Jeffrey Loria says ‘There is no deal’ for Marlins and tells media to stop talking as if there is one

By
| Filed in: Baseball, Dave George

There’s a lot of talk around town about the potential sale of the Miami Marlins to one of three investment groups but you won’t hear any of it from Jeffrey Loria.

MIAMI, FL – JULY 27: Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and former Marlin Jeff Conine looks on for the unveiling of the 2017 All-Star Game logo before the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on July 27, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

The Marlins owner stepped into the National League clubhouse during Tuesday afternoon’s media availabilty and quickly was surrounded by reporters from South Florida and elsewhere. If he meant to visit with players or stroll quietly through the room to appreciate the All-Star Game environment at Marlins Park, that opportunity didn’t last long.

Asked when he thinks a deal will get done, Loria responded “That’s your words, not mine.” After a brief pause, he said “No comment.”

The question came again, however, as more reporters walked up and joined the conversation.

“There’s no deal,” Loria said emphatically. “Stop talking deal.”

Reminded that Marlins President David Samson has confirmed that the team will be sold, Loria said “At some point, maybe. Everybody sells something, maybe. Everybody gets married or unmarried, maybe.”

After a few minutes he turned and left, saying he was going back to his office. There was a moment, however, where Loria was able to talk about the late Jose Fernandez and how the charismatic pitcher surely would have been an All-Star here at his home ballpark. Fernandez was killed in late September in a boat crash off Miami Beach.

“There’s always been great interest in baseball in Miami,” Loria said. “What happened with Jose last year was rather unfortunate. We raised the payroll in anticipation of a really spectacular year. You can’t control what happens in people’s lives.”

Whether Loria will be involved in any pregame festivities on the field has not been announced. There are two of his players in the National League’s starting lineup – Marcell Ozuna in right field and Giancarlo Stanton as the designated hitter.

[Photos: MLB All-Star Game festivities in Miami]

[Miami fans enjoy All-Star Game despite long lines, traffic … and Jeffrey Loria]

[Marlins hope MLB All-Star events take focus away from team’s problems]