Posted April 28, 200618 yr Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson Web Posted: 04/28/2006 12:00 AM CDT Tom Orsborn Express-News Staff Writer When it comes to courting professional sports franchises, County Judge Nelson Wolff says he's ready to explore new possibilities ? and try a new approach ? now that talks with Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins appear to have flamed out. Wolff acknowledged Thursday that lines of communication with the Marlins have gone dead since his decision two weeks ago to give the club a May 15 deadline to commit to San Antonio. "Every day that goes by, I think there is less and less chance of getting anything done," Wolff said. Apparently put off by Wolff's deadline, the Marlins are considering at least one new proposal designed to keep the team in South Florida. According to the Miami Herald, officials in Hialeah, Fla., are putting together a plan to provide free land for a new stadium and impose a new business property tax to raise funds for construction. The money from property taxes paid by businesses that locate in a proposed 1,100-acre industrial park would be split between Hialeah and Miami-Dade County, with shares from both entities going toward the stadium, a Miami-Dade official said. For the proposal to go forward, it would need approval from the Miami-Dade County Commission and the Hialeah City Council. "The concept is simple ? it's capturing incremental tax revenue," Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess said. "It looks like a viable way to get a stadium built and could raise significant money." Miami-Dade already has pledged $110 million to $120 million from other sources toward a $400 million ballpark. The Marlins, meanwhile, have offered as much as $210 million. Wolff presented the Marlins with a stadium-financing plan March 8 that called for Bexar County to contribute as much as $200 million toward a $310 million ballpark. "Maybe that will work for them," Wolff said of the Hialeah plan. "I'm not going to get into a bidding war with Miami. I have made that clear. If (the Marlins) can work something out (in South Florida), they need to work it out." While Wolff says he doesn't consider the Marlins matter dead, he confirmed he canceled a meeting with the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce next week during which local business leaders were to be updated on the relocation effort. "I don't think there is any reason to meet until we know if this thing is going to go any further," Wolff said. Signaling his dissatisfaction with the course of discussions with the Marlins and with the NFL's New Orleans Saints last fall, Wolff said he now favors a harder tack in future talks with teams considering relocation. Echoing comments made two weeks ago by County Commissioner Lyle Larson, Wolff said in the future San Antonio should deal with teams and leagues simultaneously. That way, Larson has said, the city can avoid being used by owners seeking leverage for stadium deals in their own cities. "If there is a next time, they need to come in a united way and not just in a 'we're-thinking-about-it' mode," Wolff said. "The league and the team considering relocation need to come hand-in-hand and say, 'We need to come to your (city). What will you do?'" Wolff's comments came after a lunch meeting with Mayor Phil Hardberger. "They talked about it, and they are on the same page," a spokesman for Hardberger said. Wolff said he regrets the city hasn't received a "clear signal" from Major League Baseball or the NFL that San Antonio is a ripe relocation option. Still, he said he's optimistic the leagues will come to that conclusion. "When this is over, assuming the Marlins don't come here, I think baseball has had a good look at San Antonio, and so has the NFL," Wolff said. "Next time ? and I think it is only a matter of time ? the team and the league need to come with a united banner." Larson applauded the new approach. "We have to take a different strategy and focus on talking to the leagues, the commissioners and their relocation committees," Larson said. "They are the ones that are going to make the decisions, not the teams." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [email protected]
April 28, 200618 yr This is awesome news! The greatest threat to the Marlins' relocating seems to be behind us now. What other cities remain in contention? Charlotte?
April 28, 200618 yr This is awesome news! The greatest threat to the Marlins' relocating seems to be behind us now. What other cities remain in contention? Charlotte? Nope, they decided to stay a AAA city. Current list: Miami Hialeah San Antonio Charlotte Las Vegas Portland Norfolk Oklahoma City :mischief Get it done, Julio!
April 28, 200618 yr Nope, they decided to stay a AAA city. Current list: Miami Hialeah San Antonio Charlotte Las Vegas Portland Norfolk Oklahoma City :mischief Get it done, Julio! this post just gave me goosebumps.. gitrdone
April 28, 200618 yr The discussions with SA and the other cities were nothing more than show from the start. South Florida offers the best market for the Marlins. It'll be a long while before they move, if ever. Low budget teams will remain until there are new revenue streams from a new stadium though, so I truly hope Hialeah can work with the Marlins and County to put together a workable proposal.
April 28, 200618 yr The Marlins weren't in the position to give San Antonio what it wanted, intensive discussions about financing the stadium and moving the franchise, as they are committed to working out an agreement with Dade County. Time will tell if the latter comes to a positive conclusion (news suggest it is) or it's time to re-open the bidding.
