MIAMI -- The Marlins’ decision to make changes on the top of their business side was not attendance-driven, chief executive officer Derek Jeter said on Friday afternoon.
Instead, Jeter noted the organization parted ways with president of business operations Chip Bowers on Thursday because it sought new leadership.
“It was a decision we didn’t make lightly, or spontaneously,” Jeter said. “A lot of thought went into this. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. We have an ownership group that has high expectations, and at times we move at a challenging pace.
“This has to do with our overall business strategy. We felt as though there was a change needed in the leadership group.”
Bowers, hired in February 2018, was dismissed nearly 14 months after relocating to the Marlins. He previously served as a chief marketing officer for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
“Our ownership group has invested a lot of money into giving our team the tools to be successful,” Jeter said. “We have high expectations. Some of those expectations weren’t met. It was time for us to make a change.
“We thank Chip for his efforts while he was here. We wish him all the best moving forward.”
Moving forward, the Marlins are reshuffling some roles on their business side. Adam Jones has moved into the role of chief revenue officer, overseeing all revenue departments. Caroline O’Connor will move into the role of chief operating officer, overseeing all internal service departments.
“The one thing we’re focused on is everyone here in this organization has to be on the same page,” Jeter said. “Sometimes you’re going to have to make tough decisions. … They’re difficult to make, but they’re necessary.”
Through their first 18 home games, the Marlins averaged 9,651 at Marlins Park.
“This has nothing to do with attendance,” Jeter said. “This is overall business strategy.
“We’d love to see more people here. We’re working hard on gaining the trust of our fan base. There are some positives. We have had engagement from a lot of new fans this year. But, yeah, we’d like to see [attendance] improve.”
As for the product on the field, the Marlins are last in the National League East and have the worst record in the Majors.
On the baseball side, the Marlins have shown patience with their building process, headed by president of baseball operations Michael Hill, vice president of player development and scouting Gary Denbo and manager Don Mattingly.
“Not happy,” Jeter said. “I’m not happy. Michael Hill is not happy. Donnie’s not happy. I’m sure the players are not happy. I think everyone knows we’re better than this. You have to go out there, and you have to make adjustments and you have to perform.
“I’ve said this when we were in Spring Training. We all need to improve individually and collectively. There shouldn’t be a person in this building that’s happy with how we’ve performed.”
Worth noting
• Before Friday’s game against the Braves, the Marlins reinstated right-hander Austin Brice (gastroenteritis) from the 10-day injured list, and optioned lefty Jarlin Garcia.
• Neil Walker (left knee bone bruise) could be in the starting lineup on Saturday.
• Garrett Cooper (left hand) still is dealing with some discomfort. It is unclear when he will be back in the lineup.