News
Marlins pondering Puerto Rico series
Three-game set vs. Mets in late June in San Juan an optionBy Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
11/23/09 6:22 PM EST
MIAMI -- When the Marlins were pushing for a new stadium, Major League Baseball publicly stressed its support for South Florida, calling the market the "Gateway to the Americas."There is a chance Florida could be expanding its reach into Latin America during the 2010 season.
The Marlins on Monday confirmed that they are considering playing a three-game series with the Mets in Puerto Rico.
According to the New York Daily News, Major League Baseball is negotiating with a promoter to play a series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. A series most likely in June is being considered.
Currently, the Marlins are slated to face the Mets in Miami from June 28-30 -- a Monday through Wednesday set. These dates appear to be the strongest possibility.
The Mets will visit the Marlins from May 13-16 at Land Shark Stadium. That four-game series likely wouldn't be an option, since the Marlins will be returning from a six-game road trip at Washington and Chicago. Should those dates be tabbed, then the Marlins would return to Miami for two games with Arizona (May 17-18) before facing the Cardinals in St. Louis on May 19.
New York makes its final appearance in Miami on Sept. 21-22, for two games. So that short series also may not work.
The Marlins have played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium before, facing the Montreal Expos in 2003 and '04.
In 2008, there were discussions about the Marlins playing the Mets in Puerto Rico, but an agreement couldn't be reached.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
