Published by: Sun Sentinel
Posted: Feb. 14, 2009
Written by: Juan C. Rodriguez

The Marlins got down to the business of baseball Saturday as pitchers and catchers reported and conducted their first workout in Jupiter. However, the unfinished stadium business remains at the organzation's epicenter.

Owner Jeffrey Loria and team president David Samson both were on hand Saturday. Loria will wait until Tuesday's first full squad workout to address the media. Samson did answer questions about Friday's failed bid to secure approval from the city commission. The deal went on life support at one point before the two sides opted to table it and reconvene next month (March 12 is not a firm date) for another vote. Here are some excerpts from Samson's comments:

"Pitchers and catchers did report today. The sun did come up. As I reflect on the events of yesterday, it occurs to me that it is merely a chapter in the book of accomplishing the ballpark project. We are as resolute as ever to have another hearing in front of the city commission and have our first last hearing in the county commission."

"I think when people weigh the deal that was presented to them we will get the votes required to start building the ballpark on time and on budget. None of us are angry or upset with what took place. It was a tied vote. It’s the same thing as a non-vote. It’s as though yesterday did not happen."

"I have seen a lot in my years of doing this. I had not seen [what transpired Friday]. As I went through the entire day, at no time did I contemplate the words 'recess' or 'no deal' coming out of my mouth and I heard both of those words come out of my mouth during the course of the day."

"I am no less confident that the building will open on time and on budget in 2012 than I was when I woke up yesterday morning. If the county and city hear it and they do a no-vote, then that’s it and there’s nothing more to talk about. You’ll hear from me if our organization has a different view about its future. Trust me, you’ll hear it."

"Right now I would say we blew the save [Friday], but we are now in extra innings."

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