Marlins still bidding for stadium

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
The Florida Marlins had yet another setback Tuesday in their never-ending quest for a new ballpark, when Florida House Speaker Johnnie Byrd said he wouldn't support a $60.million state subsidy sought by the ballclub.
The Marlins, who want to build a $325.million, 38,000-seat, retractable-roof stadium at a site near the Orange Bowl, say they'll keep fighting. The success of those efforts could determine their long-term future in south Florida.
It could also determine the short-term future of All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell.
Lowell, who on Wednesday against the Phillies became the first Marlins player to deliver a three-homer game, signed a four-year, $32 million contract in the off-season. But it has a clause that scales it back to a two-year, $14 million guarantee if there's no ballpark deal by Nov. 1.
In that case, Lowell -- a longtime Miami-area resident -- could opt out of his contract after the season, but that's not expected.
"Until they tell me there's no stadium, I'll accept it," he told the Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale. "Until they tell me there is a stadium, I'll accept that. Seriously, I won't lose two winks of sleep over it."