Cesar Tordesillas

Miami, FL

Miami Marlins team owner Jeffrey Loria has defended his decision to send some of their big-name players to the Toronto Blue Jays in a blockbuster trade in November, saying it was necessary for the franchise to move forward after a 69-win season.

"We broke up a losing ballclub that was going nowhere for two straight years. I'm about winning. I like to win. I love winning," Loria told a group of writers in his first interview since the trade that brought Jose Reyes, pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson, catcher John Buck and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio to the Blue Jays.

"I love Miami. I love this ballclub, and I love what we've done now. Little painful for a lot of people. But no pain no gain," added Loria, who also dismissed rumors that the team is for sale.

From the trade, the Marlins acquired Yunel Escobar, Adeiny Hechavarria, pitchers Henderson Alvarez, Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Nicolino, catcher Jeff Mathis and outfielder Jake Marisnick.

With the trade, the Marlins saved $146.5 million in payroll despite sending $8.5 million to the Blue Jays as part of the deal.

Loria said he did not address the trade issue in November until now because he wanted to "decompress" and get out of the way of "a runaway train" of negativity.

"I have a sense of the public anger," Loria said. I'm sorry we built this amazing ballpark and fans are feeling the way they do. But we did this for a reason. We weren't going anywhere ... we had to do something swiftly, quickly and bold."

Now, Loria is optimistic about the Marlins' chances after having six of the top 100 prospects in baseball after the trade with the Blue Jays.

Loria said former franchise player Hanley Ramirez, who was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last July, called the Marlins this offseason to rave about Hechavarria.

"When Hanley Ramirez calls you and tells you Hechavarria's a better shortstop than he is you've got a great guy on your hands," Loria said.

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Team Owner Jeffrey Loria Defends Decision to Break-Up Marlins