Loria Treats Players Like Paintings, Says He "Could Drop Dead At Lunch"

...oh, and about those rumors...

'"It never happened," Loria said of the alleged talks with the Mets. "I would know if it happened. There are two people who would make phone calls: Larry (Beinfest, Florida's general manager) or me. I've never made a phone call, never had a discussion. It's all fiction."

'Nevertheless, a Mets official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Newsday story about Willis was accurate.

'And as recently as January, at least one team was told by a Marlins official that Cabrera and Willis could be available in July if the Marlins were presented with an appealing proposal...

'"Just ask the question: We've heard this before with Delgado, so what's the difference now?" said one American League source who believes the Marlins will try to move Willis this year.' (PalmBeachPost)