Posted February 6, 200718 yr Marlins prez expects word on new ballpark deal by Oct. Feb. 6, 2007 CBS SportsLine.com wire reports HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Nearly three years have passed since the Florida Marlins' self-imposed deadlines for securing a new ballpark agreement all came and went without the completion of a deal. Advertisement So now, they're trying a new tact. "I'm out of the deadline business," Marlins president David Samson said Tuesday. "I'm back in the prediction business." And his prediction? A long-awaited deal could finally be on the horizon. Bolstered by Gov. Charlie Crist's recent announcement that he supports using some state money for new stadiums, calling it "an economic development issue," Samson said he believes an agreement for a retractable-roof stadium in downtown Miami may be announced by October, if not earlier. "There has been really marked progress and we certainly anticipate being able to announce a deal at some point this season," Samson said. "We're hopeful sooner rather than later. But the way things go these past 13 years with the Marlins, you never know." Major League Baseball has been assisting the Marlins for some time with their quest. Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, has been involved in the financing negotiations. He said last month that securing a new ballpark for the Marlins was MLB's top offseason priority. "We're just hopeful it's as soon as possible," Samson said, "because we really need it." The Marlins, who play in Dolphin Stadium -- home of the Miami Dolphins -- have sought public money for a baseball-only home with a roof since their first season in 1993. Founding owner H. Wayne Huizenga and his successor, John Henry, sold the team in frustration after failing to reach a deal. That frustration level still exists. The Marlins have failed five times in the last six years to secure money from the Florida Legislature, and with the projected cost of a new ballpark now somewhere around an estimated $500 million, the state money seems more vital than ever to help bridge the gap between what the team, the city and Miami-Dade County are willing to contribute. "It's always nice that the governor has a similar view of economic development as we do," Samson said. "And when he goes public saying he believes that sports teams spur economic development, we say we agree, and we're hoping the legislature does too." The Marlins contend that a new baseball-only stadium will create millions in new revenue streams. Florida had a payroll of about $15 million last season, by far the lowest in the game, and finished last in attendance. Still, a team composed primarily of rookies managed to stay in the NL wild-card picture until the season's final week. "All of us, we love it down here," Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla said. "We love South Florida. We'd love to play here for as long as we can and if they had a stadium it'd be easier for the fans to get excited about baseball. When you have your own home, it makes a big difference." Uggla said the existing stadium and its playing surface is fine for baseball, other than some issues with the lighting, which is designed for football. But he also said the facility isn't ideal for baseball fans, and he believes that's the reason why the Marlins typically play home games before a largely empty ballpark. "We'd love our own stadium and I'm sure the Dolphins would love to get us out of their stadium," Uggla said. "Time will tell, I guess." AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service Copyright 2005-2006, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved CBS Sportsline Article Some news on the ballpark situation. This news at least tells us that something is going on in Tallahassee. I think we're all gonna see a Teal October
February 6, 200718 yr all we ever here is that we are going to here something within the next couple of weeks/months/years....and every time that comes another article says the same thing.....
February 6, 200718 yr blah blah blah is all I hear. I will wait for them to announce that something is done to get my hopes up. I swear there have been atleast 20 articles in the past 2+ seasons where I read that something would get done by date X.
February 7, 200718 yr OCTOBER????? I hope Samson is kidding. Hopefully, by saying he predicts a deal will be struck by October, he really means that it will get done sometime during the coming season and this way he is giving himself some room for error. I can't believe they are thinking that we will have to wait 8 more months!!!!
February 7, 200718 yr "I'm out of the deadline business," Marlins president David Samson said Tuesday. We all know that helped move things along. *sacarism* :blink:
February 7, 200718 yr I just find it intresting that Samson is doing the talking with the media when he has not stepped foot to the negotiationg table...but if it is true...im all for it
February 7, 200718 yr I was enjoying not hearing from Samson. Prediction business? Just STFU and let DuPay and the county manager do their thing
February 7, 200718 yr Man who went back like 90 pages in the forum history to find this thread??!!?? Oh.....it's new?
February 7, 200718 yr Jesus, this guy just needs to shut the f*** up. There's been too much talk like this before. Get the damn deal done and then talk about it. /negativeness But ya...please get this done and soon.
February 7, 200718 yr "I'm out of the deadline business," Marlins president David Samson said Tuesday. We all know that helped move things along. *sacarism* :blink: Since he is out of the deadline buisiness maybe that is why he is out of the stadium negotiations business...What a freakin Dork!...I wish he was out of the baseball business!
February 7, 200718 yr I just find it intresting that Samson is doing the talking with the media when he has not stepped foot to the negotiationg table...but if it is true...im all for it While DuPuy and MLB may be negotiating for the Marlins, don't think the Marlins' bras aren't kept in the loop or that DuPuy's message and goals are inconsistent with the Marlins.
February 7, 200718 yr They are going to need to finish this deal sooner rather than later if they hope to have it open by 2010. "I'm out of the deadline business," Marlins president David Samson said Tuesday. Thank god for that! I think if he wouldn't have gotten into the deadline business to begin with, the Marlins wouldn't still be in the mess for a new ballpark.
February 7, 200718 yr After months of silence from the FO, I think this speaks volumes. I have really enjoyed the fact that the "ironman" has been out of the headlines as of late. I prefer to hear from DuPuy, Burgess and others before having samson talk. I hope the FO remains out of the headlines until the final announcement in which they finally declare that our 2 time world champs finally have a home of their own.
February 8, 200718 yr This is a complex deal and one that necessitates an imprtant contribution from the team, City and County. Once you start talking deal points, the lawyers get involved and it takes time. I remain confident that the stadium deal will see the light of day in Florida and our patience will eventually be well served. Our agreement with Dolphin Stadium expires after 2010 season and we are focusing our timeline for a 2011 opening in terms of our new facility. that letter i got from Claude Delorme Senior Vice President Stadium Development
February 8, 200718 yr After months of silence from the FO, I think this speaks volumes. I have really enjoyed the fact that the "ironman" has been out of the headlines as of late. I prefer to hear from DuPuy, Burgess and others before having samson talk. I hope the FO remains out of the headlines until the final announcement in which they finally declare that our 2 time world champs finally have a home of their own. :lol This is a complex deal and one that necessitates an imprtant contribution from the team, City and County. Once you start talking deal points, the lawyers get involved and it takes time. I remain confident that the stadium deal will see the light of day in Florida and our patience will eventually be well served. Our agreement with Dolphin Stadium expires after 2010 season and we are focusing our timeline for a 2011 opening in terms of our new facility. that letter i got from Claude Delorme Senior Vice President Stadium Development nice response from VP Claude. Thanks for sharing
February 8, 200718 yr this other e-mail about new park i got from Claude I remain encouraged by the progress but we still have some outstanding issues that need to be resolved in the next 90 days. Claude
February 11, 200718 yr I just find it intresting that Samson is doing the talking with the media when he has not stepped foot to the negotiationg table...but if it is true...im all for it While DuPuy and MLB may be negotiating for the Marlins, don't think the Marlins' bras aren't kept in the loop or that DuPuy's message and goals are inconsistent with the Marlins. Who is wearing a bra?
February 12, 200718 yr I just find it intresting that Samson is doing the talking with the media when he has not stepped foot to the negotiationg table...but if it is true...im all for it While DuPuy and MLB may be negotiating for the Marlins, don't think the Marlins' bras aren't kept in the loop or that DuPuy's message and goals are inconsistent with the Marlins. Who is wearing a bra? *brass
February 18, 200718 yr I haven't been around the marlins news as much as I would like but havent we've been here this non-sense for the past couple years. ill believe it when i see it
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