MIAMI – New Marlins CEO Derek Jeter did not receive many boos while serving as captain of the New York Yankees, but they're starting to add up in his new role.
A report claims the Jeter-led Marlins fired a team scout while he was in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! reports Marty Scott was told on Oct. 16 his contact wasn't being renewed when he was in the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, days after having a tumor and polyps removed from his colon.
Scott, 64, originally joined the Marlins as a team vice president in 2011 before becoming a scout.
"I know based on certain aspects of the game, I probably was making too much money," Scott told Passan. "But we all love the game. We’re all in it together. I just think 40 years was worth more than a spank on the butt and see you later."
Scott said he received a call from Marlins pro scouting director Jim Cuthbert telling him about the his contract not being renewed.
The report says the Marlins claim the decision on Scott was made by team president Michael Hill and not Jeter.
“My heart sank a little bit,” Scott added. “At the same time, I thought, ‘They’re not going to do this while I’m in the hospital.’”
The day after receiving the news, Scott was released from the hospital, but was forced to return two days later with a urinary tract infection.
Scott says the phone issued to him by the Marlins was turned off, which he claims complicated his COBRA insurance coverage.
Despite requesting a chance to speak with Hill or Jeter, Scott says he has heard from neither. After so many years in the business, Scott says he plans on returning to baseball after he undergoes a kidney-transplant operation in January.
Since taking over the reins of the Marlins in September, Jeter has drawn the ire of many outside the organization. He fired longtime fan favorites such as Jeff "Mr. Marlin" Conine and Hall of Fame legends Andre Dawson and Tony Perez.
Jeter is also attempting to trade current National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton due to his high salary and the team's desire to cut back on payroll.
As far as Scott, he says he respected guys like Jeter on the playing field, but not so much in the owner's box.
"...Derek’s in a new game now, one of management and ownership, and certain things about this side of the game he needs to learn.”