Get lost

Should be the response of Miami-Dade county residents to the latest attempts by county commissioner to come to an agreement with the MLB Florida Marlins over building a stadium. Team owner Jeffrey Loria has shown himself to be a spoiled brat and has traded almost all the team's quality baseball players in the last two weeks. The citizens of Florida have better things to do with their money than reward the a spoiled millionaire who throws a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his way.

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MIAMI · Miami-Dade County Commissioners pushed Thursday for one more stab at salvaging a deal to help the Marlins build a ballpark, perhaps next to Dolphins Stadium with the help of Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga.

Commissioners asked County Manager George Burgess to meet with the Marlins to analyze whether any ballpark options remain. Later Thursday, Burgess met with Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy to see if a deal is still possible.

"We met to discuss where we are currently with regard to discussions with the county and the club and others, and looked to explore different avenues to bridge the gaps and agreed to follow up and explore those avenues and talk again early next week," DuPuy said after the meeting.

Burgess issued a statement saying: "It was a good meeting. I expect the dialogue to continue."

Talks have focused on whether a deal can be struck with Huizenga, who, sources say, has offered 15 acres and about $50 million for a ballpark near Dolphins Stadium. It's unclear precisely how a deal would be structured, but even with the Marlins and county participating a funding gap that might be as high as $100 million remains.

County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, who gave an impassioned speech about the pride a community feels for a winning baseball team and including references to Livan Hernandez's 1997 "I love you, Miami" pronouncement, pushed for Burgess to explore all options for a ballpark.

"Some of you may consider the story of the Florida Marlins a tragedy," Sosa said, "I consider this an opportunity."

Commissioners asked Burgess to report back by the end of January. The county had pledged $138 million in tourist taxes to a stadium next to the Orange Bowl, but that figure might be reduced since it included $60 million freed up when the City of Miami sold Miami Arena in 2004. The Orange Bowl location is no longer under consideration after talks broke down with the city. The team has received permission from Major League Baseball to seek relocation.

Although Marlins President David Samson says the team would prefer to stay in South Florida, he met with San Antonio, Texas, officials Tuesday and plans to visit other communities interested in luring a team. Samson, who earlier this week said talks with Huizenga are ongoing, declined comment Thursday.

While commissioners asked Burgess to investigate stadium possibilities, a few of them lashed out at the team. Commissioner Natacha Seijas said she loves baseball and doesn't want the team to leave, but accused Samson and team owner Jeffrey Loria of trying to extract too much from the county. She expressed disdain for the team seeking a new home while trading its best players.

"I do not like baseball because of what they've done," Seijas said. "This is not baseball they're playing, this is speculation."