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Portland, Norfolk staying in touch with Marlins

By Tom Orsborn
The san Antonio Express-News

Officials in Portland, Ore., and Norfolk, Va., said Wednesday that they continue to talk with the Florida Marlins even though the team seemingly has elevated San Antonio to the top of its relocation options.

The Marlins have visited San Antonio and Portland and met with officials from Norfolk. They also are expected to visit Charlotte, N.C., and have received inquiries from officials in northern New Jersey and Monterrey, Mexico.

Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority, and Will Somerindyke Jr., a businessman spearheading Norfolk's bid to lure the Marlins, said the team has not given them reason to believe their cities are out of the running.

"We have and will continue to have periodic dialogue with the Marlins," Mahalic said. "They have not indicated to us who their finalists will be."

Somerindyke said his most recent conversation with Marlins officials was just days ago.

"It's been both ways "” they've called us and we've called them," Somerindyke said. "They are looking at all of their options. San Antonio has publicly been the one they are talking very seriously to, but it's prudent for them to look at all their options, including staying in Miami."

P.J. Loyello, a Marlins spokesman, said talks with San Antonio haven't prevented team officials from looking at other cities.

"The owner (Jeffrey Loria) has asked us to explore all options, and we will continue to do so until we have a stadium deal in place," Loyello said.

The Marlins, who have said they want to stay in South Florida, drew 1.8 million fans last season to rank near the bottom of the National League. They play in Dolphins Stadium, which they share with Miami's NFL team, and blame that venue for the poor attendance.

The Marlins received permission in November from Major League Baseball to explore other cities after stadium talks in South Florida stalled. The team's lease at Dolphins Stadium expires after the 2007 season, but a series of one-year options could allow the Marlins to remain there through 2010.

Last week, the Marlins received a stadium-financing offer from County Judge Nelson Wolff. The deal calls for Bexar County to pay up to two-thirds of the cost to build a $300 million stadium.

The Marlins told Wolff on Tuesday it could be "weeks" before the team and MLB decide whether to continue negotiations to move the team to San Antonio.

"I know the Marlins are pretty serious about San Antonio," Somerindyke said. "But there are concerns there, just as there are concerns in Portland and everywhere. You are not dealing with a top-tier market anywhere. You are going to have advantages and disadvantages. The Marlins just have to find the right fit for them."

The Marlins visited San Antonio in December. In January, they visited Portland, although that city's mayor has said it has no plans to pay for a ballpark.

Last month, the Marlins visited with representatives of Norfolk. Marlins president David Samson said a financing plan was discussed that required "a very small contribution by the team."

Said Somerindyke: "We feel like we have one of the most attractive stadium packages available."

torsborn@express-news.net

quote:

In January, they visited Portland, although that city's mayor has said it has no plans to pay for a ballpark.

Last month, the Marlins visited with representatives of Norfolk. Marlins president David Samson said a financing plan was discussed that required "a very small contribution by the team."

Said Somerindyke: "We feel like we have one of the most attractive stadium packages available."

Good for Drew and his positive attitude.
Mayor Potter on the other hand really needs to think before he speaks. Negative sound bites like his dont go away very easily.

It sounds ideal (to me at least) to gather up the troops, a.k.a. the Portland citizens, and try to do whatever you can do to get the Portland public behind your cause. If you get the public's approval, then sooner or later they may bang on Potter's door (figuratively) about the idea of getting another pro sports team, and Potter may have nowhere to run and hide. (Note: "may") I'm aware of the "Portland is supposed to be a wierd city" factor, but if you constantly have people going to sold out games that involve the M's, Padres, etc., it has to say something. Checking out the demographics, it must mean something. Give many citizens short interviews about the idea, and by people, I mean nobodies, not famous people. By the way, a model of a stadium wouldn't hurt...

As for the article, I'm glad that Drew is keeping Portland's effort afloat, and he is helping out a bunch. Good for him.

"A model of a stadium wouldn't hurt."

Now why didn't I think of that?

Has anybody heard or know of anything in regards to our people in discussions with the Marlins? Are we still having them on a weekly basis and if so, what is the response from the Marlins towards us? It would be interesting to see?

It seems to me that as soon as Potter is willing to "work" on this issue, good things could happen.

What's up with the Blazers situation? Is anything happening on that front? Man, Potter and Portland government seem like a bunch of do-nothing people. Sorry. No offense, of course.

Two,

No offense taken as you are pointing out reality at this time. We all certainly feel that when it comes to big projects we are at a 'do nothing' stage. Potter has his pet projects but they are small compared to the other opportunities out there. The exception being the Tram, which is heading down an ugly road.

But there is dialog going on. There is just nothing actionable to work on at this time.

As for the Blazers, there are ongoing talks but I think they are talking to the wrong people. They should be talking to the debt owners and not the city.

quote:

Originally posted by Portland Reds:
Two,

No offense taken as you are pointing out reality at this time. We all certainly feel that when it comes to big projects we are at a 'do nothing' stage. Potter has his pet projects but they are small compared to the other opportunities out there. The exception being the Tram, which is heading down an ugly road.

But there is dialog going on. There is just nothing actionable to work on at this time.

As for the Blazers, there are ongoing talks but I think they are talking to the wrong people. They should be talking to the debt owners and not the city.

Ha, the Blazers are after the "free" money, I guess.

Man, that whole arena thing was a giant fiasco. Gotta buy out the creditors and shake up the routine. It would be nice for someone to own the arena, the Blazers, and an NHL team. Could that lead to a real shot to solve the problem?

I don't like where this is all going. And I don't trust our dear political leaders to get this done right. Then again, why line Allen's pockets with money when he has made some boneheaded decisions? Rock, meet hard place!

We need someone actually interested in the Rose Quarter Entertainment District. Paul Allen has owned property along the river and hasn't done anything with it.

The man has lost interest in Portland. If the city and a new owner of the Blazers go to the Rose Garden owners and work them into the whole entertainment district idea. Then they would either offer a better rate or sell ownership in the Garden for access to other parts of the city/entertainment district.

Yes the Blazers are going after the "free" money in order to stop any conversation about bringing MLB to PDX. I believe this is one of their internal positions.

BB