The Marlins Are Making Moves

The baseball fans of South Florida wanted to be rid of Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria in the worst way.

And now they are.

The sale of the club to investor Bruce Sherman and former New York Yankee star Derek Jeter calls to mind past hope and past selloffs of talent and past attempts at a fresh start. There may be more people on the Marlins’ bench than in the stadium next season.

On Wednesday, the Marlins traded outfielder Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals. Last week they dealt second baseman Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners and reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. Ozuna and Stanton were two-thirds of an outstanding outfield and the lone remaining starter, Christian Yelich, may also be traded.

It is one thing to cut your payroll and another to cut your throat. Please, know the difference.

Three All-Stars gone, in exchange for prospects (a nice term for guys who may or may not actually be able to play). The Marlins were 28th of 30 teams in attendance last season and the bottom will be rushing up to meet them. Nothing to see here, people. Move along.

The Marlins last had a winning record in 2009. They have never won their division. They finished 20 games out of first place in 2017 … with three All-Stars. Now? Look out below!

Baseball insiders are urging patience with Jeter as he tries to get payroll down and build. He is not making much of an impression. Scott Boras, baseball’s most powerful agent, says the team is being run like a pawn shop.

The only diamond left may be one the Marlins play on.

 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman