Major League Baseball’s Executive Council approved Marlins’ President Don Smiley as the new Managing Partner of the Florida Marlins. This gave Smiley advance approval of his bid to purchase the team. He will “own” the team even though his purchase is not completed. The acquisition should be completed in June. The team will have 15 investors at $150 million. Wayne Huizenga and Whit Hudson will remain minority owners with no influence on the teams’ operation.

Jim Leyland named Livan Hernandez, Felix Heredia, Brian Meadows, Rafael Medina and Eric Ludwick, in that order, as the Marlins starting rotation. Also, Craig Counsell was named the starting second baseman, which means Louis Castillo will return to AAA Charlotte.