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OB proposal concerns UM

That UM would earn substantially more by moving to Dolphin Stadium (at least $1.5 million more annually and potentially more than twice that based on premium seat sales, etc.) is one major reason why several key UM officials strongly support leaving the Orange Bowl and are optimistic Board of Trustees members will approve it Tuesday. But that's not the only reason.

In studying the city of Miami's $206 million Orange Bowl proposal, the UM administration has become concerned about its financial viability. For starters, only $88 million is accounted for already.

The city needs $45 million from historic tax credits, but would apply only if UM commits. But UM has serious doubts if that much will be granted and worries the process could take many months.

The other $73 million would come from stadium revenue bonds, but that amount is based on projections and likely would decrease if renovations are scaled back (necessary if the $45 million isn't granted). As one UM official noted, if the tax credits aren't granted, the business model falls apart. Keep in mind at least $68 million is needed for critical OB repairs, before suites and new restrooms are built, and other amenities (like a scoreboard with replay) added.

The Board of Trustees' 17-member executive committee will make the decision, and although nobody can be certain how the vote will turn out, several UM officials will be surprised and disappointed if the Canes stay at the OB.

CHATTER

Although Dolphins coaches are emphasizing going for interceptions, remember Will Allen has just two in the past three seasons and Travis Daniels two in two seasons. And just five of Miami's franchise record-low eight interceptions last season came from the secondary (led by Renaldo Hill's two). Heck, ''I had eight interceptions [in a season] three times!'' former Dolphins safety Dick Anderson noted. Anderson said Miami's defensive backs are ''average'' -- '' Yeremiah Bell is their best'' -- and the coverages sometimes ``put defensive backs in a naked situation without any help. Our entire scheme was to give help and get help.''

The Dolphins had the third-most near-interceptions last season (30), with 12 drops. Dolphins cornerbacks sometimes were afraid to go for interceptions because Nick Saban would scold them if they got beat, but coordinator Dom Capers ''has given us the green light'' to take chances, Daniels said.

• Word is the Heat is intent on making another push to acquire Ron Artest, trying to entice Sacramento with Udonis Haslem and others. . . . Pat Riley noted last week that in ratings he uses, Dorell Wright was fourth in the NBA among backup shooting guards and small forwards. But when Riley said ''this could be [Wright's] breakout year,'' it came with the usual caveat -- ''as long as he doesn't have anybody in front of him that's always giving me a chance to make a decision to play somebody ahead of him.'' . . . Riley said he likes the idea of using Dwyane Wade, Jason Williams and Smush Parker together at times.

• UM insiders say Kirby Freeman has impressed with big plays in closed practices and is seriously challenging Kyle Wright. One frequent practice observer said the quarterback job remains a toss-up. . . . Freshman DeMarcus VanDyke was first-team cornerback during Wednesday's scrimmage (opposite Randy Phillips), and defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff said he is a contender to start. (VanDyke is battling former starter Glenn Sharpe, who has been injured, and Carlos Armour.) And Phillips? ''I don't think I'm the No. 1 cornerback on this team,'' he said. ''I know I am.'' OK, then. FYI: McGriff wants to keep Chavez Grant at nickelback.

• If center fielder Alejandro De Aza impresses in the final six weeks, the Marlins' No. 1 nonpitching priority will become catcher. Miguel Olivo, who is earning $2 million and appears unlikely to be offered arbitration, is worst among starting catchers in on-base percentage (.254) and passed balls (14), and among the leaders in errors (eight).

The Marlins have two solid defensive catchers at Double A Carolina who were high draft picks (Brad Davis and Brett Hayes), but likely would seek an inexpensive veteran to pair with Matt Treanor. It's unlikely Josh Willingham would be moved back to catcher.

• Nothing should rattle new Dolphins kicker Jay Feely considering that when he kicked for the Giants, a few people -- no joke -- approached him on Manhattan streets to say, ''You [stink]'' or ''I hate you.'' When children did that, he said, ``I tell the parents they're not doing a good job raising their kids.''

See more at www.miamiherald.com