April 28, 200618 yr The Marlins weren't in the position to give San Antonio what it wanted, intensive discussions about financing the stadium and moving the franchise, as they are committed to working out an agreement with Dade County. Time will tell if the latter comes to a positive conclusion (news suggest it is) or it's time to re-open the bidding. All speculation from my part . . . But I think San Antonio needed to start with a stronger offer, than the 200 million for a 300 stadium
April 28, 200618 yr Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson Not really almost, but have. Wolff has accepted nothing is going to happen there. Not only that, but he said he is not going to pursue any other MLB team either. He's basically decided that SA should not deal with teams until after dealing with the league so this crap about the Marlins and MLB saying they are waiting on each other doesn't happen. Something to that affect. 'Twas an article in todays print edition business journal. But I think SA managed to make a point about its viability as a market for any sport, and hopefully it'll pay off in the next few years.
April 28, 200618 yr I don't know, it's true that as a relocation threat San Antonio needed to make a very generous offer. But that's a very strong first offer IMO. Ignoring financing issues, that surely would have been negotiated, that's about $150M less than what the Marlns are offering to contribute in South Florida (for comparision).
April 28, 200618 yr Current list: Miami Hialeah San Antonio Charlotte Las Vegas Portland Norfolk Oklahoma City :mischief Get it done, Julio! :notworthy
April 28, 200618 yr FreshFish Posted Today, 09:33 AM: All speculation from my part . . . But I think San Antonio needed to start with a stronger offer, than the 200 million for a 300 stadium I think we have posted this serveral times, the $310MM game from the Marlins, not SA. I agree, I believe it's pretty much over for SA with the Marlins, but only the beginning for future teams wanting to relocate to SA. Must admit I like the approach the City of SA is taking toward future relocation teams. "NO MORE LEVERAGE". However, from experience it's not over till it's over, on May 16th, we will get either a "Yes", or "No". Then it's over. I remember that day when Roger the Dodger thew that "Hail Mary" pass to Drew Pearson. However, all in all, I believe SA came out with great experiences dealing with the Saints, and Marlins. NO Mas! leveraging.
April 28, 200618 yr I agree, I believe it's pretty much over for SA with the Marlins, but only the beginning for future teams wanting to relocate to SA. Must admit I like the approach the City of SA is taking toward future relocation teams. "NO MORE LEVERAGE". It is a breath of fresh air having the leadership saying 'meh, screw it' instead of begging and pleading to the end, isn't it. There's still one immediate chance left in MLB (Twins still have work to do, though it looks like they'll get their stadium too), and several soon to be chances in the NFL in all likelihood. Hopefully SA has made a strong enough impression to be honestly considered.
April 28, 200618 yr great news. good thing for us MLB over-expanded meaning there isn't much in the way of great alternative markets.
April 28, 200618 yr Current list: Miami Hialeah San Antonio Charlotte Las Vegas Portland Norfolk Oklahoma City :mischief Get it done, Julio! :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy
April 28, 200618 yr Seriously, are there any other alternatives now? Norfolk hasn't made the proclamation that Charlotte and Portland have, but they haven't been fighting for the Marlins either. Las Vegas and San Antonio want teams, but want an answer now. Then there's that kook in Puerto Rico. As much all of us want to, we can't count our chickens yet. If the Marlins and Dade can't secure this in the next few years, these cities and more [that are an improvement over the present situation] will be back in play only now with greater access to the Marlins' ear.
April 28, 200618 yr You know...if this Hialeah plan ever comes to fruition, Loria should do the decent thing (or maybe that's too tongue-in-cheek) and send Wolff a Thank-You Hallmark card for helping to grease the wheels of political action down in S. Florida. With the overtures from Judge Wolff and the help of Loria's "friend" Bud Selig, they've managed to do what looked almost impossible just a year ago, which is putting themselves into position of being able to find a venue that would allow them to walk away from JRS and settle themselves more firmly in the market. It looks like SA's offer is a godsend for the Lorias.
April 28, 200618 yr :lol Just a few weeks ago Wolff practically guaranteed the Marlins were moving to San Antonio.
April 28, 200618 yr i be looking forward to may 15 2006 i think some type news come out on san Antonio dead line day i think it be hialeah talk and san Antonio will put white flag out side city hall
April 28, 200618 yr :lol Just a few weeks ago Wolff practically guaranteed the Marlins were moving to San Antonio. Well, you know the story is going to be that Wolff always meant that IF they were to leave S Fl, then SA was a lock. Not that I'd believe him, but Wolff was always too optimistic about it since he's such a baseball freak. I'm just hoping Wolff and Harberger don't completely give up on trying to attract another team.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.