Marlins owner: Jeter 'made all the right moves'

Miami Marlins principal owner Bruce Sherman says CEO and part owner Derek Jeter "made all the right moves" and supports the team's trading of four star players in Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon.

The moves to cut payroll and put the franchise on more solid financial footing made Jeter unpopular with baseball fans in South Florida.

"From my perspective, I think the management of the team has made all the right moves," Sherman said, per the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. "I've been involved in every decision. I support every decision, our partners support every decision. We're building something for the long haul here."

Sherman, who also carries the title of chairman, spoke prior to the Marlins' first full-squad workout of spring training Monday at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla. He stood next to Jeter, who is the face of their ownership group that bought the team from Jeffrey Loria at the end of last season.

"Finally, it's spring training. I'm a rookie too," said Sherman, who made just his second public appearance since the sale closed and the first since their Oct. 3 introductory news conference.

Sherman stressed the franchise has enough money despite reports to the contrary.

"We are a very sophisticated, well-heeled, financially set organization, not just for this year but for many, many years to come," Sherman said. "I didn't get in this personally, nor did the other partners get into this for one, two or three years. Nobody is in this to make any short-term profits whatsoever. This is a long, long haul and I'm excited we get to play baseball now and I can be a fan again."

Sherman said he understands why many fans are angry after seeing star players leave for other teams.

"The fans are disappointed in some of the trades that we made. We understand that," Sherman said. "But I'm seeing a change that people understand we're building something from the future here to be sustainable.

"I'm really excited to be a part of that. I know it's going to take patience. Derek has said that from day one, first meeting I ever had with Derek Jeter was patience, patience. I think we're handling that."

Jeter said during Monday's appearance that he also has received positive comments from their fans.

"We've gotten a great response from a lot of fans as well," Jeter said, "so I think that narrative needs to start to change. ... I've met with many fans over the last four months, who all say they have patience, they understand what we're doing and they're giving us a chance. Mentioning that 'all fans' are upset couldn't be further from the truth."

--Field Level Media