Former Miami Marlins president David Samson questioned CEO Derek Jeter's plan for the team this week.
Jeter elected to not retain Samson following the season and the ex-president had been relatively quiet up until this point. Samson served as Miami's team president for the entirety of Jeffrey Loria's time as owner. With an eye towards the future, Jeter elected to replace Samson with his own people.
“Maybe he has a plan,” Samson said on 790 The Ticket. “I just can’t figure out what it is.”
Jeter has been tight-lipped in terms of his ideas for the Marlins going forward, but has referenced "unpopular decisions" on multiple occasions. With rumors swirling, it appears a trade of Giancarlo Stanton will be the first of those decisions. Stanton possesses a no-trade clause, but could waive it in the coming days.
With that clause, Stanton can block any move made by Jeter and the club. Despite reported trade agreements with the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, Stanton is still a member of the Marlins. There is no deadline for the slugger's decision and he may end up declining both proposals. Samson touched on the subject of that clause while speaking with the radio station.
“When we gave him a no trade clause, it was something he required,” Samson said. “It’s a horrible clause to give to players. It is a big regret I have that I broke our rule and gave him a no trade clause. It’s paralyzing. He is holding the team hostage because he can and it’s the power we gave him.”
Even though he wasn't kept around by Jeter, it appears that Samson does not hold a grudge. When given the opportunity to speak candidly about Jeter, Samson kept his remarks brief and professional.
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“I don’t know why he does what he does. But he’s been around for two months. His honeymoon has been short lived and that I feel terrible about,” Samson told Dan Le Batard and Jon Weiner.
Loria was not a fan-favorite and it remains to be seen how Jeter will be treated in Miami. Trading Stanton could result in some fan outrage, especially considering the 28-year old was recently named the National League's Most Valuable Player.
Stanton's expected exit will likely only be the first of a series of moves made by Jeter. In order to reduce the team's payroll, the Marlins will probably need to find takers for other players such as Dee Gordon. Should Stanton reject every trade proposal that is presented to him, Jeter's job could become even more difficult.
Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings will take place next week and there could be plenty of news involving the Marlins.
