Miami Marlins Owner Jeffery Loria Writes Letter to Fans in Local Newspapers

In the wake of the Miami Marlins’ latest fire sale, fans have been awaiting some kind of response from the owner, Jeffery Loria. Marlins’ fans have been eagerly been awaiting some kind of explanation as to why the Marlins, after just one season in their brand new park, decided to change course and completely revamp the team.

Marlins owner Jeffery Loria wrote a letter to Marlins fans Sunday, that seems to have done more damage than good. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, Loria took out a full-page ad in all three major South Florida daily newspapers,  writing a “letter to our fans” regarding what happened during the 2012-2013 offseason for the team. Loria tried to explain the Marlins decision-making as well as making a pitch to fans for their support. Here is a look at what he had to say:

"THE ROSTERLosing is unacceptable to me. It’s incumbant upon us to take swift action and make bold moves when there are glaring problems. The controversial trade we made with the Toronto Blue Jays was approved by Commissioner Bud Selig and has been almost universally celebrated by baseball experts outside of Miami for its value. We hope, with an open mind, our community can reflect on the fact that we had one of the worst records in baseball.THE BALLPARKThe ballpark issue has been repeatedly reported incorrectly and there are some very negative accustations being thrown around. It ain’t true, folks. Those who have attacked us are entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.OUR FINANCESThe simple fact is that we don’t have unlimited funds, nor does any baseball team or business. Fans didn’t turn out last season as much as we’d like, even with the high-profile players the columnists decry us having traded.Amidst the current news coverage, it an be easy to forget how far we went together not so long ago. In 2003, I helped bring a second World Series Title to South Florida. We know how to build a winning team, and have every intention of doing so again. I know you share my passion for great Marlins baseball, my love of MIami and my desire to win again. We’re in this together and I humbly ask that we start fresh, watch us mature quickly as a ball club, and root for the home team in 2013.Sincerely,Jeffrey Loria"

First thing that pops-out to me, is that for a letter to the fans and something published in a newspaper, Loria, or whomever wrote this letter, made a couple of spelling mistakes. “Incumbent” and “accusations,” are spelt incorrectly.

Secondly, and most importantly, Loria does not sound sincere in his apology at all. Instead, Loria attacks the media for portraying him and his organization in a poor light. He tries to prove that the Marlins are the ones suffering, not the the beneficiaries of their latest fire sale.

Loria makes arguments for everything in his letter, but they are not the ones that the fans have been waiting to be answered. Rather, he side steps the major issues and rants on about the media making him out to be the villain.

We will have more coverage on this issue, as well as full coverage when Loria will talk to Marlins beat reporters at some point tomorrow.

For now, take a look at some of the best reactions on Twitter to Loria’s letter:

And finally, from our very own Placido Estevez: