '07) remains a Marlins priority.

 

? The Marlins met last week with free agent OF Jeff Conine's agent, Michael Watkins, who said ``there's interest on both sides to work something out. No doubt, Jeff [age 39] should be a starting player. I think the Marlins agree.''

 

? While the Marlins pursued Conine, agent Eric Goldschmidt said he hasn't heard a word from the team about free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who remains intent on getting a multiyear deal.

 

Florida might turn to a cheap stopgap for 2006 (a free agent such as Royce Clayton or Neifi Perez) if they're not comfortable assuming Robert Andino will win the job. Andino, who could use a year at Triple A, was hitting .241 in the Arizona Fall League, where the Marlins' best position player has been highly-skilled Double A OF Reggie Abercrombie (.310).

 

Free agent SS Nomar Garciaparra would be another one-year option. FYI: Three-time Gold Glove SS and Miami Springs resident Rey Ordonez, 34, out of baseball more than a year, wants to make a comeback and would love a chance to win a backup job with the Marlins.

 

? One of Florida's young stars (Dontrelle Willis) would welcome a contract extension, but two others (Josh Beckett and Miguel Cabrera) won't push for it. And odds are against any receiving long-term deals anytime soon, though Willis and Beckett are arbitration-eligible.

 

Willis, who could make between $3 million and $4 million in arbitration, cannot become a free agent until after 2008. It would take more than $20 million to sign Willis to a four-year deal, putting off free agency by a year. Although he won't be angry if there's no offer, Willis has said a long-term contract ``would be a show of confidence.''

 

Beckett, eligible for free agency after 2007, has said he won't press for a multiyear deal: ''I don't mind going through arbitration.'' Cabrera, who won't be a free agent until after 2009, won't inquire about a long-term contract because he knows it's doubtful the Marlins would act until the stadium issue is resolved. Although team president David Samson has expressed concern about Cabrera's attitude, former manager Jack McKeon said there's no reason for that.

 

? McKeon, back in North Carolina, said he has received well-wishing notes from more than 60 fans since resigning, plus letters from Tommy Lasorda and Buck Showalter. McKeon, who doesn't know what his Marlins consulting job will entail, knows little about Joe Girardi and had no input in his hiring: ``They have to live with him, so let them decide.''

 

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/13094248.htm

? McKeon, back in North Carolina, said he has received well-wishing notes from more than 60 fans since resigning, plus letters from Tommy Lasorda and Buck Showalter.

 

 

:mischief

 

Dannit give Willis that 4 year 20 deal

I see Barry Jackson has been reading my posts...lol

 

I like what Loria did regarding Delgado. These days, sometimes as an owner you have to draw the line in the sand and say "no" before anyone else tries to say "yes". He did that, the fans here should appreciate it.

I like Loria and the class he has and brought to the organization. I like Willis and beckett's comments too. Though I really hope they get beckett that extension before he hits FA. If he hits FA, he will be far too expensive.

Beckett and Willis are lifers, I think.