(CBS4 News) SAN ANTONIO, TX The Florida Marlins seem ready to say good-bye to South Florida, but if they are thinking about heading to Texas, the team?s strongest suitor said Marlins ownership needs to make up it?s mind. The Marlins could face a deadline as soon as this week, according to a report in a Texas newspaper.

 

Bexar County, Texas County Judge Nelson Wolff told the San Antonio Express-News that his patience is wearing thin over the length of time it is taking the Florida Marlins to say whether they will pursue relocation to San Antonio. Wolff told the newspaper he would impose a deadline on the team this week.

 

"We are not going to play this game too long," Wolff told the Express-News. "We know the Marlins need to get a stadium deal done in Florida. They've made that clear. But they're going to have to burn a little midnight oil. We aren't going to wait on them too much longer."

 

A team spokesman did not return a phone message seeking comment.

 

Texas officials are eager for a decision because they want to take a proposal to voters in November on ways to pay for a new ballpark. One proposal is to extend taxes already in place which paid for the construction of the AT&T center in San Antonio. That center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs.

 

The tax extension would raise $200 million toward a ball park estimated to cost $310 million.

 

The Marlins are considering a move from South Florida after they were unable to get the money the needed for a $400 million domed ballpark in Miami.

 

San Antonio officials want an agreement with the Marlins before they ask voters to pay for the ballpark.

 

One sticking point for a such a deadline lies with Major League baseball. Even if the Marlins want to move to San Antonio, MLB needs to satisfy itself the area would support a team. Without that study, they are unlikely to allow the Marlins to make any promise about relocation.

 

However, MLB president Bob DuPuy told the News-Express MLB is already familiar with San Antonio, and is just waiting to hear from the Marlins. DuPuy also told the newspaper that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig wants the Marlins to remain in South Florida, but has no problem with their discussions with San Antonio.

 

The Marlins lease with Dolphin Stadium expires at the end of the 2010 season, and the team says it is not interested in an extension. Talks on a new South Florida home for the Marlins have stalled.

 

(? MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

 

http://cbs4.com/local/local_story_106152711.html

Good, screw them!

good to see

Good.

 

Just goes to show there is no limit to who Samson and Co. can piss off.

Good. :thumbup . I want my Marlins in South Florida.

Lets hope we piss them off and san antonio gets out of the picture. besides SA is there really a credible threat out there?

Good to see Judge Wolff telling the Marlins that this isnt a day at the country club.

 

 

We mean business and intend to hammer out a deal. If you arent willing then find a new home.

 

 

Good move.

It's a good sign when the officials from the city you are trying to move in to already hate you.

I wouldnt say that San Antonio officials hate the Marlins. They just want to get the ball rolling for hte next step.

let them hate us lol

Works for me. Baseball does not belong in SA.

Dont hold your breath San Antonio.

lets hope this gets resolved this week. samson would love to have this go on and on to just keep salting the wounds