After a number of relatively quiet months, Marlins owner Jeffery Loria now has plenty to say. Loria addressed reporters yesterday and again today, explaining his perspective on the Marlins’ recent moves and future prospects. The Miami Herald has a complete transcript of today’s media briefing, in which Loria defended the team’s abrupt change in direction. “We're going to field an excellent team in the next two or three years that you're going to be proud of,” Loria said. “I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe what I think."
Here are more highlights via the Herald…
- Loria described the 2012 season as a “disaster” and said it was time for the Marlins “to push the restart button.” He said it wouldn’t have worked to re-start with the same pieces in place and expect different results.
- Many would argue that Loria moved the players to clear payroll, but the owner says otherwise. “It's not about payroll,” he said. “It's about players. It's about people. I said the same thing in 2003. For me, it's never been about payroll.”
- Loria insisted that players such as Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Pierre, Rob Brantly and Adeiny Hechavarria offer MLB caliber talent. "It's not a Triple-A ballclub,” he said. “I don't know whose words those are. They may be your words, but they're not mine. It's not a Triple-A ballclub. It's a ballclub with some pretty impressive players.”
- Loria expressed confidence in the baseball operations department led by president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest and general manager Michael Hill. "I have faith in my baseball people,” he said.
