The Florida Marlins have put Las Vegas on their short list of possible sites after receiving permission from Major League Baseball to explore relocation, which could occur as early as 2008.

The Miami Herald reported on its Web site Tuesday the Marlins probably will soon have talks with representatives from Las Vegas, Charlotte, N.C., and Portland, Ore.

When asked about Las Vegas at a news conference Tuesday, Marlins president David Samson said, "Again, South Florida is (owner Jeffrey Loria's) first choice. What's appealing to Jeffrey is getting a solution to our franchise problems. ... As far as his preferences after that, everyone else is tied for second."

"The commissioner remains hopeful that the team will stay in southeast Florida in a new facility. However, as you know, plans to finalize a necessary new stadium have not come to fruition despite the efforts of three ownership groups, our office, two world championships and a significant economic proposal by the current owners," MLB chief operating officer Bob DuPuy said via e-mail.

Las Vegas has been reported as a possible destination for the Marlins since two executives met with Mayor Oscar Goodman almost a year ago.

Concerning Tuesday's developments, Goodman spokeswoman Diana Paul said the mayor is "aware of the situation. He's received a few phone calls, none from the Marlins, and he's playing it by ear."

The Marlins, who play in the Miami Dolphins' stadium, have been trying to get a baseball-only park built near the Orange Bowl. Though the funding gap began at $35 million in trying to get a deal completed, it since has grown to about $70 million for the project that would have cost as much as $435 million.

There also was consideration given to building a stadium next to the Dolphins' site, but that gap is $80 million.

"No longer can baseball in South Florida be assured," Loria said in a statement. "It is now clear to us that there will be no baseball stadium in the city of Miami. So we must begin to explore other options. Therefore, we will expand our search beyond the city of Miami."

The Marlins will see if another city will help close any funding gap. They were willing to put $212 million toward a new stadium in South Florida, and are believed to be seeking a similar deal elsewhere.

A stadium is among the projects proposed for the city's 61-acre Union Park land west of downtown should Las Vegas land a team. Financing a park, particularly to the Marlins' liking, is another matter.

Also, there is the issue of whether MLB would put a team in Las Vegas as long as the sports books allowed betting on the local team or on baseball.

The Marlins' lease at Dolphins Stadium expires after the 2007 season. Samson told reporters the club will not extend the lease no matter the circumstances.

Because of the stadium impasse, the team is showing signs of cutting payroll. The Marlins tentatively agreed to trade pitcher Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell to the Boston Red Sox. Beckett is eligible for salary arbitration and probably in line for a $4 to $5 million contract next year, and Lowell's deal is for $9 million each of the next two seasons.

An argument for a new park would be to increase revenue streams and attract more fans to a stadium with a retractable roof. Despite two World Series titles since 1997, the Marlins have struggled at the gate.

Of course, skeptics will say the Marlins asked Major League Baseball for permission to look into relocation as a tool to get a deal done in Miami.

"That's not what this is," Samson told reporters. "This is a deliberate effort by the Marlins to correct what ails them. And what ails us is the amount of money lost."

The Marlins claim that figure is $20 million annually.

"The fiscal insanity that Jeffrey was willing to be a part of for all these years is over," Samson said. "We've been asked time and time again, when does it end? And today is that day."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.