It is no secret how the future looks for the Miami Marlins as Derek Jeter and associates are more than ready to finally buy the team. Such a move will mean a big overhaul for the struggling franchise. This, will bring joy to the Miami fans, giving the city a chance to root for their team. The future owners of Miami franchise will try to remove the hate from their team’s love-hate relationship with their fans. As for the current owner, Jeffrey Loria, he will get rid of a team that he never really cared about.
The Crew That Crashed The Plane
Jeffrey Loria, Owner
Under Loria’s leadership, the Marlins opened Marlins Park in 2012 at a cost of $609 million. Even worse, it was all publicly funded. Loria even managed to sue former season ticket holders and ballpark vendors. Marlins Park is the worst ballpark in America for the fans, the city, and even for small businessmen. It is a wonder how the fish in the aquarium behind home plate have not planned an escape out of there yet. Let’s not forget that even before Marlins Park opened, their former home field, Hard Rock Stadium, also had awful attendance records in its last baseball years.
David Samson, President of Baseball Operations
In order for an airship to crash, two people must be at the controls. Loria’s co-pilot never really tried to save the burning plane. Samson has made some of the worst decisions in all of baseball. He once said he did really care if people went to watch the Marlins at their new ballpark. Baseball wise, he made one awful decision that could very well prove extremely costly for the new ownership coming in: The Giancarlo Stanton contract.
Moving On
The new ownership will include people that actually know about baseball operations. Expect Jeter & Co. to make some very smart moves for the future.
Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton means big money. The home town outfielder singed a 13 year deal worth $325 million. The Marlins home run leader has already served two and a half of those years, with ten long years are still ahead. Unless Stanton becomes the Superman of ballplayers, it is highly unlikely he will finish his contract with Miami in the same 40 plus homers shape he is in now. Keep in mind, his swing mechanic has changed already, due to being struck by a pitch in the face in 2014. More importantly, Stanton represents money that the upcoming ownership simply can not afford to pay right now. Due to this, Stanton has already cleared waivers and he can certainly be traded even though it seems unlikely right now.
New Arms
Ever since the tragic passing of pitcher Jose Fernandez, the pitching rotation has not been the same. They could use the Stanton money as a way of getting some valuable pieces such as Masahiro Tanaka from the Yankees. In terms of bullpen, they could go for closer/set up pitcher Sergio Romo, who seems to be a solid and affordable option for the Marlins.
Working The Farm
Neither Samson nor Loria have ever cared for their farm system. This change seems like the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button for their minor league system. The Miami farm has some very interesting prospects in third baseman Brian Anderson and outfielder Brayan Hernandez. Braxton Garrett is also an interesting member of the farm, having been drafted seventh round in this year’s draft. Last but not least, top prospect Trevor Rogers will also be key for their minors system. However, all of them are in the very low minors. Moving along with them will require time, hard work, and plenty of patience.
Here Goes Nothing
The Marlins are down in the ground. The standings might not show it properly, but the Marlins have been bleeding internally for quite a while now. They have fallen so low that whatever can be rescued by the new group of owners is good for the franchise. From a terrible ballpark deal, empty stands, lawsuits, huge contracts, no organizational depth, and even the recent passing of a key player, the Miami Marlins have faced it all. Nothing can go much more wrong for them. There will be better times ahead for the Marlins. No, they will not come right away. Rough seasons are to be expected during their rebuilding process. Regardless of that, Miami can rest easy. Their Marlins will now be in safer hands.