Marlins in 'fourth inning' of sale talks, table naming-rights deal

MIAMI — As negotiations of a potential Miami Marlins sale reach new depths, the team has tabled its search for a corporate partner to buy the naming rights to Marlins Park, president David Samson said Tuesday.

Speaking at the ballpark before the team’s home opener, Samson characterized the sale talks as being in the fourth inning. He said multiple parties are interested in buying the Marlins from Jeffrey Loria, but he did not confirm any names — including those of Derek Jeter and Jeb Bush, who highlight groups who are interested.

“A lot could happen after the fourth inning, right?” Samson said. “We’ve never gotten past the second inning before. It’s further then we’ve been, but a lot can still happen.”

Samson said “it would not shock me” if Loria sells the team before the end of the 2017 season.

“Nothing would surprise me, but I can’t guarantee a timing,” Samson said.

“There’s a lot out there. It just shows there’s a lot of interest. I’m committed to the process, committed to the confidentiality of it. … There’s not a guarantee that a transaction will happen. For the purposes of this process, it’s just not right to confirm names or deny names.”

Simultaneously, the Marlins have paused their attempts to increase revenue through a long-awaited namingrights deal for Marlins Park.

Samson said as recently as mid-February that he believed July’s All-Star Game in Miami would be played at the ballpark under a different name. That is no longer the case.

“I’d say it’s very likely the All-Star Game will be at Marlins Park,” Samson said. “Things changed that I didn’t anticipate when I said that before.

“We’ve taken a step back from [pursuing naming-rights sale]. Given the process we’re under, it’s sort of a big, long-term decision to make. It’s Jeffrey’s decision to make because he’s the owner, but I think he recognizes that with not wanting to tie down, make a decision for 10, 15 years at this point, when you’re in the fourth inning [of a potential sale]. If the result is different than what we anticipate right now, then we’d be back, ready to announce it.”

Samson said the death of Jose Fernandez late last season was one of many factors that has led Loria in recent months to more seriously consider offers for the club — which has been a regular occurrence through the decade and a half he has owned the team.

“I don’t think it’s the defining decision, but it’s definitely a part of the decision,” Samson said. “Everything that goes on — having a losing season, losing your best pitcher, the emotional aftermath of it. Those things hurt. They take a toll.”

Prado’s rehab

Marlins third baseman Martin

Prado and his strained right hamstring will begin a rehabilitation assignment today with High-A Jupiter.

The plan, manager Don Mattingly said, is for Prado to play four games: five innings, five innings, seven innings and seven innings. Prado is scheduled to play four days in a row, but Mattingly left the door open for an adjustment if Prado needs a day off or doesn’t need all four days.

The Hammerheads are home at Roger Dean Stadium for the duration of Prado’s expected stay, today-Saturday (with a doubleheader Thursday).

“I’m not going to play here [in the majors] just to play,” Prado said. “I need to be ready for this stage. It’s not easy. My timing hitting-wise, I haven’t tested it yet. That’s why I want to go play a couple games there and see how it feels.

“Whenever I come back, I want to come back close to 100 percent. … The last thing I want to do is tweak this hammy again. It’s important for me to feel stable and strong enough to get that strength back up and not worry all season.”

Elsewhere on the Marlins’ injury front, right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne (oblique) was activated from the 10-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.